I volunteer to pick up trash that litters our public roads. I am an organization of one, who does not represent an “Adopt a Highway” group, who has no legal obligations that would require me to do what I do. For me, it’s simply easier to pick up the litter instead of bitching about it. I equate removing litter to a sort of routine housework. Though housework isn’t my favorite activity, I do like a clean house.
I have done this simple work ever since moving to Nipomo about five years ago. Occasionally, inmates from the California Men’s Colony have helped in picking up around here, and once in a while one of my friends or family members has pitched in, too. I am not looking for recognition or rewards for my efforts, but some cooperation would definitely be welcome.
I would like to publicly ask the garbage company that serves Nipomo to put some effort into making sure they don’t spill trash while emptying cans. Someone should follow their workers to pick up what they spill on our streets, or maybe we should again have two guys on the trucks. More often than not, I find trash in my yard on pick-up days. I’ve also driven behind the trucks and have seen trash blowing out of them.
We all must be mindful of caring for our environment: Please don’t litter. Put trash in a trash can! It’s not that difficult to do. And please recycle. The Earth doesn’t just swallow trash; trash doesn’t magically disappear. Even though the San Luis Obispo County government neglects Nipomo, that doesn’t mean town residents have to live in filth—which brings me to another matter.
Around 1 a.m. on Aug. 13, a county vehicle (guess what kind) was driving down Price Street in Nipomo and—I swear on a stack of comic books—someone inside threw a bag from a local fast-food joint out the window. In this bag was the receipt and wrappers. The receipt has the time of purchase printed on it: 12:31 a.m.
I have always said I would love to see some creep who litters actually get busted for it. Wouldn’t you know, the one time I do see someone … .
Please, please, give a hoot: Don’t pollute! Moreover, once in a while, please pick up some trash that isn’t yours. It will make a big difference and besides, it’s good karma!
Jodi Cool believes what goes around, comes around. Send comments via the opinion editor at econnolly@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Sep 8-15, 2011.
