Part of the problem is that we focus on the effect and not the cause. Most litter is fast food packaging and empty alcohol containers. Solution : $1 or higher deposit on all alcoholic beverage containers. For the fast food trash problem a surcharge on take out containers. Oh sure it won't be popular and would do away with our annual feel good clean up days but it may actually solve the problem! The used condoms are actually a blessing as they may lead to fewer soiled diapers and fewer children that the "parents" or "parent" can't feed, clothe or educate. We don't teach responsibility in New Haven - it's always someone else's job to clean up after us. Ever see the Edgewood School playground - doesn't show much pride to see empty bottles and trash that someone else is expected to clean up. We can all do our part as well - walk with a trash bag and gloves and pick it up like I do.