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.