Another 1st For Louisiana–The Trashiest State

Just for clarification, Louisiana is not the trashiest state because of the number of trailer parks per capita.  We're talking literal trash, the kind that people throw out the windows of their cars.  Like dirty diapers wadded up and tossed in the parking lot of Wal-Mart.

Back in 2015, Shreveport Mayor Ollie Tyler came up with the "Don't Be Trashy.  Keep It Classy...Shreveport Is Home" campaign.  It actually had an impact for about 10 minutes, and then people reverted to their old habits.  Like dumping out their car's ashtray at a stop light.

Now Louisiana's State Parks director is going on record as saying that Louisiana is the trashiest state in America.  Robert Barnham was testifying before the state legislature this week with his boss, Lt. Gov. Bill Nungesser.  They are trying to drum up support for their idea to negotiate public-private partnerships to bring attractions or sell naming rights to state parks which are in disrepair.

During their appearance the topic turned to the litter problem in our parks, and that's when Nungesser turned to Barnham who he said is "passionate about the subject." Barnham served as secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for eight years, and wrestled with the litter problem his entire tenure.  Barnham said, "I'm convinced we're the trashiest state in America."  He went on to urge law enforcement to ticket anyone who is caught littering.

So what are we to do as private citizens?  We can't control what other people do, so it's up to each and every one of us to do our part.  That means the next time you think about throwing that gum wrapper out your car window, think again and put it in your pocket so you can throw it in a trash can later.  It doesn't seem like much, but every journey starts with a single step.