One Piece at a Time: Why Picking Up Trash Matters More Than You Think

Hey friends! 🌎

Let’s talk about something super simple—but super impactful: picking up trash. I know, it’s not glamorous. But hear me out.

The other day, Porter (my kindergartener and CEO of giggles) and I were walking to the park when we spotted a crushed soda can, a candy wrapper, and what I think was once a sock… just sitting on the sidewalk. So we made it a game. We each picked up 10 pieces of litter on the way and tossed it in the nearest trash bin. It took maybe 5 minutes total.

And then Porter said something that hit me right in the heart:
"Wow, Mom. It already looks nicer!" 💚

That’s when it really clicked. Each little piece of trash we pick up might feel like nothing—but it adds up.

Here's why picking up litter matters:

🗑 1. It’s contagious.
Ever notice how when one person starts cleaning up, others follow? Whether it's your kid, a neighbor, or someone walking their dog—small actions inspire big ripples.

🐦 2. It protects our wildlife.
Those little gum wrappers and bits of plastic? Birds, squirrels, and other critters can mistake them for food. Picking up even one plastic cap could save a life.

🏙 3. It changes how we see our community.
When we take responsibility for the spaces we live in—parks, sidewalks, trails—it shifts how we value them. We stop seeing it as "someone else’s problem" and start owning our role in caring for our shared spaces.

🌍 4. It feels really, really good.
Seriously. It’s grounding. It’s empowering. It’s something you can do, even on a chaotic day.

Want to do more? Join a local cleanup!

If you’re looking to go beyond your block, there are so many ways to find community cleanup events in your area. Here are a few places to start:

• Search on Facebook Events: Try keywords like "park cleanup," "trash pickup," or "Earth Day volunteer."

• Check your city’s parks & rec department: Many cities organize seasonal cleanup days.

• Look up local chapters of Surfrider Foundation, SOLVE, Keep America Beautiful, or local watershed councils.

• Ask your favorite refill shop or farmers market—they often know what’s happening locally in the eco-community!

Or better yet—host your own! Invite friends, neighbors, or your kid’s classmates and make a fun day of it. (Snacks are a must.)

Make it easy:

• Keep a pair of gloves and a reusable bag in your car or stroller.

• Make it a habit—5 pieces a day, every walk, or one cleanup day a month.

• Turn it into a challenge: how many pieces can you collect in 10 minutes?

This Earth Month, one of the easiest ways you can celebrate is just… bending down and picking something up.

You don’t need a fancy title to be a change-maker. You just need to care—and be willing to do the small stuff.

From one planet lover to another,
– Porsha (and Porter!)
Porter Lee’s Reusables