It seems to me that everyone appears to be interested in environmental preservation and green spaces. Unfortunately, people talk about these wonderful concepts and our need to reduce fuel emissions, but when it comes to practicing what many preach, there seems to be problem.
In my own neighborhood, Norma, our Beautification Coordinator, has been in charge of environmental issues. We rarely see her now because her husband was unemployed for a long time and she had to work at two different jobs until 9:00 p.m. every day. Instead of relaxing at home after a very long day, Norma now has to take care of her mother, whose husband died three years ago. She is afraid of being alone and often asks Norma to stay with her. Since Norma is not around, no one bothers to pick up the litter around the pond or the bottles and McDonald's containers that inconsiderate children and adults discard. I used to go around picking up trash, but I am unable to walk until the second week in May. It is very frustrating trying to get around with crutches or a walker. I wish the children would help us maintain the park grounds.
The only way we are going to change people's habits concerning the environment is by making this part of the school curriculum. It is wonderful when one hears young children (below the age of 12) reminding adults and older children not to dispose of trash in the park. This is something new and we need to encourage these young people to organize activities that raise awareness for our environment. Without green space and eco-friendly ways of being, we are not going to reduce destructive forms of energy consumption or environmental contamination.
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