I spent the past forty-five minutes walking the dog on this beautiful day, the 80° of sunshine more than my Northern European temperament could handle. Much to the dismay of my miniature canine friend, I brought gloves and an oversized trash bag to pick up litter along Major Lane. This had no appeal to her as the heat of noon intensified and her leash was jerked with each passing car. I had several revelations along the way.
The first epiphany I had was this: McDonalds, all “fast food” venues (but especially McDonalds) or “snack” producers (chips, candy, etc.) should be charged a surtax for every cup, bag, wrapper and straw they dispense with the fare they deem “food”. Ditto the beverage and cigarette industries for the cans, plastic bottles and butts (what percentage of cigarette butts would you estimate properly makes it to a trash receptacle?). Half of this tax should be distributed to the small municipalities that are being swallowed by their rotting refuse, and half should be put toward developing rapidly degradable packaging. Better yet, these industries should be directed to produce permanent packaging (flash back 100 years): collectible plates, glasses, bottles and utensils that people’d sooner keep than toss from a moving car.
My second epiphany was this: if each of us spent just fifteen minutes every few days picking up a place we notice growing candy wrappers, cups and plastic shopping bags, our communities would be remarkably more attractive. So, here’s my challenge, over the next six warm months, I dare you to take responsibility for cleaning up the dirty, forgotten spaces that we only subliminally notice, but when harvested will have a dramatic impact on the perceived beauty of our City. I’m only asking for 15 minutes now and then. Invite your friends and kids.
I dare you.
BTW: the City-wide Clean-up will be on April 24th. More information to come…
Addendum:
My family left soon after my post to pick up a couch we ordered. I opted to stay and made my way back up with two more bags to finish what I’d started: the last half, and most heavily trashed, section of drainage ditch. It took me a little over an hour. Picture a middle-aged, overweight, really florid woman, panting, shaking, swelling and maniacly determined to make it to the end of the street. My heart strained at the effort and I won’t be able to remove my rings tonight. I went through three pairs of plastic gloves, but finally made it to Brandt Place. A kindly neighbor took the two sacks of garbage I’d gathered and promised to put it out for me on collection day. I began the walk back, watching the heat mirage along the road ahead of me. A nondescript car (because I can’t tell the difference between brands of automobiles) paused at the stop sign halfway down the road, tossed a brightly colored McDonalds bag into the ditch, and waved as they passed me.
Amsterdancin' 
Dear Mayor Thane – You are awesome!
I give you so much credit for doing this today. It really would be amazing if more people played follow the leader and did something nice like this to help out their community. A lot of people walk right passed this trash and litter on a daily basis, and don’t bother looking down to pick it up. I think everyone should take this challenge instead of complaining how bad this city looks. and JUST DO IT!
My sister and I are following in your footsteps. We have cleared the litter from the farthest point on W. Main St. all the way east on Rte. 5 to Vern’s Auto. It didn’t really take that long, and we are “adopting” this stretch of highway for the summer months. It makes such a difference! And it is really nice when people stop and say thank you and ask if you would like a cold water . . .
I have a suggestion, that will make some pretty angry, but here goes: I think the city should start fining the people whose yards are riddled with trash. Give them a “Littering Fine”. Just like a parking ticket. If not cleaned up within a certain time frame, the fine increases daily after that date.
My other suggestion, is to carry around a pen and paper when you are out doing this, this way you can jot down a license plate number of the people littering right before your eyes, and call the police so they receive a fine for littering. I honestly can’t believe the nerve of some people, it truly amazes me.
You’re the BEST! Keep up the FAB work – looking forward to the Big City Wide Clean Up!!!
Mayor Thane Rocks!
You are the only mayor in this city that has actually put on rubber gloves and picked up trash. You are the best. My sister and I went out today and picked up six more bags of trash and now Route 5 is clean from the Train Station to Pine Street, thirty two bags later. Anyone can get off their couch and do the same thing. It gives you great satisfaction that you care about the place you live. Just look at the Keep America Beautiful site and you can learn alot. It doesn’t matter who put it there, just clean it up. Instead of wasting so much energy complaining, please get out and help. We can make a difference but we all have to help. Mayor, keep up the good work you have my vote.
Always at work, Deb Baranello
Thank you!
This is what real leadership is all about!