A Canadian city is taking action to try to stop the illegal dumping that has become a persistent problem along a popular trail system.
What's happening?
The capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's is the easternmost city in North America, providing some stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
But residents of the city's George's Pond neighborhood have been seeing different sights lately. CBC News reported there is an illegal dumping epidemic in the city, as people keep throwing piles of trash along the wooded trails. Residents have reported seeing a sofa and a broken bed among the trash.
"It'll be beautifully clear, and the next day there will be someone's living room sofa and just dumping all on the road all up here," longtime resident Angela Patten told CBC News. "It's disgusting."
Why is illegal dumping important?
George's Pond is a high-elevation neighborhood, which makes city officials even more concerned about the dumping. Any trash or pollution in the area is more likely to make it into the water stream that feeds down to other parts of the province.
Dumping also poses a threat to local wildlife, as animals can choke on trash or get infections. In the United Kingdom, officials believe litter causes the death of thousands of animals each year.
Stay hydrated and refreshed this holiday season — without any sugar or harmful additives Nuun’s zero-sugar hydration tablets are a perfect, guilt-free way to enhance your water throughout the day. You’ll get five essential electrolytes for everyday hydration — with zero grams of sugar. Plus, Nuun tablets are certified vegan and gluten-free, and they’re the perfect size to keep in your car, purse, or anywhere you'll want a healthy, restorative drink. Learn more → |
What's being done about illegal dumping?
In St. John's, officials have decided to monitor the area to try and catch those responsible for this littering.
"A number of residents raised the possibility of having cameras installed as a means to deter and to catch people. And we're happy to act upon that," city councilor Greg Noseworthy told CBC News. "I think it's a step in the right direction. It's not going to stop everybody from polluting, of course, but it's one stop at a time."
In your own life, one of the most impactful steps you can take is to discuss climate issues with your friends and family. If people get a greater appreciation for nature, they may think twice before taking action that damages it.
|
Do you worry about air pollution in your town? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
All the time 💯 
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
There's a reason dermatologists personally use this daily moisturizing sunscreen more than any other brand Dermatologists see and understand skin at a much deeper level than the rest of us, and they know that the perfect SPF both protects and corrects your skin. That's why they trust, recommend, and personally use EltaMD more than any other brand. EltaMD's clinically tested formulas are designed with dermatologists to meet the needs of any skin type or condition. They're also designed for consistent daily wear to build long-term resilience with a moisturizing, lightweight, non-comedogenic texture — plus hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Learn more → |
Cool Picks
