Litter Prevention Is Clean and Simple

Is D.J. Waldie joking (“New Flood Control Rules Muddy the Local Waters,” Commentary, Feb. 4)? He thinks that it is too expensive for the cities to stop trash from washing into the ocean? I walk several blocks every evening to my gym and carry a bag to pick up trash. It’s pathetic that our citizens throw their trash in the streets. This problem does not require a high-tech, expensive solution. It’s a matter of educating the public.

I suggest we start by educating our children in the schools. Tell them what happens to the litter they throw in the streets. Then we start a statewide public relations campaign. We place commercials on television and in other media. We ask people not to litter and show the results from littering. Then the cities could provide trash cans on the streets for all of us to use. And we fine people heavily for littering, to make it clear it is not acceptable behavior. How about a $1,000 fine for littering?

I fail to see why Waldie thinks this is such an onerous burden on the community. It seems to me it will cost little, and the economic and aesthetic benefits will surely exceed the cost.

William Kelly

Santa Monica