SO why is it that folks feel that it is ok to just dump tons of trash on the street and just live amongst it like its ok?? . Sometimes a trash can can be very nearby and they STILL throw litter on the ground...it hurts me to my heart honestly.
So where I live on my street in the Poppleton neighborhood of West Baltimore, there has recently been increased instances of illegal trash dumping....like on a large scale. When I came home today the latest installment was an entire mattress, a stove AND a refrigerator just DUMPED on the side of the street- I suppose just out of their sight so they didn't have to think about it anymore. I mean not only was that extremely disrespectful to the people that live on this street and in this area, but it has been PILING up for a few weeks now. I made 2 complaints to Baltimore City already and I have yet to see some results. The deadline for some form of action to take place is tomorrow, but either way I'm going to take further measures by informing City Hall and I have the contact info to the Illegal dumping department (just in case anyone here is having a similar problem the number is 410-396-1536). You can actually be arrested for illegally dumping your trash in Baltimore City- there are plenty of collection sites and resources to dispose of trash properly. The issue in my case seems like there's some foul play from some commercial companies like movers and apartment renovators because there are building materials and rolled up carpets being dumped as well.
I read a statistic recently that revealed the the United States, which is only 5% of the worlds population, is responsible for 22% of the Earths toxic emissions! Even the thought that all of this trash may end up in a landfill somewhere is scary to me and its a testament to a larger issue that Al Gore touched on in his documentary, An Inconvenient Truth. At this rate, I cant even imagine what it will be like here on Earth even in a few short years if we don't become more radically intentional and sustainable on a collective scale about how we trash and recycle.
This week I facilitated an activity with the youth on the farm on trash and looked at how slow or quickly things biodegraded, decomposed, and broke down. We also explored compost and what type of conditions were necessary for a healthy soil to come out of it. Each student picked a piece of trash out of a bin we had previously prepared for the activity, and they were instructed to consult with one another to arrange themselves in a timeline from the fastest to slowest breakdown period of their material. Once they gave their estimates we went over the timeline again and I shared the correct breakdown times. The activity ended with a discussion on why we use non-biodegradable substances on such a frequent basis (convenience, price, etc) and why its important to be cognizant about the trash we generate ( personal health, our water supply, soil health, etc).
We had an honest discussion, and some people even admitted to littering at times, but shared that after doing the activity felt more aware of how to actually recycle. Some even made a pledge to recycle at least for the remainder of the time they were on the farm doing their summer job! Gotta start somewhere...
Everyone in Baltimore, as far I know, gets free recycling pick up you just have to check the specific date for your neighborhood at the Baltimore public works website listed here: http://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/Recycling.aspx
At the beginning of this blog I spoke about hosting a neighborhood cleanup and cookout this summer- and I have finally set a date for Sunday July 27th! In the morning we will be doing neighborhood cleanup and possibly some planting and work in the dirt, and it will end with a vegetarian cookout!
I'm putting more emphasis on the cookout aspect of the event because I feel very moved to give back to the community, ya'll looked out for me and my family soooo much when I was expecting my son Lotus and his father and I needed to move. I want to host a space where folks can come, eat good food and listen to music while relaxing on a Sunday afternoon/early evening with us. There's a core group of folks that are going to be working on the neighborhood cleanup for that day, however it is certainly an open invite for anyone that wants to be involved. Flyer will be out by this weekend... .Id love to see your face!
I really hope Baltimore city public works comes out to clean up this mess tomorrow like they said they would...Im moving towards having a no dumping sign put up at the site to discourage further dumping- because what's the point of trying to improve the neighborhood when folks have designated this spot as a chronic dumping space??
Building...one project at a time... and starting right in my own community. Peace to all the green thumbers and earth evolutionists that are exercising thoughtfulness in the way that they consume and the connection it shares with the greater good.
I have much hope, and even as a busy working woman, mother, and partner I am confident that a significant impact will be made!
Til next post...
Nicola "the earthy nutritionist" Norman
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