Lockdown litter picking for my Gold DofE

By PI Jasmin Parsons, Hyde Detachment, No 3 (Somme) Company

Lockdown litter picking for my Gold DofE!

Over the last few months in lockdown, I have been litter picking in my local area and along the canal. I know that at first and sometimes even second glance, litter picking seems lame, but I have several reasons for doing it, and to my surprise, it has been a very enjoyable and rewarding way to spend some time.

I, like many, am an ‘outdoorsy’ type of person. So, throughout this pandemic I have been making the most of my local outdoor spaces. This action came about as, the amount of litter I was seeing on my walks and bike rides was increasing by the day.

It got to a point, where I could not ignore it. So I took action. I had been picking litter for several weeks before I realised it could count towards my Gold DofE. When I realised this my confidence and motivation towards my litter picking grew even more. This resulted in me, increasing the amount I was collecting. I got in touch with my local council and am now being supported by them. They are helping to dispose of the rubbish I collect. It has also meant that I am more involved with my local community.

I have collected more bags than I can count over the past several months and being honest, I have barely scratched the surface of the litter problem within my local community, but as you can see in the pictures, it has made a big difference to the areas I have cleared. Seeing this difference at the end of a day, spent on your feet and out in the cold, is very rewarding and satisfying.

Seeing as I have been ‘made’ (haha) to write this up, and that people like you will end up reading it. I feel there should be some takeaways for YOU as a reader! I can see a few but I will only mention 2 and leave the rest for you to ponder.

The first is... Be the change you wish to see in the world! I know that this seems cliche, but it really is true. Nothing in the world would ever change if someone somewhere didn't start the ball rolling. There is no reason, why that someone cannot be you!

The second is... If you are a young person (under 25 years old) reading this. Do your DofE! Be it bronze, silver, gold or all 3. Do your DofE!

I regret not doing my Duke of Edinburgh as a cadet, and while I had my reasons, I feel, it would have done me a great deal of good at that time. Fortunately for me, it was not too late. I am glad, I made the decision to start. I am not even halfway through my Gold Duke of Edinburgh award. But it is already so clear to me all the positive things it has done for me, and how it could positively impact many other young people. Including YOU! What are you waiting for?

The chances are, you will not regret it and if you somehow do. It will not be by half as much as you might if you never gave it a chance. So I’ll say again, Do your DofE!