Today we’d like to introduce you to Becky Giacalone.
Hi Becky, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When traveling, I worried my eco-footprint was impacting the places I visited in a negative way. One way I decided I could offset this was by collecting trash during my travels. I wanted a bag that was made out of recycled materials and easy to carry. Trash collection is a simple act, but I realized if I did my part the exponential impact if others did the same. My hope and goal were to raise awareness and encourage others to keep the planet clean by collecting trash when outdoors. Whether it’s walking in your neighborhoods, on the beach, or exploring a new trail the more people that make litter collection part of their routine, the greater the impact.
I had my goal, but in terms of starting a nonprofit, I had zero experience. Knowing the potential positive impact, I explored the process. It took about six months to a year of reading, paperwork, securing a logo, and fees, but as of June 2020, Pick It Up officially became a nonprofit. I now have a website to share my message and sell easy-to-carry bags for trash collection. My friend Vicki Larson says I inspired her, but she inspires me by walking 6 miles every day at Carlsbad State Beach with her Pick It Up bag and collecting trash. My hope is that others will follow her example.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I was unfamiliar with starting a company and a nonprofit. But I figured if I set my mind to it, I could figure it out. I also believe that large tasks can seem overwhelming but the key is to focus on one step at a time. I tried not to get caught up in the end result but just make progress. In the end, everything came together.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
After getting my elementary teaching credential and master’s degree in education, I got married and started a family. I decided to stay home and raise my three wonderful children. Now they are adults and I find myself having extra time and wanting to help out in my community. I’ve spent some time at Ocean Air Elementary, the school my children attended, as the librarian and also as a substitute teacher, but I also really care about the environment and am always looking for ways to make a positive impact there. At times our world’s environmental problems can seem overwhelming and it’s difficult to know where to start. And I realize collecting trash isn’t reversing environmental damage, but it is an act that can be easily done and it creates awareness as to the importance of taking care of the planet. Trash collection reinforces the idea that each step or act no matter how small can make a difference. And the more people that do it, the greater the impact. Plus, with trash collection you can do it whenever or wherever you want, no signups needed. An added perk is you feel good doing it.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
During Covid-19, it was nice to have an activity like trash collection that I and others could do when so many other options were no longer available. I appreciated getting outside, bringing my Pick It Up bag, and helping keep my neighborhood and the beaches clean.
Vicki Larson who I previously mentioned didn’t have access to her gym that closed during Covid, so she started walking 6 miles on the beach every day and collecting trash. Her gym has since reopened, but she is choosing to continue her walking and trash collection. She saves money not having a gym membership, gets her exercise, collects trash, and says she loves it.
Pricing:
- $13.99 for a Pick It Up bag
Contact Info:
- Email: beckyg@pickitup.global
- Website: https://www.pickitup.global/
- Instagram: pickitup.global
Image Credit:
Erin Champ created my Pick It Up logo
