The utility where I live seems less flexible for renewable options, but this can be managed by personal initiation. To be honest, I have no idea if this is an option. However, lights, plugs, and laundry can all be modified by turning them off or unplugging when not in use. Laundry can be air dried, and as the weather transitions from spirng to summer, it will be more effiencent. This ensures less electricity is utilized in the dryer. I have not reached out to a company.

Track clean up helps me feel more proud of my surrounding area. It creates a more inviting space. I think actively packing trash in front of others is a reminder to others to clean up after themselves. Unfortunately, there are some people who are unable to unaware of the imoact of trash clean up. Just the other day I ws driving, and I saw someone driving in front of my car at the stop light who threw their used cigarette out the window. Again, I wish there was an incentive to help ensure people properly dispose of their trash.

Watsonville is home to multiple endangered species. I learned on the Watsonville Public Works website that the freshwater sloughs house 23 species that are endangered or threatened at the moment. I also was unaware of the large amount of birds that are present. I wonder if it’s the unique freshwater and ricer systems that attract the over 220 bird species? There is a special organization called the Watsonville Wetlands Watch, and apparently one of their goals is to “preserve and enhance 800 acres of wetlands.” As a service member, luckily I have had the opportunity to learn about such work on one of the service days. During this day, I got to see “invasive species removal, native plant seed collection, garbage removal, education and planting” in action. While participating in trash cleanup and invasive species removal, I saw the huge emoting of effort and dedication behind protecting the land for the other living species that rely heavily on a healthy habitat. It is unfortunate that we have to renounce our overdevelopment as human beings to return what could have already been, had humans not interfered with nature if that makes sense. It feels discouraging that all of this work could have been avoided in the first place or possibly reduced if planning had taken into consideration the significance of the natural habitat.

Working with others to clean up my community usually frustrates me because it is exhausting. However, I know it is beneficial in numerous ways that go beyond aesthetics. It also makes me hopeful and relieved one less piece of trash will be mistaken as food by other living organisms.I am also learning why proponents of reducing viscoplastic spreading are super vital to our health of the earth.

As we all know, the only way to combat climate change is to work together. This reality felt especially true during the cleanup effort. I was shocked and disappointed with the amount of litter we found. Despite how disappointing the amount of garbage was, the communal rallying and positivity of cleaning everything up felt empowering and urged me to mobilize rather than give up.