Climate Hero Continues To Inspire A Global Movement After Over 1,000 Days Of Cleaning Up Nature Park

Sep 28, 2023

In 2019, climate activist Edgar McGregor spent hundreds of consecutive days cleaning up Eaton Canyon, one of Los Angeles County's most popular hiking spots. His dedication to preserving the environment, documented on social media, not only left a lasting impact on the local ecosystem but has also inspired a global movement for climate action.

Frustrated by the persisting litter problem, McGregor decided to take matters into his own hands and committed to picking up the trash at Eaton Canyon every day. His daily cleanup routines, initially driven by a desire to prepare for the 2028 Summer Olympics set to be hosted in Los Angeles, quickly gained attention. He began documenting his trash collection efforts on social media, creating a digital trail of his remarkable journey.

McGregor's undertaking to the cause was unparalleled. Rain or shine, scorching heat or biting cold, he could be found scouring Eaton Canyon for trash for at least an hour and a half each day. His passion for nature and determination to make a difference pushed him to brave even the most extreme weather conditions, including snow, which he knew might soon become a rare sight in the area due to climate change. In 2023, he surpassed 1,000 days of clean-up.

In the course of his cleanup mission, McGregor unearthed some truly unexpected treasures – not just discarded items but also a growing community of like-minded individuals. Over time, his social media posts went viral, attracting thousands of followers from all corners of the globe. People from Sydney to Stockholm found inspiration in his actions and began their own daily trash cleanups. He drew the attention of climate leaders like Greta Thunberg and Leah Stokes. 

As McGregor continued his cleanup missions, he realized that systemic issues were contributing to the persistence of litter in parks like Eaton Canyon. He used his platform on social media to call out the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department for their underfunding. McGregor recognized that the problem extended beyond individual litterbugs and into larger issues of funding allocation.

"We have a serious homeless problem in this city. We have our parks trashed. Our freeways are trashed. Our beaches are not in great shape," he told Grist in a 2021 interview. "The public restrooms are not in good shape. What I would like the parks and recreation department to do is stand up to the county and the state and say, 'We need more funding and we need it now.'" 

By April 2023, McGregor, now a 22-year-old climatology student at San Jose State University, has collected more than 20,000 pounds of trash for over 1,300 days, according to NBC Bay Area. These included unusual items like floating chlorine dispensers, wallets, cell phones, and credit cards. 

To further his commitment to environmental causes, McGregor diligently recycles these finds and donates the proceeds to various environmental charities. The impact of his recycling efforts extended to his local park, where he used some of the funds to plant new saplings, contributing to the revitalization of the natural ecosystem he cared so deeply about.

McGregor believes that the key to making a difference is to take that first step, no matter how small. He encourages others to start with one action and be vocal about it. 

"The hardest part about becoming a climate activist is taking the first step," McGregor emphasized. "Just pick something and be vocal about it. It doesn't matter how little you are involved; just do something."

His journey began with a single step, but Edgar McGregor's message is clear: anyone, anywhere, can make a difference by taking action to protect the planet. Do you know someone who believes in the same cause as McGregor? Tell them about this story for inspiration!