Do not throw that coffee cup or candy wrapper out the window of your vehicle or anywhere else that is not a proper waste container! Depending on what material is littered you may endanger wildlife, contaminate water, create a road hazard or an extremely unpleasant landscape. This is the message that will be stressed during Litter Awareness Week, September 28 - October 3. In cooperation with the Federated Women's Institute of Prince Edward Island, the PEI Department of Technology and Environment has made the designation to ensure Islanders and visitors are aware of the need to keep the Island clean.
"Littering is not a harmless offence, but one that results in serious consequences," says Mitch Murphy, Minister of Technology and Environment. As well as creating an unpleasant view, littering may also be dangerous for humans, and harmful to the environment. A very small amount of motor oil has the potential to pollute gallons of water. Littering in waterways can harm fish, damage marine habitat or damage boats. The economic aspects of litter are significant, with the cost of picking up litter only the most apparent financial impact.
Betty Miller, President of the Women's Institute says Islanders are concerned about the problem of litter and are prepared to help. "Since 1996 when our Be Island Proud litter awareness initiative was started, we have worked hard to educate the pubic about the consequences of littering. Litter Awareness Week strengthens our message and from the response received last year we know individual Islanders and businesses are hearing the message, and taking action," said Mrs. Miller.
Education and enforcement must work together to eliminate litter. The partnership between the Women's Institute and the Department of Technology and Environment is an excellent example of government and communities working together to address littering.
Other activities planned for Litter Awareness Week include a poster contest sponsored by the Women's Institute and classroom visits by staff from the Department of Technology and Environment to discuss the problem of littering.
"Protection of our environment is everyone's responsibility and I know Islanders respect the necessity to keep our environment clean," said Mr. Murphy.