In Okayama, there is a group that has been continuing its litter picking activities for 10 years as of April 2023.
Its name is green bird Okayama Team.
From small children to students, working adults, elderly people, as well as foreigners and people with dogs.
A diverse group of people carry large garbage bags and chat cheerfully while picking up litter.
After participating, you can get a stamp on your point card, and when you collect enough stamps, you can receive a prize!? I also heard this story.
They participate in the Osaka Marathon and even charter boats to pick up litter on islands in Okayama.
It seems that they are holding some fun events that are a bit different from regular litter picking volunteer activities.
What kind of group could it be?
I participated in the litter picking activity of the green bird Okayama Team in Kurashiki, and I will report on what it was like.
What is green bird
green bird is a volunteer organization that continues litter picking activities to increase the number of friends who do not litter, with the motto "A clean city also cleans the hearts of its people."
The Beginning of green bird
green bird started its activities in 2002 in Harajuku, Omotesando, Tokyo.
At that time, the businesses in the Omotesando shopping district were mainly conducting regular cleaning activities.
However, no matter how many cleaning activities were conducted, there was no change in the appearance of the city overflowing with garbage.
Therefore, they shifted the purpose of their activities to "creating an atmosphere where littering is not done in the city."
After becoming a non-profit organization in 2003, they expanded teams nationwide and worldwide.
The circle of support has expanded, and not only individuals but also companies and organizations have expressed their support, providing not only donations but also supplies such as garbage bags, gloves, and vests.
About the green bird Okayama Team
The green bird Okayama Team was established in March 2012 by the first leader Matsubara Tatsuuki.
The Okayama Team operates with the motto "Casually and Enjoyably."
They aim to create an environment where anyone can easily participate.
- You can participate without any preparation and empty-handed
- It's okay to be late
- It's easy to participate alone
- No registration is required to participate
Following the concept of green bird, everyone wears vests and picks up litter with tongs.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, registration was required, but as of April 2023, registration is no longer necessary.
Participants
Currently, the third leader Kikutake Yuki and the second leader Goto Hiroto are at the center, along with three student leaders who cooperate in planning and management.
By having young people and students as core members, the age range of participants is also expanding.
Additionally, university professors and international students also participate, making it a characteristic of the green bird Okayama Team that people of various ages, nationalities, and professions gather to engage in litter picking activities.
Activity Locations and Times of the green bird Okayama Team
The current activity locations and times of the green bird Okayama Team are as follows:
- In front of Okayama Station, 4th Saturday, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Bikan Historical Area, 2nd Saturday, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Uno Port, 1st Monday, 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM
Times may vary depending on the season.
Additionally, they may also conduct activities irregularly in Takahashi City and at Kojima Station.
Moreover, various events are held separately from regular litter picking.
For the latest activity schedule, please refer to the green bird Okayama Team's Instagram.
Participated in Regular Litter Picking in Kurashiki
I participated in the litter picking in Kurashiki for the first time.
The meeting time was 10:00 AM, and the meeting place was near the entrance of the Kurashiki Station shopping district (right next to the Chugoku Bank Kurashiki Station branch).
People wearing green vests gathered, so it was a good landmark.
When I informed them of my participation, the following tools were provided.
- Garbage bags
- Gloves
- Tongs
- Vests
There are two types of garbage bags prepared: one for non-burnable waste and one for burnable waste.
Start of Litter Picking
At 10:00 AM, the leader's greeting begins.
They provided detailed explanations of the precautions for litter picking so that even first-timers could understand.
Once the explanations were finished, we lined up in rows behind the leader and started walking towards the Bikan Historical Area.
In the green bird Okayama Team, instead of individuals picking up litter separately, all participants walk together while picking up litter.
We carefully checked for any litter and walked while looking for places where litter might be hidden.
Those who have come many times seemed to quickly find cigarette butts hidden behind a pillar.
With practiced hands, they picked them up with tongs and put them in the garbage bag.
Conversations While Picking Up Litter
Since it is the Bikan Historical Area, tourists from overseas are also walking around.
Perhaps curious about the group in green vests, tourists approached and spoke to us.
Among the participants, there were some who could speak English and were explaining.
As the global pandemic of COVID-19 is subsiding, the number of overseas tourists visiting Kurashiki has been increasing recently.
By having overseas tourists witness the activities of the green bird Okayama Team, it seems to be an opportunity to attract attention from people around the world.
I spoke to a boy who looked like a high school student walking in front of me.
He said he saw it on Instagram and thought, "I want to try some volunteer work, and I might be able to do litter picking," so he participated in this activity.
His determination to search thoroughly for litter was impressive.
Next, I approached a pair of high school students nearby who made eye contact with me.
When asked, "Do you often participate?" they replied with a smile, "I've been participating since I was in junior high school."
The two mentioned that they also participate in other venues such as Okayama, saying, "Kurashiki (Bikan Historical Area) has relatively less trash."
About Trash
At the beginning of the walk, I thought there was little trash, but along the main roads, it seems that some people throw trash from their cars, and trash is blown away by the wind and ends up on the ground.
Additionally, broken alcohol bottles and cans are hidden behind the trees along the streets and behind utility poles, so you need to pay attention and search in places that are not visible from the front.
About an hour passed in no time.
Everyone gathers the trash they picked up and sorts it.
The leader expresses words of appreciation to the participants and provides information about the next meeting place, and it concludes.
Finally, a group photo is taken with all the participants.
Although it was a windy day, the temperature was comfortable, and after the cleaning activity, I felt a refreshing sense of accomplishment.
After picking up trash, I spoke with three people, including the leader, about the activities of the green bird Okayama team.
Data of the green bird Okayama team
| Name | green bird Okayama team |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | ・Okayama Station, 4th Saturday, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM ・Bikan Historical Area, 2nd Saturday, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM ・Uno Port, 1st Monday, 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM. Activities are also held irregularly in Kojima, Takahashi, etc. Events may also be held. For details, check Instagram. |
| Location | Okayama City |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free. *Participation fees may be required for events. |
| Website | green bird |
