Trash Pickup

Zachary Mountjoy, c/o 2019

During a walk with my ecology class, I found that near Mathis Park there were a lot of bottles littering the ground. I decided the best way to improve Hopewell with my $10 was to host a trash pickup event because it was easier for me than anything my classmates were doing and it could have a large impact in a small amount of time. 

I spent most of my $10 on hot chocolate to provide the volunteers at my event. I asked Ms. Marsh, our head custodian, for equipment like gloves, trash bags, buckets and trash grabbers. She was able to provide all of those for free. I also received a donation of 50 chips and two bags of marshmallows from Mrs. Poe for my event. I put up fliers for the trash pickup. Nine student volunteers and one teacher arrived to help. I sent four groups to the school track field, Mathis Park, Patrick Copeland Elementary and Crystal Lake. In an hour, we picked up about 10 big bags of trash. I donated the leftover snacks to Jacen’s project for the James House. 

A key to helping your community is picking a way that works for you. My event was simply gathering people and picking up trash; that seemed great for me because I felt anxious about calling people and making complicated arrangements. It just was not what I really wanted to do, so picking up trash with a small group was better for me. A few people I didn’t know showed up and I got to meet them. I’d encourage people to work the way they feel comfortable. 

Hosting a community service event and doing some work yourself can allow you to make a big impact with a small amount of time and money. Crystal Lake, Mathis Park, Patrick Copeland and the school track used by the public were cleaned and my event helped the environment. I got to talk to people I never met before and we all got perspective on why it’s important not to litter.

As I reflect on this event, some people litter without care. If more people would hold onto their trash until they find a garbage can and a few people would step up and encourage people to stop littering, our whole community would benefit. You can help your community, even if you’re not very social.