B.A.L.L.S.: Littering - everyone's problem to deal with

Bitching about Life in London and Society is a weekly column that attempts to delve into the smaller irritations in our society. This week we take a look at littering.

It seemed to me, upon embarking on this article, that the populace at large would recognize littering as a global issue. A Google search on littering and the practices therein left me scratching my head. What do you suppose was the number one page that appeared with this query? One would imagine it would link to something like the Swedish symposium on human behaviour relational committee, or something Swedish like that. Or the American coalition of custodial enforcement, you know those Americans and their coalitions. But no, what I got was a page from the Prince Edward Island parks association on littering in the park. This may denote the turning of a global eye on littering. Well, it is what it is, so let us use the PEI parks association model of litter control as the basis for this article:

Trashy people litter t-shirtWhy people litter reason 1:
They don't realize that they are littering:
This ranges from the cigarette butt flicker to the gum sticker. A carelessly tossed cigarette butt may cause a forest fire or be picked up by many of our diverse animals here in our park: raccoons, squirrels, birds, street bums and young teenagers that horde discarded butts and smoke them in a flurry in desolate underground parking lots and alleyways.

Our smaller animals and birds can swallow discarded gum, clogging their digestive systems causing death. Have you ever brailed your way under a table and read the bumps of someone's gum? Ever been tempted to pop it in your mouth? Ok, secretly yes, but more often than not, nope. In fact one may be a little irritated at feeling up your discarded wad of mucus.

Fanshawe has an issue, I have observed, of those that leave their left over pizza trays and drink cartons on the cafeteria table instead of tossing them out. This may not technically be littering, but it does offend the next patron of the campsite.

Why people litter reason 2:
Lack of social pressure to do the right thing:
Hikers in our park may well feel at liberty to discard refuse from energy bars and bottled water. These are not natural elements to our carefully managed environment. I was up by John Paul II High School not long ago trailing a collection of maroon uniformed students. They boisterously and rebelliously crossed the street on a red light, started across the parking lot where that desolate mall resides. You know the one, where the stores stock their shelves from the things that won't sell at dollar stores, garage sales, and the stuff no one else wants from the bins at the back of Walmart. Anyway, this one guy tosses a wrapper on the ground. Without thinking about it I yelled out, “Hey buddy, this is OUR world, not YOURS!” and pointed at the garbage. Not sure where that came from, but it seemed to fit. He picked it up. I wonder if he will remember the tone of my voice in years to come? I wonder if this hiker will pocket his garbage in the future and not just toss it when no one else is looking?

I spoke out to another hiker downtown not long after that. He was much larger than me, and I was a little intimidated actually. He tossed an empty water bottle on the ground. I said, “What are you doing man, pick that up.” I expected to be boot f#$@ed at this point, instead he said, “Sorry sir” and picked it up.

Sir? I wonder if people really just want to be directed to do what they already know is the right thing.

Why people litter reason 3:
People feel no sense of pride in the areas that they are littering:
You will find a number of designated garbage receptacles placed around our park. Please use these animal proof bins to dispose of your garbage. Refuse left behind attracts animals, insects and those people that collect jingly things in stolen shopping carts (see The lonely abandoned grocery cart, Interrobang issue 24, March 8). It is not advisable - it seems, to dispose of your left over Burger King meal deal by tossing it out of your car window. Or the contents of your ashtray in a parking lot or, or, or...

Why people litter reason 4:
Laziness and maliciousness:
According to the Environmental Education Program for the Post Endowment Fund of Prague Czech Republic, over 50 per cent of littering occurs within five metres of a garbage can! This was the second most popular page after the PEI parks association.

It is a federal offence to dump on public parkland. Penalties for dumping range from maximum fines of $10,000 to jail terms. It may be difficult sticking the paperboy in jail after dumping the entire edition of the Sunday newspaper into a water culvert. Or backup-pickup-truck-guy dumping into a field. Deliberate littering can also be a subtle thing: like those that wedge garbage into crevices and seat gaps so it will not be seen.

From a gentle stroll or relaxing picnic to a long-distance walk or heart-pumping adventure, our park provides every opportunity for enjoyment, relaxation and trees to stuff your garbage into.

My Take:
Since the 1950s our national compulsion with consumerism has increased in proportion to the decline of our national happiness (see The Story of Stuff). We live in a fast-paced, throw away society. It really seems to be a matter of pride and laziness. If they won't keep it clean, why should I? Why should I say anything to someone who litters, or pick up another persons trash, or throw out my popcorn box after the movie, or blow my nose and stick it on the back of your head. I ask you, why? Ask yourself, why not?

Conclusion:
This park belongs to us all; please leave your campsite clean and tidy before departing.

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Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.