Two years of field research for our study on Refuse Patterns in Vermont have now been completed. The research yielded some interesting patterns of trash elimination (deposited by consumers) on rural roads. For the purpose of this letter, only the results for a specific portion of road in West Dummerston, Windham County need be revealed.
Our research team walked, drove, bicycled, ran, and rode on horseback along the stretch of road running parallel to the West River. Not all researchers engaged in the same mode of transportation at the same time. However, all researchers noted patterns in the type and brand of trash deposited. Statistically, the majority of consumers who deposit trash in rural areas near swimming areas (in particular the area referred to as “Flat Rocks” or for those with increased vocabulary skills, “The Trestle”) prefer food from the fast food establishment, McDonalds.
The preferred beverages of consumers who deposit empty beverage containers in rural areas are Coors, Busch, and Budweiser (regular and light varieties). (Interestingly enough, those same brands were most apparent in large deposits made roadside in November, which led our team to fondly refer to the Vermont hunting season as “Beer Season”).
Most noticeably lacking in refuse deposits were containers of organic foods and drinks. Despite the increased sales of imported beers, there were no containers of same left behind.
One bit of trash we found charming enough to photograph, although we resisted, was the remnants of a Happy Meal with a Coors Light can next to it.
The conclusion our team reached is that drinkers of lower quality beer and low quality food were far more likely to leave their trash behind. We see a direct correlation between the quality of food and drink and the intellect and social conscience of the consumer. With the $872.05 we received from bottle deposits, we will be erecting a billboard with the message, “Hey Stoopid, Take Your Trash With You.”