Something small, but a beginning nonetheless.

[Fire Walk With Me]

Having visited Frankfurt and Zurich, I have been aghast at the amount of trash thrown to the streets and sidewalks (and stuffed in bushes) here around LA. I've taken to picking up all trash that I spot when I walk (car less for the moment), and taking around small plastic bags to help in the stretches where there are no convenient garbage bins or containers. It's quite easy to fill them up. Most of the trash revolves around car parts (broken taillights, etc.) and cigarette butts. Food packaging and newspapers abound as well.

Since I currently have the time, I can spend up to a few hours at a stretch cleaning up garbage along any street I happen to be on. Most folks don't know what to make of it; I suppose that most think that I'm homeless (not quite yet) and am searching out partially-unused cigarettes. Some see when I'm obviously just picking up large trash and are supportive. The point is that it makes a recognizable difference wherever I go. In some areas it's a constant struggle, and I'm surprised that there aren't more wildfires in LA judging from the amount of matches and cigarette butts there are to be found. My hands are beginning to constantly smell of nicotine regardless of washing so upgrading to some sort of work gloves is a must.

The city of West Hollywood seems to have crews who go up and down the streets, sweeping up everything they see; I wish that the rest of the areas would as well. Mulholland Drive is owned and cared for by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, and I've emailed them asking after such things, as I've done a little cleaning there as well, and they still haven't picked up the filled trash bags that I've had to leave (no vehicle).

As is pointed out in the book The Tipping Point, when one sees garbage or broken windows, one is more quickly willing to continue the trend. The same with cleanliness.

I encourage all to pick up each and every bit of trash they spot. It's not someone else's problem, it's ours. I post this as inspiration, not for approval.

[stuntcat]

1. that's inspiration, for sure, ty!

I went to Zurich on my honeymoon and I too was AMAZED how neat it was. ((When we went they were having a weird "America Fair" (that's not the name but that's what it was really) and it had bull-riding and cowboy hats.))

There were times, a few years ago when I first moved to Arlington VA, that I walked around the block and picked up trash. Now when I'm out walking I always have somewhere to go so I don't look out for the junk anymore, but I bet if I carried a small bag with me while I walked it would be full after a couple of miles. I think I'll do it tomorrow on the way to get groceries.

[LWolf]

2. What a coincidence.

I just got home from seeing "Wall E" with my grandson.

I don't hesitate to stop and pick up trash when I can; there's not nearly as much in my area as yours, living rurally.

I'm more likely to run into washing machines, tires, etc. when I'm out riding my horse, and they are too big to manage.

The related issue, explored in the movie today:

We need to stop GENERATING so much trash.

[Juneboarder]

3. Definitely an inspiration to us all

Thank you for sharing your experience. I have faced the same situation; but mainly just pick up trash on Earth Day and then rarely on sporadic occasions while walking my dog through the neighborhood. I live in a suburb of San Diego called Vista; some of which is like the rest of the county and city, however the section I live in is rural with lots of acreage, horses, cows, etc. Along with the rural comes the low-life rednecks that are so heavily Republican its freaking disgusting.

Whenever I pick up trash, the folks driving by look at me like I'm losing it. Our street is just littered from used tires, broken furniture, delapidated sofas, fast food trash, diapers... you wouldn't believe it!! Last Earth Day, my wife and I set out to clean the entire block... it really looked great. I swear only a week went by and there was more tires, furniture, trash... just disgusting.

Another morning I was actually picking recyclables out of people's trashes (extra side money) and someone drove by and tossed their cup of coffee out of their truck in front of me.

Seriously... we are surrounded by pigs!