I like to find little hidden tranquil places to create, to write and to plan.
As I sat in one of these favorite little spots along the coast, I gazed down to admire the shells and driftwood that had washed ashore. While I was checking out the cracked oyster shells, the hungry little crabs burrow their way through the moist sand, I noticed an ungodly sight. Within a five foot radius, gently resting on branches, shells, driftwood and other natural wonder were nothing but cigarette butts. Oddly enough, I was writing plans for a community clean up event I am organizing. So, I immediately packed my belongings and headed for my car, where I happen to keep a trash bag and gloves. I charged onward to the shore with a mission; Mission Butt Head!
When I reached the head of the shore, to my disgust this is what I found.
Not only is this very unpleasant to look at, but consider the damage it is doing to the Earth. If you don't think flicking your cigarette butt is a big deal, think about this. The core of most cigarette filters -- the part that looks like white cotton, is actually a form of plastic called cellulose acetate. By itself, cellulose acetate degrades very slowly in our environment. Depending on the conditions of the area the cigarette butt is discarded in, it can take 18 months to 10 years for a cigarette filter to decompose. But that isn't the worst of it. Used cigarette filters are full of toxins known as tar, and those chemicals leach into the ground and waterways, damaging living organisms that contact them. And, most filters are discarded with bits of tobacco still attached to them as well, further polluting our environment with nicotine. So the fish that you eat, could potentially be contaminated by nicotine and other harmful chemicals that are found in cigarette filters.
The cigarette filters were not the only things that I found tainting this beautiful hide-a-way, other items included, plastic bottles, cigar filters, candy wrappers, napkins, pieces of tires, beer cans, condom wrappers and the one thing I did find nestled in the grass was a fortune.
It is such a splendid feeling when you run across those little signs letting you know you are on the right path in life.
I pressed on, filling an entire trash bag of things that could have been recycled and some that should have just been thrown in the proper trash recepticle. This wasn't a very large area either, it was a span of approximately ten feet by about forty yards. If we all just do our part, we are reducing some very negative effects we are causing on this Earth.
Community clean-up's are held regularly in most communities. If you choose not to participate in these types of events, at least do your part. Most communities also offer recycling programs as well. Here are some helpful resources on recycling.
The City of Largo offers a plethora of options, one of which includes curb side recycling. All you have to do is put your recyclables in the container and put it out with your trash - they pick it up. The bins are free and they will even deliver them at no charge.
www.largorecycles.com
1-800-RECYCLING.com offers a ton of information about recycling programs around the world and different ways you can make a difference by going green!
St. Pete also offers many recycling options for residents too. http://www.stpete.org/sanitation/earth_friendly_recycling/
Hillsborough County also offers these programs, which you can check out at www.hillsboroughcountyrecyles.org.
Remember: Don't just throw it away, recycle!
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