Interview With James Tehrani, Founder of The Litter Challenge

Today we’re joined by the creator of the 3,000-day #LitterChallenge, based in Chicago, USA, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about environmental responsibility and our relationship with nature. James Tehrani has shown that even small, consistent actions can create real impact over time. Join him on @WorkforceJames.

 

1. What made you start this 3000-day challenge?

I did a beach cleanup in 2019. I’d never done one before, and it made me feel really good to be able to make a small difference. I thought about that experience and wondered what if I pick up at least one piece of litter a day (usually while walking my dog Oreo) for 30-consecutive days and post my pickups on then-Twitter, would I be able to get other people to do the same with minimum effort? After doing it for a while as a series of consecutive 30-day challenges, my friend Ariel challenged me to do something bigger. I settled on 3,000 days. I hope to get there and go past it, too. I’ve now picked up litter in 21 states and seven different countries. I also learned there are like-minded people all over the world who hate litter as much as I do.

2. In your city, what types of waste do you most often encounter?

It’s mostly wrappers and cans although, during trash-pickup days, you’ll find bigger items that fell out of the truck or didn’t make it to the truck during the transfer. Overall my city is pretty clean, but that doesn’t mean it’s litter-free. One of the toughest finds was during a big snowstorm a couple of years ago. I had to kick near bushes near a local pharmacy until something finally popped up. Litter is always there unfortunately. We just don’t always see it.

3. Have you ever faced indifference or even opposition from people?

Not really. I think people are happy that someone is looking out for the neighborhood, but in the early days I was a little self-conscious about what people might be thinking. Now I just grab it and go. Not too long ago I saw a guy get out of his car to pick up a piece of litter. I was so proud. 

4. In your opinion, what is the main cause of plastic pollution: people, industry, or politics?

It’s clearly a combination of all three. It’ll take a coordinated effort from all three to solve the litter problem. I believe it can be done, but whether there’s an appetite for real change remains to be seen.

5. If you had to send a direct message to people about waste and plastic, what would you say?

Look, we have one inhabitable planet available to us. We’re not living on Mars anytime soon even if we wanted to. It’s time we give our planet the tender love and care it deserves. It has given us so much and will continue to provide what we and future generations need, but we need to take more time to give it what it needs. Picking up at least one piece of litter a day is the least we can do, but collectively it could make a big difference and lead to even greater changes. Join the Litter Challenge. You’ll be glad you did.