One year ago, while walking through the streets of Palermo, I couldn’t help but notice the trash scattered everywhere. I had been traveling south along the Mediterranean coast from Pisa, and the further south I went, the more litter I saw. I don’t litter, and I don’t know anyone who does. So, what has happened to people who think it’s okay to leave their trash in the streets?
In a town outside Naples, I watched a man finish a bag of chips and casually drop it outside his own business. He seemed completely oblivious to the effects of what he was doing, and it shocked me.
From that moment on, I decided to pick up one piece of trash each day while exploring the city. That habit has continued for the past year. Most days, I see more than one piece of litter, so I try to pick up more when I can. But, I don’t carry a bag large enough to collect everything, and I still need to get to my destinations on time. It’s not perfect, however even a small effort, 1% is better than 0, especially when done consistently, day after day.
I’m sure you notice trash on the ground too. It makes a place look dirty, harms the Earth, and has a host of other negative effects. I wouldn’t call myself the most environmentally conscious person, but picking up trash doesn’t seem controversial. Recycling or properly disposing of litter is something most people can agree on.
I wonder if you see more litter or more people on an average day? What if everyone you saw were to pick up one piece of trash each day? Would we live in a world without litter?
What if you picked up a piece of trash today?
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I started this exactly one year ago, and I’m still picking up litter I see on the streets. I’m sharing this now to inspire others to do the same.
Photo is the Lennon Wall in Prague, Czechia. It isn\’t litter, but the idea is close. It\’s a shame you can hardly see John anymore from people covering him, putting stickers over top or writing their own graffiti.