Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Don't drop and go!


Some people complain that Paris is a dirty city. To be honest I don't think it's any dirtier that most large cities in the Western world, dog poop apart of course! (A lot has changed on this front by the way...). It's true though, that some people won't bother making the effort of reaching the next garbage can even though, there is one every 100 meters maximum... The Paris town hall has decided to react , threatening all polluters a 35€ ticket if they are caught dropping anything on the pavement. Will it work? I'm curious to know...

15 comments:

  1. I agree that Paris is as clean (or cleaner) than many big cities, but I still think the enforcement is a good thing - its easy to avoid this ticket!

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  2. Yay - I can't stand litterbugs - keep Paris beautiful!

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  3. I think the fines are a great idea! Way to go Hotel De Ville. The signs should be in several languages.

    To be honest, I don't even see the trash in Paris. I'm too busy looking at all the pretty things. My nose refuses to detect the oui oui smell in the Metro either. Ma Vie En Rose!

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  4. I don't think Paris is particularly dirty. In fact, because the streets are washed every morning, it's rather clean. There are areas where it will be less pleasant, as in every city. But overall, I've always been surprised at how clean it is. Forcing slobs to pay up is a great idea.

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  5. This should include guys doing their "pee-pee rustic" at corners of buildings! This is definitely very particular to France - I have traveled widely and have never seen that done anywhere else!

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  6. Contrary to all your former commenters I do think that there is a lot of litter to be seen in Paris. But then I'm still a Swiss in my heart even though I live here for a longish time... :)
    I very much approve of this idea too and would even more applaude if the city would put up dog litter 'stations' too.... Dog litter is worst. But in one point I agree with Jeff; the early morning washing of streets is a great, great feature!

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  7. Although I am in awe of all the ways Paris keeps itself beautifully clean, I DO think this campaign will help. There was (is) an organization in America that is called Keep America Beautiful, and in the 60's was given a big push by our First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson. Then there was another campaign with an Indian, who had a tear falling from his eye.

    I remember the trash all over the place in America.

    After these campaigns, my sister, one day, admonished me, for carelessly throwing something on the ground. I NEVER did it again, anywhere. Yes, I think the Paris ads will work.

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  8. I just feel sorry for those who think nothing of throwing stuff on the ground or out the car window. Can you imagine what their homes look like? Sometimes they really don't know any better or different and that is sad. I have been known to stop people and ask them to put things in the trash cans. It's nicer for everyone.

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  9. It takes so little time to put trash into furnished cans. Makes me think people are becoming lazy and don't really care. I didn't think Paris was dirty when I was there and I don't recall seeing a lot of dog poo.

    I once went to New York and stayed in Manhattan. I found it to be very dirty! Trash and garbage lying around everywhere. I couldn't wait to take a shower after a day excursion out into the city! I think it may have gotten better since I was last there.

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  10. That's a great move in the right direction. I wonder if it will apply to cigarette butts!

    Paz :)

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  11. I agree, this could be in several languages somehow, but maybe it's only the French who pollute (don't throw anything...I'll fine you!).

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  12. Chandra makes an excellent point about ciggie butts. For some reason, smokers seem to think their "mégots" don't qualify as litter (and I used to be guilty too).

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  13. @Michael LOL

    @Chandra & Alexa "That's a great move in the right direction. I wonder if it will apply to cigarette butts!" Well, in theorie yes, you're not supposed to drop them anymore, but it's not obvious... Especially since according to very recent stats 1 in 3 French is a smoker...

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  14. I had the job as poodar on my first trip to Paris because of my extraordinary ability to spot dog poo even in the dark! When I returned a few years ago it was much cleaner and my power was rendered almost usless.

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  15. You know, Paris used to be filthy. It has come a long way. Some districts in SF *never* get washed (or so it seems) so you just pray for rain ;) enough said! ;)

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