Finding Joy and Purpose in the Small Things: A Conversation with Portland’s Trash Witch
In this episode of New Humans for New Earth, Queenie sits down with Portland's beloved Trash Witch, Nicky Eddy, to explore how small acts of environmental stewardship can create meaningful change. From collecting recycling at community bike rides to transforming discarded materials into art, Nicky shares how picking up litter became both a personal calling and a joyful practice.
Together, they discuss our culture's relationship with waste, the surprising value hidden in everyday "trash," and why making sustainability fun may be one of the most powerful ways to inspire action. This conversation is a hopeful reminder that while the world's environmental challenges are immense, every recycled can, every piece of litter removed, and every conscious choice matters.
If you've ever wondered whether one person can make a difference, this episode offers an encouraging answer: yes, and it starts with the next small action.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Meet Portland's Beloved Trash Witch
03:59 – Bringing Recycling to Pedalpalooza
07:12 – Why Aluminum Cans Matter So Much
10:56 – The Story Behind Becoming the Trash Witch
21:04 – Why People Litter (And How to Fix It)
26:40 – We Already Have Enough—So What's the Problem?
28:14 – Where Does Your Recycling Actually Go?
30:53 – How Trash Witch Began (And What It's Taught Nicky)
37:19 – Creative Ways to Reuse Everyday Waste
40:29 – The Future of Recycling and a Circular Economy
Dive Deeper: Watch Anthropocene: The Human Epoch and Waste Land: An Art Collaboration in the World’s Largest Garbage Dump on Kanopy.
Connect with Nicky on Instagram @TrashWitchPDX or https://buymeacoffee.com/trashwitchpdx
Stay connected: @newhumansfornewearth on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok & Facebook. newhumansfornewearth.com.
Intro & Outro Music: Take off (feat. Emily Dukes) (Instrumental) by Pastek
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