Walking my dogs the other day at a local park, I was disappointed (again) to find the amount of rubbish throughout the space was really bad. Even close to the bins, which there are several. The park is well used, Academy young people where playing football there at the time and other folk were walking dogs or with children. I picked up some litter but wasn't equipped for a litter pick specifically. The question I pose is - why don't we want to "look after" what we have? Why do we not value this space?
In a week when at COP15 the governments of the world have pledged to protect biodiversity, what is going to change in our minds to protect our green spaces for nature right here right now?
While passing a football back over the fence I suggested to one of the PE teachers about getting the football players to do a litter pick one day, he just laughed. There may be some benefit in this as they are regular users of the space and may be contributing some of the litter. Maybe by doing a litter pick they would "see" the issue more. Have we become desensitised to this issue? maybe we don't see it or entitled, expecting others to clear up after us?
I litter pick quite regularly as I know its something I can personally "do" to take action, I am out with dogs anyway so can combine the two. I manage my frustration on this topic by knowing I have removed some items. Individually I can never clear up all the litter and some days I just don't have time.
If you were challenged to pick up an item of litter next time you leave your house - could you do it? If we all did, collectively it would contribute to looking after our planet. If the space is kept well maybe the people dropping the litter will change their behaviour and just use the bin or take it home.
Feel free to let me know your thoughts.
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