Only we can change our thoughts and actions

One of the hardest lessons we have to learn as humans is you can not force others to do as you wish and you must make choices based on this. The only thing we truly have control over is our own inner thoughts and outer actions. We can provide information, influence and suggestions to our loved ones and associates, but the desire to change must be within the individual. Accountability and responsibility involves claiming our own power and using our wisdom to create different results in life.

Accountability occurs either consciously or unconsciously and can be changed the same way. If we discard cigarette butts through the open window of our car or as we walk down a street, it is our choice. If we don't properly package our household garbage before placing it outside for pickup and it is scattered all over the neighborhood by the wind and animals, it is our choice. If we don't vote for our leaders, it is our choice.

Problem is our choices effect other people. If we mess up the environment, someone else has to clean it up. If we really don't care, it doesn't bother us.

I care. So, every morning at 7:30 A.M. I hit the streets to do my part to try to keep our city from being totally overrun with litter and blowing solid waste. There are currently about 600 members of our Adopt YOUR Block organization here in Huntington. Each member has committed to keeping the block on which they live free of cigarette butts and litter discarded by thoughtless children, teens and adults. If you would like to adopt your block, email me at adoptyourblock@adelphia.net and I will deliver you a "litter-gitter" stick, so you won't even have to touch the things you pick up. Just put the litter in a bag and put it outside with your regular household trash and the City of Huntington will take it. Please join us in taking individual responsibility for your block - JUST YOUR BLOCK, that's all! Thanks for caring enough to get involved.