This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Noticed a Lot of Trash

Christmas vacation has given me the opportunity to take my dog on walks at Bauer Park in the morning. It has been a great experience. I’m so grateful for this wonderful community resource, but I’ve noticed a lot of trash on and around the fields.

On Jan. 2, I went to pick up trash at the park with my son. There were a lot of cigarette butts, with a ton on the southwest corner of the central field. These are super disgusting, and no one wants to see them or pick them up for smokers. Cigarette butts are made of plastic and take years to decay; leach chemicals toxic to wildlife, humans, and community gardens into the surrounding environment; and are a visual pollutant. By picking up my dog’s poop on the walking trails, I’m contributing to the benefit of all. Smokers could do the same by bringing a container and packing their cigarette butts out with them when they’re done enjoying the park.

Dan Jacoby

Madison