So what’s the big deal if you throw your Chips bag on the ground? Your friends do it. It is easier than throwing it in a trash can and besides, who cares anyway? It’s just one bag right?

For starters, it is illegal! You are breaking Arizona Revised Statute § 13-1603 when you litter anything, anywhere. Don’t believe it? Check out the official site:

Trash on the ground is also terrible for the economy. Is there a house in your neighborhood that has tons of trash on the lawn? Is that house worth as much money as the other houses in your neighborhood? Of course not!

Nobody wants to buy or live in a house like this one!

Millions of dollars are spent every year when litter starts fires that shouldn’t happen.How would you feel if your house burned down because someone left their trash in the street and it caught fire? I bet you would be angry, so pick up that litter.

Every year Arizona taxpayers pay for $3 million dollars worth of trash cleanup on the highways. When you combine all the litter that gets thrown out on the highways it weighs over 1 million pounds! Litter is an exponential problem. That means that areas with lots of litter attract more and more. So if you see your friend throw their chip bag on the ground tell them to pick it up! Chances are you are closer to a trash can than you think.

For more check out Don’t Trash Arizona online:

Resources

Agriculture in the Classroom
Arizona Interagency Fire Prevention Kid's Page
Ask the Answer Worm! (Soil Questions)
Environmental Explorers' Club

EPA Kids' Stuff: Water
Kids Gardening!

Learn About Chemicals Around Your House
NatureWatch

Sci4Kids
Smokey Bear:Smokey Kids

UofA Youth Activities: Water Resources