PSA: The week I ran a neighborhood cleanup and it totally backfired

Last month I organized a block cleanup in my part of Detroit, spent like $80 on bags and gloves from my own pocket. First day, only 4 people showed up and one guy just used it as an excuse to dump old tires in my truck. Second day it rained hard and all the trash bags I left out got ripped open by stray dogs... ended up with a bigger mess than when I started. Has anyone else tried something similar and just had it blow up in your face?

2 comments

2 Comments

black.patricia6d ago

You said it "totally backfired" but honestly, it sounds like you just hit a few bumps. Four people showing up is more than zero and that's a start. A guy dumping tires in your truck is frustrating but at least you stopped him from dumping them in a vacant lot or alley. And the dogs ripping open bags? That's just bad luck with weather and strays, not a sign the whole idea was bad. We live in Detroit, we know this city doesn't give up easy. You spent your own money and time, that's more than what most folks do. So yeah, it's a rough start, but don't call it a backfire.

barbara_kim6d ago

Oh MAN that is SO frustrating. I feel for you, seriously. I tried to organize a community garden in my alley a couple years back and had neighbors complain about the soil smell then someone stole all my starter plants overnight. And @black.patricia makes a good point that at least those tires didn't end up in some kid's play area or a vacant field. That neighbor dumping them was a real jerk move but you probably saved someone else a headache. Detroit corners are tough like that - one step forward, two steps back some days.