Day 12 of the Zero Waste Challenge: Picking Up Trash

31 Day Zero Waste Challenge

January 12, 2019 | Kathryn Kellogg

Last Updated on October 31, 2024

Picking up trash when you are out and about is a small task that has a great impact on the environment. Cleaning up the Earth is a project that never goes away, and you can play a part in keeping your community clean.

Sadly, no matter where you live, there will always be a need to pick up trash. Trash gets left behind on trails, in parking lots, and just about everywhere you go, but it doesn’t have to stay there! I challenge you to spend time cleaning up litter anytime you see it. Picking up trash is an easy way to live a zero waste lifestyle.

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Table of Contents

picking up trash

Every time you step outside, you’re bound to encounter litter in one form or another.

Today, I challenge you to pick up trash and place it in the recycling bin (or trash can, if it cannot be recycled) so it won’t pollute the environment anymore.

It’s day twelve of the zero waste challenge! We’re starting to get into more advanced topics as we head into the rest of the challenge.

The beginning of the challenge is focused on simple swaps like bringing your own water bottle and bags to the grocery store.

Now, we’re entering into the second phase of the challenge. These changes are lifestyle changes like learning to make your own snacks and decluttering your life.

Picking up trash is an easy lifestyle choice — anyone can do it!

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cleaning up litter

I’m going to be honest with you: I hate picking up trash. I don’t like it, and I don’t find it incredibly enjoyable, but here’s the thing: Most people don’t.

It’s not typically a favorite pastime. Also, there is a little bit of a stigma attached to litter and cleaning it up.

Whenever someone starts picking up litter, others tend to look at them funny. They think it’s weird or that the person doing it might be being forced to do it as a community service act.

A lot of people are disgusted by the thought of cleaning up someone else’s trash. Their attitude is largely, “If I didn’t drop it, why would I pick it up?”

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pick up trash

I think this type of thought process says a lot about people’s view on climate change as a whole: They believe someone else will come along and fix it, and that it’s not their problem because they didn’t start it.

But you still live here, on Earth, right? It’s still your home –– shouldn’t you take care of it?

The same goes for litter: Sure, you didn’t drop the litter, but it’s still in your area and polluting your neighborhood. Shouldn’t you take care of it?

So, whenever you get out there and pick up trash, what you’re doing is breaking a kind of taboo. You’re saying, “This is okay, this is correct, and this is the right thing to do.”

What you’ll notice is that, as you work to keep the Earth clean, you will inspire other people to help keep it clean too.

the power of picking up litter

I work in a pretty popular area. A lot of people here like to go on walks or runs to stay active during their lunch breaks.

When I go out, I walk (typically with my dog), and we will find litter to pick up. As we pick up trash, we are encouraging other people to do the same. It’s amazing how it can start a chain reaction.

On the days I don’t pick up trash while walking, no one else does it either. On the days I do pick it up, everyone starts to do it too.

And it’s not because I have any sort of magical power. It’s because I am giving them permission and saying, “This is okay, this is normal, and this is great. Let’s take pride in our area and clean it up.”

why a litter-free lifestyle matters

In case you’re not already convinced, here are a few reasons you should pick up trash while walking in your community:

keep your neighborhood beautiful

Litter is an eyesore, after all. Litter can negatively impact your sense of community and make people feel less safe. By picking it up, you’re showing pride in your community and beautifying the area.

protect wildlife

The animals in your area could confuse litter for food or nesting materials. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen birds pick up pieces of plastic. If litter gets into waterways, chances are it’ll harm aquatic ecosystems as well. Getting rid of litter helps keep wildlife safe.

save money

The United States spends more than $11.5 billion on litter cleanup costs each year. These costs are shared by government and local businesses, so doing your own litter cleanup can help put those funds into something else your community will benefit more from.

protect children

Little kids are more likely to pick up trash out of curiosity. Unfortunately, this is a safety hazard, since kids are known for putting things in their mouths that don’t belong. Keeping litter off the streets reduces this risk.

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tips to help you pick up trash while walking

There are so many reasons to pick up litter. Even if you pick up just 10 pieces of litter in 10 minutes, you’ll be making an impact.

Whatever trash you do pick up, make sure to put it into a bag or lined trash can, and not just loosely in an unlined one. Loose trash often winds up as litter again on trash collection day.

Also, I encourage you to smile and say hello to any passersby as you work. It shows you take pride in keeping your community clean and encourages others to take part too.

If you’re really feeling inspired, consider hosting a community cleanup! That’s definitely more advanced stuff, but it’s a great thing to do if you feel your area needs it.

I know it may be a little bit chilly for some of you, depending on where you live, so maybe just take a very short stroll and set a goal to pick up a few pieces of trash.

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take the challenge!

Whenever you’re outside, I challenge you to pick up three pieces of litter!

Take a few moments out of your day (whether it be on your walk to your office or during your lunch break) to make a big impact. Doing this will help prevent wildlife from mistaking it for food or nesting materials, and you’ll make the pick up process less taboo for everyone else.

If it’s really cold out and you don’t plan on going outside anytime soon, then I challenge you to — at least once a week — go for a 10-minute litter patrol around your neighborhood.

When you pick up trash while out and about, you encourage others to do the same.

Will you be taking the challenge?

picking up trash faqs

why do people litter?

It’s easy to leave trash behind and not think about the consequences that can come out of that split-second decision. As the saying goes –– out of sight, out of mind! I think people also feel comfortable littering when they see other pieces of trash there already. It’s unfortunate, but true.

does picking up litter make a difference?

Yes! When you pick up trash, you are helping keep the Earth clean and beautiful and are inspiring others to do the same.

what is the most efficient way to pick up litter?

Picking up pieces of trash by hand is one easy way to go, but you can also use a grabbing tool if you’d like. It’s a good idea to bring a bag or reusable bucket to hold everything if you plan to pick up trash while walking.