New Idea (inspired by Eric)

[JKL]

Eric (the Gavins Point Guru) had one heck of idea when he decided to put trash bag stations with a sign asking people to help pick up trash. I thought this would be an excellent thing to incorporate with the bin program. The persons caring for the bins could make sure the trash bag "dispenser" is full. I'm sure we can easily get trash bag donations as they are a cheap item.

Also, Eric and I both think that there is a great need for recycling bins at Gavins. Eric said he would be willing to care for any bins there.

So, what does everyone think??

[Mako]

It's a great idea, but I'm almost afraid it's going to go to people who will steal trash bags for various purposes, and it may be hard to keep full. On the other hand, if it could be handed out, it will require more volunteer work, but it may work. Just have somebody walk around and hand out trash bags to those who want to help.

[Catfishsteve]

I've come to view the bin program as simply "testing the waters" as it were, to a program that we may or may not someday start up to address what is really the big problem... stewardship and lack thereof of our public outdoor areas.

I'd like to see us progress to the point where someday, with our members as volunteers, we're able to secure a 5 or 6 figure public grant that enables us to place dumpsters at park areas like Gavins and contract the service to maintain the trash pick up.

While I agree that what Eric has done is great, I think there are major problems with doing a garbage bin dispenser program. Not that I don't think you could have a successful program, but I think you've got major issues,. starting with folks who are just going to steal the bags. And they what do they do with the bags once they are full of trash?

I wonder if for the money it would cost to put trash bag dispensers out, we could have dumpters and trash service put in?

It just needs research, but it's definitely the possible beginning of a fix to the real problem that the bin program tries to address.

[Harold]

This subject has come up in the past "internally". I have to agree with Catfishsteve. I once proposed adding a small trash container below the bin, but that would only promote EVERYONE to dump trash in it, not just the S.L.O.B.S. that ignore the "PLEASE, No Trash!" signs on the bins.

What we DON'T see is the VOLUME of trash carried out by people! We certainly don't want to encourage them to leave all that at the Bins!

What we are really dealing with is the Classic American Problem. Laws, strict or otherwise, (like LITTERING!) and fines, excessive or minimal, are only words on "legal paper" without enforcement!

Harold F.

[JKL]

My thought was for people to take the bags. I was thinking more along the lines of small trash bags that people could grab to use for their own personal trash and not something large for people to walk the banks and collect dumpsters full. I would hope that those who grabbed the bags would have the decency to take the trash with them or find a dumpster otherwise they wouldn't bother getting a bag. Just a thought.

What about getting a bin or two up at Gavins?

[Harold]

I would hope that those who grabbed the bags would have the decency to take the trash with them or find a dumpster otherwise they wouldn't bother getting a bag. Just a thought.

Unfortunately, as Eric has shown, we wouldn't be dealing with the "decent" people.

One of the "pet pieves" Roger had was when he emptied the line from the Trout Lake at Two Rivers, only to find trash in it- with two containers next to the bin. One for recycling and one for disposables!

Another observation from my recent trip to Davis Creek. Two of the restrooms I "visited" had NO toilet paper in the Men's side. Both had TP in the WO-Mens side. Infact, one had the two roll dispenser full with a spare roll setting on top.

And we ALL know that women use LOTS MORE of the stuff than men do! It's one of the FIRST THINGS we learn after "they move in"!

H

[Alex T.]

Another observation from my recent trip to Davis Creek. Two of the restrooms I "visited" had NO toilet paper in the Men's side. Both had TP in the WO-Mens side. Infact, one had the two roll dispenser full with a spare roll setting on top.

Did ya get ticketed for being a "peeping Harold"?? Always go to the women's side,they usally don't pee on the seat.

As far as the trash bags.....good idea,bad concept IMO. The people that are gonna pick up trash to begin with will have some sort of bag with them already. Whether or not you have trash bags available doesn't matter to the guy that is gonna leave his worm container,Subway wrappers,and pop cans laying along the shore.Plus,how many 'teenagers' are gonna empty the trash bags and let them float around the lake(kinda like throwing picnic tables and trash cans in the lake) for ****s and giggles??

Alex

[AnglerX]

I think it's a good idea and think it may work. There's a lot of brainstorming that needs to be done to get where it needs be though. Unfortunately most of the trash that is collecting along the shorelines probably came in a nice resusable plastic sack that could have been used for trash collection instead of a illegal fish creel. I say we start hashing out some of the problems that may occur and try to come up with some fixes.

[Edwardo]

These little dog poop bags require small dispensers and might be used to encourage those to pack in/pack out. Probably won't do much for the massive amounts oof trash documented in Eric's post, though.

[Chen rossii]

I think the idea would work with some planning. I think that a garbage bag would be too big and encourage theft of the bag. If the size of the bag was scaled down, I think that would help. I am thinking of a Wal-Mart size bag. It may be small but could still hold plenty of garbage.

[Chen rossii]

This kind of project would be perfect for the vision of the Nebraska Environmental Trust. The next application period is not for another year but that will give time to research and plan.

The Nebraska Environmental Trust: Our Grants Process

another good one

CVW History of Intl Coastal Cleanup in VA

[JKL]

Originally Posted by Chen rossii

I am thinking of a Wal-Mart size bag.

That is the size I was thinking. They are cheap and you could put a lot of bags in a small dispenser.

[Chen rossii]

If you got a grant you could have some bins/dispensers made professionally. Then those could be marketed to other states or organizations.

[Ty Stromquist]

Originally Posted by Chen rossii

I am thinking of a Wal-Mart size bag.

What about recycling walmart bags?

I know I have about 500 here at my house. IM dead serious. Wife has been keeping them forever and says shes bringing them in to recycle. yet they all are packed into a big bag. HA!

[jarredbehrendt]

Originally Posted by Ty Stromquist

What about recycling walmart bags?

I know I have about 500 here at my house. IM dead serious. Wife has been keeping them forever and says shes bringing them in to recycle. yet they all are packed into a big bag. HA!

Exactly what I was thinking, we can recycle our plastic bags and put them into little dispensers like this:



They run about $6, this would be a win-win in my book. Or we could use a similar one, they come in many different varieties.

[Ty Stromquist]

Well if this goes down I got a good start in my house im dying to "recycle".

[JKL]

Someone who is managing a bin already could do a trial run at it. It would probably need checked several times for the first couple of weeks. That way if it's going to be a problem we could nix it right away. I would do it but we don't have any bins close to me.

[MA Machine]

I think organized cleanup days involving NEFGA, Walleye groups, Bass groups, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Any other interested group would be the way to go. Have radio and TV cover the events when ever they happen and start spreading the word that you should always pick up a bag of trash when ever you use a public place. More people and groups may get involved and do it on their own. Although I like the idea of making trash bags available I have a feeling you will be providing a bunch of plastic bags for the wrong purpose and actaully be adding to the trash in the area. Like previously stated were not dealing with the real sportsman on the trash clean up issue. Were really dealing with uncaring, uneducated slobs.

[Ty Stromquist]

I agree with MA Machine. We need to do more sponsored clean up days.