Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Becky Giacalone. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Becky thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

Even small acts can make a difference, especially if you make them part of a routine. My hope is that Pick It Up provides the tools to make action easier, raises awareness, and encourages others to keep the planet clean by collecting trash when outdoors. Trash collection is a simple place to start but if even one person makes these changes, and incorporates practices that help our planet, that will be a legacy I am proud of.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My background is in elementary education but I also really care about the environment. The idea for Pick It Up came to fruition when I wanted to travel but wanted to lessen my eco-footprint while doing so. I decided if I picked up trash while traveling, that would be a simple way to do my part. Once I found easy-to-carry bags made out of recycled plastic bottles, I wanted to share this simple concept so others could hopefully do the same. Whether I’m traveling, walking along the beach, a trail, or walking in my neighborhood I bring along my Pick It Up bag and pick up trash. And if others did the same, the impact would be exponential. This is a simple act, and also a convenient one. There is no set day or time for action; you can help when and where it is important to you. And you feel good doing it!

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

I had an easy-to-carry, compact bag idea in mind. With no previous experience, I went to the fabric store and purchased the mesh and fabric I wanted. Next, I took the materials to a tailor and asked them to create a prototype. My concern was that this bag wasn’t made from recycled materials. After further research, manufacturing a product involves a lot more resources than I was prepared to tackle or could afford. I started looking into companies that made bags out of recycled materials and when I came upon ChicoBag, they were a perfect fit. Their bags are rePETe fabric made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles and they are compact and easy to carry. I also appreciate the company’s sustainability efforts and I was able to have my Pick It Up logo printed on the bags.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients are those who I meet while outside collecting trash. I run into many people who thank me and ask about Pick It Up. Sometimes it’s walking on the beach or other times it’s while walking our dogs in our neighborhood. We like to pick up trash, and it makes it easier when we carry a Pick It Up bag. Also, while volunteering with other eco-minded organization like San Diego’s Sea Shepherd Conservation Society we regularly do beach cleanups. Other members notice my Pick It Up bag and purchase gifts for their friends or buy bags for themselves. Just being out doing what I love brings in new people that see the benefit and want to make an impact themselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pickitup.global
• Instagram: pickitup.global