When we asked people how they felt about litter (Litter Awareness Survey), they responded strongly with a variety of insults and epithets. Clearly, most people do not like litter, and more people are starting to do something about it.
Colene, an 81-year old in San Diego, helped with her church’s cleanup event at a neighborhood park. She welcomed volunteers, distributed trash bags and was a cheerleader for the group.
In Ogden, Utah, three-year old Ariel used her low vantage point and sharp, young eyes to spot trash that other volunteers missed, proudly collecting it in her plastic bag.
Spencer, a Salt Lake City college student in his 20s, recruited volunteers who removed trash from the Jordan River using kayaks and towing plastic swimming pools as trash bins.
James, a resident of Upland, California, adopted a bike trail in front of his house and walks it with a trash grabber and paint bucket once a week, while pushing a stroller. He wants to create a beautiful experience for trail users while setting a good example for his young daughter.
Idaho resident Ann, a grandmother in her sixties, provides direction and equipment to teenage girls who at first are hesitant to spend their time picking up garbage, then become enthusiastic when they realize how easy it is to make a positive difference in their environment.
Carmen of Seattle Picks up Litter while bIKING along Bear Creek Trail, which is adjacent to a busy roadway.
And let’s not forget the Pliking Club of Ogden, whose members have spent more than 4600 hours gathering trash over the past three years.
Thank you to all who are working to make this planet a more beautiful and safe place to live!