1. Methods Abstract Results Introduction Conclusions Data Bibliography
Gum Sightings on Drew University Main Path in Relation to Trash Can Locations
Methods
Abstract
Using Garmin GPS, a data point was recorded every time gum was seen on the path along with every time a trash can was located along the path. The maps were created using Google Earth. Trash cans were indicated by a blue icon and a TC label, as seen in Figure 2, and gum sightings were indicated by a red flag, as seen in Figure 3.
In this study, gum was looked at in relation to trash cans on campus. In order to obtain this data, a student who attends Drew University collected the data from the main path used by all students on their route to class. This data was mainly collected to see if there was a correlation between where students decide to spit out their gum and the locations of the trash cans on campus.
Results
It was discovered that gum was disposed of all along the path, however, most commonly clustered around trash can locations. The gum surrounding the trash cans seemed to be fresher pieces of gum and the gum along the path was more eroded. Also, there were way more gum sightings than trash can locations.
Introduction
Figure 1: This map shows the trash can locations (indicated by a blue flag and “TC” label) along with the gum sightings on the main path (indicated by an orange flag).
In the country of Singapore, it is illegal to chew gum. This law was put into place due to the constant litter of gum in public places such as parks, staircases, paths and various other common public settings. In addition, gum was being used to disrupt train services due to it being stuck onto sensors on the doors. Cleaning up this gum litter was very costly for the country and according to the Housing and Development Board, it was costing 150,000 dollars yearly to clean up this litter. After reading about this Singapore law, a Drew University student decided to take it upon themselves to see where gum was present on our paths at Drew University compared to the locations of the trash cans on the path.
Conclusions
After looking at the data, it can be concluded that students walking to class on the main path do not have regards as to where they decide to spit out their gum. However, it seems that many attempt to spit the gum around trash can locations, creating clusters of gum in these places, rather than disposing of the gum inside the trash cans. The eroded gum on the paths could be due to weather conditions (the data was collected the day after a storm) as well as people walking on the path and stepping and spreading the gum along the gravel. A future research possibility is looking into whether spitting gum out in public places such as campuses and parks have affects on the environment apart from littering, such as affecting the wildlife due to consumption of the gum by animals.
Figure 2: This map indicates only the trash can locations (Blue Flags) on the main path at Drew University.
Data
This data was retrieved by a Drew University student, Alexis Castanheira, as she walked down the main path that is used by students on their route to class (From Tolley-Brown Circle to Hall of Sciences) on Sunday, October 14th from 11-11:30am. There were 6 trash can locations indicated and 69 gum sightings. The gum sightings recorded were both fresh pieces of gum along with gum was more eroded onto the path.
Bibliography
Nathan, D. “Chewing Gum Is Banned.” Singapore Government, National Library Board, 3 Jan. 1992, eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/events/57a854df b-893a-a303e
Alexis Castanheira
GIS Midterm Fall 2018
Figure 3: This map indicates only the gum sightings (Red Flags) on the Drew University main path.