Anyone who has been to a funeral may know the phrase “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust”. Wait long enough and we all become earth, whether cremated or not. Which is good, because the life force of this planet is the soil.

In contrast to our decomposing bodies, we humans are great at inventing things that seem to never disappear. Consumption has increased exponentially as has the quest for convenience. Thus the use of packaging has skyrocketed. Unfortunately though, the paper bags and plain cardboard boxes of other lifetimes have long seen better days.

So many items are sold in plastic and most are destined for human consumption. Sadly, more convenient portions require almost as much wrapping as their larger counterparts. In addition, while the use of glass bottles has been reduced, that of plastic, styrofoam and bubblewrap has not.

Furthermore, while waste separation and recycling have improved, our ability to stem the tide of troublesome habits has declined. To use the term “to throw aware” makes light of the fact that our “away” is somebody else’s “here.” To dispose of trash does not imply a more meaningful solution either.

Dramatic Situation

The resulting drama should be obvious to us all by now. When rivers rise to their flood plains and beyond, they leave not only logs and branches behind when waters recede. They pass other people’s rubbish on to us. Quid pro quo. Literally.

The best of intentions and inventions are almost meaningless in light of the bigger picture that is unfolding each and every moment around the globe. Seen collectively as a species, homo sapiens are generally disrespectful of their environment. We’ve all noticed media reports about swathes of non-decomposable items in the tropics. Some of our own countries even pay others for permits to allow export of their societal garbage.

The sad reality is that, in spite of methodical waste disposal, more needs to be done.

Helping Hands

Enter the Filth Away Day, a movement that was started already in 1999, and originally designed to remove rubbish from the riverbanks of the majestic Rhine in Düsseldorf. The so-called Dreck Weg Tag has grown way beyond its humble beginnings and affects other areas of the city too.

This organised cleanup event has grown in popularity year after year, attracting thousands of volunteers in 2025. This year, the event is expected to surpass that number when it celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary. on Saturday March 21 2026.

Literally everything can be discovered blemishing our natural landscapes. From bottles, packaging, shopping trolleys and toys to portable grills or bags of trash left behind by inconsiderate picnickers. Some half buried, others scarring the surface. Even crutches and walking sticks have been collected. Maybe false teeth too? Meanwhile, stories have been told of volunteers focussing on single items such as cigarette stubs and filters.

Expat individuals and groups who wish to join in can be supplied with various items such as bags and gloves as long as stocks last. Attendees are also requested to register by March 19 2026 using the official link.