On a recent walk around the lake, my husband and I came upon this dangling blue heron from an abandoned monofilament fishing line that was hanging from an overhead tree limb. The heron’s wing was entangled and the fish hook lodged. It is unknown how long this heron had been suspended by its wing. We rushed home to get tools and equipment.

Unfortunately, this young beautiful blue heron could not survive the injuries. The wildlife rescue was unable to save the bird due to the wing was separated from the socket and spinal trauma was too great. The bird could not even stand up. It is heartbreaking that human error was responsible for the death of this heron. The person fishing most likely is not aware of their actions. Unawareness is ignorance. Litter kills.

Researchers estimate that over one million animals die each year from ingesting or becoming entrapped in improperly disposed trash, according to Texas Disposal Systems.

Not taking responsibility to dispose of trash properly is a largely a product of laziness.

If one can pull a fish out of the water, they can certainly find a way to take the fishing line out of a tree. Just as throwing trash on the ground, because the trash can isn’t convenient is no excuse. We all are aware that littering isn’t right on some level. Most people are not aware of the impact their actions in their own communities much less the planet. Litter has a profound impact on the environment, wildlife, marine life, and humans.

I hope to bring some awareness so that we all can make better choices and become accountable. To be a part of the solution, awareness is key. Change is vital. Below is a list of ways to slam dunk the junk.

• Take a walk with a trash bag in tow. It’s beneficial for your stress level to be in nature, good exercise and you can make a difference. A great trifecta!

• Keep a trash bag handy in your car.

• Reduce your single use footprint. Use reusable grocery sacks or refillable water bottles or containers. Also, buying in bulk reduces packaging as well as saving a bit of cash.

• Participate in a community clean up.

• Remove trash from the back bed of a pick up.

• Recycle. The more we reuse, the less goes into landfills.

• Plant flowers since people are less likely to throw trash in gardens. The herd mentality happens in neglected areas, trash encourages more trash.

• Consider alternatives to plastic like glass or another natural or sustainable product.

• Switch to paper, bamboo or metal straws.

• Adopt small areas around the community to take responsibility.

• Keep yard free of debris so trash won’t find its way into the waterways.

• Educate yourself and others. Remember, there are nice ways to remind and encourage others.

• Don’t overfill trashcans where wind plays a factor in spreading trash.

• Find ways to reduce or eliminate waste in your household.

• Reach out to schools to get kids involved in the education of reducing litter to love landscape.

• Make good use of recycle bins.

• Secure lids on trash cans with bungee cords.

• Adopt a highway.

• Reach out to local outdoor events to help keep venues accountable for having enough trash containers.

Andrew Lisa wrote an article in 2022 on stacker.com on how long it takes common items to decompose. I hope the items on this list comes to mind when you make future purchases and also when properly discarding the trash.

• Cigarette butts- 18 months to 10 years

• Monofilament fishing line- 600 years

• Plastic bags- 10 - 1000 years

• Foam plastic cups- 50 years

• Straws- 200 years

• Wet wipes- 100 years

• 6 pack holders- 450 years

• Tin- 50 years

• Tires- 2000 years

• Nylon fishing nets- 40 years

• Nylon fabric- 30 -40 years

• Plastic bottles- 450 years

• Cotton t-shirts- 6 months

• Wool socks- 1-5 years

• Synthetic fabric- over 100 years

• Aluminum cans- 80 -100 years

• Vegetables- 5 days to 1 month

• Orange & banana peels- 6 months

• Hairspray bottles- 200 - 500 years

• Rope- 3 - 14 months

• Sanitary pads and tampons- over 25 years

• Shoes- 25 - 40 years

• Rubber boots soles- 50 - 80 years

• Paper towels- 2 - 4 weeks

• Disposable diapers- 500 years

• Batteries- 100 years

• Ink cartridges- 450 - 1000 years

• Plastic bottle caps- 10 - 500 years

• Polyurethane seat cushions- 1000 years

• Aluminum foil- never

• Styrofoam- never

Accountability takes courage and finding the heart to own it. There are three C’s to accountability; clarity, commitment and courage. Our responsibility to this incredible world relies on everybody to take part.

Dr. Karen Engates eloquently states, “It is our responsibility to be stewards of the Earth. To protect the place that we find home, not only for our resources for survival, but also for the enjoyment and the prospect of having future generations enjoy it.

Here’s a link that is a resource for eco friendly replacements for 50 plastic items in your life.