Trash it!

How do cities, towns and regions combat street litter? I think we’ve all seen the standard ‘No littering’ or ‘No Dumping’ signs just about everywhere. Do those even work? Even once? My research this week focused on innovative anti-littering campaigns employed around the world.

One of my favourites was around for all of a minute:

https://www.businessinsider.com/this-is-torontos-brilliant-and-nasty-new-campaign-to-clean-up-the-city-2014-8

This campaign was witty, thought provoking and innovative. So of course it faced legal challenges by the very same companies whose trash litters our streets.

https://strategyonline.ca/2014/08/28/city-of-toronto-pulls-anti-littering-ads/

So how can we raise awareness? How can we get people to change their opinion?

Well it seems like some people are volunteering and raising awareness all together., using new media of course.

https://www.tiktok.com/@danieltoben/video/7008676784015248646?is_from_webapp=v1&refer=embed&referer_url=https%3A%2F%2Fplanethome.eco%2F&referer_video_id=6927470300032552198

And another:

https://www.tiktok.com/@danieltoben/video/6992958874483543302?is_from_webapp=v1&refer=embed&referer_url=https%3A%2F%2Fplanethome.eco%2F&referer_video_id=6927470300032552198

I find this very inspiring. This young man is using social media for good and making a difference in the world. I found many people on social media seeking some kind of revenge or trying to shame people into doing the right thing. Much like with the current 'vaccine hesitant' crowd, I am not convinced it will work. Education is key. Next week that's what I will research.

I didn’t have lots of time to pick up trash in my neighbourhood this week, but did get around today and picked up one full grocery bag. Lots of water bottles, cigarette butts and of course masks.