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Garbage scandal in the Harz: Dog owners simply leave poop bags lying around!
The garbage problem is increasing in the Harz: Hikers find many dog waste bags left behind. One solution is “NoTrash” campaigns.
Garbage scandal in the Harz: Dog owners simply leave poop bags lying around!
The hiking season is in full swing in the Harz and many visitors are enjoying the bright colors of nature and the mild weather. But behind the idyllic facade you can unfortunately see that garbage is becoming an increasingly bigger problem. Anja B. reported a frightening experience on August 31st when, while walking around the Oderteich, she discovered numerous carelessly thrown away poop bags by dog owners. Your photos and the question on Facebook – “Guys, what’s wrong with you?!” – reflect the outrage of many at this behavior. The problem has been further fueled by a lack of trash cans in the national park, which are not installed for the safety of wildlife. A spokesman for the national park emphasized that rangers regularly dispose of rubbish along the trails, with clean-up campaigns such as the “NoTrash campaign” attracting great interest.
The “NoTrash campaign” invites hikers to take active action against trash. This initiative offers promotional boxes with garbage bags and garbage grabs, which can be found at various facilities in the national park. Hikers can collect rubbish and place the full rubbish bags in one of the boxes after their tour. As a small thank you, you will receive a special stamp from the Harz hiking pin with the hashtag #NoTrash. The garbage bags used are made from corn starch to avoid plastic waste. The idea behind this campaign is clear: Even if there are no classic trash cans, everyone can help keep nature clean. The national park attaches importance to the fact that the rules also apply to participants in the campaign and recommends staying on the marked paths in order not to disturb the wildlife. The national park website provides further information.
The garbage problem in nature
Similar problems with garbage also exist in other nature reserves. In the Black Forest National Park, for example, a survey by students at the University of Forestry raised an alarming topic. Of the 121 people surveyed, over half said they had ever left rubbish in nature. The most common reasons were “organic waste only” and “no trash cans nearby.” This makes it clear that awareness of the waste problem needs to be promoted not only in the Harz Mountains, but also in other national parks.
In order to raise awareness, information banners have been set up in the Harz National Park, which also point out the enjoyment of nature and encourage visitors to get involved. Ultimately, it is a collective responsibility to take action when it comes to nature, and the right course of action here plays a big role. If everyone does their part, there could soon be a much cleaner landscape in the Harz Mountains and elsewhere.
Yes, the next time you go out with your four-legged friends, the waste bags should be disposed of cleanly - both for the environment and for our conscience!