Many companies have initiatives. Some want credit for the good deeds of employees or customers. Some match efforts or monetary donations to various charities. Others want to set an example or influence positive behavior. Some companies push a political agenda.
Others just want to make sure that those who represent them are making positive impacts on the communities in which they live & work. Our parent company, Audacy, hopes that the employees of KDKA Radio, The FAN, WAMO, 100.7 Star, and Y108 would be mindful of our surroundings in particular and our planet in general.
The Initiative is called ‘1Thing.’ Today our efforts helped #1Day1Thing trend on social media. Our staff chose to use Earth Day 2022 as a day to do not just one but two events in partnership with Allegheny Cleanways.
At the request of an elderly listener who was overwhelmed by the trash that enveloped her home area’s empty lots we decided to help clean up a section of Lincoln-Lemington. The area was along Lincoln Avenue and Apple Street. The other was a river cleanup effort.
I hope that most humans would say that they are somewhat ecologically conservative. I hope that they would try not to waste. But do we really ‘wasting?’ Nobody is perfect but there are a few ways that each one of us could improve. Do you really think about what you waste? Now, I am not one to celebrate the ‘festival’ of Earth Day.
Every day I try to do something: One Day - One Thing. I do not believe I waste too much although I am sure I could tighten the belt a little bit more. We all could. After all, our crew cleaned up TRUCKLOADS of trash! We scooped up 3 TV’s, 23 tires, and 2,166 lbs of trash.
Stuff like bottles, cans, knives, watches, a toilet seat, a burner phone, and some lottery tickets that I am going to check to make sure weren’t winners.
It was fun. It was nice. It was a bonding moment. But, could our time & effort be focused on something else that would benefit our region? Sure - if many of us would throw trash without thinking or caring who would have to clean it up.
Maybe this Earth Day (or Arbor Day, which is always the last Friday of April) we can all take a few moments to think about planting a tree, take a walk instead of that short drive, turn out some lights in rooms that are not occupied, switch to LED, use a reusable cup instead of that disposable one. Responsibly throw away your trash!
Believe it or not, I have used the same disposable spoon each morning for the last 18 months here at KDKA - HA. Sounds ridiculous but I picked it up one day and thought it would be a waste to toss it after the quick purpose I used it for. So, I wash it instead of throwing it away. Odd? Yes.
Every little bit helps. The first effort would be to vow not to be a slob. Clean up after yourself. Now, I am not asking you to go all tree-hugger or refuse to shower for 3 weeks. Keep it simple. Throw away your own trash in the proper bin or area so others don’t have to.
It does not matter if you are rich or poor, black or white, from the North Hills, South Hills, East Hills or West Hills. Have respect for yourself and be considerate of your neighbors.
I know and have known many people who struggle financially however they present themselves well and with pride. You’d never know their pains. The same with some very wealthy people I know - The present themselves as very humble servants. Socio-economic status has no bearing on this issue.
If Pittsburgh is truly ‘Someplace Special’ then prove it. Be a good neighbor. Keep your space clean and teach your kids to do the same. Again, it does not have anything to do with your status or standing. We can all pull back on some of our flagrant waste.
We all can improve. 1Thing! It starts with us. It starts with me…. you. Do 1Thing. If the ‘first thing’ is that you don’t throw a bottle out the window of your car tonight then so be it. Repeat that again tomorrow and grow the effort a bit more.
Call it the Golden Rule or the Ethic of Reciprocity. Treat others (and other people’s property) the way you would like to be treated. Think: If not me then who? I say this because I saw a lot of ‘who’ cleaning up somebody else’s neighborhood today.
Many passersby were very thankful of the effort and example. I hope that tomorrow the thankful few can continue the efforts started on their behalf today.
As a former Realtor I can honestly say that there are not many homes like ours on the market and new construction throughout the universe is, pretty much, nonexistent as far as we know.
Besides, as owner of a gas-guzzler I can attest that commuting costs would be incredible. So, let’s all do our part and try to continuously rehab the home planet we have.