Why do we continue to degrade the environment and more specifically, littering of our forests, lakes, rivers and oceans? Is nothing, no longer sacred?
I have thought about the reasons and solutions, listened to others dealing with and trying to clean up nature and have come up with the following thoughts.
First, the problem is growing and it’s affecting the quality of water in our rivers, lakes and oceans.
From my research and observations it seems that a significant number of people simply don’t care and others have gotten so use to the idea, that littering (and by that I mean the disposing of everything from pop bottles, diapers, toxic chemicals and larger garbage as in barbecues and car parts) have become acceptable parts of the landscape and waterways.
So what can we do?
I suggest a series of large yellow signs with the following warning; Littering is illegal—$5,000 minimum fine. Current fines are simply too small with little consequence.
Make caring for and understanding the consequences of litter and pollution a part of the school ciriculum.
Use social media to spread the word and identify violators.
If we don’t address the build-up of litter and toxins in our environment, then why worry about climate change? Oceans and rivers choked with litter and lethal toxins will and are killing wildlife and people.
– Roy Schiesser, BS.c, Grand Forks
