Picking up litter is one of the easiest ways to improve the environment around you. Litter not only takes away from the beauty of our public spaces, but also pollutes our water and soil. Plastic waste in particular can take years to break down. This leads to microplastics in the environment and the leaching of toxic chemicals. Waste can additionally collect in and clog storm drains, leading to problems with local infrastructure. By picking up litter, individuals can contribute to a cleaner community with fewer pollutants.
There are many technology-based solutions to enhance the impact of clean-ups, like the app Litterati. With this app, you can snap a picture of trash you pick up to measure your impact. This is a fun tool that can be used for friendly competitions. It also has the capability for community members to contribute to global waste databases that can be used for pollution tracking. Getting started is easy and impactful – simply download the app and snap pictures as you pick up waste in the community.
To learn how others like Bryan at the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) are using Litterati, check out the link below:
