Resident shares photos of disturbing discovery at local park: 'It's truly sad'

Instead of walking by and ignoring the littered streets of their local park — as many others had — one New Zealand resident took matters into their own hands and collected the trash scattered on the street. 

They posted their altruistic deed to the r/Wellington subreddit, where other Wellington residents chimed in about their frustrations regarding street litter. 

"The amount of litter I picked up in 20 minutes at my local park," the original poster wrote. They shared pictures of two plastic bags full of trash, which included beer bottles and beer cans, used food packaging, and a variety of plastic materials. 

"It's truly sad how untidy people are," one user commented. 

The excess litter on the street not only contributes to an unsightly environment, but it may also encourage a cycle of perpetual littering. 

According to a report by the Global Conservation Force, studies have shown that people are more likely to litter when litter already exists — the trash signaling to pedestrians that it is acceptable to abandon their trash even if there is no proper receptacle to hold it. 

Waste that is improperly disposed of also poses safety, fire, and human hazards. Disposable vape litter is creating piles of litter susceptible to catching fire. Plastic debris accumulating in rainwater pools creates the perfect breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes. 

Land-based debris from everyday litter also causes the majority of debris in marine environments and freshwater systems. 

According to the NOAA Marine Debris Program, litter can flow into freshwater systems or be "blown, swept, or washed out to sea." Per National Geographic, 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic enter the ocean annually, which can lead to the injury or death of marine animals. 

Taking care of the natural world not only creates a safer environment for humans and wildlife, but it also slows or prevents the degradation of these habitats, ensuring that spaces continue to exist for generations to come. 

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Proposed legislation in New Zealand will improve tools and measures to manage illegal dumping and other improper waste, including introducing penalties "proportional to the severity of the violation" and providing litter bins for communities.

"Good on you. We walk some of our local suburb collecting rubbish once a week and always get a full bucket," one Redditor wrote under the post. 

"I commend you and your efforts," another user commented. 

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