|
|
It's time to work on eliminating litter |
|
We think we've finally found an opinion that everyone can support. And if there are any misguided citizens out there who disagree with us on this one, they will likely be too embarrassed to write and tell about it.
We're against litter. We are absolutely, positively opposed to anyone throwing their trash on our streets and highways - and we agree with county commissioners that it's time to do something about it. Apparently there are areas of this great nation where litter is not a problem we hear that tossing garbage out car windows is simply not done in Vermont. There's no reason Jackson County can't develop that kind of zero tolerance policy with regard to litter. We bill ourselves as a leader in education, and we ought to be able to find a way to teach our citizens the purpose of our staffed recycling centers. People who refuse to properly dispose of their trash must not value our beautiful mountains and that offends us. The fact that something so obviously wrong persists in Jackson County both amazes and saddens us. Economically, littering makes no sense. Like it or not, much county income is derived from visitors and tourists. Greeting our guests with trashy roadsides is not an appropriate way to welcome them. We all should want those seeing our area for the first time to be able to appreciate its natural beauty and charm without having to wonder what kind of people would throw their fast-food wrappers on top of native wildflowers and into fast-flowing mountain streams. Commissioners are ready to encourage our Sheriff's Department and other law enforcement personnel to take a more active role in ticketing those who think the great outdoors is their own personal trash can. County leaders plan to enlist support from board members in Sylva, Webster, Dillsboro and Forest Hills as they lobby the judicial system to take a hard line with regard to littering offenses. We agree wholeheartedly and hope their initiative brings some much-needed results. Despite the fact that everyone knows it is unlawful, immoral and downright wrong, littering not only lingers but seems to us to be increasing. Let's join with our local elected officials and do all we can to eliminate this blight from our landscape. If the notion that it's OK to spread your trash where your neighbors have to look at it is a cultural thing, then that's one part of our mountain heritage we can do without. We've identified the problem. Now let's all work together to solve it. Editorial policyThe opinions expressed on this page are those of the Sylva Herald Editorial Committee. Opinions are derived independently and owe no allegiance to any group, organization or political party. We welcome opposing views. |
Back to Archive: 03/16/00. |