By: Rayna (Arena) and Kether (Ceviche sin Pescado)
In addition to the conservation-oriented signs you will see in the video, it is clear that Ecuador is making an effort to increase the environmental awareness of its citizens. For example, when we purchased our bread from the SuperMaxi in Santo Domingo, the bag our bread came in was actually biodegradable. As we rode out of Pedernales, we encountered at least thirty men cleaning up litter beside the road. After questioning them briefly, we discovered that this was a monthly, government-sponsored project. In Loja, there are signs all over the place reminding people to put rubbish where it belongs, in the trashcan. One more example is that people are expected to return glass bottles to the store where they were purchased so that they can be refilled.
Beautiful Ecuador: an encounter with litter
Discussion Questions:
1) When you don’t see fast food wrappers and soda bottles on the side of the road, is it because people are aware of the environmental impact? Isthere is someone to clean it up? Are there facilities like trashcans on street corners that make people think twice?
2) In the places where people see less trash, is there more money allocated to waste removal services?
3) Why are waste removal services important? How do these services affect your awareness about what you are throwing out? If these services were not available to you, would you think differently about what you consume and what you throw away?
4) In the US many towns/cities have large landfills where our trash is taken. There are also many places that have recycling facilities, is recycling energy efficient? What do you think about landfills? What are the pros and cons of these systems?
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ReplyDelete1). There is no trash on the road where the big mountains are. Probably because nobody wants to ruin that gorgeous view.
ReplyDelete-Ryder Thornton
I think it's unfortunate that the funding isn't available to manage the trash that is generated, especially in such a beautiful part of the world. Thank you for sharing to amazing scenery with us, here in Vermont! I saw all kinds of exotic plants. Hope you've had a safe journey so far, and continue to!
ReplyDelete-Rylee
Isaac said on phils account I never new they had a fan like thing in a hidrolic thing
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIsaac bradford-feldman said on phils acount TO MUCH LITTERING THESE DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
ReplyDeletethere is no trash on the mountains because no one probably goes up that
ReplyDeleteAndrzej
did you see MONKEYS!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIf there are so many signs that say not to litter then why do people do it? Also if people still litter then why bother having the signs?
ReplyDelete-Hollie
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletethe one about monkeys is mine Parker Franz.
ReplyDeleteIf people know that littering is bad why do they do it? How do they get so much waste?
ReplyDelete-Stephan and Amanda
I don't see trash on the side of the road because I thnk people are starting to notice it's effect on the environment.
ReplyDeletefrom,
Aaron
I think thats horriblle that peoplem do that. Is there any way you could help with it?
ReplyDeleteDo you think that people are just to lazy to put their trash in the trash can?
ReplyDeleteFrom,
Natalie
great music selection emily! especially at the end....reminds me of the rents!
ReplyDeleteThat video is very eye opening and shocking. It makes us wonder what we can do to help. Is there hope for countries that simply do not have the moeny for a waste managment system. Are there police available to help reinforce trash clean up.
ReplyDeleteWe are really lucky to live in a state that has laws to protect our land against littering and billboards. People are really beginning to notice the impact it has when we litter on the side of the roads- becuase of this we see a reduction in trash.
Hollie- I think the signs are there to tell people to stop throwing their trash. I think some people read the signs and do what they say and other people just ignore them. It is sad and I wish more people would pay attention to them, but it would be even better if the government could do more too. I think there is a whole mentality that needs to change for the trash to totally disappear.
ReplyDeleteStephen and Amanda- People may not know littering is bad. And I think the biggest problem is that there are no facilities for them to take their trash to. So when they are riding in their car, and maybe on the way home from work, it is easier for them to throw their bottles out the window rather than take it home and just put it in the yard.
ReplyDeleteAlso, it is important to remember that it only looks like there is "soo much waste." You probably have more waste in your house, there is just someone there in VT who comes to your house and picks up your trash every week.
Maybe you guys can keep all your trash for a week and see how much waste you produce...just for a project.
Natalie- We would love to help with the trash situation, but there really isn't much we can do right now. We pick up as much as we can from the sides of the road, and we try to produce as little waste as possible. Do you have any ideas for us about what we can do?
ReplyDeleteWe are so glad to hear that this is inspiring you guys! Thank you for all your wonderful comments!
ReplyDeleteAs far as what you can do, the best things is to be more aware of your personal waste. Take care to not use so many things that are packaged, and when you have a choice between two brands of something, buy the one that uses less. Or maybe choose something with recycled materials.
Also, it is very hard to help another country with something like this because it usually means you need to involve the government. And dealing with the government in other countries is not easy.
You can spread the word though! Tell other kids, and kids we partner you with about how beautiful it is in VT. Tell them about your facilities and how little waste you have. That will inspire them to do something in their own countries!
thanks for the addvice Emily,kether, and rayna.
ReplyDeletetake care!! :)