The Most Common Items Found on the Side of the Roads and What Can You Do About It?
Did you know that the roadways amass over 51 billion litter pieces every year in the USA alone!
It's a disheartening reality that affects our daily commutes and tarnishes the beauty of our environment. Our roads have become a dumping ground for some, with discarded fast food wrappers and cigarette butts littering our landscape.
It's time to face the dirty truth head-on, shed light on the most common items of litter found on our highways, and explore a few effective solutions that can be implemented starting today.
Fast Food Packaging
It's no secret that fast food is a part of our culture, but unfortunately, its convenience often leads to careless disposal of packaging.
Empty fast food containers, including burger wrappers, drink cups, and french fry boxes, are among the most frequently found items littering our roads.
Cigarette Butts
Cigarette butts may seem small, but their impact is significant. In fact, cigarette butts are the most commonly littered item, accounting for almost 40% of litter in the Global environment.
According to current research, 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are discarded into the environment globally every year.
These butts contain toxic chemicals that leach into the soil and water, posing risks to wildlife and ecosystems.
Beverage Containers
Disposable beverage containers, such as plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and coffee cups, are frequently discarded from moving vehicles, adding to the roadside litter problem. Shockingly, over 35 billion plastic water bottles are used in the United States each year, and only about 12% are recycled.
These items take years to decompose, contributing to the growing issue of plastic pollution and endangering our environment.
Paper and Packaging
Various paper materials, including newspapers, magazines, and cardboard boxes, also find their way onto US roads. The improper disposal of paper waste adds to visual pollution and detracts from the beauty of our surroundings.
The recycling rate for paper products in the US has improved over the years, but there is still a long way to go in reducing the amount of paper litter.
Plastic Bags
Notorious for their environmental impact, plastic bags are commonly tossed out of car windows or abandoned on the roadside. These lightweight bags are easily carried by the wind, making them a common sight along highways.
They pose a significant threat to wildlife, especially marine animals, as they can be mistaken for food and lead to suffocation or ingestion.
Best Practices for Reducing Roadside Litter
We can reduce roadside litter and the damage it causes to our environment and health by taking a few simple steps:
Reusable Car Trash Bag
Make a small investment of less than $25 in a reusable car trash bag to collect any trash generated during your journey. The Eco-friendly garbage bag can be easily hung on the back of the seat or placed anywhere else in your vehicle. This way, you can properly dispose of the trash when you reach your destination, preventing it from being thrown out of the window. Check out our top picks for reusable car garbage bins.
Dispose of Trash Properly
When making stops along your journey, make sure to dispose of any trash you have accumulated properly. Look for designated trash bins or recycling containers in parking lots, rest areas, or gas stations.
Be Mindful of Cigarette Butts
If you smoke, hopefully you will soon realize how amazing you are and that you deserve to live in a nicotine-free vessel, and find a heart-centered alternative to smoking. Until then, please be responsible with your cigarette butts. Carry a portable ashtray or designated container to dispose of them safely. Never flick them out of the car window, as they not only contribute to roadside litter but also pose fire hazards.
Carry Reusable Items
Opt for reusable alternatives to commonly littered items. Use a refillable water bottle, carry a reusable coffee cup, and bring your own reusable shopping bags. By reducing single-use items, you can minimize the amount of waste generated.
Pick up littered items you encounter
Taking action to pick up litter in your community or environment can make a huge difference. It might not seem like your responsibility, but every little bit helps. Every time you pick up a piece of trash, you are making your neighborhood cleaner and healthier for everyone. It's an easy way to take action and make a positive impact on the world around you.
Educate and Encourage Others
Spread awareness about the impact of roadside trash and educate your loved ones on the importance of responsible disposal. Encourage friends, family, and others to adopt litter-free habits. When others see you taking care of your trash and being mindful of the environment, they are more likely to follow suit.