Frequently Asked Questions

  • I’ve taken an idea and turned it into action. Creating obLITTERate is about educating others about the effects of litter as well as increasing public awareness about littering behavior. Through print materials and digital platforms, I promote a litter-free society. Along the way, I write about the value, history, and/or other aspects of various places where I engage in picking up litter. I put action into my words and do the hard work, I pick up litter.

  • I don’t collect items I can’t carry in a trash bag. No tires, mattresses, or super heavy items.

  • I don’t obLITTERate on highways, interstates, or heavily trafficked areas - although I do wear a safety vest to protect myself from any potential hunters (if in wooded areas where hunting is permissible), or from any vehicles that may pass. I have not cleaned waterways, but I have cleaned along ocean, river, and lake shorelines.

  • No. obLITTERate is NOT set up as a non-profit 501 (C). I’ve chosen not to take a corporate approach that requires board members, bylaws, and other requirements. During my graduate program in communication studies, I had an internship with a marketing agency whose clients were some of the largest non-profits in the world with massive budgets… and massive salaries. Curious? Check out this info here and here. I am proud of the powerful yet simple and direct work I aim to do with obLITTERate and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. My pledge is in my action: time, effort, and attention.

  • Yes. And I will transparently post on my blog/site what money has been donated to support obLITTERate.

  • I campaign seasonal pledge drives and accept donations throughout the year. My community of supporters is small and I do not expect to raise an exorbitant annual amount. But if I do, I’ll put money in savings to help me in seasons when donations aren’t enough. I’ve read that having a year’s salary in savings is wise. Based on research, $50-60K is a moderate annual income and that would be enough for me. If you’re curious, like I am, about average income levels in the United States, check out this info here and here. If I raised millions of dollars (highly unlikely), I would donate that excess to charitable organizations vested in the health of our environment - conservation and animal life.

  • Not everything is economical. Serving, conserving, and protecting the planet we all rely on is an example of something that is non-economical yet still very valuable. Truth is, I’m gonna do it anyway… I’ll just have to divide my time cleaning people’s houses and people’s litter so I can support myself.