The normalized action of throwing trash on the ground has become a continuous problem these days. Many people are not aware of the impact this small action has on the environment. Whether it’s a tin can on the pavement or a piece of plastic in the ocean, littering is becoming a thing that is almost inevitable for many. This lack of awareness has led to many problems and consequences, especially in cities.

“One thing about me is that I always make sure to clean up after myself. I never throw trash on the floor in any situation because I always think of the environment. If I’m in a group setting, I urge my friends to do the same,” shared sophomore Maria Nordholz.

Here in Miami most busy city streets have trashcans on every corner, making it a simple action to throw your trash away. Yet there are plastic bottles on the streets and candy wrappers on the sidewalks. Right now, you may not realize the gravity of one small plastic wrapper on the ground, but it’s not only that it builds up. It’s the conditioning of society into thinking that one small action won’t turn into a widespread problem.

Trash that isn’t properly thrown away doesn’t just end up leaving the city looking messy, it pollutes the water, damages the environment, and threatens marine life. This growing issue doesn’t only affect the cities image, but it also adversely impacts the natural life that doesn’t have a defense mechanism for this epidemic.

“When I walk around Brickell, I always notice that there is an abundant amount of trash cans all over the city, so it baffles me that people still manage to discard their trash on the sidewalk. Pollution is not something that I take lightly because I see what a growing problem it is,” said sophomore Sophie Yetming.

“Even at school I always clean up my area at lunch because it’s a simple act. I don’t want to create a habit for myself that will harm the environment around me,” shared Sophomore Vittorio Buttice.

Pollution is a growing issue all over the world, the United States is certainly not immune. Even though there have even been fines implemented to help stop people from littering, it ultimately comes down to you and the people around you to make a difference.