Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Reflections on a Roadside Cleanup

This past Sunday was a glorious morning for a walk in the Livingston County countryside -- with a trash bag and a pointed stick -- as I found out by joining fellow Democrats in the quarterly roadside cleanup along M-59.

As I walked along enjoying the sunshine, blue skies, and green all around me, I did a little reflecting on the trash I was picking up, or not seeing at all.

First, muskrats are not very attractive creatures, especially when they have been squashed crossing the road.

Second, the Michigan deposit on beverage bottles and cans works. I did not see a beer can or pop can. Especially in tight economic times, people are taking those back to the stores for the cash.

Third, Michigan needs a deposit on non-carbonated beverages not covered by that law. Water bottles and juice bottles show up regularly on our roadsides. There's no need for that. With a deposit on those containers, people will either use fewer of them or return them for a deposit -- putting that valuable plastic back into the system to be recycled, saving oil.

Fourth, breakfast together after doing the roadside cleanup is a great idea and a great time to socialize with fellow Democrats!

Join us next time. You'll be glad you did.

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