For months, I’d walk through my neighborhood, noticing the litter that collected along the sidewalks and in front of people’s homes. Candy wrappers, plastic bottles and cans, the occasional stray grocery bag—it was always there, and I always found myself wondering, Why doesn’t someone clean this up?
This weekend, I decided that someone could be me. And not just me—my niece, nephew, sister and husband joined in, turning what could have been a chore into something surprisingly fun and meaningful.
Armed with gloves, trash bags, and a sense of purpose, we spent a couple of hours picking up litter. It was simple, but the impact felt big. The streets looked better, of course, but more than that, it was a lesson in action. My niece and nephew got to see firsthand how small efforts add up, how being a good neighbor isn’t just about waving hello but about taking care of the place we all share.
Beyond cleaning up the trash, we were also helping to create a new social norm for our community. When people see others taking pride in a clean neighborhood, it sets an example. It makes it more likely that others will step up too—or at the very least, think twice before littering in the first place. Change starts small, but when enough people see it happening, it becomes the new normal.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by problems bigger than us—climate change, pollution, all the chaos in the world. But this was one thing we could control. And in doing it, we felt just a little more hopeful, a little more empowered.
As we worked, a few neighbors stopped to say thank you. One even mentioned they might bring their own kids out to help next time. That’s the thing about small acts of change—they ripple outward. Maybe next time, there’ll be even more of us.
So if you’ve ever walked past a mess and thought, Someone should do something about that—maybe that someone is you. You might be surprised by how good it feels.
About the Author:
Brandon Zelasko (he/him), a Principal at SE2, is a dynamic force passionate about innovation, education, and community engagement. Beyond his professional role, Brandon embraces diverse interests, from painting to exploring the outdoors with his husband and rescue dog, Burger. Dubbed “Brandopedia” for his insatiable curiosity and wealth of knowledge, Brandon champions education equity, advocating for alternative pathways beyond traditional college routes. At SE2, Brandon’s commitment to innovation and growth drives him to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives through creative problem-solving and community involvement.
