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The current weather in Culebra
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Dirty Streets in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Omar A (---.182.106.202.adsl.snet.net)
Date:   09-23-08 12:40

I loved the island, beautiful hidden place with very kind local people. But I saw something in Culebra and also in Puerto Rico, that I have to say, I’ve seen in the other Caribbean island but never as bad as I saw it in Culebra. I’m talking about the amount of garbage on the streets.
I’m very sorry to post such a negative subject about one of the most beautiful and paradise like places that I’ve been, but garbage on the streets really get me. Especially around the docks where the ferry goes, it was absolutely disgusting, pieces of water melons everywhere, bear bottles all over, cigarette buds, I even saw a diaper. Same on Flamingo, I saw lost of crap there on the beach such as plastics cups, candy wrapper, etc…Zoni Beach, which is one of the most amazing place ever I saw massive bear cans and bottles as you get closer to the forest and that kind off made me upset cause Zoni is suppose to be a clean environment for the turtles.
I know this garbage does not comes from the locals, I know they take care of their island cause is their home and they only source of income for many. All this trash is left over by tourist…especially local tourist from the San Juan and Puerto Rico area. I believe there is a strong lack of culture by those people and everyone else that throws their garbage on the streets or buries it on the sand.
I’m sorry to post such a negative subject, but I hope people start reading this and realizing how truth it is. Hopefully the local authorities will also ready it and may be try to do something about it to prevent this. Culebra is a beautiful place, very laid back, I wouldn’t touch this land for anything and people from over there should do their best to keep it as clean and as pretty as possible for their benefit and the benefit of their children.


Omar.



Pd. Walking around the ducks I would have to like walk and skip in all directions to avoid stepping on garbage.
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Re: Dirty Streets in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Culebra MJ (---.prtc.net)
Date:   09-23-08 13:26

You bring up a very valid, and very unpleasant fact. I have been to the ferry docks myself and spent most of the time picking up trash. Sometimes people join me, sometimes they just look at me like I'm nuts (shhh!). Every morning at my cart I usually pick up trash along the way, off the bridge (bottles and cups on the railing, shoved in any space), around the ground. It is overwhelming sometimes.
The ferry dock has a LOT of trash containers that unfortunately do not seem to get used anywhere near enough. I have even put up signs around the bridge area: If you love Culebra, keep her clean. Find a trash can and use it!
A number of us have also suggested that trash bags be handed out to incoming visitors (hey, the ferry is CHEAP, maybe paying a little more for a mandatory trash bag would help some). If you make trash while here, pick it up, put it in your trash bag or a trash can.
It doesn't say much of when one says they *love* something and then literally trash it.
Yes, I feel VERY strongly about this issue..I've seen parents watch their kids toss stuff on the ground and say nothing; how are they supposed to learn respect for their surroundings? Would I go into their house and dump my ashtray on the floor?????? And I smoke, so I know what I'm saying. Cigarette butts belong in the trash as well as plastic and paper and glass. Just a reminder. That trash that is thrown down often blows into the water, endangering marine life. That bottle you throw down cuts people's feet or ruins a tire.
Just say yes! to cleaning up after yourselves, and that goes for locals as well as visitors.

Thank you for bringing this up, it's very important. Have some respect, PLEASE! If every one just picks up something and makes sure it gets disposed of properly (ok, the diaper would be a hard one), even if it doesn't belong to you, it will help.

Sorry for the long post but, as noted, this is a huge pet peeve of mine and many others. YOU can help.

Save What's Left!
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Re: Dirty Streets in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date:   09-23-08 15:11

Trash on the ground in Culebra makes the baby Jesus cry! Drinking is no excuse. Keep track of your stuff until it is safely in a trash recepticle.
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Re: Dirty Streets in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Michael (213.228.156.---)
Date:   09-23-08 15:28

Look at people who throw trash on the ground in a really funny way!

I actually, believe it or not, once dared to ask a teenager in Santo Domingo why he threw the wrapper on the ground. He looked at me perplexed (being a gringo and obviously not as stronb as he ..) and then picked it up and put it in the very near trash can. Sometimes you just have to put the right energy out there. it ain't easy, but .

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael
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Re: Dirty Streets in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Chris AK (137.229.174.---)
Date:   09-23-08 16:34

Last time I was there it was not that bad, or maybe it wa the fact that I had just come from Vieques... Vieques was alot worse then Culebra. It is sad that some people dont take care such an incredable place... When I was on Culebra for Santa Semana, all the trash cans were over flowing at Playa flemenco... There was Medalla cans everywhere!! Here in Ak, after the snow melts most residents have a clean-up day. The city of anchorage sponsers all the bags... It is pretty fun... After you are out there cleaning up the trash all day, you have a sense of pride, and it helps on the litter... Maybe, in addition to a ferry ticket you also should have a bag full of trash, to get on the ferry home!

I love Culebra, when I grow up I want to live there...
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Re: Dirty Streets in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: richard (---.hsd1.dc.comcast.net)
Date:   09-23-08 18:02

my uncle taught me a trick with cigarettes - pinch off the burning end that's just paper and tobacco, it'll biodegrade and is easier to extinguish (or even better bury) and pocket the synthetic filter until I'm by a trash can.

I still get dirty looks, but I know I'm being responsible.
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Re: Dirty Streets in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Tony Aponte (---.hfc.comcastbusiness.net)
Date:   09-26-08 11:48

Its been a while since I've been down there, but if I'm not mistaking, Culebra feeds off tourism. I'm sure that visitors contribute to most of the littering, but the people of Culebra have to come together to maintain THEIR little island. Its just like owning a restaraunt, you rely on people to come eat at your place to be profitable, and with that you know you are going to have to clean behind your customers, but thats what it takes to keep the business attractive to welcome more customers. So why not the same with Culebra? You want visitors to come, then keep your island clean. Its easy to blame the tourists but hey, if you LIVE there, do your part to help clean. Just like Culebra MJ mentioned, if everyone just picked up one thing or a little it would stay clean. Take pride in your land and your heritage.
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Re: Dirty Streets in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Detlef (---.pat.wvnet.edu)
Date:   09-26-08 12:14

I agree. This is a really troubling, social issue.

Culebra's leadership should consider appointing a litter control officer, and a public awareness campaign to it's visitors & habitants. In practice, if the punishment for littering was the same as for not wearing a shirt in public--perhaps that would cut down on this sad problem.

Let's hope for improvement!

Detlef
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Re: Dirty Streets in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Culebra MJ (---.coqui.net)
Date:   09-26-08 16:56

Oh for god's sake...we have clean up days. We have kids and adults who regularly get out after major holidays and clean all day...usually in brutal sunshine, for hours, on the beaches and around town.
It's not that we don't take care of our island...when I said pick it up, I meant EVERYONE.

We don't exactly feed off tourism, but we do pay some bills and buy groceries with money we earn from tourists buying our goods (groceries, dinners out, gift items, dive & snorkel stuff). I haven't met ONE of my fellow business owners who have EVER eaten a tourist. Ok, I've never met one who admits to it anyway; I don't get invited to every BBque.

Save What's Left!
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Re: Dirty Streets in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date:   09-26-08 17:36

I'm an old fart. One of my early memories was driving in the car and my parents would smoke the last cigarette in a pack and crumple it up and toss it out the window, along with the butts. I didn't think it was bad because everybody did it. Then it must have got really crummy looking or clogged up the sewer because one day a sign appeared that said $250 Fine for Littering. And I saw a cop pull over a couple litterers and write them tickets. Problematic litter has been way down ever since.

Thank you all, Culebrenses and visitors who make the effort. Join me in helping. When you go to the beach, take a large garbage bag and haul out more than you took in. If you see a trash can on the street that has spilled, pick it up before it blows.
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Re: Dirty Streets in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Culebra MJ (---.prtc.net)
Date:   09-27-08 08:39

We're trying to work on getting non-disposable shopping bags going (including myself, at this point, I'm recycling the ones I do have). One big thing I found in the states is that a LOT of the major grocery stores sell market bags for about 99 cents. After awhile it becomes a habit to grab it as you go out the door. They are easy to keep around, in the car or kitchen.
If you have some, bring them along and use them. Those plastic bags are NOT good. Somewhere I have a video on how destructive they are in the world, and how many countries are now totally banning them. Good stuff. I'll try to find it again and post it.

Save What's Left!
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Re: Dirty Streets in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: palmettoculebra (---.coqui.net)
Date:   09-27-08 09:23

Question re: the plastic bags

I recycle them as trash barrel liners. Does anyone know of another more earth-friendly (but economically feasible) alternative?

Thanks!
Terrie

http://www.palmettoculebra.com/
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Re: Dirty Streets in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Detlef (---.chrlwv.east.verizon.net)
Date:   09-27-08 11:01

Anyone please let me know if the community will have a cleanup anytime between October 10-18. I would like to make an effort to help out while I'm at the campground.

I'll also make a point to pick trash at Carlos Rosario beach. I did this a few years ago when the trash pile-up was excessive. It's such a beautiful area and screams "leave me pristine!". It is a long haul out of there back to the campground. Does anyone pick up trash bags by boat?--that would be a huge help. Does the campground staff help with this area?

I feel it is fantastic MJ, Doug and others--your efforts to improve things through community. I hear you loud & clear that this issue can be addressed by nurturing community involvement and support. Thank you.

Detlef
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Re: Dirty Streets in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Carlos Castrello (---.hsd1.ma.comcast.net)
Date:   09-27-08 11:30

What a shame!! I am planning to be there in October and now I am not so sure I want to see that.

Do you still recomend spending two days in Culebra?
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Re: Dirty Streets in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Culebra MJ (---.prtc.net)
Date:   09-27-08 13:57

It's not like you're going to be wading through trash! I don't know where you live but when I was in America for a month, I saw at least the same amount of trash most places I went (well, except for my brother's cabin in the outback of North Carolina).

I would definitely NOT avoid a trip to Culebra because of trash. I would encourage, when you see it or manufacture it, put it where it belongs.

Save What's Left!
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Re: Dirty Streets in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Mort (---.tampabay.res.rr.com)
Date:   09-27-08 16:51

MJ, that's not exactly true. If they visit the garbage dump on the hill near Tamarindo, they WOULD be wading in trash. I think it's important to be accurate.
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Re: Dirty Streets in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Arroz (---.direcpc.com)
Date:   09-27-08 18:15

Last time we were there Colmado Mayra gave us a cloth bags (with their name on it).
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Re: Dirty Streets in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Culebra MJ (---.prtc.net)
Date:   09-27-08 19:51

Well Mort yes. If you take the wrong road to Tamarindo, you will be in the trash dump. Oopsy! But you told me you loved the seagulls there, the ambiance of old cooked food, the historical midden sort of scavenging for island data and detrius, and the not so stale bread you found to go with your vienna sausages, so yes, accuracy is important but don't forget to elaborate.

Save What's Left!
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