Hi, I'm Paul.
ipickupworcesterlitterverywell started in the summer of 2019 when i began bringing a bag with me while walking our dog Sadie in our quiet worcester neighborhood. i kept noticing the same thing: sidewalks, parks, bike lanes, and curbs ALWAYS had #WorcesterLitter.
instead of just being frustrated by it, i started picking it up (very well) and sharing my findings on my instagram @ipickupworcesterlitterverywell while using a persona of anonymity. the persona of anonymity was my tip of the cap to a hero of mine, DANIEL DUMILE. when thinking of DUMILE, they were able to shift focus from their physical image to their artist ability. i figured it would be a way to create a mindset for others to participate because ipickupworcesterlitterverywell could be the anyone since "litter"ally anyone could be this persona of anonymity.
after a few years of posting the various #WorcesterLitter findings, i got encouraged to invite others out with me on cleanups after a jury duty lunch session comment from another juror (a central mass townie) lead to the spark that turned ipickupworcesterlitterverywell into an opportunity to organize cleanups around worcester. this particular juror made a comment about how gross worcester is with the trash everywhere. most jurors in that room agreed/most chuckled, but it was in that moment i thought i should use my platform that was ipickupworcesterlitterwell and organize cleanups with like minded folks.
now, we organize and invite all to join us at any cleanups we organize or collaborate on with other like minded neighbors/businesses/folks.
feel free to participate.
Paul Ledoux (founder)
Me, Sadie (our Dog), Lexie (my wife)
photos by Joe Gonzalez-Dufresne