What's your random (but regular) act of public service?
February 16, 2024 5:27 PM Subscribe
For example, if I'm in a public restroom that has an overflowing bin (full of crumpled, used paper towels), I'll step on the top layer to squash everything down so there will be more room for future users to discard their paper towel. Or... some people are very alert on transit and yield their seat to the first person who looks like they might need to sit (elder, parents with lots of kids, etc).
I think a lot of us took neighborhood walks at the height of the pandemic and did lots of litter pickup. My walks and my litter removal have both decreased by a lot but perhaps some of you kept it up?
I think a lot of us took neighborhood walks at the height of the pandemic and did lots of litter pickup. My walks and my litter removal have both decreased by a lot but perhaps some of you kept it up?
This one is probably brought on by my time spent zoning in retail, but if I see an item on the shelf that's way in the back I'll pull it forward so it can be reached easier. I'll also take stray carts into the corral if I see them in the parking lot.
posted by cozenedindigo at 5:32 PM on February 16 [18 favorites]
posted by cozenedindigo at 5:32 PM on February 16 [18 favorites]
I pick up other dogs' poop when I'm walking mine. We're a pretty polite neighborhood so it's rare, but I always have a roll of bags so why not?
posted by kimberussell at 5:40 PM on February 16 [9 favorites]
posted by kimberussell at 5:40 PM on February 16 [9 favorites]
I used to be the person who'd stop the car and block traffic and pull the wind-blown garbage can and lids off the right-of-way. But I hardly drive any more so I guess I'll have to find something else. (I'm not going to do it as a pedestrian because that's a good way to get dead.)
posted by seanmpuckett at 5:49 PM on February 16 [2 favorites]
posted by seanmpuckett at 5:49 PM on February 16 [2 favorites]
I move obstructions off of sidewalks and bike/pedestrian paths to make the path safer. I specifically move stuff that would keep a wheelchair from passing, or that a cyclist might run into and hurt themselves. In recent times it's an exasperating number of Lime scooters/bikes, but sometimes it's large tree branches, random large objects, construction debris with exposed nails in it, fenced playground doors left wide open across a bike path that someone might run into in the dark, etc.
I also carry Narcan and a pocket mask. I politely check if folks on transit or laying on the ground in public are breathing, if they look like they might not be (and I'm ready to respond if they're not).
posted by cnidaria at 5:55 PM on February 16 [21 favorites]
I also carry Narcan and a pocket mask. I politely check if folks on transit or laying on the ground in public are breathing, if they look like they might not be (and I'm ready to respond if they're not).
posted by cnidaria at 5:55 PM on February 16 [21 favorites]
I push all the shopping carts all the way into the corral.
posted by SaneCatLady at 6:17 PM on February 16 [13 favorites]
posted by SaneCatLady at 6:17 PM on February 16 [13 favorites]
I will put in a plug for my daughter and her friends, who maintain a trail system through the land of willing property owners and semi-public land (like power line right-of-ways).
It connects to the public forest preserve and and allows them all to walk between houses and hang out and see the sunset on a high point of town under the electrical towers. My personal contribution is being "chainsaw and muscle" when big trees come down after storms.
posted by true at 6:26 PM on February 16 [9 favorites]
It connects to the public forest preserve and and allows them all to walk between houses and hang out and see the sunset on a high point of town under the electrical towers. My personal contribution is being "chainsaw and muscle" when big trees come down after storms.
posted by true at 6:26 PM on February 16 [9 favorites]
If I see a loose dog I will stop my car and try to lure it to me so I can take it to the shelter, and if I can't (which is most often the case), I call the cops so they can send Animal Control out. They must roll their eyes when I call, I'm sure I have about 40 reports by now. I have also gotten into hilarious escapades with total strangers trying to run and get a loose dog to chase us to safety, etc. I pray that if my dog ever got loose, someone would do the same for me.
One time I did this for a dog found wandering in a nature preserve. There were no other cars there so I told him to hop in and he did. He had a tag but nobody answered the phone and I couldn't keep him at my home at that time so I took him to the shelter and made the mistake of leaving my name and number. His owner, just some dude who lived near the preserve and let his dog run amok in there, called me up infuriated at having to pay to get his dog out. "He lives in the nature preserve. That's his home! NOT COOL!" he yelled. Lol. Another time I found a little dog drowned in the pond so yeah, fuck you.
posted by HotToddy at 6:28 PM on February 16 [7 favorites]
One time I did this for a dog found wandering in a nature preserve. There were no other cars there so I told him to hop in and he did. He had a tag but nobody answered the phone and I couldn't keep him at my home at that time so I took him to the shelter and made the mistake of leaving my name and number. His owner, just some dude who lived near the preserve and let his dog run amok in there, called me up infuriated at having to pay to get his dog out. "He lives in the nature preserve. That's his home! NOT COOL!" he yelled. Lol. Another time I found a little dog drowned in the pond so yeah, fuck you.
posted by HotToddy at 6:28 PM on February 16 [7 favorites]
Those thin plastic things that hold together 6 cans of sodspop. I always cut through each opening because I know this junk will end up in the ocean someday, and fishy get caught in them.
posted by Czjewel at 7:00 PM on February 16 [8 favorites]
posted by Czjewel at 7:00 PM on February 16 [8 favorites]
-- be a poll worker in every election possible. It's easy, pleasant, and in many locations they pay you.
-- if someone drops their mitten or hat, I put it on a taller thing like a sign post so it doesn't get buried in the snow.
posted by blnkfrnk at 7:08 PM on February 16 [10 favorites]
-- if someone drops their mitten or hat, I put it on a taller thing like a sign post so it doesn't get buried in the snow.
posted by blnkfrnk at 7:08 PM on February 16 [10 favorites]
So winter is my fallow time but spring through fall I have a Little Free Florist situation set up by the sidewalk full of bouquets made out of an ever-changing assortment of flowers from my garden beds. I started soliciting bottles and now all of my bouquets come with a "vase" and my neighbors and garden visitors have an easy way to get rid of their unwanted bottles.
My super talented husband is working on a very handy web app called who what where why when buffalo as a useful tool for accessing all the 311/municipal database info currently going on in a map format so people in the city can check out who is doing what when and where and why in their necks of the woods.
I'm all about free stuff and have a lot to give thanks to many people giving me free stuff throughout my life so I try to do my part to keep my local free economy healthy. My awesome mom has a free seed exchange situation which is very popular. I read too many mysteries that I don't have room to keep so those go to the many Little Free Libraries in my neighborhood. Ooh and some lovely person around the corner has a Little Free Pantry so my newest habit is stocking it regularly with extra fancy/tasty food like all the things from the overpriced neighborhood "co-op" and luxury tinned fish from my fancy-ass local butcher shop. I left some Girl Scout cookies (thin mints and peanut butter sandwiches) recently and felt like a hero because I like to share and all but sharing Girl Scout cookies is a new level for me.
posted by RobinofFrocksley at 7:12 PM on February 16 [20 favorites]
My super talented husband is working on a very handy web app called who what where why when buffalo as a useful tool for accessing all the 311/municipal database info currently going on in a map format so people in the city can check out who is doing what when and where and why in their necks of the woods.
I'm all about free stuff and have a lot to give thanks to many people giving me free stuff throughout my life so I try to do my part to keep my local free economy healthy. My awesome mom has a free seed exchange situation which is very popular. I read too many mysteries that I don't have room to keep so those go to the many Little Free Libraries in my neighborhood. Ooh and some lovely person around the corner has a Little Free Pantry so my newest habit is stocking it regularly with extra fancy/tasty food like all the things from the overpriced neighborhood "co-op" and luxury tinned fish from my fancy-ass local butcher shop. I left some Girl Scout cookies (thin mints and peanut butter sandwiches) recently and felt like a hero because I like to share and all but sharing Girl Scout cookies is a new level for me.
posted by RobinofFrocksley at 7:12 PM on February 16 [20 favorites]
I regularly share useful/helpful information posts by other (official type) people/organisations that I have seen elsewhere onto my local community notices and chat Facebook group - so much so that people have assumed that I am one of the moderators (I am not) or that I am running for election for the local council (I am not).
The kind of posts by other people that I share onto the group include:
stuff from local wildlife rescue organisations about how to rescue local wildlife
links to surveys about what people want to see from local parks
telling people about places they can get free afterhours emergency healthcare - the new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) that are designed to divert non-emergency cases from the emergency department (the Medicare Urgent Care Clinics can treat minor infections, fractures, sprains and cuts, gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections and mild burns)
information about small financial support for low income people like state government vouchers to help pay for their kids to be on a sports team
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 7:19 PM on February 16 [5 favorites]
The kind of posts by other people that I share onto the group include:
stuff from local wildlife rescue organisations about how to rescue local wildlife
links to surveys about what people want to see from local parks
telling people about places they can get free afterhours emergency healthcare - the new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) that are designed to divert non-emergency cases from the emergency department (the Medicare Urgent Care Clinics can treat minor infections, fractures, sprains and cuts, gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections and mild burns)
information about small financial support for low income people like state government vouchers to help pay for their kids to be on a sports team
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 7:19 PM on February 16 [5 favorites]
I rehang clothing at op/thrift/charity shops if it's falling off the hanger, and pick things up off the floor if they already fell off.
posted by BeeJiddy at 7:29 PM on February 16 [4 favorites]
posted by BeeJiddy at 7:29 PM on February 16 [4 favorites]
When I have finished reading a graphic novel in good condition, I donate it to my local public library, which almost always adds it to the permanent collection.
As a result, my local library is now choc-full of graphic novels featuring
a) LGBT people
b) Disabled people
c) people of colour.
(This is in Australia, so it won't lead to anyone asking for a librarian's head on a spike.)
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 7:58 PM on February 16 [33 favorites]
As a result, my local library is now choc-full of graphic novels featuring
a) LGBT people
b) Disabled people
c) people of colour.
(This is in Australia, so it won't lead to anyone asking for a librarian's head on a spike.)
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 7:58 PM on February 16 [33 favorites]
I report illegal dumping while I'm on long walks. I probably cover 1-2 miles a day and end up reporting 5-10 items a day.
posted by Toddles at 8:22 PM on February 16 [6 favorites]
posted by Toddles at 8:22 PM on February 16 [6 favorites]
I started picking up trash during the pandemic. I set a goal of picking up one million pieces before I die. I own a considerable amount of trash pick up technology, portable shop vacs, pick up sticks, rolling magnets, submersible magnets. I have algorithms for my rate of trash pickup depending on the environment I am picking up in. And I have recruited many people who are interested in this - I give them sticks and hope for the best. All that being said, I am at about 352,000 pieces right now. Not sure I will live long enough, but it has been a good journey.
It is the perfect hobby, I get to feel virtuous, judge people, and do some good. : /
Though I pick up anywhere any time, I focus on working in parks where disadvantaged kids play. For me the best part is thinking about kids enjoying cleaner parks.
posted by jcworth at 8:43 PM on February 16 [37 favorites]
It is the perfect hobby, I get to feel virtuous, judge people, and do some good. : /
Though I pick up anywhere any time, I focus on working in parks where disadvantaged kids play. For me the best part is thinking about kids enjoying cleaner parks.
posted by jcworth at 8:43 PM on February 16 [37 favorites]
I am a shopping cart corral fixer. Also if I find something wildly out of place in a retail store I will grab it and give it to the cashier on my way out to be reshelved, and if it belongs in the same aisle I will fix it myself.
If I am waiting at a crosswalk and there are kids or dogs (even with adults) I keep an extra close eye as we cross. The number of times I’ve bodily stood in between a toddler and an enthusiastic murder machine operator (er, I mean, car driver) I cannot count. I’m not even tall, I’m barely above five feet, but I guess anything below 4 is just pavement to some people.
On public transportation at night if there is someone belligerent I will sit down next to the person being verbally accosted and loudly engage them in a very fake conversation. “Oh my god, Emily!! I haven’t seen you since our last thing, you know the one in the fall? Did you see that movie I told you about?” Etc etc etc. I’ve only had to do this a few times thank goodness but the older I get the more like a wisened art teacher I look so it will probably become even more disarming with time.
posted by Mizu at 9:14 PM on February 16 [11 favorites]
If I am waiting at a crosswalk and there are kids or dogs (even with adults) I keep an extra close eye as we cross. The number of times I’ve bodily stood in between a toddler and an enthusiastic murder machine operator (er, I mean, car driver) I cannot count. I’m not even tall, I’m barely above five feet, but I guess anything below 4 is just pavement to some people.
On public transportation at night if there is someone belligerent I will sit down next to the person being verbally accosted and loudly engage them in a very fake conversation. “Oh my god, Emily!! I haven’t seen you since our last thing, you know the one in the fall? Did you see that movie I told you about?” Etc etc etc. I’ve only had to do this a few times thank goodness but the older I get the more like a wisened art teacher I look so it will probably become even more disarming with time.
posted by Mizu at 9:14 PM on February 16 [11 favorites]
If I see a car parked with its interior lights on, I do my best to locate its owner (this usually happens while I'm walking past a busy local restaurant's parking lot, so I'll go in and let the management know).
On my walks on a highly trafficked bike/walk trail, I always kick aside branches and large rocks that might trip others up or get caught in bike/skate/stroller wheels.
I'm not sure how much of a 'public service' this is or if it counts, but I always try and let other folks quietly know if something has gone awry with their clothing/makeup - anything that I personally would want someone to make me aware of. E.g. at an industry event I saw someone with part of their skirt tucked up into their pantyhose, weddings where someone was about to take a photo and had lipstick on their teeth, that sort of thing.
posted by rachaelfaith at 9:15 PM on February 16 [2 favorites]
On my walks on a highly trafficked bike/walk trail, I always kick aside branches and large rocks that might trip others up or get caught in bike/skate/stroller wheels.
I'm not sure how much of a 'public service' this is or if it counts, but I always try and let other folks quietly know if something has gone awry with their clothing/makeup - anything that I personally would want someone to make me aware of. E.g. at an industry event I saw someone with part of their skirt tucked up into their pantyhose, weddings where someone was about to take a photo and had lipstick on their teeth, that sort of thing.
posted by rachaelfaith at 9:15 PM on February 16 [2 favorites]
It's not a thing anymore because I'm in private practice but when I had agency jobs I tried to volunteer if there was stuff that required attendance on Christmas eve because I'm Jewish at to me it's just Thursday.
posted by less-of-course at 9:40 PM on February 16 [6 favorites]
posted by less-of-course at 9:40 PM on February 16 [6 favorites]
In NYC, every time I exit the subway, I scan for anyone looking like they need a tap/swipe to be let through the turnstile. I make eye contact, ask, “need a swipe?” and then swipe/tap them in. Sometimes I just exit through the big emergency door and hold it open for multiple folks to duck in.
posted by minervous at 9:44 PM on February 16 [11 favorites]
posted by minervous at 9:44 PM on February 16 [11 favorites]
I pick things off stairs people might trip on.
I report broken meters and vending machines.
This is probably very location specific but when there are too few taxis to go around I've often offered complete strangers to share a ride, and paid for both of us (it was 100% little old ladies trying to get home from my hospital). It used to be a thing in the late 80s and early 90s when people would wait in line at a taxi rank.
I talk up coworkers to the boss.
I tip generously and very generously in unpleasant weather. I don't order takeout in bad (possibly unsafe for driving) weather.
posted by M. at 10:02 PM on February 16 [5 favorites]
I report broken meters and vending machines.
This is probably very location specific but when there are too few taxis to go around I've often offered complete strangers to share a ride, and paid for both of us (it was 100% little old ladies trying to get home from my hospital). It used to be a thing in the late 80s and early 90s when people would wait in line at a taxi rank.
I talk up coworkers to the boss.
I tip generously and very generously in unpleasant weather. I don't order takeout in bad (possibly unsafe for driving) weather.
posted by M. at 10:02 PM on February 16 [5 favorites]
The city waste bins for trash, recycling, and compost have lids on a hinge. When the collectors pick up, they always leave the bin lids open. After the pick up I go and close mine and all my neighbours' bin lids, especially if it looks like rain. I also mow my neighbour's strip of lawn in front of their house when I mow mine, as well as pick up all the discarded bottles and litter left by the street.
posted by a humble nudibranch at 12:10 AM on February 17 [2 favorites]
posted by a humble nudibranch at 12:10 AM on February 17 [2 favorites]
I keep clif bars, and a few waters in my car for unhoused dudes. also, goodwill blankets in winter.
posted by j_curiouser at 3:14 AM on February 17 [5 favorites]
posted by j_curiouser at 3:14 AM on February 17 [5 favorites]
I pick up trash.
posted by rhymedirective at 6:50 AM on February 17 [3 favorites]
posted by rhymedirective at 6:50 AM on February 17 [3 favorites]
I turn off bike lights that people have left on when parked to save their battery. Although more times recently I have found I can’t work out how to turn them off and walk away thinking ‘fair enough!’.
I don’t jaywalk when there are kids around. I like to model the road safety of waiting for the green man because they’re too young to safely judge when to go and it makes life easier for their parents.
I turn off taps (faucets) that people have accidentally left running, of course.
I do not, I’m sorry to say, pick up dog poo bags with dog poo in that people have left on their walks. (Am not a dog owner so would not normally be carrying bags of poo.)
posted by lokta at 6:50 AM on February 17 [3 favorites]
I don’t jaywalk when there are kids around. I like to model the road safety of waiting for the green man because they’re too young to safely judge when to go and it makes life easier for their parents.
I turn off taps (faucets) that people have accidentally left running, of course.
I do not, I’m sorry to say, pick up dog poo bags with dog poo in that people have left on their walks. (Am not a dog owner so would not normally be carrying bags of poo.)
posted by lokta at 6:50 AM on February 17 [3 favorites]
When I was a teenager, my dad had a plow on his truck, and if we were driving somewhere and he saw someone shoveling out their driveway, he'd always offer to plow it for them. I don't do this because I don't have a plow, but I do offer to help dig when it seems warranted.
I do the shopping carts, and also always make sure the baskets are stacked neatly in the express lane so no one trips over them and there's room to stack more. Pick up as much trash on a beach/park walk as I can carry, and clear trails when they're blocked by something I can move. Apparently I'm big on public tidying.
posted by dizziest at 6:55 AM on February 17 [3 favorites]
I do the shopping carts, and also always make sure the baskets are stacked neatly in the express lane so no one trips over them and there's room to stack more. Pick up as much trash on a beach/park walk as I can carry, and clear trails when they're blocked by something I can move. Apparently I'm big on public tidying.
posted by dizziest at 6:55 AM on February 17 [3 favorites]
I have a short leaf rake and when it's been raining hard I'll take it on my daily walk and clear all the drains on my route.
posted by fiercekitten at 8:01 AM on February 17 [8 favorites]
posted by fiercekitten at 8:01 AM on February 17 [8 favorites]
I have a regular commute that includes two or three sections of road that are regularly congested. I make an effort to drive mindfully and pause to let other drivers enter the traffic flow. I always get a mood boost from doing that.
posted by Winnie the Proust at 10:33 AM on February 17 [2 favorites]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 10:33 AM on February 17 [2 favorites]
When I'm in a restaurant and someone at the table gets a to-go box. Often they absent-mindedly leave it behind as they leave the table. I keep an eye on that and give them a quick reminder.
posted by hydra77 at 10:42 AM on February 17 [3 favorites]
posted by hydra77 at 10:42 AM on February 17 [3 favorites]
I offer to take pictures of groups when they’re posing, so everyone can be in the shot.
At a hairy merge point nearby, I intentionally go in the right lane and let in 2-3 cars. In general, let people merge.
I’ll stop and get out of my car to remove debris in the road, and move obstructions on sidewalks and park paths when walking.
I grab doors whenever someone’s coming or going and they’re carrying stuff.
I live on a block of older folks, and do most of the sidewalks and front walks when it snows. After big summer storms, I pick up sticks from the road.
I fix public toilets when the chain has fallen off the lever.
I let people who have fewer things, seem like they’re in a rush or a mood, or have kids go in front of me in line.
All of this is due to never really being in a rush to be anywhere, and realizing that I’m young and healthy, so if I won’t do this, who on earth would?
I love this thread, thank you for asking such a lovely question.
posted by punchtothehead at 11:14 AM on February 17 [10 favorites]
At a hairy merge point nearby, I intentionally go in the right lane and let in 2-3 cars. In general, let people merge.
I’ll stop and get out of my car to remove debris in the road, and move obstructions on sidewalks and park paths when walking.
I grab doors whenever someone’s coming or going and they’re carrying stuff.
I live on a block of older folks, and do most of the sidewalks and front walks when it snows. After big summer storms, I pick up sticks from the road.
I fix public toilets when the chain has fallen off the lever.
I let people who have fewer things, seem like they’re in a rush or a mood, or have kids go in front of me in line.
All of this is due to never really being in a rush to be anywhere, and realizing that I’m young and healthy, so if I won’t do this, who on earth would?
I love this thread, thank you for asking such a lovely question.
posted by punchtothehead at 11:14 AM on February 17 [10 favorites]
We live rural. A neighbour at the other end of the parish has coordinated a litter-pick each spring for the last 20? years. Yesterday, I deprived our kilometer of county road of three feed-sacks full of misc trash. When we started, it was working on decades of accumulation (tires, baler-twine, empty drench bottles, glass coke bottles). Now it's just what accumulates in 12 months; interesting what's trending over time: Red Bull is displacing Lucozade for example.
The other annual event is the Challenge when a few hundred people yomp for 33km up hill and down dale one Saturday in May. This has been going past our house for also ~20 years. The second time it happened, forewarned, we left a drum of water out in the lane. Later we installed a stand-pipe in the yard and now a finger-post directs walkers (the Lycra fell-runners have no time for such nonsense) in through the gate. If they're coming in, why not put out some benches and lawn-chairs so they can pop their blisters? And it's no biggie (Trail-fairies ᴙ Us) to make a couple of slabs of oaty flap-jacks. Last year the organizers came back in the evening with a bottle of Whiskey!
posted by BobTheScientist at 11:30 AM on February 17 [9 favorites]
The other annual event is the Challenge when a few hundred people yomp for 33km up hill and down dale one Saturday in May. This has been going past our house for also ~20 years. The second time it happened, forewarned, we left a drum of water out in the lane. Later we installed a stand-pipe in the yard and now a finger-post directs walkers (the Lycra fell-runners have no time for such nonsense) in through the gate. If they're coming in, why not put out some benches and lawn-chairs so they can pop their blisters? And it's no biggie (Trail-fairies ᴙ Us) to make a couple of slabs of oaty flap-jacks. Last year the organizers came back in the evening with a bottle of Whiskey!
posted by BobTheScientist at 11:30 AM on February 17 [9 favorites]
During winter when waiting at the bus stop I use my own feet to dig/stomp paths in the snow to the bus shelter and to the curb and to create an area for people to line up outside that is snow free enough that they can stand or walk there even if they have insufficient shoes and no boots. It's satisfying how big a space I can clear if I have to wait for ten minutes.
During slush and winter rain season I clear the snow so that the storm drains are not blocked, and in the fall I clear the leaves so that the puddles can drain.
After a really heavy snow storm I go out and flounder as far as the fire hydrants and dig them out.
I clear falllen branches and boughs from the sidewalk and the walking trails if they are big enough that someone not paying attention or walking in the dusk could trip over them.
I offer strangers who are out walking their dog a chance to have the dog interact with me, not just because I like saying hi to strange dogs but also because most dogs need all the opportunities to be socialized that they can get.
Whenever someone shares a missing person announcement, or an animal in distress needs rehoming appeal, I follow it back to source to make sure it is current, and if it isn't I let the poster know so they can delete it. I always extremely pleased to be able to reply to their post with good news when a missing kid has been found.
In public washrooms that actually supply paper towel I use the towel I dried my hands with to wipe the counter and the rim of the sink if there are puddles.
I hold doors for people and I give people who are rushing, or who are carrying something heavy right of way.
I rescue worms on the sidewalk when it is raining.
posted by Jane the Brown at 12:10 PM on February 17 [9 favorites]
During slush and winter rain season I clear the snow so that the storm drains are not blocked, and in the fall I clear the leaves so that the puddles can drain.
After a really heavy snow storm I go out and flounder as far as the fire hydrants and dig them out.
I clear falllen branches and boughs from the sidewalk and the walking trails if they are big enough that someone not paying attention or walking in the dusk could trip over them.
I offer strangers who are out walking their dog a chance to have the dog interact with me, not just because I like saying hi to strange dogs but also because most dogs need all the opportunities to be socialized that they can get.
Whenever someone shares a missing person announcement, or an animal in distress needs rehoming appeal, I follow it back to source to make sure it is current, and if it isn't I let the poster know so they can delete it. I always extremely pleased to be able to reply to their post with good news when a missing kid has been found.
In public washrooms that actually supply paper towel I use the towel I dried my hands with to wipe the counter and the rim of the sink if there are puddles.
I hold doors for people and I give people who are rushing, or who are carrying something heavy right of way.
I rescue worms on the sidewalk when it is raining.
posted by Jane the Brown at 12:10 PM on February 17 [9 favorites]
If I go in a public restroom that needs the toilet paper roll replaced, I put the new one on the holder. Depending on the grossness level, I wipe down the seat so that people will stop avoiding a specific stall and the bathroom line can move faster. I also grab abandoned dog poop bags and dog poop that is on the sidewalk or in other obvious gross spots. (I promise I wash my hands thoroughly after these.)
On hikes and in parks, I always tell people if I've spotted cool wildlife up ahead and what to keep a look out for. Also, if my dog finds something gross to play with near the trail (like animal bones), I take care to give that disgusting thing a huge heave ho far off the trail so that other people don't have to pry it out of their dogs' mouths. And I pick up granola bar wrappers and other trash to pack out.
I tell anyone who mentions a new haircut or clothing item that they look great and made a perfect choice. I try hard to be positive and enthusiastic about everyone's hometown, finding something to compliment, and if I can't think if anything specific, just the climate or location.
I give absolutely glowing, over-the-moon job references.
posted by luzdeluna at 1:37 PM on February 17 [8 favorites]
On hikes and in parks, I always tell people if I've spotted cool wildlife up ahead and what to keep a look out for. Also, if my dog finds something gross to play with near the trail (like animal bones), I take care to give that disgusting thing a huge heave ho far off the trail so that other people don't have to pry it out of their dogs' mouths. And I pick up granola bar wrappers and other trash to pack out.
I tell anyone who mentions a new haircut or clothing item that they look great and made a perfect choice. I try hard to be positive and enthusiastic about everyone's hometown, finding something to compliment, and if I can't think if anything specific, just the climate or location.
I give absolutely glowing, over-the-moon job references.
posted by luzdeluna at 1:37 PM on February 17 [8 favorites]
I'm on team "space out and miss things in real time" too, so you're in good company. The joke with my spouse is that I just do what they tell me, because they're on team "notice all the things, remember all the contexts, and consolidate them into a very cohesive and concrete set of steps to improve the world."
The thing I can do (mainly because it involves sitting still for little while and then eating cookies) is blood donations! I was scared of needles for the first n years of my life, and now at the ripe old age of 2.5n, I ... well, I'm still kind-of a baby, and I can't look. But I go :) Many people can do whole blood 6ish times a year, or platelets 20ish times a year, and it's one thing hospitals can't just order on amazon.
[Unrelated, but maybe related? I talk up my spouse's many, many amazing qualities any time the opportunity presents itself.]
OH! And I say "go team" instead of "you're welcome" as a response to "thank you." I don't know what "you're welcome" is supposed to represent - "you are welcome to my assistance?" or "you are welcome to something else?" But "go team" means "yeah, bud, we're all in this thing together, you and me and everybody else, and my team spirit means that I gotta help you out when I can. And maybe if the situation is reversed, you'll remember we're teammates and watch out for me. Or some 3rd party." HA maybe that's just "give blood" in a different sweater!
posted by adekllny at 3:01 PM on February 17 [6 favorites]
The thing I can do (mainly because it involves sitting still for little while and then eating cookies) is blood donations! I was scared of needles for the first n years of my life, and now at the ripe old age of 2.5n, I ... well, I'm still kind-of a baby, and I can't look. But I go :) Many people can do whole blood 6ish times a year, or platelets 20ish times a year, and it's one thing hospitals can't just order on amazon.
[Unrelated, but maybe related? I talk up my spouse's many, many amazing qualities any time the opportunity presents itself.]
OH! And I say "go team" instead of "you're welcome" as a response to "thank you." I don't know what "you're welcome" is supposed to represent - "you are welcome to my assistance?" or "you are welcome to something else?" But "go team" means "yeah, bud, we're all in this thing together, you and me and everybody else, and my team spirit means that I gotta help you out when I can. And maybe if the situation is reversed, you'll remember we're teammates and watch out for me. Or some 3rd party." HA maybe that's just "give blood" in a different sweater!
posted by adekllny at 3:01 PM on February 17 [6 favorites]
I give blood every Valentine's Day because it's a good reminder to do it. Bonus when you can get your partner to come with you.
posted by egeanin at 10:50 AM on February 18 [3 favorites]
posted by egeanin at 10:50 AM on February 18 [3 favorites]
I safely corral and then find the owners of loose dogs. This is a 5-6 times a year occurrence and there’s an amazing behind-the-scenes online team who dedicate SO mush assistance in my area.
When I’m out for a hike I pick up trash and left-behind items; loose items get left in obvious places at the trailhead and reported on the online hiking boards as is the custom around here.
We created and maintain a system of hard-packed snowshoe trails during winter in our neighborhood park so people can take their dogs out. This is a stupid amount of work some winters, but it benefits us, too.
posted by charmedimsure at 12:23 PM on February 18 [3 favorites]
When I’m out for a hike I pick up trash and left-behind items; loose items get left in obvious places at the trailhead and reported on the online hiking boards as is the custom around here.
We created and maintain a system of hard-packed snowshoe trails during winter in our neighborhood park so people can take their dogs out. This is a stupid amount of work some winters, but it benefits us, too.
posted by charmedimsure at 12:23 PM on February 18 [3 favorites]
I always carry a dog leash in my car in case I encounter a loose dog. Doesn't happen often, but when it does, a leash is key. Here's a photo of a dog I encountered running in and out of traffic on a busy four-lane road (the photo shows him in the backseat of my car). It's a small miracle that he wasn't killed, and another small miracle that he trusted me enough to let me get him. (The dog turned out to be microchipped and was soon reunited with his owner.)
posted by alex1965 at 4:09 PM on February 18 [5 favorites]
posted by alex1965 at 4:09 PM on February 18 [5 favorites]
I keep a box of tampons in my car in case I interact with someone who needs them. My understanding is most donated period products are pads, but lots of people in need prefer tampons.
posted by theotherdurassister at 10:19 PM on February 18 [2 favorites]
posted by theotherdurassister at 10:19 PM on February 18 [2 favorites]
I pray for (or send good energy to) all requests I see on social media. I will likely only pray once because that's all the longer my memory is good for, but it will be personalized and sincere.
I tip well, even for crappy service. I've been a crappy server and I really appreciated the customers who gave me grace so I try to do the same for others. You never know what someone might be struggling with.
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 10:48 AM on February 19 [3 favorites]
I tip well, even for crappy service. I've been a crappy server and I really appreciated the customers who gave me grace so I try to do the same for others. You never know what someone might be struggling with.
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 10:48 AM on February 19 [3 favorites]
I drain the gas from my emergency generator before it gets too old and then give it to the neighbor's yard maintenance guys for their gas powered tools.
~:~
While out walking and find myself trailing someone that may feel vulnerable I'll cross to the other side of the street to give them more space.
posted by tinker at 4:06 PM on February 20 [1 favorite]
~:~
While out walking and find myself trailing someone that may feel vulnerable I'll cross to the other side of the street to give them more space.
posted by tinker at 4:06 PM on February 20 [1 favorite]
I give blood every 8 weeks. I volunteer for crisis text line every week for 2 hours.
posted by MiraK at 1:59 PM on February 22 [1 favorite]
posted by MiraK at 1:59 PM on February 22 [1 favorite]
Mod note: We try to highlight the great posts, such as this one, on the Sidebar and Best Of blog!
posted by Brandon Blatcher (staff) at 7:35 AM on February 23 [1 favorite]
posted by Brandon Blatcher (staff) at 7:35 AM on February 23 [1 favorite]
Neat thread. I do a lot of stuff I see upthread. Also:
I always attempt to help turtles cross the road, if it looks like they aren't going to make it, ditto train tracks. (Here's a guide with more information for the curious.)
I report potholes to whomever has jurisdiction, when I encounter a bad one & think of it later.
I keep an eye out for short folks, elderly folks, or mobility device users when I'm at the store, and (where appropriate) I offer to help get things off tall or difficult shelves.
posted by cupcakeninja at 8:21 AM on February 23 [1 favorite]
I always attempt to help turtles cross the road, if it looks like they aren't going to make it, ditto train tracks. (Here's a guide with more information for the curious.)
I report potholes to whomever has jurisdiction, when I encounter a bad one & think of it later.
I keep an eye out for short folks, elderly folks, or mobility device users when I'm at the store, and (where appropriate) I offer to help get things off tall or difficult shelves.
posted by cupcakeninja at 8:21 AM on February 23 [1 favorite]
I do a lot of the above things: storm drain clean, stick sidewalk clean, poll work, tip well, push down paper towels.
One thing I didn't see mentioned was, every time I'm contemplating sending an email or a message where someone asked me to do a thing, instead of sending one that says "Yeah I'll do that!" (which seems helpful, but doesn't always remove the item from the other person's to do list) I'll see if I can just DO THE THING and then email and say "Yes I've done that!"
Often I'm asked to do smallish tasks like "Can you fix this typo on the website?" or "Can you send me that document we talked about?" and it's less work for everyone if I just do it and reply, rather than reply, remember to do the thing later, do the thing, and then email the person again saying now it's done.
posted by jessamyn at 10:45 AM on February 23 [3 favorites]
One thing I didn't see mentioned was, every time I'm contemplating sending an email or a message where someone asked me to do a thing, instead of sending one that says "Yeah I'll do that!" (which seems helpful, but doesn't always remove the item from the other person's to do list) I'll see if I can just DO THE THING and then email and say "Yes I've done that!"
Often I'm asked to do smallish tasks like "Can you fix this typo on the website?" or "Can you send me that document we talked about?" and it's less work for everyone if I just do it and reply, rather than reply, remember to do the thing later, do the thing, and then email the person again saying now it's done.
posted by jessamyn at 10:45 AM on February 23 [3 favorites]
Not so random or anonymous, but I give my ex teaching assistants the absolute best, Leslie Knope-level recommendations.
I seem to be good at it (and at picking them), since they tend to be accepted for post-graduate studies in places like Harvard, MIT, LSE, etc.
posted by signal at 1:00 PM on February 23 [1 favorite]
I seem to be good at it (and at picking them), since they tend to be accepted for post-graduate studies in places like Harvard, MIT, LSE, etc.
posted by signal at 1:00 PM on February 23 [1 favorite]
I complement people on their hair/clothes/tattoos/other feature that they have control over, or I tell them how cute their baby or dog is. It makes people smile, even if just for a moment.
I keep multiple sanitary towels on hand so that I can maybe save someone's day.
I keep a lot of things on hand, actually - notepad, pens, stamps, tissues, throat sweets, - just in case somebody needs something I can help them with. My sewing kit is more for me than for this but it's come in handy for rescuing my friends' small crises plenty of times.
posted by HypotheticalWoman at 5:13 AM on February 28 [1 favorite]
I keep multiple sanitary towels on hand so that I can maybe save someone's day.
I keep a lot of things on hand, actually - notepad, pens, stamps, tissues, throat sweets, - just in case somebody needs something I can help them with. My sewing kit is more for me than for this but it's come in handy for rescuing my friends' small crises plenty of times.
posted by HypotheticalWoman at 5:13 AM on February 28 [1 favorite]
I have a bunch of stuff that fits into this but one I don't see here is that I fix restaurant/bar toilets and take the unflushed one if it's not too gross and figure out how to flush it. If the toilets are running and not flushing, I take off the back of the tank (where I can) and I fix them so they seal and fill properly and can enter back into the toilet options. I also replace the TP if I can or if there is no TP in one stall and I can't get a roll, I will get some extra from another stall to put in the one with none and let the staff know the stall is out of TP so it can be refilled.
posted by urbanlenny at 10:33 AM on February 29 [2 favorites]
posted by urbanlenny at 10:33 AM on February 29 [2 favorites]
If a tourist asks for directions I always comply. sometimes I will even offer if they look visibly confused and haven't yet noticed me. Others have done the same for me in my own travels, I figure I can pay it forward.
...In retail stores, on shopping days that are traditionally very busy (i.e., near Christmas), I'm always patient and polite - and at some point towards the end of any transaction, I lean forward and say to the cashier, "I just want to remind you that this day WILL end, and you WILL get to go home, I promise". I have never failed to at least get a smile at that; one time I got a giggle and a whispered, "oh, bless your cotton socks!"
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 1:11 PM on March 20
...In retail stores, on shopping days that are traditionally very busy (i.e., near Christmas), I'm always patient and polite - and at some point towards the end of any transaction, I lean forward and say to the cashier, "I just want to remind you that this day WILL end, and you WILL get to go home, I promise". I have never failed to at least get a smile at that; one time I got a giggle and a whispered, "oh, bless your cotton socks!"
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 1:11 PM on March 20
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posted by spamandkimchi at 5:30 PM on February 16 [1 favorite]