No Complaints… Well, a Few.

A definition found on the internet for “statistics” is the practice or science of collecting and analyzing numerical data in large quantities, especially for the purpose of inferring proportions in a whole from those in a representative sample. Let us go with this as a definition because it was found on the internet, so statistically speaking, it must be true. Also found on the internet; 73.6% of statistics are made up. Made up, as in false, not true and in most cases, complete bologna, which is the correct spelling of baloney although either are acceptable. Moving ahead then, let us go with six out of five people love to complain and four out of three people are bad at math. Like 73.6% of statistics, this too may be made up.

I try not to complain much but if using the variants suggested above, that kind of makes all of us complainers and I suppose to a point, we all are. Well then, if not at least as an effort to entertain, here are some of my biggest complaints as they apply to the Great Outdoors. You may share some of these and, you may be a perpetrator of some of the actions that tend to draw my ire. Either way, be mindful that again, this is all to entertain and if there are other emotional responses generated, while it is not the intent, generating thought provoking discussions that may lead to positive actions is not a bad thing either. So here goes… The number one complaint that I have regarding the outdoors goes towards those who believe that the world is their garbage can. We have all been behind someone on the highway who simply could not wait to find a trashcan for the items littering their car. They would be the ones who launch the items from their car towards the ditch or worse yet, into the middle of the freeway to be scattered in twenty different directions by passing traffic. If you are one of the people who find no issue in doing this, there are several and quite descriptive words I have for you. Unfortunately, I am unable to print any of them because publisher John enjoys what he does for a living, and I would not want to jeopardize his career due to the actions of a few inconsiderate individuals who do not think beyond themselves and care less how their actions effect the environment.

I really do not have any more complaints that I can tie into the outdoors. Except for people littering and being flat out disrespectful to Mother Nature and those of us who appreciate the abundance of beauty that she provides, that is about the end of the road when it comes to my complaints. Sure, the curveballs she tends to throw at us weatherwise sometimes are a bit inconvenient but then again, that is the nature of a curveball. Things like walking, swimming, going on a picnic and other summertime outdoor fun generally require precipitation free weather. Some people enjoy walking in the rain and while I am not one of them, who am I to begrudge them of doing their thing? There are no laws against it and if they want to splash in puddles, get soaking wet and maybe pick up a summer cold, have fun. There are however laws against littering which brings me back full circle to my biggest complaint.

Some might be thinking that I should mind my own bobber. I believe that I am minding my own bobber. The environment belongs to all of us, and we are all responsible for maintaining it. Over the 4th of July weekend you may have heard a rendition of “This Land is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie. That song says it best; this land belongs to you and me. I think the results of taking an extra step to throw your garbage into a trashcan would make a noticeable difference. I will say that if everyone tried to place their garbage in an appropriate receptacle, statistically speaking, there would be upwards of 50% less visible waste along the roadside. Did I make that up? How about we all try and see if it works? If I am wrong, it will not be the first time. If I am right, at least our little neck of the Minnesconsin woods will be cleaner and that will benefit generations to come.

At a recent civic organization meeting, we were reminded of the Margaret Mead quote, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Together, we can make our world a place that all can enjoy for eternity. Get out and Enjoy the Great Outdoors… and throw your garbage away.