By Brooke Florer
First place winner
It has recently come to my attention that you all want to know more information about the constant littering in Falmouth. Did you know that it takes about one million years for a glass bottle to decompose? Trash that is made from organic matter will eventually decompose, but some items, such as glass, take much longer to biodegrade. Today, we will learn about the effects that litter has on health, some fun facts about litter, and some suggestions that you can follow to help make Falmouth clean.
First, let’s talk about some of the health problems that litter can cause. Did you know that when we litter in bodies of water, such as the Licking River, the trash that you littered goes straight into our drinking water? In the article, “Pendleton County Solid Waste,” it says, “Most of the litter picked up along the roadway ditches, if not picked up, would eventually make its way to creeks and eventually the Licking River, source of our drinking water and to a lot of our wildlife.” We’re not the only creatures that are affected by litter. Many animals must deal with their fair share too. In the article, “Pendleton County Solid Waste,” it says, “Our bigger wildlife might also mistake some trash for food, causing very serious health problems or even death.” Another issue with health that we are facing caused by litter is cleanliness. While cleanliness may not be important to some, many others find that cleanliness is a key to staying healthy. It is very unhealthy to live in places that are dirty and filled with garbage and grime, and it even causes problems like poor concentration, stress, and and anxiety. Now you know more about health issues caused by litter.
Secondly, let’s explore some fun facts about little. Do you know what single-use plastic is? In the article, “Plastic Pollution,” it says, “This kind of plastic that’s used only once before being thrown away is called single-use plastic, and it makes up more than 40 percent of all plastic trash.” Do you know what it means when something is biodegradable? In the article, “The Environmental Land Pollution,” it says, “Trash that is made of organic substances will eventually decay and become a part of the environment. This type of trash is called biodegradable. Have you ever wondered how much money was spent on picking up garbage off the streets of Falmouth? Well, the total money spent on picking up trash is $3,040 per year. That’s insane! What’s even more insane is what the money is being spent on. Imagine the things we could spend that money on instead of paying for citizens to pick up other people’s trash. Now you know some fun facts about trash and litter.
Finally, let’s go over some suggestions that you could use to help make the beautiful city of Falmouth cleaner. One way you can help to make our city cleaner is by recycling. In fact, Pendleton County even has free recycling, while in some places you must pay to recycle. In the article, “Pendleton County Solid Waste,” it says, “With that being said, items that are able to be recycled are pictured on the front of every recycling bin at every school in the county. These bins are also free to use by any resident of Pendleton County.” Another way you can help make Falmouth cleaner is by picking up trash. For example, you can pick up trash in places such as forests, by or in bodies of water, and even in your own backyard or house. You can also avoid using items that end up as litter in the first place. For example, drink out of a cup instead of a plastic bottle, only use a napkin when you absolutely need one, and avoid drinking out of a can. Now you know some ways that you can help make Falmouth cleaner.
In conclusion, there is a lot to know about litter in Falmouth, and the effects it has on the environment. Now you know more about litter in Falmouth.
