Every Litter Bit Hurts

By Cathie Bullis – Davis Picks It Up (DPIU) co-founder and 31-year Davis resident

In 2022 toward the end of the Pandemic when we were able to get out and about, I noticed an abundance of litter and trash lying in my neighborhood streets, bushes, and bike paths.  I was surprised but learned quickly that this litter problem is, and continues to be, a worldwide and statewide issue.  It is not just one person, just one group, or just the unsheltered population that litters – this was everywhere, caused by many different people.  That very day I felt compelled to get a bag and a litter picker to start filling a bag while on my neighborhood walk.  I felt fantastic after filling a couple of small bags of litter and noticing how clean the street looked.  I had to laugh though because I never envisioned myself walking the streets of Davis picking up trash in my retirement years.  That first year, I was affectionately known as the garbage or trash lady (which had to go), so a few early volunteers changed the title to Trash Titans, and that I liked much better.   Now we are the Davis Picks It Up Trash Titans.   It has a nice ring to it.

 

History  

Davis Picks It Up (DPIU) started in March of 2022 with a few inspirational volunteers joining me on a weekend morning.  We are a sister group to Sacramento Picks It Up by name, but work within the Davis city limits, occasionally with Yolo County.  This project started with 1 volunteer, then 6, then 40, then 100 and now over 630 volunteers and growing by helping to pick up litter in our city.  Group events have from 6-25 volunteers participating.

DPIU usually has two group events per month, and we try to fit in a couple of “trash dash’s” (3-6 people) to do a quick litter pick up in a smaller area, such as a parking lot or a bike path.

Why are we picking up everyone’s litter?

As we started to do group pickups, we realized Davis was inundated with toxic items such as plastics, napkins, cigarette butts, face masks, straws, bottle caps, cups, lids, plates, food containers, styrofoam, bottles, cans, tires, furniture, bike parts, car parts, wrappers, and more. All of this was flowing into our waterways, especially after the rainy and windy days.  It runs down the driveways, streets, gutters, to the creeks, rivers, lakes, and finally the oceans.  This litter and trash problem will just get worse if we and others don’t do something about it.  So, it seems the right thing to do in helping keep our cities cleaner and safer, because no one entity can do it alone.   It’s our city too!  If we spent just one hour today picking up trash, we would potentially remove thousands of pieces of litter beautifying the area while also protecting wildlife, plant life, waterways, soil, and ecosystems from toxic and dangerous chemicals and materials they shouldn’t be introduced to. Picking up litter is crucial because it also preserves natural beauty, and promotes a healthier environment for everyone, while it also reduces the spread of diseases and improves community well-being.

This work has become rewarding and meaningful.  One of the best aspects of this group is that we laugh a lot, get outside for some exercise and fresh air, meet new people, see instant results, get a feeling of accomplishment, and foster and enjoy new meaningful friendships with others who see what the big deal is.   We have developed a strong network of women, men, students, and young children who help and support each other, all while working toward environmental improvement.  We share photos of our accomplishments which really helps to inspire and motivate us and others.  This helps us to stay focused and not discouraged when we clean the same locations repeatedly.  It’s just the nature of the beast.   We have a remarkable team of volunteers.

Statistics – 2022 to 2024

  • 115+ events
  • 944+ Participants
  • 747+ bags filled with litter & trash
  • 20,000+ illegal dumping managed (tires, furniture, car parts, mattresses, toxic waste)
  • 22+ Tons of litter and trash removed from our city.

“Make Davis Sparkle”

A Davis special group event in downtown 4 times per year.  The Davis Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Davis, Downtown Davis, Davis Picks It Up, and others invite the community to come out to help make Davis sparkle.   Sign up is at https://www.davischamber.com/make-davis-sparkle.html   dates are listed below under upcoming events.

Check out the previous article covering Davis Picks it Up here. 

Collaborations & Partnerships: 

Cool Davis

Chamber of Commerce

City of Davis – Parks & Recreation & others

City Volunteer Coordinator

Recology

City of Davis Director of Social Services & Housing

Downtown Street Teams

Paul’s Place

UCD Seedlings

Davis Zombie Bike Festival

How to find more information:

There are several ways to get information about DPIU

Facebook is Davis Picks It Up – DPIU  https://www.facebook.com/groups/680390876328575

Email is davispicksitup@gmail.com

Non FB – email us to be added to DPIU private email list

Next-door – information about events

 

Upcoming Events:

April 5th – Arbor Day Celebration –  Robert Arneson Park, 9:00am-1:00pm — More info here!

April 13 – “Make Davis Sparkle” – Chamber of Commerce, City of Davis, Recology, Downtown Davis. After Picnic Day litter cleanup.  Sign Up here:   https://www.davischamber.com/make-davis-sparkle.html

July 11 – “Make Davis Sparkle” Location TBD

Oct 10 “Make Davis Sparkle” Location TBD

DPIU also hosts group events in January through December, dates & location available the previous month.

 

“Everyone can make a difference in their community.  It starts with all of us and when we pick up litter, we take an active step to clean, green, and beautify our lives. Let’s take the step together! Join the movement!”     2025 – Keep America Beautiful https://kab.org  Â