Be courteous and pick up after yourself

Every generation seems to think the one behind it has forgotten a few lessons. Maybe that’s why some of us still remember the old “Don’t Be a Litterbug” campaigns from the 1960s. The message was simple: take pride in your community and clean up after yourself.

 It might be time to dust off those signs.

 Anyone who attends Friday night football games has probably noticed the volunteers who stay behind after the crowd goes home. Long after the final whistle, they’re picking up cups, wrappers, food containers, and whatever else was left in the bleachers or scattered around Memorial Park.

 What’s puzzling isn’t that trash gets dropped. Accidents happen. What raises eyebrows is seeing litter tossed on the ground while a garbage can sits only a few feet away.

 Our community is fortunate to have people willing to donate their time to keep public spaces clean and welcoming. They do it because they care about Weiser. But their efforts shouldn’t become an excuse for others to leave a mess behind.

 Many years ago, a sign posted in an employee break room carried a memorable reminder: “Your mother doesn’t work here, and she’s not coming to clean up after you.” The wording may have been a little blunt, but the point was hard to miss. Cleaning up after ourselves is part of being responsible, whether we’re at work, at home, or cheering from the grandstands.

 The issue isn’t really about trash. It’s about respect. Respect for the volunteers who give their time. Respect for the city crews who maintain our parks. Respect for fellow residents who use those facilities after we do.

 A clean park, a clean stadium, and a clean community don’t happen by accident. They happen because people care enough to do their part.

 So the next time you’re leaving a game, a picnic, or a community event, take a second look around. If you brought it in, take it out. And if you see a piece of litter along the way, consider picking it up.

 After all, that’s what good neighbors do.