National Park Mails Trash Back To The Visitors That Left It Behind

Littering contributes to the massive pollution problem this world is facing. Litter, even in small amounts, harms and kills wildlife and pets and negatively impacts the environment. Many people throw trash out along roads, in secluded areas, and even in national parks! At one national park in Thailand, the officials were tired of people littering in the park and they decided to do something about it.

Littering has been a big issue at the Khao Yai National Park in central Thailand for a while now. The New York Times reported that the park officials finally had enough, and they decided to do something out of the ordinary to handle the issue. They decided to mail the garbage dumped at the park back to the people who dumped it!

After spending just one night at the park, the offenders had left a whole tent filled with garbage behind. Park officials were able to verify the identity of the litterers by examining equipment rental forms and an old prescription bottle. With this information, they were able to get the camper’s address and mail the trash back to them.

Thai government officials have already implemented strict rules regarding littering. According to a Facebook post by TOP Varawut, these crimes are punishable by up to 5 years in prison and over $16,000 in fines! The park officials choosing to mail the trash bag instead of prosecuting the offenders to the fullest extent is actually quite a nice gesture considering the alternative punishments. Hopefully more people start changing their habits and picking up after themselves. Littering is never worth it!