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Earth Gauge: Trash Troubles

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By Nick Piesco - email

A 2009 survey of Texas residents found that four in ten Texans admitted to littering in the past month. More than half of those people littered while driving or riding in a car; others littered when they couldn't find a trash can, or when they were walking or playing outside. Litter is more than an eyesore – trash that is dropped outside can be carried far from where it originates by wind and rain. Trash that ends up in rivers, streams or the ocean can be harmful to humans, degrade water quality, and choke, suffocate or disable aquatic wildlife.

You can put litter in its place with these simple tips:

  • Carry a litter bag in your car for trash items.
  • Make sure trash cans have tight-fitting lids to avoid blow-away trash.
  • If you can't find a trash can where you are, pack your waste with you and throw it away at home.

Learn more about litter in Texas at dontmesswithtexas.org.

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