35 Things That Only Trashy People Do, According To The Internet

Small actions have large impacts over time. Especially on a large scale. A society that prioritizes cleanliness and educates its citizens to properly dispose of their litter is going to be tidier than one that doesn’t enforce any standards. 

One 2020 study, conducted by Keep America Beautiful, found that there are 50 billion pieces of litter along the roadways and waterways in the United States. The upside? There’s been a 54% decrease in litter along American roadways in the past decade. This might mean that society as a whole has been developing a more responsible outlook toward (not) littering.

Kindness is both a habit and a part of being human. People are hardwired to want to help each other. At the same time, we also have the instinct for survival and selfishness. So these two different instincts are constantly at odds within ourselves. What wins out will depend on your upbringing, values, and the specific situation you’re in.

Barring literal sociopathy, being more altruistic is something that nearly everyone can learn, given enough patience and effort. But change has to start with the person in question. They have to realize that their behavior, as things currently stand, is having a thoroughly negative impact on the people around them—not just strangers, but also their family and friends.

People who grew up in neglectful or stressful environments might be focused more on survival and don’t feel like they have the luxury of altruism. Meanwhile, someone who’s been spoiled most of their life might assume that there will always be someone to pick up after them. Through practice, however, everyone can become more aware of their faults and slowly change for the better. One small act of kindness after another small act of kindness.

You can start with something very small, like throwing out your trash in a garbage bin, instead of letting it flutter down on the pavement as usual. Try smiling more at the people you meet, say ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye.’ Thank them if they’ve brought you your lunch, scanned your items at the shop, or opened a door for you. These might seem like insignificant things, but they quickly add up and create an entirely new attitude. In short—you’re showing that you’re aware of the people around you and that you’re grateful for them.

If you’re struggling with empathy for others or facing your own flaws, you may want to consider taking up meditation or going to therapy. Meanwhile, if you’re constantly stressed out and lashing out at others, it might be time to make some major lifestyle changes.

You might not actually be a jerk, but a poor diet, too much caffeine, chronic exhaustion, constant overtime, and the stress of your job may be bringing out the worst in you if you’re constantly on edge. As with kindness, these lifestyle changes are best tackled step by step, until you become the person you truly want to be.