The inventor of the trash tag has no desire for his idea to disappear in the depth of mass information once again. He decided to share with us his story and motivation to give a second kickstart to his concept sadly already turning out to be “has-been”.
And as for me, I would like to show you that Nepal has an opportunity to become a leading actor in this wannabe environmental cult saga. Ladies and Gentlemen, turn off your cell phone and get ready for a great picture. Oh wait, finish reading this article before running outside with bin bags, gloves, and goodwill.
Will the #TrashTag survive?
Last week, we and everybody else were talking about the latest trending environmental story: The #TrashTag Challenge
But as usual, the spotlight was quickly turned towards another “fresh content”. However, I think we will all agree it’s unfair to turn our backs on a what was an unusually good use of the internet, in favor of another cheating billionaire, unconscious politician or this week hot feed: the microwave challenge. And no, we are not going to discuss why turning around butt naked on your kitchen floor is more relevant, or interesting, than picking up and cleaning up the pieces of trash left by a more evolved form of its own species. Desecrating mother’s nature most magnificent crown jewels, or staining her less-known but no less vital features.
So let me the honor of rebooting what is considered by the environmental fanbase as what should be a classic: the Trashtag challenge.
Because let’s be honest, there is no origin story material in knowing who was the first man to through a piece of cheese on a baby’s face. And I am afraid the answer would turn out to be a more disturbing statement than an inspiring story to be shared with future generation (if ever they were given the chance to exist or the prosperity to give a damn).
A question they may ask: Why did our parent’s parents let us 3 feet in the acid water of the melted artic? (read: Humanity has Officially Condemned the Arctic to Disappear)
Steven Reinold, because every story has its proud father figure.
The smiling American on the right side of the previous picture considers himself as an “Adventure Philanthropist”. He belongs to a new creature of good habits, modern-day rare but growing race of ethical travelers. Noticeable as they are those who don’t just visit a country for the photoshopped guide book pictures but to help improve it.
Steven likes the outdoors, as he proved by investing himself in a variety of outdoor companies and organizations. You may ask yourself why would that make him any different from other mainstream humans who enjoy a Saturday walk in the fresh air: Every hero has to go through a tough “accident” in order to make him special. And I think Steven’s inadvertent accident is self-explanatory to his profound love of nature.
Tell us your story Steven, and why is it worth reading?
“This whole thing started in 2015 when my friend John Heyward and I were on a USA road trip. A littering accident involved a receipt from an outdoor gear store blowing out of my car window. I was so devastated that I vowed to pick up 100 pieces of trash to atone for the incident.
As I traveled around picking up trash in different locations the idea for #trashtag was born. Then, UCO Gear, one of my outdoor sponsors, jumped in to help springboard the #trashtag project into existence.
The beauty of the #trashtag is that through social media you are connected to nearly everyone on the planet. On one fortuitous day, a man in Arizona reposted a picture of a man cleaning up trash in Algeria. He posted the right picture, at the right time, with the right keywords and all of a sudden people all over the world were cleaning up and posting their efforts with #trashtag’s. Also, after all of the ridiculous challenges that have circulated the internet of late, it was just the perfect time to shift the paradigm.
The impact of the worldwide effort is simply mind-blowing. Honestly, I’m trying to step back and enjoy things and to just be present in this somewhat historic moment. By design, #trashtag was meant to go “viral” but I never dreamed it would reach these proportions. I hope this movement sparks all kinds of conversation conversations and reminds people that they can make a difference.”
Why did it take 4 years for #trashtag challenge to make its comeback?
“The #trashtag project had wonderful success initially and continued to grow organically until it recently went viral. I think after all of the silly “challenges” that have circulated the internet people were ready to get behind a viral trend that was positive.
Nepal is digging it!
Nepal is a sadly infamous polluted country. Despite the beautiful sceneries it offers to its inhabitants and visitors, it doesn’t take long to find the poisonous gifts left behind by random hikers.
From the city corners of Kathmandu to the Everest mountains tops, not finding a bottle or a plastic bag behind a stone or suffocating a floor is a miracle. And if someone bragged witnessing the contrary, he would be called a liar.
But local social media has been proving to all of us that Nepali youth is gradually more concerned about their country’s future. And among the many “acts for tomorrow”, the Trash tag continues to appear in random facebook and twitter feeds.
Tourists such as Steven also join the worldwide phenomenon on a local foreign level, by cleaning up trails victim of the irresponsible actions made by others. A very important good example as most people in the third countries have a bad “eat and throw” habit. The natural gesture which consists in seeking for a bin once done with packaging is far from common sense.
But Nepal, if you are reading this, you are now on the right path of change. Some countries are well known for their economy, others for their politic, why not be a famous country for its environmental actions? There is profit in preserving the beauty of a home.
