This is not the first time I’ve shared similar pictures, but I’m compelled to put them out there as an exhortation to respect the beautiful Alaska that many of us call home. These pictures are a common sight along the James Dalton Highway, designated one of Alaska’s scenic byways. The highway transects remote areas and the few bear-proof trash receptacles are not emptied often, especially in the winter months. It would appear to be common sense that if the trash receptacle is full, you would not overstuff it providing access for birds and animals. However, I see this almost every time I travel there. I realize I’m probably preaching to the choir for those reading this, but let it be a reminder that we all use good judgment when disposing of our trash. Let’s keep our trash off the landscape and respect the land given to our trust and care.
Overstuffed trash receptacles along the James Dalton Highway
Overstuffed trash receptacles along the James Dalton Highway
or better yet, keep your trash in the car (pack it in, pack it out)! Use some sense folks, keep the wildlife WILD and for goodness sake don’t encourage our last wild place’s animals become food habituated to human food, ick! People stalled in the grocery store in the middle of the lane and folks who leave their trash out are my biggest pet peaves! I know it is ignorance, but now after reading this there can be no more! So glad you posted this Patrick, but now I need to go and meditate….aaagh!
I feel your pain and frustration on this stuff, Patrick. I have an article coming out soon in Hunt Alaska on “How to Shit in the Woods” to cover some of the same problems. When will people realize that we are each a part of natural community and that we must take care of the earth and its inhabitants. Every time I see a pop/beer can, or food wrapper discarded along the road it puts me into a funk. Don’t get me going on nasty garbage ridden fire pits!