Categories: Lifestyle

Litterati: Using Social Media to Change our Litter ‘Filter’

The Litterati sounds like a super secret society out to change the world. (Dan Brown fanatics, anyone?)

And it kind of is. It is a secret, though it tries hard not to be and yearns to change the world (but, just not in a evil sort of way).

Founded by Jeff Kirschner , Litterati is a website that encourages people to photograph and pick up litter. The ‘litter’ will be featured in the Digital Landfill, a collection of all the #litterati-tagged photos on Instagram sorted by location on the globe.

Join the Litterati

Although we call Earth ‘home’, we don’t have the luxury of having Mother Earth clean for us (unlike some of our own Moms… sorry!). Instead, it’s a necessity that we all contibute.

How can you participate in Litterati?

  1. Find a piece of litter.
  2. Photograph it & upload on Instagram. (Be our Instagram friend, too!)
  3. Tag your photo with #Litterati.
  4. Throwaway, recycle, or compost the litter.

By joining the Litterati, you’re collecting data, geo-tagging, and identifying litter-laden areas and identifying the biggest brands/products culprits.

Essentially, you’re helping to build the world’s largest database of litter. Ultimately, litterati helps direct governments (nation, state, or city) to the problem areas AND work with companies/organizations to find eco-friendly, sustainable solutions.

The Litterati Impact

Litterati has helped:

  • 60,000+ pieces have been picked up, cataloged, and properly discarded.
  • Thousands from 49 different countries.
  • Litter collection, public school programs with the City of San Francisco & Alameda County.
  • Increased public awareness through Upworthy, GOOD, USA Today, Fast Company, the San Francisco Chronicle, Time Magazine, and National Geographic.
  • Art exhibits featuring the Litterati (“Using Technology to Clean the Planet”) hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency.
  • Educational tools that provide provides students and teachers with the ability to measure their individual impact on the earth.

Check out some of the Litterati’s litter statistics.

Litter is everywhere. What are you doing to stop it? Tell us in the comments!

Grace Rieck

Originally from Rochester, New York, Grace studies Communications at Saint Joseph’s University. Green from birth, she grew up wearing reusable cloth diapers and eating co-op vegetables. She's always been conscious of humanity’s impact on the environment. She hopes to eventually form a career as a way to advocate her ethical & sustainability principles.

Recent Posts

Drumroll for the 2025 SustainPHL Award Recipients

Let's sail-ebrate the latest changemakers who are moving the region towards a sustainable, equitable place.…

2 days ago

Community farm preservation, curbing animal cruelty, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Community Farm gets closer to community ownership. The…

3 days ago

Did you hear? There’s an election on November 4th, and your voice (or sitting at home) can impact the environment.

Philadelphia residents will not only vote on who will be the next district attorney, but…

6 days ago

Nature Challenge results, National Walk & Roll to School Day, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Transit advocates demand better SEPTA funding. On Tuesday…

1 week ago

Philly wants more trash cans and trees, believes civic engagement is key

Part Two of Every Voice, Every Vote research revealed that Philly takes pride in community…

2 weeks ago

For this community, Building a ‘Green” city is an act of resistance.

The Green Building United Groundbreaker Awards celebrated local innovative projects using passive house, LEED and…

2 weeks ago