For my second blog post, I decided to participate in a citizen science clean-up project. My roommate and I had already planned on going to the Hazel Parker Playground’s dog park located on East Bay Street, which is part of our regular weekly routine. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to take some bags and gloves and pick up litter.

I didn’t suspect the amount of trash I would find in such a small vicinity. As soon as I started my clean-up, first finding a bottle cap and an old newspaper, I ended up collecting one thing after another. It was shocking to find so much trash in such a short amount of time. I visit the dog park at least three times a week and it always appeared relatively clean and kept-up with. This project helped me realize that litter is so prominent, especially in the areas that I frequently visit and pass by. Because it’s not something I’m actively looking for, I often find myself overlooking this immense issue. It’s unfortunate that it took this project to truly open my eyes to the problem, but I’m happy that I decided to do it. It was also encouraging that my roommate was so willing to help me walk around and collect the trash.

I found myself feeling optimistic while picking up the litter. It almost became a sort-of game; picking up one wrapper and then spotting and running to another piece of trash to collect. Although I was only working and focusing on a relatively small space, it still felt empowering to feel like I was making at least a small difference in the community. Other people at the park spotted my roommate and I walking around and picking up the waste and proceeded to ask us what we were doing out of curiosity. After explaining my intentions, they were all encouraging and positive about our actions. This also contributed to my optimism, because maybe at least one other person had walked away with the urge to make a difference. Picking up litter can be as easy as just spotting something on the ground on your walk to class. Waste is unfortunately all over our community, but if we all adapt the mindset that change can be accomplished with action, we could definitely see big changes.

This activity connects to our class because it highlights the importance of cleaning up and contributing to our community and environment. We’re all aware that litter is detrimental to our ecosystems. Especially since we’re so close to the coast, floating trash can negatively impact species and wildlife. Within about 10 minutes of walking around, I alone picked up 11 different paper/cardboard debris, 2 plastic caps and a lid, an empty cigarette pack, and a few more various items. A good amount of the trash I collected was embedded in leaves and even stuck in the fences surrounding the park. It’s frustrating to know that there are those who aren’t as conscious of their actions or impacts on the environment. Hopefully with more awareness and knowledge about this issue, change is inevitable.