It’s Simple: Throw your Trash in the bin.

The sky is bright blue and the sun is shining warmly. With winter ending soon, the air is no longer freezing. A soft breeze moves around me, fresh and calming.   

The noise and rush of the city feel far away. The vineyards are bare, ready for the next season. There are only a few houses along this trail, and the winding road ahead is empty.    

In the distance, snowy hills stand tall, and below them, the town is neatly arranged with well-built houses and streets. I have seen this view many times before, yet I always stop to take it in. It never gets old.    

I enjoy my evening walks here. These trails are usually quiet and perfect for thinking. If I’m not lost in thought, I’m listening to a podcast.    

So, today as I walk, I spot a white object on the side of the road. It is small, crumpled, and easy to notice against the clean path. I don’t need to get closer to know what it is. Its sight already disgusts me.    

I try not to let it bother me. Maybe, just maybe, it’s not what I think.    

But as I get closer, I see it clearly, a dirty, used tissue. Someone probably blew their nose in it, folded carelessly, and threw it away. This made me think poorly of them.

There are trash bins every five to ten minutes along the way. What excuse could there possibly be for this? Why throw something so disgusting in such a peaceful place?   

This is a trail where people come to enjoy fresh air, away from the mess of the city. Throwing trash in such clean and preserved places is as odd as it sounds.  

There’s more to this. You unwrap a candy and let the wrapper fall onto the grass. After finishing your sandwich, you squeeze the wrapper into a ball, and toss it near the bin, but not inside.   

You drink from a can, then leave it behind on the pavement. You finish a big bag of chips and let the empty packet sit on the train seat for the next person to see.    

And the worst of all, used tissues, dirty and gross, lying on walking paths.   

I could list more examples, but the problem is simple. This is not about intelligence or education. It doesn’t take much thinking to know that trash goes in a bin. Yet, people still fail at this basic responsibility.  

Many people believe that small actions don’t matter. They think their trash is just one piece and that it won’t make a difference.   

I see that as both inconsiderate and a failure to take responsibility for simple actions, that cost nothing and require no effort.

Why is it so hard to throw trash in a bin? I find it disturbing that one would litter without a second thought.  

I just can’t. I’d rather stuff my pockets with chocolate wrappers and fill my bag with empty bottles and snack bags, than discard them in the wrong places.

It’s not about making everyone think like me, it’s simply that none of us enjoy dealing with someone else’s mess. Just throw it where it belongs.

Taking one extra step to the bin is not a difficult task and shouldn’t be treated as such.

I am not an environmental activist, and I don’t think this issue should need one. If something this simple requires activism, we are moving backward.    

People spend money on unnecessary things but act as if throwing away trash is too much effort.   

Carry your trash. Throw it in a bin.    

If it’s heavy, walk to the nearest bin. In a hurry? Throw it away quickly. And if you are forgetful, let the smell or the lump in your pocket remind you to do the right thing.