Melting snow reveals trash, and opportunities

The melting snow reveals the abundance of litter that has been tossed to the street by passing motorists. I urge those offenders to take care of their own garbage.

I further urge walkers, homeowners and renters to look down and pick up the litter, to be a positive contributor to making this community a better and cleaner place to live. That requires looking beyond our property boundaries and along stretches of street not occupied by homes.

Some communities (Cedar Rapids is one of them, if you sign a form indicating the area you will patrol) provide colored bags that can be used to pick up refuse. You then put the bag out on your regular curbside pickup day, and garbage collectors take them at no charge. The pop/alcohol containers can be rinsed and returned for cash.

I also wonder if those in jail for bad checks and other non-violent crimes couldn't make better use of their time walking neighborhoods and assisting with the litter pickup.

It takes all of us to take pride in our surroundings. Consider joining the effort!

Barb Ernst

Cedar Rapids