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All it takes is a little effort and self-control

By Staff | Apr 27, 2015

In preparing the paper this week, I was struck by the information on the upcoming May Day celebration with a focus on the beauty of spring. And it is indeed a beautiful time to enjoy all that nature has to offer. Flowers, budding trees, green lawns-all of these make it a joy to be outside.

But, one thing throughout our county mars the beauty-the excess of litter scattered along the highways.

It often amazes me the amount of trash that is just haphazardly tossed aside along the roadways for someone else to clean up. Frankly, it is not difficult to secure a small trash bag within the car to gather items that need to be thrown away. Or, use the inside pocket of your door panel to collect those items you don’t want. Then toss them in a trash receptacle at your next stop at Sheetz or 7-11. You don’t have event to pay for that! Those cans are provided to help alleviate the spread of unwanted garbage.

For those who find it necessary to actually dump bags of trash or unwanted items including furniture, appliances and the like-I say, ‘Shame on you.’

I know that garbage pick up can be expensive; however, a quick trip to the Transfer Station on Leetown Road costs only a minimal amount and a little time. Combine with a friend or neighbor and split the cost and legwork of getting trash there. That way you save a little money, time and you don’t leave your mess for someone else to clean up.

I commend those involved in the Adopt a Highway program. I know there is a spring clean up time each year where these folks spend their day walking along picking up others’ trash. What a blessing you are to those of us who travel the roads. We see the effort you put in and appreciate it.

But for the rest of us, we should not rely on the volunteerism of some and the work they put in. If we were all just a little more careful and courteous, we would not be faced with the view of blowing trash, empty food containers, bottles and cans taking away from the beauty of the spring (or any season). Make an effort-throw away trash in a proper location. Everyone will benefit from and appreciate your efforts!