By Madelaine Hardy,
What began as a simple escape during pandemic isolation has grown into a global movement igniting community action and environmental justice. When the Covid-19 pandemic first struck, isolation and digital fatigue became familiar experiences for many, including co-founders Sharona Shnayder and Wanda McNealy. “Desperate for a break, we decided to step away from our screens and spend time in our university’s park blocks, picking up litter while catching up. We weren’t expecting the reactions we received — people stopped to smile or thank us, and we were amazed at how fulfilling it felt to fill up just one bag of trash.” What started as a form of therapy turned into something fun and something powerful. That was the day Tuesdays for Trash was born.
Their vision was simple in those early days: to inspire a few friends to join in, dedicating one day a week to picking up trash in their own neighborhoods. They hoped that when the world opened up again, we would all emerge with a stronger sense of community and a shared commitment to a healthier planet. Fast forward to today, and their humble goal has grown beyond what they could have ever imagined. With 15 chapters, participants in over 50 countries, and 87,000 pounds of trash removed, Tuesdays for Trash has become more than just a weekly activity — it’s a gateway to climate activism in all its forms.
“One of my most memorable moments,” Sharona recounts, “came when we launched our first official chapter. It was something I hadn’t even considered when the girls in Washington, D.C., reached out to spearhead their own community cleanups. Their initiative and belief in our mission gave us hope and set the groundwork for scaling the movement.” It was a reminder of the beauty of Tuesdays for Trash: how easy it is to join and how powerful small acts of care can be. From TikToks showcasing fun cleanup moments to memes and stunning trash art, people infused creativity and joy into their participation, making the movement their own.
Tuesdays for Trash stands out for its ability to nurture leadership and build confidence.. Local chapter leaders, many of whom started with small efforts in their neighborhoods, have grown into advocates running their own community initiatives. Every act of picking up trash sends a message: caring for the world starts with you, and every little action can create a ripple.
While the spark of Tuesdays for Trash caught on quickly, sustaining its flame came with some challenges. During the height of the pandemic, it was easy to encourage participation; people were looking for safe, productive ways to spend their time outside. But as restrictions lifted and life began to resemble something more “normal,” priorities shifted. Sharona found herself grappling with personal burnout. Yet, it was through forming strategic partnerships and launching creative campaigns that the momentum continued. The passionate team of local changemakers brought the movement to their communities, expanding the reach and sharing the responsibilities of leadership with Sharona.
Becoming part of Tuesdays for Trash is simple: every Tuesday, commit to picking up trash in your neighborhood and share your efforts by tagging @TuesdaysforTrash. This year on GivingTuesday the Tuesdays for Trash movement seeks to find more people willing to give their time and energy to cleaning up their communities. Their goal is to remove 1,000 pounds of trash as part of our larger mission to clear 100,000 pounds by Earth Day 2025.
Tuesdays for Trash was built on the belief that the world can be left better than we found it, one litter bit at a time. While picking up one piece of garbage might seem insignificant, it is a testament to how individual actions build up to create collective change. It’s a chance to set new habits, to nurture a routine of caring for the world around us, and to instill those values in future generations. Small, consistent acts today build a healthier, more resilient planet tomorrow.
