David Clarke started by filming himself picking up litter near his apartment in Washington Heights. In less than five months, the effort grew into Trash Talk NYC, a volunteer cleanup movement that raised more than $55,000, organized group events, and helped transform one neglected block.
The work moved beyond collecting garbage. Clarke planted flowers, built tree guards, and invited neighbors to paint them at a block party with music and lunch. The result was not just a cleaner street. It was a reminder that people can improve the places they share, then hand that work to one another.