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MYTH: Litter control is not important.
FACT: Litter may not be the most dramatic or exciting of the many problems that threaten the quality of our environment, but it is a problem which affects everyone in the community
MYTH: Only "certain types" of people litter.
FACT: "Litterbugs" can be found among people of every age, sex, race and ethnic origin, at every level of society and in all geographic locations
MYTH: Littering creates jobs.
FACT: LITTER COSTS MONEY. Last year Pennsylvania taxpayers paid nearly $10 million for roadside cleanup. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT) spent this amount to clean up only the worst areas - roads with high litter accumulation. The money could have been used to construct Roadside Rests or Traveler Information Stops or for State road, bridge and pothole repair. Without its Adopt-A-Highway and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful volunteers, PENNDOT estimates clean up would cost $30 million or more annually.
MYTH: No one notices litter.
FACT: LITTER DESTROYS THE BEAUTY OF A COMMUNITY. Tourism is an important part of Pennsylvania's economy. People come from all over the world to see the beauty of our countryside, towns and cities. When litter mars their enjoyment, Pennsylvania loses valuable tourist dollars.
MYTH: Litter doesn't hurt anyone.
FACT: Litter is a safety hazard. Litter is a breeding ground for fire and disease.
FACT: Litter impacts car insurance rates because thousands of auto accidents are litter-related.
FACT: Ingesting litter causes injury or death to thousands of pets, wild and farm animals.
FACT: Litter is a breeding ground for rats and disease-causing bacteria.
MYTH: Litter doesn't affect the economy.
FACT: Litter discourages economic development because it impacts real estate values. Good stores and important businesses will not locate in a community which lacks the pride to effectively control litter. |