LITTERBUGS

 Last year when we moved into our new home in the Oaks on Parkwood, we were very pleased with the manicured lawns and roadways of the complex. But I was shocked by the amount of litter on the approach road, Parkwood.  When it became apparent that the county would not be picking up litter on the roadway, I decided to informally adopt the roadway from Highway 150 to the entrance of the Oaks, a one man litter patrol. I bought a grappler and spend an hour or two each week picking up litter. I haven’t covered the whole stretch yet, because each week a bag full of new litter appears on the areas I have already worked. Alabama, like all other states, has a law against littering, but such laws are hard to enforce.

This experience has caused me to reflect on the character of people who throw trash out of a vehicle’s window. Liz has wished for a sign that says “Please Do Not Litter.” Such a sign would do no good with people who have no problem with littering. Not knowing who these people are, I have a strong opinion on what they are. First, they have no respect for the law. Second, they do not care for their neighbors or for others, else they would not foul the environment. Third, they are very self centered doing what they want to do regardless of the result. I don’t make assumptions about their religious condition. But if they are Christians they have forgotten the “Golden Rule” of Jesus; “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:31) I wonder how these would feel if someone could gather all the litter they have ever thrown out of a vehicle window and dump it in their yard.

So, please, put it in a trash can, a litter barrel or take it home with you. 

Grace and Peace