What is Blog Action Day?On October 15th, bloggers around the web will unite to put a single important issue on everyone’s mind – the environment. Every blogger will post about the environment in their own way and relating to their own topic. Our aim is to get everyone talking towards a better future.
So, here’s the topic I’d like to bring up about the environment:
Smoking in National and State Parks
Justin and I just came back from a road trip in Utah, visiting many breathtaking National parks. We stopped at many overlooks and vista points, went on hikes, took pictures, sat down and had snacks, camped. Why did we do this? To appreciate the great works of nature. To feel like an ant in the middle of a giant rocky landscape. To remind ourselves how important, precious, delicate and strong nature is.
Apparently, intentions or appreciations weren’t the same for everyone. Practically in every short hike (or longer as a matter of fact), or highly trafficked vista point, there was someone smoking. Even while hiking! I thought to myself “How can anyone smoke in such a scenery?”
And I’m an ex-smoker. I smoked for 10 years! I know what it’s like to feel like you gotta light a cigarette as soon as you step outside the car, or while you’re waiting for anything. But never, NEVER would I have smoked in the wild or in obviously preserved lands. I have too much respect for nature to even pollute its air. Not even talking about polluting other people, just the air.
Ok so even if we skip the “polluting the air” part of the disgrace. Once you’re finished with the cigarette, where does go, huh? Where? That’s right, on the ground or flicked behind a bush. And what is that called? Littering, polluting!!! I don’t know any smoker who would put out the cigarette and save it for the next trash can. Why? Because the cold ash smell stinks too much even for a smoker to bear. Do you think the land and animals can bear it better than you? Grrr.
PLEASE NEVER SMOKE IN NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS. They are parks for a reason! And do yourself a favor… hike with clean air and keep the air clean for others.
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