Fall is here and I'm so thankful for cooler weather.
It has been a long, hot summer and not a good time to pick up a lot of litter. In addition to keeping the one mile section of roadside in our neighborhood clean, which I do while getting my walking exercise, I am a part of an Adopt-A-Highway team and am committed to keeping an additional mile section of highway clean. However, this summer has been extremely hot and it's been a while since I have been able to do my part and get that litter picked up.
Friday morning, the temperature was in the 60's, I had some extra time and it was perfect weather to get the job done. Standing in the comfort of my kitchen and looking out the window, I felt like I really did not want to do this especially since I had to do it alone; but, being committed I pushed myself out the door with reach extender in hand, trash bag on a bag holder, gloves, and my pockets filled with 4 extra trash bags. Once I got started, I didn't want to quit, but I ran out of bags. I got about 1/2 of it cleaned up and filled 5 bags with litter. It made me feel so good to look back and see the results of my efforts. It certainly gave me a good workout and I got my exercise for the day.
Even the horse I pass by when I'm picking up litter remembered me and was glad to see me. He whinnied and came running up to the fence to get his lump of sugar. When he decided he was not going to get any more, he showed me that he too was enjoying the cool weather and took off running around the pasture. It made my day.
A lot of people think picking up litter is disgusting and degrading. Litter is what is disgusting and degrading. If everyone could do a little to keep the environment clean, it would make a world of difference.
Actually, when you are seen picking up litter, you are apt to inspire someone else to do the same. I want to encourage ThriftyFun readers to help keep our world clean. It's our home and if we all work together, we can wipe out this blight that mars the beauty of our streets and countryside.
To get started, all you need is a bag to put the litter in. You can make a difference just by filling one little grocery bag full. Little by little, big jobs get done.
By littergitter from NC
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Good for you! I myself have always tried to keep the front area of my apartment building free of litter. Even got the school across the street to buy an outside trash can, because they didn't have one & the kids were dropping candy wrappers and so on all over the place!
I like to pick up litter too! Even nasty stuff in the work parking lot like old cigarette packs. I figure my hands can be washed! I too think we can make a big difference if we all do a little. Thanks for sharing!
I love it when I read that someone else likes to pick up litter. Thank you SuzyQ82 and Pamphyila for your feedback and what you do.
Another pretty day for me today and after being cooped up in an office working all week (part-time job), I was so anxious to get outside in the sunshine and fresh air and finish cleaning up my adopted section of highway.
I pick up trash several days a year while I'm out walking. It takes more time but the bending and stooping give me more exercise and I get a clean neighborhood to boot. It's amazing what people throw out. We must be one of the few families who carry a trash bag in the car instead of having to throw stuff out the windows.
I'm another litter-picker-upper. Three or 4 days every week I fill bags with trash. Pluses: improving the appearance of our neighborhood, being a good example for potential picker-uppers, being a deterrent for those who toss the stuff, and I get great exercise. Be sure to wear plastic gloves. You may be picking up litter where dogs have done their business.
Thank you Booklover52 and Happy05 for your great feedback. It's so nice to hear from some dedicated litter gitters.
It really is amazing what you find on the roadside. Nothing surprises me any more. I like finding money best of all. It really puts a big smile on my face, especially when I see a 100 dollar bill laying on the ground. I have only found one of them and I'm still looking for another one.
My grandmother, sister and I picked up litter yesterday. We filled 4 bags and cleaned up a street for about a mile. When we brought the bags home, we picked out the recyclables and put them in the recycle bin and put the rest of it in the trash container.
It made me feel good to make a difference.
Thank you lakegal. I'm sure you made your grandmother proud!
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