I enjoy seeing people walking through our neighborhood. A few people walk early in the morning. More people walk later in the day and early evening. There are people of all ages enjoying the sidewalks and trails. Some are walking alone while others are walking with their children or friends. Many are walking their dog.

Many years ago one man caught my attention. His name was Ron and he faithfully walked every morning. There was one thing about him that was different. He always carried a plastic grocery bag and picked up trash as he walked through our neighborhood.

It is surprising to see how much trash accumulates in the bushes and street gutters in a residential neighborhood. Candy wrappers, cigarette butts, coffee cups, beer cans and fast-food packages collect near parked cars and on sidewalks. Sometimes you see an article of clothing like a sock or sweater too.

Ron took the time to pick up trash to help keep our neighborhood clean. He did not receive any special recognition and most people did not even notice what he did. But his faithful efforts did make our com-munity cleaner and better.

He also set an example for others to follow. I think I became more aware of the trash in my neighborhood because of Ron’s example. I must admit that I don’t carry a trash bag, but I am more inclined to stop and pick up a wrapper or empty soft drink cup on my morning walk.

What about you? What do you do when you see small items of trash in your neighborhood? Do you stop and pick them up or do you walk by and leave them for others to deal with?

What would happen if everyone picked up one piece of trash every day? It doesn’t seem all that difficult but it could make a big dent in the trash problem in your community. In addition, if everyone put their own empty coffee cup or sandwich wrapper in a trash container it could make a big difference in the beauty and cleanliness of their community.

Let me encourage you to start this week and pick up one piece of trash on a sidewalk or in a parking lot every day. Help make your community a cleaner and better place. You will be glad you did and Ron will too!  

You can read 365 more articles and stories by the author in his book Let Me Encourage You – it includes a story for every day of the year! The cost is only $20 plus $5 for postage. You can order your copy at markh@efreedb.org.