Every once in a while I have interactions like this. I never quite know how to feel about it.
If there is some context that I’m missing I would appreciate someone letting me know. I was asking questions to try and figure out why someone would leave plastic in the woods.
Is this part of an organized event? I couldn’t find anything. I know other places have “Ornament Hunts” but there are usually rules about the materials used to avoid pollution/littering. Those events are commonly organized by a group and done on a certain day to minimize the amount of confusion. By confusion, I mean people not involved in the event who might take down or move the ornaments.
So why am I posting this? Honestly, I’m confused as hell about this interaction and don’t quite understand it. I’m not trying to shame her or call her out.
The trail running community is relatively small. I’ve watched other communities, such as the OHV crowd, have their access to trails curtailed because of people in their groups not understanding some basic rules such as leave no trace. The actions of the few have major impacts for everyone else. One mentality that I come across is the “It’s just me, it’s no big deal” logic. This is very flawed because it isn’t just you. It’s everyone with the same mentality doing the same things that leads to trail closures and restrictions. If I see something I do or say something because I want everyone to enjoy these trails. We all make mistakes. Sometimes it takes other people pointing it out for us to realize it isn’t a universal feeling or thought. I’m very guilty of this myself.
In any case, please please please do not leave plastic on the trail unless you have permission from whoever manages the trail. Plastic is trash. Plastic filled with styrofoam “snow” is even more trash.
I’m open to any polite and respectful discussion anyone wants to have about this.
Anyway, here’s the conversation. I’m not editing anything. Please don’t message or go after Jean.
