It is one thing to clean up your own messes when you make them, as it wouldn’t be right to leave your trash where someone else may have to clean it up. It is another thing to take the time to walk down the street, trash bags and garbage tweezers in hand, and collect as much of someone else’s litter as possible. 

In a display of our community’s deep-rooted commitment to keeping our neighborhoods beautiful, dozens of volunteers spent Earth Day and a few days removing debris from various highways, villages and towns.

This tradition, which is upheld by various municipalities and organizations, reflects just how important our natural landscape is — especially along the Delaware River, which is a major attraction for locals and visitors alike.

Imagine you plan a trip with the whole family, excited for what lies ahead after hearing stories of magnificent scenery and endless outdoor activities to find that the picture on the postcard seemed to omit the build-up of trash. Who would want to revisit? Who would want to stay and spend their money?

Not only is litter a detriment to tourism, but it poses a threat like no other to our environment.

Regardless, however, of the litter’s location, it is harmful to the environment and all who inhabit it - not just us humans, but our natural neighbors as well. With grace and diligence, so many from our community work tirelessly year-round to ensure that is not the scenario we might face. So to everyone who donned their gloves and muckboots to help clean up our home, thank you. Our backyard that we all share is clearly cared for and well tended to.

But, of course, there is always more work to be done, and it starts with remembering that every day is Earth Day and, even more stark of a reality we all face, there is no Earth Two.