In today’s society, with stricter laws on littering, you don’t see nearly as much loose garbage scattered on our streets and on our sidewalks. It’s very rare to see a citizen callously throw his or her empty soda can or potato chip bag on the ground and walk away. Most people look for the nearest trash can to dispose of their garbage. And if they try to litter, there is usually someone nearby who will give them the business over it.

And our waste materials have even been compartmentalized over the years. Garbage is divided up between recyclable and non-recyclable materials. And even the recyclables are divided into sections. You have your containers for plastics, aluminum and even paper. It’s really quite refreshing, and it’s made our streets look much cleaner over the years.

Now, if they could only do something about those cigarette butts.

Evidently, the litter laws do not include those nasty butts, because people still carelessly flick them onto the streets and sidewalks of America each and every day, and nothing is really ever done about it. I’ve heard of people being fined hundreds of dollars for throwing a gum wrapper on the street. Yet, I could probably go right outside my door and find at least a half-dozen cigarette butts. And when I’m not finding them on the streets, I’m finding them in my apartment. Why? Because they stick to the bottom of my shoe and I bring them home with me.

I manage a business and I need to have the employees sweep the front at least a few times a month. What’s the number one thing they collect for the trash? You guessed it — cigarette butts.

Why is it acceptable for people to do this? I don’t know, but I reckon it’s really inconsiderate. I don’t want to hear about your rights as a smoker being taken away.

You still have a right to smoke outside, and I can’t do anything about that. I won’t bother you for smoking as long as you do it where you’re supposed to. But please be more considerate and throw your butts in the garbage where they belong.

I do have a right to complain about that.

I ve been a blogger for Behind the Steel Curtain for a small over a year, and I delight in writing about sports more than anything.  View profile