Blog post 3

Step Three Action Blog Post: (and ongoing) – reflection (Charles Best) 

1.) Where are you with your action? (e.g., what involvement have you had so far? Describe with examples) Well for the past five days I have taken my dog for a walk down by the Fraser River and collected garbage. This was quite an easy adjustment to my schedule because I already walked my dog down there. I like to bring a pair of plastic gloves and a garbage bag and while my dog is looking for new sticks, I do some river cleanup.

2.) What are some successes that you have had? Provide specific examples. One of the specific kinds of garbage I like to collect is plastic rings that hold cans together. I feel successful when I find these because of how many ads I have seen of various kinds of aquatic animals with rings wrapped around them. I also feel accomplished when I collect distinct kinds of plastics such as straws, bags, coffee lids, and bottles. One specific piece of garbage I was happy to rid the river of was a glass bottle that was still intact on Saturday. This was a great find because if it got into the river, it would break into more pieces that would be harmful to wildlife.  

3.) What are some challenges that you have faced? Have you been able to overcome them? If so, how? Provide specific examples. If not, can you problem-solve some ideas that might work for next time or if a similar situation arises? Again, provide specific examples. One of my personal challenges has been the heavy rain we have been receiving for the past few days. My way around this issue has been to bring an umbrella and rain boots with me. I did learn this the hard way through when on Thursday I was collecting garbage in a sweater without a hood, and it began to rain. The rain makes the task so much more difficult because of how muddy it gets.

4.) What are you doing next and why? Next time I am going to try to meet up with my group to do the cleanup as that was our original plan. I will also be doing this so that I can switch locations as a bit of a change of scenery. With that being said I do still plan to continue to pick up garbage while I walk my dog because I want to help make a difference.