If you’ve spent time in Broad Ripple, chances are you’ve seen David Schnieders out and about, bucket in one hand and a grabber in the other, quietly making a big impact. Now, he’s inviting the community to join him.
“Trashercise” is a new weekly meetup where neighbors come together to walk, get some fresh air, and pick up trash around the village. The concept is simple: if you’re already going for a walk, why not help clean up along the way?
Every Wednesday at 10am, participants will meet at the old Broad Ripple fire station, grab a bucket and a picker, and head out for about an hour of light exercise with a purpose. Afterwards, the group may even grab a coffee together, because community is just as important as clean streets.
David didn’t set out to start a movement. After retiring more than a decade ago, he simply wanted a reason to stay active outdoors. But as he walked through the neighborhood, he noticed something he couldn’t ignore: trash.
“I can’t just walk past it,” he shared. “If I’m out anyway, I might as well pick it up.”
What started as a personal habit has turned into something bigger. On any given walk, David can fill five to six buckets of trash in just over an hour. It’s a reminder of both the need and the opportunity for community action.
While the Broad Ripple Village Association hosts monthly cleanups, weather and scheduling don’t always cooperate. Trashercise offers a more consistent, flexible way for residents to get involved. And the impact goes beyond aesthetics.
“A clean neighborhood is a welcoming neighborhood,” David explained. “If we want people to invest in Broad Ripple, to open businesses and spend time here, we have to take pride in it.”
Trashercise is open to anyone, no experience needed. Just show up, take a walk, and help make a difference. Because sometimes, small actions like picking up a single piece of trash can add up to something much bigger.
📍 When: Every Wednesday at 10am
📍 Where: Old Broad Ripple Fire Station (6330 Guilford Ave)
🧤 What to Bring: Yourself (supplies available, but feel free to bring your own)
