Denton, like many other Texas cities, has a recurring litter problem. Why? Based on its demographics, Denton fits the profile for a community prone to litter.
Several years ago a national consulting firm was hired by Keep America Beautiful to assess the nation's litter problem. The survey determined that the chronic litterer was an 18-36 year old male who drove a pick-up truck. Nationally, this litterbug was nicknamed 'Bubba.'
However, the most recent national survey revealed that 'Bubba' may have reformed. Current national statistics reveal that chronic litterers have one or more of the following characteristics in common:
- 16 to 24 years of age,
- smokes cigarettes,
- drives more than 50 miles a day,
- parties approximately two nights a week,
- frequents fast food restaurants, and
- is single.
Overall, young people (16-24) are more likely to litter than are other individuals. In the 16-24 year old age group, the litterer is no longer predominantly male, but both male and female.
Reading this national profile, it is easy to see why Denton with its three high schools, two universities, and one college would be predisposed to having a litter problem.
However, being predisposed is not a license to neglect the problem. In fact, it should make us all more aware and diligent in our efforts to NOT litter.
Although use of the national profile gives us some insight into our local litter problem, it does not mean that all 16-24 year olds litter. Nor does it mean that everyone else does not! More and more young people are environmentally-conscious and concerned about the general health and appearance of the Denton community.
Talkin' Trash in Texas
In 1998 and 2001, the Texas Department of Transportation contracted with Tuerff-Davis Enviro-Media, Inc. and NuStats International of Austin to conduct a statewide study about the littering behaviors and attitudes of Texans. Both surveys revealed virtually the same information.
General public--Perhaps the most telling result of the studies was that 52% of Texans self-reported either littering or being tolerant of littering behaviors of others.
Smokers--Of those Texans who smoke, more than 50% admitted littering cigarette butts, as well as other items such as bottles and cans. Cigarette butts were not viewed as litter by this demographic. According to the TXDOT studies, cigarette butts are the most common litter item found on Texas highways.
Pick-up drivers--Although driving a pick-up truck is no longer considered a major factor nationally in predicting littering behaviors, trash flying out of the beds of pick-up trucks is still a significant source of litter in Texas. According to the state studies, 45% of all litterers in Texas drive a pick-up truck.
Fast food frequenters--Texans who typically eat fast food in their vehicles are more than three times as likely to litter than those who eat in the restaurant or at home. Interestingly, one of every five items of litter found on state highways is food-related. Items include fast food trays, fast food wrappers, napkins, food utensils, beverage cups, soda cans, and ice bags.
Texans on the go--Nearly 70% of Texans who personally admit to littering say the behavior occurs while driving.
Other most frequently found litter items on Texas roadways are beer cans, tissues and paper towels, plastic retail bags, plastic wrap, cigarette packs, cardboard, glass containers, textiles, and tires.
Per the TXDOT studies, traffic volume is the single most significant factor that influences the amount of litter on roadways. Increased traffic equals increased litter.
Establishments such as convenience stores, fast food restaurants, liquor stores, shopping malls, and gas stations represent potential litter sources. As the number of potential litter sources increases on roadways, so do the amounts of roadside litter.
Each year, the Texas Department of Transportation spends $36 million of taxpayer money to pick up 1 billion pieces of litter that accumulate on Texas highways!! This figure does not include the money spent by city and county governments, as well as non-profit groups to clean up litter locally.
Litter is unsightly, costly, and preventable. If littering becomes an accepted behavior in Denton, then litter will become an accepted part of Denton's landscape.
Litter reflects poorly on our community. Let's work harder to prevent litter.
NEXT MONTH:
What we can all do to reduce litter in our community.
Go to www.kdb.org for helpful litter prevention tips.
NEXT KDB EVENT:
13th Annual Great American Clean Up
Saturday, April 6th (8:00 am -12:00 noon)
Community litter pick-up.
Household hazardous waste, tire, appliance, electronics, glass, eyeglass, hearing aid, and clothing recycling collection.
FREE lunch served to all volunteers.
Lancine Bentley is the Program Manager for Keep Denton Beautiful, Inc. She was the recipient of the 1998 Outstanding Woman of the Year award from the Mayor's Commission on the Status of Women in Fort Worth. She can be reached at (940) 349-7770 or at lancine.bentley@cityofdenton.com.
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