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This Guy Posts Trash He Picks Up And It’s The Only Instagram Worth Following

It’s easy to turn on your computer (or mobile device) and scroll through endless good stories, photos of cute kitties and funny videos, but we shouldn’t forget that there are plenty of problems in the world that have to be addressed. Pollution, especially plastic, is one of the biggest issues of our age and despite so many people fighting the good fight, you still see people tossing their candy wrappers or coke bottles out in the open. And while this fight against littering might seem like a failing cause, one Instagram account shows that it’s all in our hands (literally).

“Peterpicksuptrash” is an Instagram page where Peter posts photos of trash he picks up. Every photo includes a short message, detailing how easy it was for him to pick up the trash. “Walked a very short distance to eat lunch. Picked up this trash on the sidewalk and then I threw it away. This was very easy to do,” one of the photo descriptions read.

Bored Panda has reached out to Peter and he responded by saying that he "caught" this habit of picking up trash around 2 years ago. "I would walk to lunch most days, and I always walked past trash, literally within inches of my feet," he recalled, "I would pass other people walking past the same trash, and they would walk right past it [...,] so one day I just decided to pick it up, one handful at a time".

More info: Instagram

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Peterpicksuptrash

"This stuff was all directly in front of me as I walked to lunch. It took very little effort to pick it up and throw it away. So I did. This was very easy to do."

peterpicksuptrash Report

Final score:

38points

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Letitia Hedding 5 years ago

well it is doing more then just looking at the rubbish, every bit counts

8points

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Peterpicksuptrash

"This trash was on the ground. So, I picked up this trash and threw it away. This was very easy to do."

peterpicksuptrash Report

Final score:

27points

POST

Fotofonica Media 5 years ago

The bad thing is not that. the worst thing here is that in every picture theres a starbucks item!!! They are creating more garbage than anyone else damn it!!!

3points

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His page also has a short “bio” where Peter expressed his message. It reads: “I am going to demonstrate how easy it is to pick up trash, instead of walking past it. You can do it too. Maybe we save the world.”

Peterpicksuptrash

"Weird stuff on the sidewalk today: a pretty new snorkel, a seemingly nice reusable fork, a whole (moldy) meal; and of course various plastic wrappers/containers. Still, I picked them up and threw them away. This was very easy to do."

peterpicksuptrash Report

Final score:

26points

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Crochet lady 5 years ago

He must live near a Starbucks. And it's not Starbucks fault that people can't be bothered to recycle.

9points

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Peterpicksuptrash

Final score:

26points

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Letitia Hedding 5 years ago

this makes me really happy to see people like this, I am following this dude now

6points

"It’s one of the easiest, brainless, physically-demanding-less, things a single person can do to help the environment," he explained. "And if a thousand people start doing it, a hundred thousand, a million, a hundred million... we could make a really big change really quickly by doing the simplest of tasks," Peter expressed hope about spreading this zero waste "habit".

Peterpicksuptrash

"Picking this trash up and throwing it away took less than 15 seconds out of my day. This was very easy to do."

peterpicksuptrash Report

Final score:

25points

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Nikki D 5 years ago

I would have to have heavy duty gloves! Maybe one of those trash poker sticks.

14points

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Peterpicksuptrash

"This stuff was on the sidewalk, right in front of me. Instead of walking past it, I picked it up and threw it away. This was very easy to do."

peterpicksuptrash Report

Final score:

23points

POST

Fotofonica Media 5 years ago

Almost every garbage item is a starbucks cup.....

3points

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When asked if his family and friends are aware of this eco-friendly habit, Peter confirmed that they are and they think that it's both, a simple as well as awesome idea. "It’s quite easy to do and just about everyone can contribute on their own time, in their own way," he reiterates how simple it is and how easily people can contribute, as it doesn't require "scheduling or planning; physical exertion or mental anguish; a degree, a job, whatever", it just needs someone to pick up trash when they see it. "If we save one animal from swallowing something it shouldn’t (that we humans made/discarded) and prevent it’s unnecessary death, or help one part of the ecosystem stay healthy, then it is entirely worth it," Peter concludes.

Peterpicksuptrash

"Instead of walking past this trash on the ground, I picked it up and threw it away. This was very easy to do."

peterpicksuptrash Report

Final score:

18points

POST

CookieNeerrrrd 5 years ago

At least this has no starbucks...?

0points

Peterpicksuptrash

"Walked a very short distance to eat lunch. Picked up this trash on the sidewalk and then I threw it away. This was very easy to do."

peterpicksuptrash Report

Final score:

17points

POST

Pretty Pangolin 5 years ago

I could see that pink ring being hazardous if an animal got it around their neck.

5points

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According to Our World In Data article published in 2018, by 2015 “the world had produced 7.8 billion tonnes of plastic”, which is more than one tonne of plastic for every person currently alive. The big problem with plastics, compared to other materials, is that it takes a long time (some plastic items can take up to 1000 years) to degrade. And according to data, by 2015 around 55% of global plastic waste was discarded, while 25% was incinerated, and only 20% sent to recycling facilities.

Peterpicksuptrash

"Lot of stuff on the sidewalk. Instead of walking past it, I picked it up and threw it away. This was very easy to do."

peterpicksuptrash Report

Final score:

16points

POST

Letitia Hedding 5 years ago

if we all could do this the world would be so much cleaner and better

3points

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#10

Peterpicksuptrash

"Instead of walking past this stuff, and picked it up and threw it away. This was very easy to do."

peterpicksuptrash Report

Final score:

15points

POST

DotC 5 years ago

After all this, how about people JUST NOT LITTER! Yes, a small percentage gets blown out of unemptied public trash cans but in my hood, it is entirely people who got it into their heads that someone else will pick it up. My fantasy to have trash magically end up in in litterers beds.

1point

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#11

Peterpicksuptrash

"As I was leaving work I picked up a piece of trash and heard your voice in my head saying “that was very easy to do”"

peterpicksuptrash Report

Final score:

14points

POST

Klaudiia Sherbatzky 5 years ago

Let me guess......this was very easy to do? XD

3points

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#12

Peterpicksuptrash

".3 mile walk to lunch spot. .3 mile walk back. Picked up this trash and threw it away. This was very easy to do."

peterpicksuptrash Report

Final score:

14points

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RavenPuffPanda 5 years ago

Dude, we get it. This was very easy to do.

0points

#13

Peterpicksuptrash

"Not much today (which is a good thing). This was very easy to do."

peterpicksuptrash Report

Final score:

12points

POST

Pretty Pangolin 5 years ago

LOL I am waiting for the day he posts "This was really difficult."

8points

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#14

Peterpicksuptrash

"Walked a very short distance. Bent down. Picked up. Threw away. This was very easy to do."

peterpicksuptrash Report

Final score:

12points

POST

Fotofonica Media 5 years ago

Starbucks item again...

-1point

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#15

Peterpicksuptrash

"Found this stuff on the ground during my lunch walk. So I picked it up and threw it away."

peterpicksuptrash Report

Final score:

12points

POST

Bookey 5 years ago

"This was very easy to do"

10points

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#16

Peterpicksuptrash

Final score:

12points

POST

Phoenix Smith 5 years ago

was THIS easy to do?

0points

#17

Peterpicksuptrash

Final score:

11points

POST

Letitia Hedding 5 years ago

this dude inspires me to pick up more rubbish

9points

#18

Peterpicksuptrash

Final score:

11points

POST

Christina Cherry 5 years ago

Is this some sexy underware or a plastic bag :/

-1point

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#19

Peterpicksuptrash

Final score:

11points

POST

#20

Peterpicksuptrash

Final score:

11points

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CharliAnn Olney 5 years ago

Water bottle ... Labeled "EARTH" ... Crushed and left as litter! OH! The IRONY!!!

1point

#21

Peterpicksuptrash

Final score:

10points

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Aneese 5 years ago

All that plastic ... most not bio-friendly ... this trash today will still be around in many, many more generations.

0points

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#22

Peterpicksuptrash

Final score:

10points

POST

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As a writer and image editor for Bored Panda, Giedrė crafts posts on many different topics to push them to their potential. She's also glad that her Bachelor’s degree in English Philology didn’t go to waste (although collecting dust in the attic could also be considered an achievement of aesthetic value!) Giedrė is an avid fan of cats, photography, and mysteries, and a keen observer of the Internet culture which is what she is most excited to write about. Since she's embarked on her journalistic endeavor, Giedrė has over 600 articles under her belt and hopes for twice as much (fingers crossed - half of them are about cats).

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What do you think ?

POST

Monika Soffronow 5 years ago

Please put pressure on your favourite fast food places to swap from plastic to paper! Better still, try to sell them on the idea to give a small discount to everyone bringing their own container. It is better to reduce the amount of plastic at the source!

25points

Wil Vanderheijden 5 years ago

It's strange that people are downvoting comments that are on topic and supporting Monika's idea. How the fvck can you be offended by these comments?

9points

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Sabienn 5 years ago

In Holland you can get a discount on your coffee in certain places if you bring your own cup :)

1point

Vicky Zar 5 years ago

McDonalds in Germany wants to swap their plastic icecream containers to paper...

1point

Daria B 5 years ago (edited)

Starbucks in Korea does that discount thing.

0points

PyroarRanger 5 years ago

That's a great idea!

0points

PJ 5 years ago

i hope he washes his hands after. *idea for new ig account* : PeterWashesHisHands

10points

knittin' kitten 5 years ago

It's an easy thing to do

3points

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Kryogen 5 years ago

Well, it would be smarter to wear gloves to do it : to prevent wounds.

0points

Kevin Brooks 5 years ago

He does

0points

Terry T. 5 years ago

My thought as well.

0points

Rissie 5 years ago

And you know what's even easier, people taking care of their own. And I say this as a regular picker upper of other people's trash.

8points

les 5 years ago

Primary school kids near me have started a pick up 3 pieces scheme at local beaches. They designed posters, went out and put them up and it seems to be working. I've seen kids run down on the beach to see who gets their 3 pieces first, while the "adults" just roll their eyes

3points

Craymoss 5 years ago

This kine c**p is why I bring trash bag with me when I go out hiking. Not because I make trash, but because people’s c**p is everywhere. You should see Diamond Head on Oahu. Covered in tourist filth always...... You go middle of jungle, top of mountain, trash. Bottom of ocean, trash. ITS EVERYWHERE!!!!...

2points

Craymoss 5 years ago (edited)

Lets not even mention famous Waikiki Beach. *Cough* catch a disease from the ocean. Thanks tourists!. *cough

0points

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devi L. 5 years ago

This is awesome. He should be wearing disposable gloves tho and wash his hands thoroughly

2points

Shanna Brown 5 years ago

During our walks my husband and I ALWAYS see litter throughout the neighborhood. I discovered a group called 4Ocean.com. They work to remove trash from our oceans. They sale mesh bag and glove sets just for picking up trash. I bought 2 bag/glove sets to now use during our walks. 4Ocean also offers pretty bracelets made of recycled clear glass and colorful string/cord with a stainless steel 4Ocean charm. I'm so happy I came across them. Please check out 4Ocean.com.

2points

Shanna Brown 5 years ago

I can't believe I forgot to mention the most amazing customer service experience as well. The bags arrived but no bracelets. I sent an email asking about the bracelets and received a reply apologizing and was told the bracelets are in the mail. That's it. I couldn't believe no questions asked and no hassle. As you can tell I'm now a huge fan of 4Ocean.

1point

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Sharon Ingram 5 years ago

Every time I take the dogs for a walk I carry at least one large bag to have something in which to put all the trash I find.

1point

Glynis Lailann 5 years ago

I thought I was the only mad person to does this. I pick up recyclable plastics that I see notice in the vicinity where I work. During my lunchtimes I go & pick it up to put in my recycling bags which I take to a collection point not far from where I live.

1point

Bob Beltcher 5 years ago

Please put gloves on. You don't know whose mouth that stuff has been I and what illness they may or may not have. Drunks regularly use cups to pee in and spoons can be used for coke, not the drinkable kind.

1point

Eirik Johnsbråten 5 years ago

Don't leave your trash. That is very easy to do.

1point

Kanga9ine 5 years ago

Mom don't work here. Pick up your s**t.

1point

Jewels Vern 5 years ago

Wait, what? You are whining because some people try to post positive thoughts? Is that correct?

1point

SaraFromHell 4 years ago

Yes. Very easy to do.

0points

Sari Fitzgerald 5 years ago

Much of that stuff should be being recycled, not thrown out.

0points

Mandy Delaforce (PC Girl) 5 years ago

So much plastic.

0points

Lili Octopus 5 years ago

Was this difficult or easy to do?

0points

Lachlan Steininger 5 years ago

That was very easy to do

0points

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Magic567 5 years ago

please stop downvoting Monika she has a very good idea!

0points

Vanessa 5 years ago

faith in humanity restored <3

0points

Ula 5 years ago

There is an app on this called Litterati where you can do the same and contribute to global data

0points

William Bonner 5 years ago (edited)

Litterati is amazing. There was an example of how they tracked unused ketchup packets in a radius around a particular fast-food restaurant. It turns out that the restaurant was putting ketchup with every order, whether the customer needed it or not. When confronted, they changed their policy to give out ketchup only when asked. The litter was reduced and the restaurant saved money on ketchup. Win-win.

2points

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Rebecah Ozuna 5 years ago

The only thing that's bothering me is that this person 'needs' to take photos of his good deeds. It seems hypocritical, if you're going to do a good action... just do it out of your heart and not because you want the media to witness what a great job you're doing.

-1point

Theamazingfrobo 5 years ago

Okay I love what he is doing and I understand why is captions are phrased like that but for someone like me with a germaphobe it's really hard to pick up trash without having an anxiety attack, I would love to go out an clean up my neighborhood but I just can't out of fear and irrational thoughts.

-1point

Nikki D 5 years ago

I'm not the only one! I cringed so hard at his BARE hands!

-2points

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rj44 5 years ago

AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO COUNTED HOW MANY WERE STARBUCKS TRASH? (people and their trash)

-2points

Lana Raven 5 years ago

Apparently, starbucks customers are very dirty pleople

-2points

Bobby's Girl 5 years ago

I applaud his effort, and our whole neighborhood does this every week. See, these photos look like our neighborhood after they pick up the recycling bins -- which are shallow, open tubs. Between the wind and the raccoons...after the trucks go by, I can refill my bin half way just picking up the junk that has blown back into my yard, and more than half of that is not even my recycling! This goes for all my neighbors. Makes us all look like unwoke slobs, ya know?

-2points

William Bonner 5 years ago (edited)

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Selty 5 years ago

Real good deeds are done when no one is looking.......................these are virtue signaling for attention

-2points

Monika Soffronow 5 years ago

I do not see it like this. I rather think that he is hoping that other people will start to do the same. Nothing negative with that.

28points

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Char Char 5 years ago (edited)

I view it differently. He's not posing ridiculously and posting himself like a brainless 'influencer'. He's showing the trash, not himself. He's trying to encouraging others to give a c**p.

-1point

Brivid 5 years ago

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Care 5 years ago

Wow, Peter is so good.

-3points

Martata 5 years ago

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Martata 5 years ago

Lol those who downvote go ahead and follow the influencer and pick it all up the same way. We leave in an Era that if a influencer jumps of a bridge they'll all "follow" him.

-1point

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brukernavn340 5 years ago

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bee pot 5 years ago

an easy solution is to carry a designated pair of gloves to pick up trash!

-2points

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Kris 5 years ago

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OdangaUsagi 5 years ago

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Dori Apati 5 years ago

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Dori Apati 5 years ago

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Tim Fischer 5 years ago

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William Bonner 5 years ago (edited)

The problem with litter exists because there are people who believe that it's "someone else's job" to clean up after them. Organized cities clean up because there are people who believe that it's "someone else's job" to clean up after them.

7points

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Ctrl Alt Mel 5 years ago

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Rissie 5 years ago

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iblowsheep 5 years ago

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PamelaHorn 5 years ago (edited)

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Lachlan Steininger 5 years ago

F**k off

2points

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POST

Monika Soffronow 5 years ago

25points

Wil Vanderheijden 5 years ago

It's strange that people are downvoting comments that are on topic and supporting Monika's idea. How the fvck can you be offended by these comments?

9points

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Sabienn 5 years ago

In Holland you can get a discount on your coffee in certain places if you bring your own cup :)

1point

Vicky Zar 5 years ago

McDonalds in Germany wants to swap their plastic icecream containers to paper...

1point

Daria B 5 years ago (edited)

Starbucks in Korea does that discount thing.

0points

PyroarRanger 5 years ago

That's a great idea!

0points

PJ 5 years ago

i hope he washes his hands after. *idea for new ig account* : PeterWashesHisHands

10points

knittin' kitten 5 years ago

It's an easy thing to do

3points

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Kryogen 5 years ago

Well, it would be smarter to wear gloves to do it : to prevent wounds.

0points

Kevin Brooks 5 years ago

He does

0points

Terry T. 5 years ago

My thought as well.

0points

Rissie 5 years ago

And you know what's even easier, people taking care of their own. And I say this as a regular picker upper of other people's trash.

8points

les 5 years ago

3points

Craymoss 5 years ago

2points

Craymoss 5 years ago (edited)

Lets not even mention famous Waikiki Beach. *Cough* catch a disease from the ocean. Thanks tourists!. *cough

0points

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devi L. 5 years ago

This is awesome. He should be wearing disposable gloves tho and wash his hands thoroughly

2points

Shanna Brown 5 years ago

2points

Shanna Brown 5 years ago

1point

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Sharon Ingram 5 years ago

Every time I take the dogs for a walk I carry at least one large bag to have something in which to put all the trash I find.

1point

Glynis Lailann 5 years ago

1point

Bob Beltcher 5 years ago

1point

Eirik Johnsbråten 5 years ago

Don't leave your trash. That is very easy to do.

1point

Kanga9ine 5 years ago

Mom don't work here. Pick up your s**t.

1point

Jewels Vern 5 years ago

Wait, what? You are whining because some people try to post positive thoughts? Is that correct?

1point

SaraFromHell 4 years ago

Yes. Very easy to do.

0points

Sari Fitzgerald 5 years ago

Much of that stuff should be being recycled, not thrown out.

0points

Mandy Delaforce (PC Girl) 5 years ago

So much plastic.

0points

Lili Octopus 5 years ago

Was this difficult or easy to do?

0points

Lachlan Steininger 5 years ago

That was very easy to do

0points

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Magic567 5 years ago

please stop downvoting Monika she has a very good idea!

0points

Vanessa 5 years ago

faith in humanity restored <3

0points

Ula 5 years ago

There is an app on this called Litterati where you can do the same and contribute to global data

0points

William Bonner 5 years ago (edited)

2points

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Rebecah Ozuna 5 years ago

-1point

Theamazingfrobo 5 years ago

-1point

Nikki D 5 years ago

I'm not the only one! I cringed so hard at his BARE hands!

-2points

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rj44 5 years ago

AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO COUNTED HOW MANY WERE STARBUCKS TRASH? (people and their trash)

-2points

Lana Raven 5 years ago

Apparently, starbucks customers are very dirty pleople

-2points

Bobby's Girl 5 years ago

-2points

William Bonner 5 years ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

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Selty 5 years ago

Real good deeds are done when no one is looking.......................these are virtue signaling for attention

-2points

Monika Soffronow 5 years ago

I do not see it like this. I rather think that he is hoping that other people will start to do the same. Nothing negative with that.

28points

Load More Replies...

Char Char 5 years ago (edited)

I view it differently. He's not posing ridiculously and posting himself like a brainless 'influencer'. He's showing the trash, not himself. He's trying to encouraging others to give a c**p.

-1point

Brivid 5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Care 5 years ago

Wow, Peter is so good.

-3points

Martata 5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Martata 5 years ago

Lol those who downvote go ahead and follow the influencer and pick it all up the same way. We leave in an Era that if a influencer jumps of a bridge they'll all "follow" him.

-1point

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