In unscooped dog poop, a lesson on human selfishness

I found myself inspired by Chris Churchill’s piece on the partial breakdown of civility exemplified by unscooped dog poop (“In the yard, discovering a surprise most foul,” Dec. 12).

My first reaction was that the unpleasant surprises on his lawn were a small-scale analogue to the fact that the United States, with 4 percent of human population, generated 15 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in 2014.

Far more interesting, though, is the fact that picking up after dogs was not legally required until the mid-1970s. Within a modest span of time, expecting people to pick up after their dogs went from a highly controversial proposition to an indispensable component of civilized society. Good ideas turn society like a ship, through the acts of leaders, and turn it like a swarming flock of birds, through each person seeing how people around them act.

We know what threatens our species and so many others: We consume more than the planet can provide. Why not be more impressed with people being driven by a professional on the bus than driving themselves in fancy cars? Maybe choose staycations and a few more meatless meals. Could we celebrate Childfree Day next year?

No matter how you get there, you achieve something of great value by not taking with both hands, unless it’s to pick up after yourself or your pet.

James Lyons Walsh Albany