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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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#1
"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."
Letitia Hedding 5 years ago
well it is doing more then just looking at the rubbish, every bit counts
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#2
"This trash was on the ground. So, I picked up this trash and threw it away. This was very easy to do."
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!!!
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.”
#3
"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."
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.
#4
Letitia Hedding 5 years ago
this makes me really happy to see people like this, I am following this dude now
"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".
#5
"Picking this trash up and throwing it away took less than 15 seconds out of my day. This was very easy to do."
#6
"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."
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.
#7
"Instead of walking past this trash on the ground, I picked it up and threw it away. This was very easy to do."
#8
"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."
Pretty Pangolin 5 years ago
I could see that pink ring being hazardous if an animal got it around their neck.
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.
#9
"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."
Letitia Hedding 5 years ago
if we all could do this the world would be so much cleaner and better
#10
"Instead of walking past this stuff, and picked it up and threw it away. This was very easy to do."
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.
#11
"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”"
#12
".3 mile walk to lunch spot. .3 mile walk back. Picked up this trash and threw it away. This was very easy to do."
#13
"Not much today (which is a good thing). This was very easy to do."
Pretty Pangolin 5 years ago
LOL I am waiting for the day he posts "This was really difficult."
#14
"Walked a very short distance. Bent down. Picked up. Threw away. This was very easy to do."
#15
"Found this stuff on the ground during my lunch walk. So I picked it up and threw it away."
#20
CharliAnn Olney 5 years ago
Water bottle ... Labeled "EARTH" ... Crushed and left as litter! OH! The IRONY!!!
#28
Jack Lambrecht 5 years ago
I think this is great! But I am left wondering: was this very easy to do?
Crochet lady 5 years ago
No, THEY aren't, their customers are. It's not Starbucks fault that their customers are lazy pigs.
Load More Replies...
#30
Donna Baker 5 years ago
This is great what you do. But what I don't understand, is why everyone think it ok to just throw your trash wherever your standing sitting , Etc. what would be so hard about you bring it in you take it out. I was at Hampton Beach NH 4th of July. when fireworks where over they just left the beach scattered with trash for someone else to pick up. And this is what responsible people do, that are the first to scream about protecting the environment.
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What do you think ?
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!
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?
Load More Replies...
PJ 5 years ago
i hope he washes his hands after. *idea for new ig account* : PeterWashesHisHands
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!!!!...
Craymoss 5 years ago (edited)
Lets not even mention famous Waikiki Beach. *Cough* catch a disease from the ocean. Thanks tourists!. *cough
Load More Replies...
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.
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.
Load More Replies...
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.
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.
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.
Jewels Vern 5 years ago
Wait, what? You are whining because some people try to post positive thoughts? Is that correct?
Ula 5 years ago
There is an app on this called Litterati where you can do the same and contribute to global data
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.
Load More Replies...
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.
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.
Nikki D 5 years ago
I'm not the only one! I cringed so hard at his BARE hands!
Load More Replies...
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?
William Bonner 5 years ago (edited)
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Load More Replies... Selty 5 years ago
Real good deeds are done when no one is looking.......................these are virtue signaling for attention
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.
Load More Replies...
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.
Load More Replies...
bee pot 5 years ago
an easy solution is to carry a designated pair of gloves to pick up trash!
Load More Replies...
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.
Load More Replies...
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!
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?
Load More Replies... PJ 5 years ago
i hope he washes his hands after. *idea for new ig account* : PeterWashesHisHands
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!!!!...
Craymoss 5 years ago (edited)
Lets not even mention famous Waikiki Beach. *Cough* catch a disease from the ocean. Thanks tourists!. *cough
Load More Replies... 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.
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.
Load More Replies... 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.
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.
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.
Jewels Vern 5 years ago
Wait, what? You are whining because some people try to post positive thoughts? Is that correct?
Ula 5 years ago
There is an app on this called Litterati where you can do the same and contribute to global data
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.
Load More Replies... 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.
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.
Nikki D 5 years ago
I'm not the only one! I cringed so hard at his BARE hands!
Load More Replies... 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?
William Bonner 5 years ago (edited)
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Load More Replies... Selty 5 years ago
Real good deeds are done when no one is looking.......................these are virtue signaling for attention
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.
Load More Replies... 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.
Load More Replies... bee pot 5 years ago
an easy solution is to carry a designated pair of gloves to pick up trash!
Load More Replies... 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.
Load More Replies... 
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