The How and the Why
Have you ever driven on a highway and noticed the litter that accumulates in the shoulder and beyond? Maybe you have even encountered a big piece of trash in the road - a blown out tire, industrial-sized plastic wrap, forgotten scraps that have fallen out of flatbed trucks, etc. Perhaps you have gone for a hike in a natural space and noticed some forgotten litter someone else has left behind. The more you look for it, the more you see - trash is pretty much a daily sight in most American cities, and sadly can also be found in our natural spaces.
The average American wastes approx. 4.9 pounds per day, adding up to nearly 1,800 pounds per person per year (Environment America). It is essential that we practice habits to reduce our consumption and therefore reduce waste, but we can’t deny the trash and litter that is already here - so what can we do about it?
We’ve all had an experience where we lose a receipt and it blows away before we can catch it, or realize after getting home that we must have dropped or accidentally discarded something. Sadly, I’m sure we have all encountered a person who actively chooses to dispose of their waste in an improper manner too - throwing cigarette butts onto the ground, discarding items out of the window when driving, you get the idea. Unfortunately, waste is bound to prevail in our modern society, driven largely by online shopping, the use of single-use plastics, fast fashion and other unsustainable practices driven by consumerism. Yes, we need to get to the root of the issue, but doing so can seem daunting or even unachievable for just one person. However, just one person IS capable of making a difference by hosting a trash and litter clean-up. It’s possible to carry out alone, but is even more fun with friends!
Pick a time and place that works best for you. When participating in a clean-up, it can be more enjoyable to do it in a place that is special to you, and in a time frame that doesn’t cause you added stress. Be sure when selecting a place to choose public property. You can also connect with local environmental or governmental organizations for support - they may be able to advise best locations, provide supplies, and use their existing audiences to spread the word and boost attendance.
Melissa is a Stream Team Leader with Rock Creek Conservancy, and as of this writing has planned 2 clean-ups at Rock Creek Park in the DC-Metro Area. Partnering with Rock Creek Conservancy has allowed Melissa some valuable resources and support that made each clean-up more safe and enjoyable.
Use your network to gather attendees. Again, you can always conduct your own clean-up, but it can be more enjoyable with other people and can also spread awareness as to the trash problem in your locale. You may also be able to have a bigger impact with a bigger group of people.
Gather your supplies. You will definitely want gloves and a container to collect and carry the trash. Plastic trash bags are suitable as they are durable, portable, and won’t break easily like cardboard might. Depending on your physical strength and the radius of your cleanup/distance to trash receptacle, however, you could also use a hard plastic or metal bin. Cardboard is an option, but may become soggy or even break if it gets too wet. Plastic trash bags’ durability can help protect you from sharp or excessively filthy pieces of waste.
Another optional item to add to your collection is a trash grabber. These devices act as an extension of your arm and can be useful in collecting hard-to-reach or potentially dangerous trash (like rusted metal). This isn’t a must-have, but a nice-to-have.
Designate a spot to dispose of the trash you collect. This is another reason why partnering with a local organization can be useful - they can help you plan this. Generally, if you choose a public space like a beach or park, there will be trash receptacles nearby, though you may want to coordinate with a local institution to ensure bulk trash is promptly picked up. You want to avoid adding your bags to residential or commercial dumpsters as this can be seen as “dumping,” an act that is punishable by fine in many states.
Spread the word after the fact! Posting pictures about it or just talking about it to your network might encourage them to take action too. Keep the momentum going - spread the word, encourage others, and share tips with them for carrying out a cleanup. Small acts, when performed by millions of people, will transform the world.
General Tips:
Your safety comes first. If the trash is in a hard-to-reach place or seems particularly dangerous, let it go.
If you come across what appears to be a living space for a person experiencing homelessness, leave it alone.
Dress for the weather/conditions of the ecosystem. Gloves are always a good idea - so are durable boots, especially if the weather is inclement or recently rained. Be mindful of the weather - always check ahead.
Hosting a litter clean-up can be a simple way to make a big difference. In addition to protecting and preserving the local environment, you can also learn a lot - about your local ecosystem, about local infrastructure, and about how materials break down over time (or don’t). If you are hosting or participating in a litter clean-up, we want to hear about it - email us with pictures and details about the event! Check out our climate page for more details about how you can take action for the environment.
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