Ah....Spring! I've noticed more people on the social media sites "talking" about doing their spring cleaning.  How about some outdoor spring cleaning, too!

trash by the road
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Whether I'm driving or walking...on the main roads, or the back roads...I'm noticing lots of trash along the side of the Jersey's roads.  To be fair, some of it is picked up off the top of trash cans or recycling barrels...and re-distributed by strong winds...

roadside trash
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But, some of it has been thrown out the windows of passing cars...

cans & bottles
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And, some of it is just "dumped."

trash bag from afar
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 Really? I know that times are tough, and everyone is looking to shed a few monthly bills...

closeup
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 ...but cancelling home trash pickup?

What can we do about this? Might I suggest that you be a one-man or one-woman "neighborhood beautification program?" Pick up the paper, plastic, aluminum and glass that you see around your property, and your neighborhood. This "trash" can go right into your curbside recycling barrel!

aluminum cans
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In your travels, you may have seen "Adopt A Highway" program signs, where a local club, civic group, or business picks up the trash along the roadway.  You don't have to be a part of an organized effort to make a difference! Check with your town "public works department." In many Jersey towns, when you volunteer to pick up the trash, the local government will provide large, heavy duty trash bags for your use. And, they will often pick up the full trash bags.  Just tell them when and where. Its that easy!

"Give a HOOT, don't pollute!"  That phrase from my youth just popped into my head....and I remember seeing this "public service announcement" on TV as a kid:

Pretty bleak, huh?

New Jersey is a beautiful state!  If we all "pitch in," we can help keep it that way.  I'm just saying...

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