Embracing a Therapeutic Moment: The Power of Picking Up | Lifestyle

Guam’s Trash Problem: A Call to Action for Cleaner Communities

Upon my arrival in Guam, much like other newcomers, I was taken aback by the abundance of trash scattered across beaches, parks, jungles, and around homes and businesses. I found myself wondering, “Who does this? How can anyone be comfortable leaving behind so much litter?”

“Don’t worry,” a friend consoled me, “eventually you’ll get your island goggles on and you won’t see it anymore.”

Indeed, after a while, I stopped noticing it. When litter was in my sight, I would simply look beyond it, focusing on the more beautiful aspects like the ocean, a sunset, or the lush green jungle. You probably do the same.

Humans are interesting creatures. We are naturally inclined to pick up on social cues, follow each other, and read the environment. When we see trash on the beach, our minds perceive it as “this is a place where it’s acceptable to leave my trash.”

These instinctive behaviors are common to everyone, explaining why people of all cultures and social classes litter, and why we find Infusion coffee cups, as well as Mr. Brown cans at the park.

The problem with leaving just a little trash behind is additive. Wilson and Kelling’s broken window theory suggests that a single broken window, in any neighborhood, can trigger more vandalism by quite a bit. It’s as if one person’s carelessness sends a signal to everyone else: “This is how we treat this space,” and others follow suit.

Even one piece of trash in a setting can encourage 10% of visitors to litter. Even worse, when more trash is found, then 40 % of us will add to the litter. That’s a lot of garbage!

If you succumb to the trend of leaving your cup behind, you not only add to the growing pile of garbage, but you also add environmental signals to encourage others to do so.

On the flipside, our collective efforts to maintain cleanliness in shared spaces can have a positive impact. Picking up a wrapper off the ground on the way to your car may seem insignificant, but it can be a powerful gesture.

With repeated efforts from you and others, the environment begins to reflect a sense of care and respect. Over time, it conveys the message “I’m sacred and cared for, we don’t litter or vandalize here.”

Consider taking ownership of a space—be it your yard, the sides of a road, or a section of a park. Improve it by trimming bushes, pulling weeds, and removing trash. This sense of community ownership will be evident, and others are more likely to follow suit.

These well-cared-for spaces can provide respite for anyone who uses them, offering a place to clear their minds, connect with nature, and enjoy improved well-being.

Stephanie Patterson, MS, LMFT, is a mental health therapist on Guam. She sees clients in private practice and provides weekly tips for better emotional resilience through her YouTube Channel “Therapeutic Moment.” Her website is slofamilycounseling.com. You can reach her at stephaniepattersonmft@gmail.com.

By taking action to keep our shared spaces clean and free of litter, we can create a more beautiful and welcoming environment for all who visit Guam. Let’s work together to make a positive impact on our communities and show respect for the natural beauty of this island paradise.