Article #272 Trash, Garbage and Recycling

As my husband and I drove along the freeway the other day on our way to visit family for the weekend, we noticed an overabundance of trash along the sides of the road. Smashed paper cups with lids and straws still stuck together, crumbled pop cans, dirty napkins, empty plastic bags, etc. littered the sides of the road. Why we wondered would people throw their garbage out the window of their car as if expecting others to come along later to pick it up? What motivates the lack of pride in our environment that would make anyone feel it’s okay to just toss his or her trash out the window?

Perhaps we should throw away our trashy thoughts, and negative outbursts that can do more harm to others than garbage does to our roadsides. This can happen at home, school, work or with friends An angry sibling can lash out with negative criticisms or names like dummy or stupid, which can then escalade into a physical fight or hurt feelings between family members. Other subtle putdowns can be ignoring a friend or not inviting them to join in group activities. TV shows are full of examples of bullying and putdowns that seem to be common. News broadcasts tell of teen suicides from cyber bullying.             When will it all stop? Not until each individual realizes the impact of trash that can escape from either your hands or mouth so easily. Only awareness of the results, then taking responsibility for changing behavior to be more positive can bring progress. Each person needs to analyze his or her behavior and habits to see if some improvement is needed. Is it easy to break a habit of trashy talking, criticizing, arguing or littering? No, but it is possible.

            Recycling trash can have both positive and negative repercussions. If we recycle garbage so it can be used again, that is productive. But if we continue reusing negative habits such as name-calling and criticisms, the final results are destructive. Individuals involved can develop low self esteem or lack of self worth because they start to believe what is being said.

Maybe it’s time to take a stand and change our destructive patterns of behavior whether it’s throwing trash along the highway or criticizing another person. What is the final outcome you want? If it’s a clean environment and happy relationships, then think first before you act or speak!
NEXT TIME: Change Begins with YOU.