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The other day, while walking through Cambridge, I was appalled by the amount of litter that had accumulated along the side of the road. A discarded Pepsi bottle, an empty Lay’s bag, and a plastic Barbie Doll box were just some of the items I saw on my way to Trader Joe’s.
My first instinct, of course, was to pick up the trash and toss it into the nearest bin. I’ve always admired the people who spend their free time collecting litter from our streets; in my eyes, they are quiet heroes who deserve far more recognition than they receive.
The sad truth is that climate change has worsened in recent years, and littering only accelerates the problem. The World Bank projects that global waste generation will increase by 73% by 2050. Meanwhile, 40% of the world’s litter is burned, according to Green Paper Products, releasing toxic emissions and greenhouse gases that harm both wildlife and the environment.
It’s a toxic cycle: littering worsens climate change, and climate change slows the natural decomposition of waste, further deepening the crisis.
But the good news is that individuals can make a difference. I’ve compiled a few ways you can help reduce litter and protect the planet, because after all, we don’t get a second Earth.
- Stop Using Single-Use Plastics
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Choose reusable water bottles, bags, and containers whenever possible. Small daily decisions create long-term change. It’s as simple as replacing a single-use Starbucks plastic cup with your very own metal cup, the perfect excuse to buy a Stanley Cup!
- Support Keep Massachusetts Beautiful
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Keep Massachusetts Beautiful is a nonprofit built on a simple idea: our communities thrive when we take care of them. I was first introduced to them recently, and knew that I had to spread their mission! They bring volunteers, local businesses, and town leaders together to clean up neighborhoods, reduce waste, and make public spaces greener.
Getting involved is easy; anyone can join a local cleanup, volunteer with a town chapter, or even start one if their community doesn’t have one yet. They also offer workshops and resources to help people live more sustainably in their daily lives. It’s a great way to make a real impact close to home.
- Rethink Fast Fashion
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If you’re anything like me, a college girl trying to save her money, fast fashion seems like the simple way out. Cute clothes for a small price tag. However, the fast-fashion industry generates enormous waste and pollution. Personally, I’ve been trying to buy more secondhand items or ask for a high-quality item for Christmas that I know will last me for years to come.
Of course, there are countless additional ways to take action: participating in local clean-ups, advocating for better waste management policies, composting, or simply encouraging friends and family to be more mindful. Every small step matters.
If each of us commits to even one change, we can collectively make a significant difference; one street, one community, one planet at a time.
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