Hey friends,
Today’s post is about a small yet impactful habit I’ve adopted during my mountain hikes – carrying a CleanUpBag. This change has not only enhanced my hiking experience but also brought a sense of purpose and positivity to my outdoor adventures.
The picture shows my CleanUpBag, filled with the garbage I found and picked up during a recent hike. I first got the bag from a promotion by Lowa, and since then, it has been a constant companion on all my hikes.
When I recently posted a photo of my CleanUpBag on social media, the reactions were mixed. Some people thanked me, while others expressed anger at those who littered in the first place. I understand the frustration – I used to feel it too. Seeing garbage on the trails can be disheartening and infuriating. But over time, I’ve realized that rage doesn’t change anything. It doesn’t remove the garbage, and it certainly doesn’t improve my mountain experience.
A different Approach
Instead of letting the sight of litter ruin my hike, I’ve adopted a different approach: I accept the situation as it is – garbage on the trail – and then I pick it up. By doing this, I continue to enjoy my hike and leave the trail a little cleaner than I found it. It’s a small act, but it makes a big difference in my mood and in the environment.
Sometimes, my wife and I even turn it into a friendly competition, seeing who can find and pick up the first litter. This playful element adds a bit of fun to the task and keeps our spirits high.
I believe it’s important to remember that not all litter is left intentionally. We’ve all probably lost a wrapper or a part of our equipment without realizing it. Understanding this helps reduce the anger and makes the act of cleaning up feel more like a positive contribution rather than a chore.
Here in the Alps, the trails are generally clean. Litter is either accidental or left by a very small minority of careless individuals. If each of us – the majority who care – picks up just a little bit, we can keep our mountains pristine. It’s a collective effort that leads to a cleaner, more beautiful environment for everyone.
Applying the Clean-Up Mindset to Everyday Life
This practice of carrying a CleanUpBag and picking up litter can extend beyond hiking trails and into our everyday lives. It’s about adopting a mindset of proactive positivity. Instead of feeling helpless or angry about situations beyond our control, we can take small, constructive actions to make a difference. Whether it’s tidying up a public space, helping a neighbor, or simply being kind, these small acts accumulate and create a ripple effect of goodness.
By focusing on what we can do rather than what we can’t change, we transform frustration into empowerment. This mindset not only improves our environment but also enriches our lives, fostering a sense of accomplishment and well-being.
Let’s embrace this simple yet powerful habit. Happy hiking, and let’s keep our trails clean and beautiful!
Disclaimer
While I encourage picking up litter, it’s important to prioritize safety. Avoid picking up items like tissues or anything that could pose a health risk. Use common sense and protective gloves if needed. Our goal is to make a positive impact without compromising our well-being.
I like the “Love it, Change it, or Leave it” philosophy. I encounter the “rage” quite a bit on another social media platform for my local community. They usually post trash that sometimes ends up in the street as a result of dumping of cans from our waste hauler as a sign of outrage against the hauler. But I kindly suggest another option is to just pick it up also instead of making videos and posts. 🙂 As Vice-Chair of our local sustainability commission, we are always looking for ways to “Change it” – but it is not always easy to “Leave it” when the changing it seems like pushing a wet noodle. 🙂 After a while though, finding things for “love it” helps erase the frustration.
@blog I do this every time I walk
Yeah man! That’s the spirit! Thank you for helping to keep the environment clean!