by Jacqueline Lewandoski
When getting off the Scranton expressway, you can take the left lane into the business area, or the right lane near the Historic Iron Furnaces. At the end of the right lane there is a stop sign, and the area around the sign was invaded with litter. There was so much garbage over the sewer grate that it wasn't even visible. But today, I noticed that it has been cleaned up. The weeds have been cleared, the cigarette butts are gone and the sewer grate can now do its job.
Kudos to those who have spruced up this area. It looks so much better now. It is nice to get off the expressway with a litter free welcome into the city of Scranton.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Talkin' Trash
by Jackie Lewandoski
I have to preface any further writing by admitting that I am sort of obsessive compulsive about litter. With that said, litter truly drives me crazy. It is the one major negative thing that stands out in my mind about the northeast. Don't get me wrong, I love this area. I was born and raised here and the mountains and countryside are gorgeous. However, mostly every corner, near every stop sign, exit ramp and business area sidewalks are filled with litter. I don't understand why people feel the need to chuck soda cans out the window or flick cigarette butts out when at a stop sign. I swear some folks even empty ashtrays when waiting for a light to turn green. I find my eyes drawn to the trash along the roads. Good grief, some one actually threw a mattress on the side of the road. That is pathetic. When traveling we always seem to notice how clean and manicured other areas are. The trash seems to hit you right in the face as soon as you enter the northeast.
It is upsetting to see parents and children walking along the sidewalks dodging trash and sharing the path with the overgrown weeds that grow out from the curbs and the street signs. Can you say weed wacker?
When I am cycling and enjoying nature, I am always distracted by the occasional plastic bottles and bags along the paths and roads. When I hike, I usually like to bring a plastic bag to collect some of the trash along the way.
I am thankful for the great volunteers adopting highways across Pennsylvania. I love when I see those white bags lined up like soldiers along the guard rails waiting to be collected. If it weren't for those fine folks the highways would be a mess. The sad part is that it takes a week for the trash to accumulate all over again.
In my opinion the whole litter thing shows a lack respect. If you throw it out the window or on the ground, it somehow becomes someone else's problem. Showing respect for property reflects family values. It just makes me wonder. Wouldn't it be great if everyone tried to be more respectful and stop littering? Also, picking up trash and keeping the front of one's property clean just takes a few minutes. There are other folks who feel the same way. They are trying to improve their neighborhoods. What happened to posting fines and enforcing them when someone litters? Hopefully, with the focus on the environment there will be a renewed interest in teaching our children not to litter and reminding adults of how they can set an example.
I have to preface any further writing by admitting that I am sort of obsessive compulsive about litter. With that said, litter truly drives me crazy. It is the one major negative thing that stands out in my mind about the northeast. Don't get me wrong, I love this area. I was born and raised here and the mountains and countryside are gorgeous. However, mostly every corner, near every stop sign, exit ramp and business area sidewalks are filled with litter. I don't understand why people feel the need to chuck soda cans out the window or flick cigarette butts out when at a stop sign. I swear some folks even empty ashtrays when waiting for a light to turn green. I find my eyes drawn to the trash along the roads. Good grief, some one actually threw a mattress on the side of the road. That is pathetic. When traveling we always seem to notice how clean and manicured other areas are. The trash seems to hit you right in the face as soon as you enter the northeast.
It is upsetting to see parents and children walking along the sidewalks dodging trash and sharing the path with the overgrown weeds that grow out from the curbs and the street signs. Can you say weed wacker?
When I am cycling and enjoying nature, I am always distracted by the occasional plastic bottles and bags along the paths and roads. When I hike, I usually like to bring a plastic bag to collect some of the trash along the way.
I am thankful for the great volunteers adopting highways across Pennsylvania. I love when I see those white bags lined up like soldiers along the guard rails waiting to be collected. If it weren't for those fine folks the highways would be a mess. The sad part is that it takes a week for the trash to accumulate all over again.
In my opinion the whole litter thing shows a lack respect. If you throw it out the window or on the ground, it somehow becomes someone else's problem. Showing respect for property reflects family values. It just makes me wonder. Wouldn't it be great if everyone tried to be more respectful and stop littering? Also, picking up trash and keeping the front of one's property clean just takes a few minutes. There are other folks who feel the same way. They are trying to improve their neighborhoods. What happened to posting fines and enforcing them when someone litters? Hopefully, with the focus on the environment there will be a renewed interest in teaching our children not to litter and reminding adults of how they can set an example.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
