Instead of complaining about the rubbish on our streets – and there's more and more of it as this city expands – take control of the issue, make a contribution.

Pick one or two pieces of someone else's rubbish up every day.

I was inspired by this old fellow walking his dog along the waterfront grass on Maxwells Road. He picked up a soda can and then some McDonalds sponsored takeaway rubbish – why does a burger and chips create so much extraneous crap? – and put it in the rubbish bin.

He rationalised it by saying he could have got all wound up and angry at the perpetrators but that didn't help him nor did it get rid of the rubbish. He felt much better staying calm and acting positively and responsibly. Someone else's rubbish but my city and I want it to be clean and tidy.

It takes getting used to. I wandered down The Strand with two recovered empty beer bottles last Monday morning on the way to work and I attracted some strange stares. But their city looked a little bit better for my efforts. And it makes me feel delightfully sanctimonious.

So don't complain. Act. You may enjoy it.

I Goldsmith, Bureta.