by Foram Mehta
guest contributor

Every weekday morning when I walk my son down the street to his daycare, I take note of all the litter I have to sidestep. Certain blocks are worse than others, and often I’m taken aback that a lot of the litter is literally steps outside my house. But when you consider that there’s an estimated 2,000 pieces of litter per mile in America, according to the 2021 Keep America Beautiful National Litter Study, it illuminates a larger problem.

Why are certain blocks so much worse than others? The amount of foot traffic, nearby construction sites and the availability of trash receptacles are certainly factors at play, but it turns out research shows that a littered block can create a feedback loop in which people are more likely to litter in an area that’s already littered. Beyond being unsightly, litter is detrimental for wildlife and leeches toxins into our waterways. So, we’re hoping to nip the problem in the bud.

On March 22, 2025, we’re organizing a “Petworth Spring Clean” event to welcome the spring season that, for many of us, can invoke feelings of starting fresh—and I’m hoping you’ll get out there and join me.

Petworth Spring Clean — Help the Neighborhood Litter Problem through Grassroots Community Effort

The goal is to get outside in the neighborhood and start cleaning. Bring trash bags, gloves, trash pickers, a dustpan and broom, and lots of friends. I’ll be bringing my toddler, and I encourage other parents to do the same. Teaching children about the roles we play in the environment—both positive and negative—is foundational to their understanding of environmental stewardship and civic responsibilities. (While I don’t plan on letting my son help pick up trash, I intend on asking him to spot trash that I can pick up and make a game out of it.)

I hope this will be one of many neighborhood cleanups and that our community will show up to create a more beautiful and safe environment for everyone who calls Petworth home.

You can RSVP for the 2025 Petworth Spring Clean event on Facebook or on Eventbrite — and please spread the word! I’ll see you outside on March 22nd!

The Petworth Spring Clean is organized by Project Petworth, a collective of neighbors with a goal to strengthen community and build resilience. Other initiatives include a skills-share library, tools-share directory and “teach-ins,” where neighbors can sign up to educate the community on topics they’re passionate and knowledgeable about. Neighbors are also encouraged to share community resources, connect with like-minded people in the neighborhood, and host their own initiatives. To learn more about Project Petworth, visit the website or email projectpetworth@gmail.com to get involved.