During a few recent trips to Mexico, I was constantly amused by the lack of "drive-thru" service at fast food places, and (esp) banks. They simply don't exist... with the possible exception of americanized towns like Cancun, etc. (I didn't go there.) Every ice cream wrapper, soda bottle, and shopping bag says "don't litter." It appears to be part of some huge effort which also includes trash receptacles on every corner in the mondernized cities. Despite all of this, Mexico has a TREMENDOUS problem with trash. It's everywhere. Unbelieveable. The point I'm trying to make here, is that we would be shortsighted and wrongheaded to think that bullying businesses and spending taxpayer money will solve our litter problem. It certainly hasn't solved Mexico's. The problem, as I see it, is cultural. Our mindsets need to change. We buy products wrapped in three or four layers of plastic and paper. (bought a pack of gum or a bag of Jolly Ranchers lately? Maybe it's just me...) Even CDs come wrapped in plastic - as if that super-thin film is protecting in from anything other than my stubby fingernails... Anyway, I don't know how to change people's mindsets. It may be a losing battle. What I have been doing though, is picking up trash EVERY SINGLE DAY outside of my house, where all the neighborhood can see me. I really like to do it in the morning when school children are waiting on my corner. I often find their half-completed homework and candy wrappers on the lawn by afternoon. Maybe folks will start getting the idea - maybe they'll feel sorry for me. It's worth a try anyway, right? Connie Sheppard Ward 6 - Ventura Village __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Auctions - buy the things you want at great prices http://auctions.yahoo.com/ _______________________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
