In the past few weeks, we have been discussing the problem of criminal and highway littering in Butler County. This problem is a growing concern around the county and as citizens we must find a way to put an end to it.

Not only is littering and dumping in the county unsightly, but is causes a pollution problem that could come back to haunt future generations. Every time a bag of trash or old washing machine is dumped along the side of a county road, or a driver throws a fast-food bag out of a moving vehicle, someone has to pick it up. Unfortunately, offenders do not seem to care.

What the entire problem boils down to is respect. We must show respect for each other, and more importantly, we must show respect for mother earth. Just because a pile of rubbish is no longer in sight, does not mean it is no longer a problem. Unfortunately, waste is something that never goes away.

The county has put inmate road crews out on county highways to help combat the problem of highway littering, but this doesn't seem to be enough to help curb the problem. As soon as one highway is cleaned, litter begins appearing the next day. As soon as one illegal dump is cleared, another one pops up in another location. Without some form of help, Butler County residents may soon find themselves living under a pile of garbage.

We encourage the citizens of Butler County to voice their opinions to the County Commission and suggest ways to combat the problem. Without a concerted effort on everyone's part, nothing will ever get done.

In a county as beautiful as Butler, with as many natural resources and wonderful people, it is shameful that the actions of a few could have such a powerful impact on the lives of so many. We have our problems here, but mountains of illegal garbage doesn't have to be one of them.

Mandatory garbage collection not only means people have to pay an extra bill, it also means that they do not have to worry about what to do with unwanted items. If trash is piling up at home, it is easily disposed of.

We must begin now to correct the wrongs of the past. We must educate our children so that future generations will understand why it is wrong to dump garbage in creek beds and on hill sides. We must do something now, and it is up to us all to find a solution.