Students fight litter problem

By Alex Roman
Daily Forty-Niner

In an attempt to take the on-campus litter problem into their own hands, Cal State Long Beach student Sierra Lahera and fellow classmates decided to create litter awareness week, which kicked off Monday.

"We want people to know that they can't be selfish about it," Lahera said. "It's just not about you, litter affects everyone around you."

Rather than tackling the large problem areas of Long Beach, the group decided to focus on a few problem areas on campus.

"We scouted out problem areas and found that trashcans and ashtrays were all over the place, but they were overflowing," Lahera said. "So we decided to have three main goals: the food court, the newspaper areas and the designated smoking areas."

In order to get the word out, Lahera and her classmates have put up signs in the food areas, the University Student Union and on the Seventh Street marquee.

Although the team eagerly combated the problem, some did not notice the fruits of its labor.

"I didn't even notice any signs," said communications junior Heather Tracy. "I think it's good though, people should pick up their own trash."

Junior psychology major Denise Lee agreed.

"I never saw anything about it," she said. "I don't usually pick up after myself at home, but here I pick up my own trash."

There are simple steps that can be followed to help prevent litter problems suggested by the Environmental Protection Agency. Remembering to always dispose trash in the proper receptacles and carrying bags around to throw trash in after eating are among them.  These simple tips are what organizers hope students will keep in mind when smoking or eating lunch around campus.