Easy Productive Activity for Fun, Exercise, and Environmental Improvement

Recently I decided to take advantage of the good weather by going for a walk on the paths around my neighborhood. It was nice to get out and just enjoy the outdoors and relax while getting a little exercise at the same time. One thing I noticed however was the amount of garbage laying around on the ground as well as trash caught in trees and bushes. I have mentioned how much I don't like when people litter in a previous blog post here, so I got the idea to do something about it.

The next day, I brought a plastic shopping bag with me and this time, instead of just walking, I decided to pick up any garbage that I happened to see. You would be surprised how much you find when you are actually looking for it. I walked for probably less than a mile and by the time I was done, I had a whole bag full of garbage that I had collected!

It feels good knowing you are cleaning up the environment and making your community a little bit nicer for everyone. The next day I did the same thing and took a different path. I collected just as much garbage the 2nd time around. It is actually fun and you get a little sense of accomplishment when you are done and see how much you have collected. For a tip, make sure to wear gloves as well as protective shoes and clothing to keep yourself clean and safe. If you really get into it, you can invest in one of those extended mechanical grabbers to help pick up items from the ground.

I plan to make this a regular activity whenever the weather is good. I highly recommend this if you like walking and you care about making improvements to your neighborhood or any outdoor place for that matter. It even helps with observational skills. I noticed that after I did this activity, I was a lot more aware of details around me, so that is another benefit!

Update: I found one of those garbage pickers available at the dollar store for only $1! I got it and tried it out and it works perfectly! It makes it so much easier and even more fun! I recommend getting one of these to help out with this activity.

Update: Another benefit if this activity is sometimes you find things of value. Since starting this hobby, I have found cash on several occasions. $1's $5's and even a $20 on one occasion! I have even found a gift cards with remaining values. You never know what you will find out there!

Update: If you are interested, check out this more in depth article on my personal experience cleaning up the environment.

Also check out the DeTrashed group on Reddit which helps promote the fight against litter.