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215 South Duluth Avenue

Thief River Falls, MN 56701

7 April 2004

Letters to the Editor

Thief River Falls Times

Thief River Falls, MN 56701

Editor:

When spring comes and the snow melts, trash appears. Unfortunately people don’t like to leave the comfort of their cars to stop at trash receptacles located at various business places throughout the city—notice that I had to say business places since the city inconveniently pulls in its trash barrels in the winter. However, people don’t mind opening their windows long enough to throw out the garbage from whatever it is that they’re eating or drinking. The result of this boorish behavior is a trashy city.

There are two good solutions for this trash. One is that the city should leave its trash barrels out year round so that there are at least more places for people to dump their trash if they can take the time to do so. Perhaps the yellow barrels might remind at least a few people to throw their trash in a can and not on the streets. The barrels also offer people who like winter walking a place to toss their trash and any trash that they might find during their walks.

The second solution is that when citizens emerge from the long winter months to take those spring walks in the beautiful weather, they should carry a bag with them and pick up the trash. Bending over is good exercise, and doing so can eliminate that unsightly garbage.

Remember, folks, that we live in a beautiful world. Let’s help to keep it beautiful. Throw your trash in the barrels, and if you find trash in the streets, pick it up.

Jessica Builder