Q&A for How to Take Action to Prevent Littering

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What if people don't listen and there's nothing else you can do?

Bess Ruff, MA
Environmental Scientist
Bess Ruff is a Geography PhD student at Florida State University. She received her MA in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2016. She has conducted survey work for marine spatial planning projects in the Caribbean and provided research support as a graduate fellow for the Sustainable Fisheries Group.

Bess Ruff, MA

Environmental Scientist

Expert Answer

Sometimes it can take time for people to change their opinion on a topic. Do your best to set a good example and hopefully, with time, they'll change their minds.

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Question

We remind the students not to litter, but they don't listen to us. What do we do?

Dvortygirl

Community Answer

Teach them about the harmful effects of trash when it gets into water, and when wildlife get stuck in it or try to eat it. Search for microplastics, Midway Island, and the Pacific garbage patch if you need to learn about these subjects. You could also have the kids do reports on subjects like these. It's a great, real-world science lesson. Then, ask the students to come up with ways to deal with the problem, especially at the school, where they have control. Help them choose the most practical solutions and put them into practice. Don't be surprised if the students start organizing monthly cleanups and reminding each other. It's more effective coming from each other than from you.

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Question

Why do children litter at school?

Dvortygirl

Community Answer

Younger children just might not know better. Older children might know a little and not care. If you are in charge of children at school, part of your job is to teach them.

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Question

How could I prevent littering at my school?

Community Answer

Try putting up posters; make sure that they also say why you shouldn't litter. Also, make sure that you get permission from your principal first.

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Question

How do you stop littering if there isn't any litter in your neighborhood?

Dvortygirl

Community Answer

If this is the case, then there is nothing to do. It's more often true that even relatively litter-free places see occasional littering. At least if there isn't much, it's relatively easy to pick it up.

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Question

Why does it say advertise with paper if paper can pollute the environment? Most people will throw it out as soon as they see it.

Community Answer

It is very easy to send that person an email or any other app. You can also post videos about littering. That may make a big difference in your community.

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Question

How do I get EVERYBODY to stop littering?

Community Answer

That may not be possible, but it's possible in your own community. Print out flyers with a well-written, anti-littering message, and post them around town.

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Question

What if someone doesn't stop littering and I tell them, but they still don't?

Atlegang Rakitic

Community Answer

Leave them alone with a strong message that may come back in a few days or when they try to litter.

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Question

How can you ask them politely to stop?

Atlegang Rakitic

Community Answer

Say hi and ask how they are. Then ask them what they are doing, and tell them why it's wrong. Then say goodbye with a big smile.

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Question

What do you do if you pick up litter and then someone throws more trash there and harasses you about it?

Community Answer

Report it to the police. Identify the person to the police if possible.

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