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Recently there has been almost constant talk about trash, how is seems to be taking over the countryside and what can be done to prevent it. Good suggestions have been made about recycling, reusing and reducing, unfortunately a lot of people aren't listening or just don't care. Overheard in a conversation recently was the question, "What is the big deal about a can or two, the grass will cover it up or it will just blow away. Why really worry about trash?" Obviously an ignorant, careless person, but there seen to be a lot of those out there.

So what are some good reasons for cleaning up the garbage covering the planet? There three general reasons: Money, religion, and health.

Money is first as that seems to be the issue of most concern to the majority of people. If you recycle, you obviously get money back and that is of direct benefit. In tourist destinations, trash drives away clients and that directly decreases income. Also, a more abstract concept but one that is valid, the more plastic you recycle the less oil that is required to produce new plastic, so gas prices don't rise as much; yes, plastic is made from oil and so every bit you waste or throw away raises prices! The less trash you produce, the more money you can save.

Why bring up religion and trash? Because many people claim to believe in God and yet destroy what He provides by trashing it up! If you believe in God and that He gave stewardship of the planets to humans, how can you throw out that plastic bag in the sea for it to kill helpless creatures? Yes, it kills animals by both releasing toxins into the water as well as physically by smothering some poor animal. Do you really think this is the appropriate way to treat a gift from God, such as our planet? Would you be very pleased if you gave a child a new set of clothes and they carelessly tore them up the next day? (If you don't believe in God, you definitely need to take care of the planet as there may not be any others we can get to!)

Heath was last, but maybe one of the most important. Does trash really effect health? YES! Broken glass can cut and not only does plastic release toxins into the environment that can poison people through both the air and the water, but it also provides a great breeding ground for numerous diseases and the agents that spread them. Think about mosquitoes. If they lay their eggs in a pond or stream, 999 of the 1000 eggs and larvae get eaten by tadpoles, fish and other insects such as dragonfly nymphs. In a glass bottle or drink can, there are none of these creatures and so all 1000 become adults. Does anybody have any idea how many diseases are spread by mosquitoes (over 70 in the US alone)? Trash and the diseases it helps to propagate kills more people than all the wars!

So now you know why to clean up, but are you willing? It takes less than 10 minutes to walk 200 yards, so just walk 100 yards with a small bag and pick up some trash, then walk back. You will get some exercise and the world will be a better place. It's not just for looks but for yourself, your friends, and your family!

Learn more about this author, James Johnson.
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