Cheri Carpenter, Retired Teacher, Hood River, Oregon
The mantra for the Clean Earth Challenge is “every piece collected counts” and Huntington Beach California’s retired teacher Cheri Carpenter is the embodiment of how one person can make a BIG impact!
Wanting to set a precedent for others to follow, Cheri embarked on her Clean Earth Challenge collecting journey between July and October 2024 along areas near the Columbia Gorge River in Oregon, where she resides part time. During a four-month span, Cheri collected 9,131 pieces of trash in 243.5 plastic grocery bags!
Staying active and helping the environment, Cheri would take two to three hour daily walks around the downtown Hood River area and its surrounding roadsides, and trails. With her gloves and reusable bag in tow, she collected trash, debris, and discarded items. On Cheri’s outings, she noticed a pattern regarding what kind of trash was discarded at specific locations and in what time periods.
Notably there was more trash during tourist season (spring to summer) near a local recreation area named “The Hook.” Cheri observed a significant amount of discarded gelato spoons, doggy bags, and baby diapers outside the waterfront.
Another roadside area had large quantities of empty alcohol cans, bottles, and cinnamon schnapps. Notably absent were vape containers and drug paraphernalia.
Motivated by these observations and wanting to make a difference, Cheri submitted her data and suggestions to the Hood River City Council to help educate and improve litter prevention and trash collection. Suggestions included city participation in events like the Clean Earth Challenge and other local clean up events, partnering with local schools/fast food restaurants, providing more trash cans at event sites, increased pickup at overflow sites, and more.
During the winter in Hood River people don’t go out as much so there is less trash to collect. Now that it’s springtime with summer soon approaching, Cheri is back out there collecting again! After a write up in the local newspaper in late December, people now notice Cheri and say, “Aren’t you the lady picking up litter we saw in the newspaper?” Inspired by her action, Cheri’s friends now want to join her and schedule a day, time, and location to collect!
We are so inspired by Cheri’s story and thank her for her contribution to the Clean Earth Challenge! It shows how one person’s actions can inspire others to help keep our environment clean and healthy. Way to go Cheri!
