As public attention to the state of our environment remains front and center--and will likely stay that way for the next few decades--stopping littering should be a new priority among law makers in local communities and on up the political ladder.A survey revealed that 75 percent of Americans admitted to littering in the last five years.While laws with fines already prohibit littering,more can be done to deter people from throwing any piece of trash--this includes cigarette butts--on the ground.There are several ways to stop littering.
Firstly,While there are already fines associated with littering,the fines could be steeper,hitting offenders directly where it hurts them the most.Fines could double for people who don't take this class.
Secondly,while there are a good number of trash cans in major cities,there should be twice as many,targeted in locations where trash cans are needed,like outside restaurants and stores where people gather and collect little pieces of trash.Perhaps the nearby businesses could pay a nominal fee for their regular upkeep and emptying.
Thirdly,smoking bans help to curb littering in certain areas,as people won't smoke cigarettes there and carelessly leave their butts on the ground.Smokers also often create more garbage when it comes to the cigarette pack itself--empty cardboard or paper packs,cellophane on the packs--so keeping them and their practices out of the area will help to reduce littering in general.