Think Twice Before Littering

Editor,

I Love Spring.

I love it when it is still light out after work. I can walk in one of our Village Parks.

I love Spring because I can put my shovel and snow blower away.

I love the sounds of the birds at dawn.

I love to see the crocuses struggling through the ground to open up.

It seems the willow trees are the first to show their leaves, others are not far behind.

I love the smell of newly fallen rain, my favorite time of year, but…for one thing.

I love spring; it is my favorite time of year, but for one thing…

The litter on our roadsides is big but… I should be enjoying all the above. Unfortunately, all I see is litter: Route 94/17A north of the Village of Warwick; 17A south of the Village; Kings Highway going to Sugarloaf; 17A going up to Mount Peter the situation is terrible; Hoyt Road on the Warwick Turnpike gets the distinct award of being the worst.

From the evidence, it seems that all types of folks litter. From the smokers who flick out their butts and empty packs to the drinkers of all kinds, as seen by the beer cans, soda cans, whiskey bottles and styrofoam cups. Plastic bags, McDonalds and Burger King bags and cups, plastic flowers, remnants for car accidents, etc., it is all out there spoiling our countryside.

I applaud the different organizations that help out with litter patrol. The Goodwill Hook & Ladder Company, along with the Greenwood Lake Fire Department. I believe the Rotary Club, Lions Club and Knights of Columbus are also involved. The Chamber of Commerce Clean Sweep Program helps tremendously. But in the end, should these groups or cash strapped Public Works Departments be picking up after us?

What are the answers? Maybe the auto companies should bring back ashtrays or clever trash receptacles in the dash. Maybe larger fines for littering or place cameras on the roads to catch the bandits. Personally, every time I am behind someone who throws something out, I lean on the horn. What is really sad is that usually they don’t know why they are being honked at.

I guess the best answer is personal responsibility.

I would ask that everyone look out their car window and see what is being done to our lovely countryside! I would hope it would make you think twice.