Spring has finally hit Troy, and with it comes the annual spring cleanup efforts around campus. The school has planted grass, is in the process of landscaping the area surrounding the recently opened parking garage, and has laid mulch around campus. Combined with the spring bloom, the campus is looking really nice.
These cleanup efforts usually make people more inclined to maintain the appearance of campus. But we have realized that there is still a lot of litter laying around.
Two of the most prominent problems are gum and cigarette butts. It is a continual annoyance to see these everywhere, especially with the abundance of both trash cans and ash trays around campus. It may need to be said that when you throw each of these on the ground, they do not instantly disappear. Cigarettes, while mostly leaves and paper, also have a filter on them that does not immediately degrade. The leftover butts that accumulate in the corners of campus quickly are blown around by the wind. Gum is another matter. It does not move at all; it stays rooted to the spot, as does everything it touches. As a result, the campus is soon covered with little black dots. It is not difficult to dispose of these properly, and it’s disappointing to see people who are too lazy to do so.
General problems with litter also abound on this campus. Every day you see something blown about by the wind: plastic bags, beer cans, or pieces of paper. All of these can be easily thrown away in the trash cans that are conveniently placed around campus. Just opened a package at the mailroom? Try to secure the box before you walk outside, so that you don’t send packing peanuts blowing around and cluttering campus.
If everyone makes a minimal effort and takes responsibility for themselves, the campus will see big improvements.
