what is the solution?
occams razor;
don't give anyone any trash
If individuals have no trash, then they cannot trash Lake Tahoe.
the simplest solution is the best solution. It may be complicated to get rolling at first but it is the simplest and least laborious solution when properly implemented.
If it is "impossible" to not give them trash/disposables
if you do not agree then consider this.
How do you manage lake tahoe's trash problem then? at first
Lake Tahoe is a resort destination and very much is a place of partying, the indulgence alcohol, mind altering substances, and breathtaking views. individuals travel here all around the world to escape and be inspired by the beauty that is lake tahoe. when in an altered state of mind many individuals become unaware of how their actions affect the area as a whole.
If you stop giving people trash...
it eliminates…
the need to lecture people verbally and awkward social encounters especially if those people can’t speak english (tahoe is an international travel destination)
the need to put pressure on enforcement agencies to enforce anti littering laws that they may not enforce. (check this link for public records; littering citations are rarely issued)
the need to put up signs telling them how to think and trying to control them when many visitors come to the area to escape and relax.
Simply beat the visitors to the punch and raise service one step further.
Even with we theoretically retrieved every piece of trash on every mountain top and the bottom of the lake it still pollutes the lake. There is no easy way to prevent or even encourage people from trashing.
do you expect your children and their children to pick the work you couldn't do for them?
Can you Pick Up Microplastics?
So even if you could pick up a majority of the pieces.
Can we even theoretically track everything down? No we cannot. Try scooping up microplastics as it floats on the Lake itself, it can be very difficult. The best way to prevent
Ask yourself these questions
Does Picking Up Trash Solve The Issue?
It Does Not.
Do Non-Residents Expect Tahoe Residents To Clean Their Trash?
100% Without a Doubt. I’ve personally witnessed it dozens of times working at the visitors center “You locals will clean up our messes right? We’re spending so much on our vacation anyway, we’re here to enjoy the Lake, not work on our vacation.”
Is It More Profitable To Manage The Pollution/Trash Issue Than It Is to Actually Solve it?
100%
Would Lake Tahoe Be Better As A State Park?
Possibly. Limiting the amount of people wouldn't hurt either.
Are Direct Statement Signs An Effective Solution?
Not really. Historically not one environmental sign, even with vague or literal consequences deters behavior. Name one, we’d love to hear it. Everyone from Disney to the US Gov has tried professional anti-littering campaigns. Not single one has successfully and permanently ended littering. Even if there are fines in place it’s reliant on the agencies responsible to actually enforce those rules and regulations.
Does Law Enforcement Take Trash Seriously?
It's up for debate. They care, but they often don't have the ability/willingness to do anything about it.
Is Lake Tahoe A Landfill?
Not by nature, but it's treated like one. Lake Tahoe does have landfills as well, so technically, yes it is a landfill.
Is Lake Tahoe Disposable?
Why Give Anyone Any Trash?
If you don't give anyone any trash, then they cannot trash Tahoe. It is that simple.
What is the non-resident mentality?
They're here to escape, get away, mentally decompress and enjoy the beauty of Lake Tahoe, or just come here for social media likes. They are not here to work. Escaping i.e. going on vacation often involves lots of drinking, partying and doing drugs when you're an intoxicated state of mind the last thing you're often concerned about is improving/preserving an environment.
Do Direct Statements Prevent People From Trashing Lake Tahoe?
No environmental direct statement campaign in the history of the United States has ever been so effective to completely and totally end littering permanently and forever.
