The snows are gone — we think — and minds are starting to turn toward spring and summer activities as we hope to make use of the sun and warm temperatures that come along with it. There are plenty of traditions we all take part in when the days start warming. Biking, hiking, grilling, road trips and fishing — all of these are valued activities that often come with well-remembered history. Sadly, however, there is another tradition we have to face — trash in the ditches. As the snow has pulled back it may become more noticeable the amount of trash in our ditches. Some of this trash gets there through incidentally. Wind gets into the garbage or trash just accidentally gets away from us. Still, there is a large amount of trash that gets into our ditches and environment because its put there intentionally, ranging from throwing a cup out of the window to whole pieces of furniture being dropped off. This is selfish, rude and obnoxious behavior that unfortunately is a reality of life that can also stretch into our rivers and lakes, and includes people who sadly think that it’s just a quick way to get rid of something they don’t want. The problem is, after these items are dumped in the ditch those who had done the deed can simply wash their hands of it and move on. It’s rare that these people are actually caught and punished for this illegal act. It’s an easy thing to roam the country roads in the middle of the night and just push the item off the bed of a truck. The reality is that it becomes other people’s problems, whether that is county staff that have to go out and remove the items, state staff or private land owners. If it’s private landowners then there is a cost they have to pay to have someone come and get it. On the other hand, those who think it’s alright to pitch their trash out the window are damaging the environment can endanger wild life who could get tangled up in the trash or ingest it. Garbage and trash are a part of our world and if we are going to have things we’re going to need to also get rid of them. There is a cost, but it’s a part of being responsible, mature adults. Dispose of items the correct way, using the correct facilities. Don’t scuttle about the dark, looking for a convenient ditch to dump something in. The post Our Opinion: Ditches not for your garbage appeared first on Austin Daily Herald. ...read more read less