To the Editor,

For a couple of months I have been walking along the Manning  River enjoying the ambiance and admiring all the free ‘merchandise’ available.

I feel somewhat guilty having kept this ‘shopping’ experience to myself.  The ‘shop’ is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

There is a down side: the supply is not consistent. So many items left thoughtfully spread out! – Face masks, clothing including shoes, bedding and towels.  Other articles are takeaway containers for anything Kentucky Fried Chicken might sell: pizzas, sausage rolls, slushies.  Drinks are often freely available: bottles of water, soft drinks.  I once found a full tobacco pouch.   Money and lolly wrappers are often arranged together.

 I must, however, issue a warning that some items left are not recommended for reuse – eg condoms, tampons, plastic bags full of dog poo and the little plastic bags commonly used by drug dealers. Since I have mentioned the word “poo” do not look longingly at the loo paper

which is stained brown and most frequently seen beside an undiagnosable mound.  I know loo paper often runs out in shops, but I stress do not reuse any stained brown.

If you happen to have children with you please do not encourage them to examine what looks like very large furry caterpillars.  I remember as a child the brown furry caterpillars trundling around in long columns, but  these large furry riverside ‘caterpillars’  are actually disowned dog poo.

By taking advantage of the free shopping you will be doing your bit to help our environment and thus save our precious planet.

Trish Congreve 

Taree