Clean

Cleaning Up - How Did I Do So Far?

How Does This Compare to What I Said in 2022?  How Can I Do Better in 2025?  Let Me Know!

I would like to proactively work with neighbors to find solutions to the litter throughout 5B01 as well as Woodridge, Brookland, Queens Chapel, and North Michigan Park.  Litter is one of those things I feel most people do not "see" but once you do, you cannot "unsee" it.  I have picked up a lot of litter over the past year, and it's more than any one person can do!  I have even had some neighbors tell me they used to pick up trash, but eventually gave up.  What can we do about this?  I envision working with the community to come up with solutions.  

(If I haven't gotten to your street--sorry about that--but that's part of the problem.  When I walk out my front door and see trash, I have to pick it up.  Before I know it, I've spent another 30 minutes just on Varnum.)  

my experience

Bag of trash from July 22.  See the related post on twitter.

A single serving sized glass bottle of Khor vodka held up by Edward's hand wearing a rubberized glove.

Some streets have lots of glass bottles.  Glass is particularly troublesome because if you don't get it soon, it'll break!  See the related post on twitter.

A wagon pulling a trash can and box with trash and recyclables.

Easter trash pickup! I generally pick up trash for an hour or less (or when the bag gets too heavy).  This time I incorporated the wagon.  See the related post on twitter.

Street corner of Allison and 19th northeast, showing carboard strewn on the ground.

Cardboard on the ground at Allison and 19th NE.  While I occasionally pick up trash outside our neighborhood, the 4-6 blocks nearby keep me busy!  See the related post on twitter.

what i plan to do

I plan to try and talk to neighbors about this.  I do not yet know what the solution looks like -- is it getting volunteers to participate in the Adopt-a-Block program?  What about learning from successful neighborhood organizations like the Queens Chapel Civic Association?  Is it forming a neighborhood non-profit organization, similar to the ones used for some parks?  Is it seeking a way to hire part-time professional help?  Is it pushing the city and the council to do more?  Likely, the solution has multiple answers!  Let's find out together!