Litterers Anonymous

So I randomly see people litter sometimes and I usually confront them about it. Pretty courageous of me, huh? I would like to call this part of my blog "Litterers Anonymous." People usually do feel bad about littering when they are caught in the act and confronted about it. I would like to use these entries to give you insight into some people's thoughts on why they litter and what I tell them that gives them a reason to change their habit.

"The Drinker"

I was enjoying a walk along the Georgetown waterfront with some of my friends this past weekend when one of my friends stopped to talk to her friend who was on one of the boats. I had noticed some guys enjoying beer on their personal boat. For some, stopping along the waterfront dock is a great way to relax and unwind. For me, it is annoying to watch some carelessly discard their empty bottles into the water. I noticed "The Drinker" kick a bottle off the dock and then I confronted him about it.

Me: Did you just kick that bottle into the water?
The Drinker: What are you, one of those Earth lovers or something?
Me: Yes. Actually, I'm Miss Earth Maryland.
The Drinker: I didn't meant to kick the bottle in the water; that was an accident. Me: Why would you want to throw bottles into the water anyway?
The Drinker: Look at the water, it's dirty already.
Me: I just participated in a watershed cleanup and you would not believe what type of things I found. An oxygen machine, cell phone, crime scene tape and pretty much anything else you could think of.

He looked at me in amazement. It was as if he thought he was the only person guilty of littering. I saved him the lecture on our ecosystems and how important they are to our survival, but I think I got my point across based on the look of guilt in his eyes. So as to not mess up his moment of leisure, I moved on.

"The Confessor"

After one of my friends overheard me talking to the drinker, they decided to tell me about their view on littering and why they do it.

The Confessor: I am not going to lie. I litter sometimes too.
Me: (Sigh) Why?
The Confessor: Because I don't want the stuff sitting in my car and I know someone will clean it up.
Me: You can get excessive fines for littering and that is the purpose of the public trash cans. You don't usually have to drive too far to find a trash can. Or why can't you dump it at your next destination?
The Confessor: Well, that makes sense.
Me: The people who usually clean those things up are usually volunteers like me. I've put on a neon vest and cleaned up a few places before.
The Confessor: Really, I thought that inmates and people who do community service did that. I didn't know people volunteer for that. Thanks for letting me know that. I will do my best not to litter again.

I do realize that there will always be someone to clean up our land; however, we could work on not purposely contributing to that task. These jobs exist for the betterment of our environment, not for the convenience of people.

So in closing, let's take ownership of our environment and treat it as we would a treasure. The environment and the Earth is our treasure and a gift. It takes care of us in many ways, so it is our duty to in turn take care of it and continue the circle of life and love.

XO

Tia