Glen Haven Community Association

Littering

Why Must We Trash Our Own Neighborhoods?

This article was written by Patricia Boston of the Brook Glen Subdivision, but it applies everywhere.

Do you remember the end of the Spike Lee movie "School Daze," when Laurence Fishburne yelled, "Wake up?"

Well, South DeKalb, it's time to wake up, look around our community and ask, "What is happening to our prosperous community?"

If you take a look around you'll notice more littering, panhandlers, street peddlers and diminished landscapes.

I've noticed that some individuals in our community think it's OK to throw trash out of their cars. I have seen people throw items out of their car and think nothing of it.

That trash is a reflection of us. I call it the "ghettoing effect."

As the county continues to allow more building permits, our community continues to be negatively impacted. But we can all make a difference.

Yes, I'm responsible, as well as you, for not always being proactive when it comes to matters in our community.

However, we can stop the "ghettoing effect" in its tracks by tackling these problems one at a time. Littering is a problem that we can tackle because it begins with us. I challenge residents of South DeKalb to get involved, by signing the e-petition at Petition.com demanding that the county post more "No Littering" signs in our area. We can also arrange and parcitipate in cleanups.

You can also report litterbugs to Keep DeKalb Beautiful at 404-371-2654. If you see trash and you think someone else is going to pick it up, think again, and pick it up yourself.

The "ghettoing effect" can only occur if we let it. A community is no more than a reflection of the people who live there. If you read this article and feel it is just a figment of my imagination, just imagine your property values being lowered by the county tax assessor.