I have been participating in No Impact Week all week long, some days better than the others. Tuesday especially, as that was transportation day– I work 30 miles away and in Las Vegas, that’s like forever on a bike–if there was a safe route anyway. Because I live so far north, bus is also not an option, and this happened to be the first week of my girls starting day care and before-school programs. Lest to say that I went into Tuesday already feeling defeated.
I had been on the road going from my daughter’s daycare drop-off, when I stopped at a red light. I noticed the woman in front of me looking around, over her shoulder and in the rear view mirror. Then, to my surprise and half-disbelief, I watched open her door, and THROW OUT a yogurt cup and spoon—INTO THE ROAD! I could not believe this person had the nerve to look around to see if anyone was watching her and proceed to litter! Obviously, she knew it was wrong in the first place or she wouldn’t have tried to be so inconspicuous about it!
I was so angry about this that it took me about 30 seconds to decide what I was going to do next: I picked up my phone and called the police! When they answered, I explained to them that this was not a medical emergency, but that I was calling to report someone blatantly littering! I gave them the make, model, color, and license plate number on the car, and also a description of the woman and direction in which she was driving. Amazingly enough, the dispatcher acted very concerned and told me that they would send an officer in that direction right away.
I very much doubt that the police ever found this litterbug, unless they searched records and contacted her through mail, but regardless, something needs to be done! I see signs all the time that read, “Penalty of $500 to anyone littering or disposing of trash on road”, but who really does it– who calls these people in when it happens. ME! That’s right– call me a nark, or whistle blower, or whatever makes you guilty, trash-tossing haters feel better about yourselves, but I will call the police from now on whenever I see anyone littering the streets that I’m trying to keep clean!
Needless to say, after I called the police and made the report, I felt much better about my day. I may not have made a great example of my transportation goals for the day, but put up a point for me in the ‘less trash’ box- for me or someone else! Litterbugs beware– I might be following you the next time you toss your trash out the window and I will report it!
Thanks for a great week No Impact crusaders! Keep it going!
Abi Wright
Sierra Club Green Home
www.sierraclubgreenhome.com
This post was submitted by Abi.
Did you stop and pick the litter up?
Comment by Mary — October 28, 2009 @ 11:14 pm