Today I woke up early. The sun was shining and the temperature was perfect enough for a walk with the dogs. So at 7 am I have both my pooches leashed up and ready to go.
Now, as I have been saying over the last few posts, I am starting to believe that not driving is less about my need for a luxury car and more about my desire to find new ways to get around. As I am experimenting with this, I am also learning other ways to help out the environment and making this world more beautiful.
As I was walking I noticed trash along side the rode. I don't get why people feel the need to litter. It is like they just can't make it the 2 minutes home to throw the trash away. They need to get it out their car now. So, why not just heave it out of the window, make it someone else's problem. That seems to work alright for them.
It doesn't, however, work alright for me, or the other walkers who get to see it. So I decided I could just complain about these people (with wicked dreams of them getting pulled over the next time they throw something out of their car window and being ticketed) but that doesn't solve anything. So I stared bringing a grocery bag with me and picking up the trash I see while walking. Once home, I sorted out the recyclables and threw the rest in my trash can. It took me an extra 1 minute to do this and of course a good hand washing after, but all in all pretty easy. I would also like to believe that I created a nicer, more beautiful walk for the people walking that same route after me.
Again, I am not an extremist. This post isn't about judging people who drive, or those who don't pick up trash while walking. It is just another point to ponder and share with those who want this world to be more beautiful. If you feel inclined, maybe next time you are out walking you'll lend a hand and pick up that beer can on the side of the road.
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Unfortunately, we can't change the attitudes of those who litter, but you're right....why should we leave the trash we see for others to pick up, when we can so easily do so ourselves. Excellent post, Kristen.
ReplyDeletethanks Aunt Jan for being my biggest fan.
ReplyDeleteNow, I am almost naive enough to believe we can change their attitude through our attitude and behaviors. If someone sees us serving in a way like picking up trash, it may encourage other to either a) not litter or b) do some of this work, also.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, might I suggest vinyl gloves if you are going to pick up trash. CHris and I do this in the neighborhood and you just never know...AND, be careful with the pop(or is it soda where you are?) cans. Bees love to go inside of them and come out when they are disturbed (I speak from experience on this one!)
JOhn
John, gloves - duh, why didn't I think of that. I agree with you that if we model certain behavior, people may change. I think Allstate did a commercial like that once, where someone saw someone doing something good and it kept repeating. It was a pretty good one. If you aren't already, please click the follow button if you can. I am trying to increase my following. Thanks so much John.
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