If you are concerned with the cleanliness of your environment, you may want to consider doing your part to keep it clean. Washington was rated the nation’s top and best state for “cleanest public spaces and highest-quality of public environmental practices,” by the American State Litter Scorecard in 2011; proving that their state is socially responsible. Litter in the United States is a serious environmental issue: neighborhoods with litter problems have higher crime rates, lower property values and less pride; accidents can occur from trying to avoid litter in the roadway, resulting in injury (or worse) death; and an incredible amount of tax dollars are used to clean up the mess. “Litterbugs” are literally causing poverty nationwide.
Those public recycling bins and public ashtrays that you see- use them; they make a positive impact in our ecosystem.
A healthy, functional ecosystem provides us with clean air and clean water, which would usually require some sort of expensive technology to produce. Ecosystems that remain unharmed also provide natural flood control, pollination, natural pest controls, and a carbon storage to help safeguard against the change of climate; as well as provide a viable habitat for fish, wildlife, and plant species. The United States Protection Agency (EPA) continues to explore and understand how to assign economic value to each service for a healthier ecosystem through educational institutions and nonprofit organizations.
Ecosystem services are vital to the wellbeing and health of people everywhere. Waste Wise Products can provide recycle bins, waste receptacles, and more; so businesses and individuals can operate in an environmental responsible way. Therefore, take pride in where you live and do your part to protect our ecosystem.
Resources:
- Litter in the United States; via wikipedia – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Litter_in_the_United_States
- American State Litter Scorecard in 2011 – http://works.bepress.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1006