Whether you’re at home or out on the trail, litter is equally as dangerous to our watersheds. Over-filled trash cans or litter on your street can very easily runoff into storm drains. Picking up your trash can go a long way, so here are five ways that you can start minimizing the litter in your life!
- Make sure that your trash cans have lids that can be securely attached. If you have curbside trash service, do not put out unopened containers or boxes filled with trash. Securing lids can help prevent any trash from being blown away with the wind or any animals from going through your trash. If you realize that you’re generating more trash than you can handle, contact your waste services for a second trash bin.
- Every week, pick up all the litter in front of your house, including the street and sidewalk. Cleaning up litter in your immediate area, especially after trash pick-up day, helps keep it from getting in our storm drains! Overflow of trash bins happen often causing trash to fly around in your neighborhood.
- Find out how you can plant and maintain flowers along a curb or sidewalk. People litter less where areas have been beautified. Not only will it make your house look nicer, but it will keep people from littering in your area. Another option would be rocks or wood chips, but make sure they’re tidy so they don’t fall into storm drains.
- Participate in clean-up groups. There are many local groups to help clean up around your city. You can join with your family and make it a fun clean-up day. Many groups are kid-friendly and your children will learn the importance of cleaning up after themselves.
- Set the example by not littering and reminding others. It can be as simple as not littering yourself to show others you care. Setting the example can go a long way. Many people do not consider the risks it has on the environment, simply remind people there are consequences for these actions.
