Trash Me

Before I type anything else about my visit to New Orleans, this must be said: Big Easy Mayor C. Ray Nagin was absolutely right. Philadelphia is the dirtier city.

Now, this observation does not include the still-recovering east and north wards of the city, where it appears as if the devastation of Hurricane Katrina happened just months ago rather than years. But in regards to the French Quarter, Warehouse and Garden Districts and the Central Business District, New Orleans is an incredibly clean, responsible city.

Unlike Philadelphia, where just this morning I watched a teenager nonchalantly toss a McDonald’s bag on the sidewalk, New Orleans’ citizens appeared more interested in preservation, an attitude largely responsible for the clean environment. There were so many little things I rarely see in Philadelphia, such as a parent lifting her child so that he could reach a trash bin, or, a group of teenagers, after lounging by the river, taking their garbage with them to a bin just a few feet away. The mentality seemed to reach tourists too, as a couple – one with a map in his back pocket – asked about recycling while holding what looked like a day’s worth of empty water bottles. These small acts of responsibility were countless, not to mention encouraging, as civic pride is a necessary part of the rebuilding process and maintains the city’s character.

Of course, this mentality was aided by the city itself, with no shortage of trash cans throughout the town. Along high-traffic areas, like the Riverwalk, below, and Jackson Square, trash cans were available every 50 feet, making responsibility a breeze.

In less-central neighborhoods and suburbs, like Carrollton, below, proper waste management was promoted, with ad campaigns, recycling options and brightly-colored trash receptacles on every street.

It was difficult to find litter. I struggled to find litter. City employees (and a private group which I’ll discuss later) could be spotted across the city, carting away full cans, collecting recycling and picking up cigarette butts just a minute after being flicked.

After talking with residents, it seems as if those neighborhoods I didn’t spend much time in saw the same action. Mark, a lifelong resident, praised the city’s responsiveness in dealing with the removal of construction debris. And illegal dumping? Not much of an issue, particularly when businesses are constantly encouraged to partner with commercial waste management groups, and with an applauded removal team. While residents do have their share of complaints, litter and the city’s capacity to control it certainly isn’t an issue.