Keep America Beautiful

      As a child of the fifties, I recall hearing the slogan about Keeping America Beautiful and also about not littering. It was instilled in my mind at a very young age. Keep America Beautiful was a non-profit organization that was founded in 1953. It focused on litter prevention, waste and recycling and beautification.

I believe that as United States citizens we are fortunate to have the ability to have our trash disposed of. Mill Creek is an area not far from where we reside and it's rugged beauty keeps us going back to visit and a great place for me to take pictures. We have noticed in our more recent visits how much more debris there is laying around. It is not uncommon to find diapers, plastic bottles, beer and soft drink cans being left near the creek.I wonder why individuals are uncaring and lackadaisical when it comes to being a responsible human. If each of us made a point of being responsible for carrying out our own debris it would make a huge difference in the amount of garbage being left behind.

The graffiti is deplorable and the natural beauty of rocks are being defaced as well. My mind can't comprehend nor understand the point of it all. Is there not a place of gratitude and pride for living in a free country? As a newer member of San Gorgonio Wilderness Association I know that they provide education for children and adults as well on how we can help out. I commend them for all they do and for the volunteers giving their time to lend a hand. The effort of Keeping America Beautiful should not be for a select few. It should fall on the shoulders of all people no matter where they live. Parents can do their part by being a role model and teaching their children to care for the great outdoors. We can all make a difference.