A man who put his values to work

On Saturday, April 26, my lab Wilson and I were walking on the North Shore path in Libertyville between Dymond and Butterfield roads. I could see up ahead a full garbage bag and a man weaving in and out of the bushes holding a bag. I commended him for his effort and we griped about people who feel that they can use the ground, anywhere, as their own personal dumpster, without repercussion or care.

The man's name was Steve. He, as did I, grew up in an age when the government probably had to have congressional approval to develop and implement an anti littering campaign. It sank in for most of us, but obviously some more than others.

It was taught to some of the children in the next generations and not instilled in others.

We are now at the point where the government has many more pressing avenues to dispense our hard-earned tax dollars toward and unless an app is made for smartphones, littering, as a convenience, will continue to thrive and get worse.

Most importantly, we have a man with Steve's values and commitment, things that also need to be taught to our children and grandchildren and then to actually act on them.

Steve's effort allows many to share in the enjoyment of a clean environment and personally, the gratitude that I was able to express to him, letting him know that his hard work was appreciated.

Bill Wells

Libertyville