The group proposes solutions to reduce littering in local parks. They suggest raising fines for littering, increasing the number of park rangers to enforce rules, installing security cameras, and placing more garbage and recycling bins in parks. They also propose banning plastic bags which are harmful to wildlife and do not decompose quickly. Interviews were conducted to get community perspectives on littering and potential solutions. The group divided responsibilities for research, presentations, videos, and coordination.

1. Small Group Project
SP100
Professor Carey
18 November 2011

2. Objective
To propose new solutions
and implement a plan
of action to keep parks
in our community free
of litter and debris.

3. Local Park Information
East county is home to
multiple beautiful
parks. Glen
Otto, Oxbow and
Dabney are just some
of the parks that many
residents in our
community enjoy.

4. Issue
Locals and visitors often litter on
purpose, unintentionally or
because the resources to get rid
of their garbage is unavailable.
Our public parks are suffering due
to the immense amount of waste
that is not properly disposed of.
This debris affects many
perspectives. It may harm the
wildlife
(suffocating, trapping, etc.), may
pollute nearby water
sources, affects the overall
cleanliness and sanitation, as well
as disrupts the natural beauty of
our outdoor community
resources. For these
reasons, change must happen to
preserve our parks and keep
them clean for everyone for
generations to come.

5. Statistics
• Pedestrians, primarily
younger than
25, account for greater
than 76 percent of all
littering in
parks, roadside parks or
recreational areas.

6. Solution #1: Raise the fine for littering
• There are current laws that
fine people who litter.
• We propose that the fine be
raised because a harsher
punishment may prevent
people from littering when
there are more consequences
at risk.
• It would cost money to create
and install these signs, but the
profit would eventually out
weigh the cost because the
parks would stay cleaner, and
the profit made from the fines
could go towards community
clean-up efforts.

7. Solution #2: Increase the number of park
rangers patrolling, regulating, and enforcing the
rules.
• Increasing the number of park
rangers monitoring the parks
would greatly reduce the amount
of littering, and the extra people
would also help with delivering
the higher fines we want to
implement.
• It would cost quite a bit of money
to hire additional staff, but there
are also many people passionate
about these parks who are willing
to volunteer their time for this
cause.
• More money could also be
fundraised through community
charity events, the extra
fines, and donations.

8. Solution #3: Install security cameras
• The installation of security
cameras would also help
with the littering issue. If
people know they are being
watched, they are less likely
to go against the laws.
• The monitoring system
would help to crack down
on people breaking the law
• Though this system has
upfront costs, again it will
pay off in the end, resulting
in cleaner parks.

9. Solution #4: Install more garbage cans and
recycling bins, further away from water sources,
but closer in proximity to people.
• Part of the problem is that
garbage cans are not easily
accessible, or if they
are, they are often
overflowing with garbage.
There also are not many
available recycling bins.
• By installing more garbage
cans and recycling bins in a
systematic and convenient
matter, there would be a
great reduction in the
debris that gets left behind.

10. Solution #5: Ban on plastic
• We suggest putting a ban on
plastic bags (like grocery bags)
because these bags do not
decompose for 10 to 20
years, and impose an
immediate danger on the
wildlife and their habitat.
These bags end up all over the
place, and remain there until
someone picks them up.
• People can switch to reusable
bags and coolers to avoid
tickets for using plastic bags.
People are also much less
likely to improperly discard
canvas bags.

11. Interview
Q: Are you well informed on the issue of littering?
A: Yes, I mean I know that it ‘s not good and all. I always see no littering signs whenever I go to a park. I’m not too informed on its effects on
animals other than it is not good for them.
Q: When you go to water parks like Oxbow, do you see a lot of litter on the grounds and in the water?
A: It depends on the season. I usually go to Oxbow a couple times during the summer and there is some litter but not loads. I see lots of
cigarette butts and wrappers. When I occasionally go to the park during the “off season” it is usually pretty clean. Don’t really see any
litter in the water.
Q: When you see this litter, do you pick it up?
A: It depends on what it is. Some of the stuff littering the ground can be pretty suspicious. If it’s like a water bottle, or any plastic I usually pick
it up and throw it away in the nearest trash can.
Q: Have you ever participated in an organized cleanup project, like the Beach Clean-ups?
A: No, but I would if I knew of any cleanup projects. Usually when I find out about them its too late or I have plans.
Q: Do you think its important to have these cleanups?
A: Well ya, I mean nobody likes to go have fun at a park like Oxbow and see a bunch of garbage on the ground and in the water. I think its
good not only for the environment and animals but also for people to be able to relax and have fun without worry of contamination or
diseases.
Q: If the entry fee were to increase from 5 dollars to 7 dollars for a littering fee, would this discourage you from visiting the park?
A: I mean it’s a lot of money to get into a park, especially if it’s only for the day but if it were to keep the park clean I guess it wouldn’t bother
me as much.
Q: If the park gave you an opportunity to earn back the 2 extra dollars you paid for entrance by turning in a bag of garbage when you
leave, would you do so?
A: Ya, as long as they provide the bags and there was garbage to collect.
Q: Do you think there should be more done concerning the upkeep of the parks?
A: I’m not really sure what rules and regulations are in place other than the fines you get if you get caught, but I think that if they had signs
informing people why littering is bad and the consequences of the offender it would perhaps reduce litter, even if just a little.

12. Videos
• Video by Brittany:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaKIxQYdp
hQ
• Video by Matthew:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-
wCVHWtDXU

13. Small Group # 1 Responsibilities
• Shannon Givens: Research, PowerPoint, Speech
• Jennifer Sikhamsouk: Research, PowerPoint, Speech
• Ashley Walker: Research, Brochure
• Brittany Oxford: Group leader (organize meetings +
e-mail updates), Research, Video, interview
• Matthew Howard: Video
• Roger Whitehead: Research