Cleaner

Shoveling snow began for me in the 1980s, when I visited my father and his wife Karin in Aalestrup on weekends. Some winters brought heavy snowfall, and since the house, in which we lived, was located on a corner, the sidewalk around it was quite long. I remember feeling motivated to clear the snow not just for our own convenience but also with the intention of serving other people. I wanted to make it easier and safer for people walking by. There was also something deeply satisfying about seeing the sidewalks clean and clear against the bright white snow. It gave a sense of order and simple beauty. Now, living in Zürich, I notice that my mindset remains much the same. When it snows, I still enjoy shoveling snow, partly because it feels like a small act of service, helping others walk safely through the neighborhood. Beyond that, I also take pleasure in keeping sidewalks tidy at other times, for example by picking up litter such as paper, plastic, cans, as well as empty bottles, and recycling them. It’s my way of caring for both the environment and the aesthetic appeal of shared spaces. This same motivation inspired me to take part in Switzerland’s Clean-Up Day, which aligns quite well with my values of cleanliness, beauty, and community care.