CleanScapes shows how little acts can make a big difference.

The following article was originally published on the CleanScapes blog.

With the onset spring, snow is beginning to melt away. This brings the annual unveiling of litter that has, perhaps unknowingly, been accumulating beneath the pretty white stuff all winter long.

My husband and I have decided to start walking in our small community, preparing for our goal to participate in at least one Pennsylvania Wilds trail race this year. (No it won’t be the Hyner Challenge!) We hope to enjoy this healthier lifestyle while making time to be outdoors even more.

ON OUR FIRST WALK A FEW WEEKS AGO, WE SET OUT THROUGHOUT OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. IT WAS A SHORT 1.5-MILE WALK. AROUND MIDWAY, I SAW A PLASTIC BAG BLOWING ACROSS THE ROADWAY. MY HEART SUNK.

Usually, when I’m driving, I’ll see this happen. In my typical rush to the next thing (like most of us!), it’s not very practical for me to stop the car, get out and run the bag down. But this was different. I thought back to a blog we posted last year about “plogging,” where folks who jog make the most of their outside experience and actually pick up litter along the way, ultimately beautifying their landscape as part of the journey. This was my chance.

Beyond doing good for my body and soul by getting some much-needed fresh air and Vitamin D on these early spring days, I was able to spruce up my community and make a difference for the wild creatures that also call it home.

Sure, it’s not an illegal dumpsite cleanup, but seeing the bag full when I got home reinforced the thought that each of us has a part to play in helping our environment.

I said to my husband, who may have been just a little embarrassed about my enthusiasm, “Just imagine if everyone did this when they walked what a difference we could all make.”

Next time, I promise to take my own bag.