The #TrashTag Challenge by Gianna Gorvan

   Everyday, it seems as though a new internet challenge has arisen. One of the first popular challenges was posted on YouTube in 2006, the "Cinnamon Challenge." Over the past 13 years since the idea of internet challenges has blossomed, more and more are being created. More times than not, these challenges encourage young social media users to hurt themselves or put one another in dangerous situations. From the Tide pods challenge to the recent Bird Box challenge, we have now arrived at the #TrashTag challenge. This challenge was created by a young Arizona man encouraging "bored teens" to go outside, clean up the trash in an area and share a before and after picture.
   In this world, we have strayed so far from knowing what is important in the moment because of social media, something that even I am guilty of, but seeing that now tons of people are taking part in this new challenge gives me hope. This #TrashTag shows that people are beginning to acknowledge that the world needs help, and social media is one of the best ways to spread awareness. Social networking has nearly taken over the world, so why not use it in a positive way? Byron Román of Phoenix, Arizona has taken a step in moving us, as a society towards progression. Now, I know that he is not the first to come up with something like this, but while browsing for a current event this month, I became instantly impressed when seeing that "...More than 300,000 people..." have shared it, people of all ages, from all over the country. 
   All that I have to say is how pleasantly surprised I am with this new challenge. I am so immune to social media being filled with negativity and bad news, so when I saw that so many people are taking part in doing their best to better our planet, especially at a time like now when all efforts need to be put towards saving our one and only Earth. Big or small efforts will make all of the difference, so whether it be picking up one bag full of trash or twenty, it is a step in the right direction. Though not as major as some other news articles, this one brought a smile to my face and maybe it will bring one to yours. Let's change the world one step at a time (but quickly, maybe speed walking steps). Knowing that such a thing exists, will you take part in the #TrashTag challenge?

Byron Román's original post

https://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news/3246/People-Are-Picking-Up-Trash-For-A-New-Internet-Challenge