Do your part to take care of the environment — gather your friends, family, and neighbors for a one-day organized event in your community to pick up litter. Because everything is better with dogs, make it a dog-friendly event!

First, choose a location to host your event. Pick a place in need of some TLC, like a park or beach, or even a dog park. Check with your city or county to see if you need a permit or special permission to host an informal trash pickup day. Some cities even offer free waste pickup supplies for community cleanup events. Double check to make sure dogs are allowed at the location you choose.

Next, send a callout to the troops via email, social media, and community bulletin boards. Share the date and details, and remind everyone to dress comfortably and to bring their well-mannered, leashed dogs.

On the day of the event, gather everyone together, and assign different areas to small groups so you can cover the entire location. Take lots of photos to share on social media so you can spread the word about the simple way you pitched in to help the planet. Better yet, make the cleanup day a monthly or quarterly event, tackling different locations every time.

Soon, the open spaces in your community will be just as nature intended, making them more enjoyable for everyone — including your dogs!

Don’t forget!

• Plenty of water for you and your dog in reusable containers
• Containers for broken glass or sharp items
• Close-toed shoes
• Bags for trash and recyclables and a place to take them
• Work gloves
• Trash pickers or grabbers
• Wire cutters
• First-aid kit (just in case)