upworthy

Greg Sullivan

Community

Lone volunteer shares his dramatic before and after photos of cleaning up Bay Area streets

One man is making a difference.

pengweather

Andy Wang has made it a personal mission to to clean up the streets of the Bay Area

During the COVID-19 lockdown, Andrew Y. Wang, known online as “Pengweather”, stumbled upon YouTube videos of people dedicating their time to community improvement projects and Bay Area volunteer initiatives. From cleaning up litter in Southeast Asia to unclogging storm drains, these efforts struck a chord. Andy found himself inspired, but it wasn’t until late 2021, while driving along I-580 between Livermore and Tracy, California, that inspiration turned to action. Seeing illegal dumping and trash lining this busy corridor gave him a sudden realization: “Greeting travelers with the presence of litter is not a good reflection of Bay Area values.”

What began as a solo community cleanup in California near Altamont Pass has since expanded into a Bay Area-wide mission to tackle illegal dumping and restore public spaces. Andy cleans everything from urban alleys to neglected natural areas, often using his own money to pay for landfill fees—sometimes up to $500 per trip. Alongside the physical cleanup, Andy also documents his work on social media, using striking before-and-after photos to motivate others to join the cause and shed light on systemic issues.

Andy’s impact has not gone unnoticed. Across Reddit and other platforms, Bay Area residents have rallied around his efforts, praising his dedication and calling him a local hero. “He’s such a GOAT around here! I swear he does more for the community than most elected local politicians,” one commenter wrote. His actions have inspired a ripple effect, with many people stepping up to clean their own neighborhoods.

Before and after images of a highway cleanup effort. Before and after Andy's Christmas Day 2024 efforts showing the impact one dedicated person can have.pengweather

From inspiration to action

Andy’s commitment comes from a deep desire to make his community cleaner, safer, and more welcoming. Yet his journey has not been without challenges. Early on, he faced hostility from motorists, including threats of violence, prompting him to shift his work to safer locations. Today, he cleans up a range of sites, often funding his efforts out of pocket.

Reflecting on his work, Andy shared a powerful moment that cemented his resolve. In November 2023, he cleared an illegal dumping site near the Napa River in Vallejo. “It was just a horrendous site with piles of litter that built up over several months, if not a year,” he recalled. After clearing the area, he revisited it weeks later to find it still pristine. Returning again on Christmas 2024, Andy was delighted to see not only the absence of trash but new grass beginning to grow.

"Greeting travelers with the presence of litter is not a good reflection of Bay Area values."

— Andy / “Pengweather”

A wave of Reddit praise

On Reddit, an enthusiastic chorus has gathered to applaud Andy’s volunteer work. One user highlighted his far-reaching impact by saying:

“He’s such a GOAT around here! I swear he does more for the community than most elected local politicians.”

Others emphasized the local legend status he’s earned, echoing remarks like:

“u/pengweather is a local legend in the SF Bay Area.”
Doing weekend volunteering can make a huge difference
by u/pengweather inBeAmazed

Some revealed how Andy has personally motivated them, with one commenter noting:

“Honestly, you have inspired me to pick up trash whenever I am out working.”

Even beyond the Bay Area, people are amazed by Andy’s dedication and selfless approach to service.

Building a community of change

Andy’s story resonates with locals, many of whom have been inspired to take up cleanups themselves. One supporter even started a group called the Trash Pandas, which organizes monthly efforts at Oakland’s Grizzly Peak. “This is evidence that my work is achieving one of its goals, which is to be inspiring,” Andy says.

The community’s support fuels his motivation, but not everyone is convinced. Some critics argue that such work doesn’t address the root causes of illegal dumping. Andy doesn’t dismiss these concerns. “I fully understand,” he says, noting that he has worked tirelessly to promote low-cost, long-term solutions with local governments. Frustratingly, he’s often met with resistance or indifference. Despite the setbacks, Andy remains focused on making a lasting impact.

"Nothing warms my heart more than hearing about people who have been inspired by my work and decided to also volunteer."

— Andy / “Pengweather”

Looking ahead

Andy has big plans for 2025. His goal is to monetize his YouTube and Instagram platforms to fund his cleanup efforts and support local nonprofits, unhoused services, and more. He’s currently working to increase his video content, hoping to reach the required 3,000 watch hours to earn ad revenue.

In addition to expanding his own cleanups, Andy wants to highlight the work of other volunteers. Though he prefers to work alone most of the time due to his self-described introverted nature, he sees the power in showcasing a broader movement. “This effort may be minuscule compared to other initiatives, but it is something to start from,” he says.

"This effort may be minuscule compared to other initiatives, but it is something to start from."

— Andy / “Pengweather”

Inspired by Andy’s story? Here are a few ways to get involved:

  • Organize a cleanup: Gather friends or neighbors to tackle a local problem area.
  • Support volunteers: Donate gloves, trash bags, or funds to cover landfill fees.
  • Advocate for change: Push local governments to provide more dumpsters, lower disposal fees, and crack down on repeat offenders.

"I always tell people that you do not have to go out and physically volunteer to make a difference."

— Andy / “Pengweather”

Andy’s efforts prove that one person can inspire a movement. By taking small steps—like picking up a single bag of trash—you can contribute to creating cleaner, safer communities. Together, these actions add up, one block at a time.

Every watch, share, and subscribe helps ‘Pengweather’ fund more cleanups, donate to local nonprofits, and expand his efforts, so be sure to like and follow on YouTubeor Instagram.

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Parenting

Viral toddler nap video proves one thing: The nap always wins

From cranky chaos to random snoozes, here’s why toddlers resist sleep—and how parents can cope.

Photo by Ayşegül Akdaş

We know they're tired, why don't they?

In the timeless struggle between toddlers and naptime, sleep invariably emerges victorious. A viral TikTok video featuring young Stella encapsulates this universal truth, resonating with parents worldwide.

In the clip, shared by Stella's mother, @lobeeston, she recounts how her daughter adamantly insisted she wasn't tired and refused to nap. However, when the family later called out, "Stella, where are you?" they discovered her fast asleep at the foot of the stairs, face down and utterly exhausted. This endearing scene has garnered over 3.9 million views and 700,000 likes, with countless parents sharing their own humorous nap-time battles in the comments.

@lobeeston Took 30 minutes to wake her from this slumber hahah
♬ original sound - Lo Beeston

Why do toddlers resist naps?

Stella's sudden slumber is a familiar scenario for many parents. But what drives toddlers to resist napping?

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According to pediatric sleep consultant Camila Martelo, a Pediatric Sleep Consultant, it's a combination of developmental milestones and a desire for independence.

"Toddlers are becoming increasingly aware of their surroundings and may fear missing out on exciting activities or time with family members."

— Camila Martelo

Additionally, as toddlers grow, their sleep patterns evolve. Many transition from two naps to one between 14 and 18 months, and some begin skipping naps altogether between 3 and 5 years old. ( The Baby Sleep Site)

Expert tips for handling nap refusal

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Navigating nap resistance can be challenging, but experts offer strategies to ease the process:

  • Establish a consistent, calming pre-nap routine: A soothing and predictable routine helps signal to your toddler that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. (Huckleberry Care)
  • Pay attention to timing: Ensure that naps are scheduled appropriately to prevent overtiredness, which can make it harder for toddlers to settle down.
  • Create a calming nap environment: Minimize distractions and create a sleep-friendly environment to help your toddler relax.
  • Offer choices and give them some control: Allowing your toddler to have a say in their nap routine can reduce resistance.
  • Be consistent and patient: Maintaining a consistent approach and being patient can help your toddler adjust to nap times.

While parenting through the toddler years can be exhausting, Stella's nap adventure serves as a humorous reminder to find joy in the chaos. Moments like these—when a defiant "I'm not tired!" ends in an impromptu snooze—become cherished memories.

via GIPHY

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Equality

Why women envy men's "carefree lives" and men envy women's "emotional freedom"

A new study shows that envy between genders reflects deeper societal pressures—but also how we can rise above them.

Photo by Tan Danh

We have different gifts and burdens but we can rise above them.

What do men and women envy about each other? It’s a deceptively simple question, but the answers, as explored in a recent study from the University of Ostrava, dive deep into societal expectations, biological realities, and cultural stereotypes. Researchers surveyed 1,769 people, asking what they envied about the opposite gender. Their findings? A mixture of relatable, surprising, and thought-provoking insights that reveal how society shapes our perceptions of freedom and privilege. The study also uncovered a new type of envy, aptly named "ablative envy," in which we envy the absence of challenges we face.

Women envy freedom from physical and emotional burdens

When asked what they envied about men, women overwhelmingly pointed to what can be summed up as a less complicated, lower-stress existence. Respondents cited freedom from societal double standards, the ability to age without judgment, and even men’s tendency to "just fall asleep without overthinking."

via GIPHY

“I think that kind of freedom, to do whatever you want, men are just bohemians.”

— Survey respondent

Many women envied men's perceived ability to "take everything lightly" and "not make a big deal out of anything." This sense of ease extended into professional realms. Women expressed frustration over pay gaps and career obstacles linked to motherhood, noting that men often enjoy "higher salaries" and "more favorable financial rewards at work."

The envy also touched on societal expectations around appearance. Women appreciated that men don't face the same scrutiny over aging and physical appearance. As the study notes, women envied "the ability to age into beauty" and not having to "spend an hour in front of a mirror before leaving the house." The freedom from stringent beauty standards was a recurring theme.

via GIPHY

Physical strength and practical advantages were also points of envy. Women highlighted men's greater ability to perform physically demanding tasks, like "opening a jar without difficulty." Additionally, they envied men's convenience in everyday situations, such as urinating standing up.

Men envy women's emotional expressiveness and multifaceted abilities

Conversely, men’s envy centered on aspects of emotional life, relational depth, and domestic skills often associated with femininity. Many men admired women's ability to openly express emotions, form deep connections, and embrace nurturing roles without societal judgment.

The study found that men "envy women’s emotionality," noting that women are "permitted to express emotions at any time." In contrast, men often feel constrained by societal expectations to "earn and provide for their families." This emotional freedom allows women to build strong interpersonal relationships and support networks.

Men employed endearing terms such as "bringing new life into the world" and "a woman as a giver of life."

— Study findings

This envy extended to women's roles in nurturing and caregiving. Several men expressed admiration—and even envy—for women's capacity for motherhood.

via GIPHY

Men's envy also encompassed women's multitasking abilities. They noted that women can "do multiple things at once" and "keep up with multiple tasks," managing both professional responsibilities and family life with apparent ease. One respondent admired that his wife is "adept at cooking, cleaning, washing, and handling various tasks in a playful manner."

Men also recognized women's "physical attractiveness" and the social advantages it can confer, thought perhaps not in the way you might expect. Researchers found that these replies were less about superficial qualities and more about the ease that women can "utilize charm to one's advantage" and the "capacity to influence and control others" through social interactions.

The emergence of "ablative envy"

One of the study’s most groundbreaking insights was the identification of "ablative envy." This form of envy is about wanting the absence of a burden, rather than a possession or trait. Women envied men for their lack of menstruation, childbirth, and menopause—biological processes that can be physically and emotionally taxing.

via GIPHY

Men, on the other hand, envied women for being less pressured by societal expectations to suppress emotions or constantly "prove" their worth through stoicism and achievement. This concept of ablative envy highlights the deep emotional weight of societal expectations and biological realities, opening new avenues for understanding envy as more than just desire—it’s a longing for relief.

Bridging envy into empathy

Despite these differences, the study also showed that over 40% of women and more than half of men reported not envying the opposite gender at all. This suggests that while envy exists, it doesn’t define how people see each other—it’s just one layer of a complex relationship between genders.

via GIPHY

Understanding these dynamics isn’t about fostering division but rather empathy. By recognizing the pressures each gender faces—whether it’s societal expectations, emotional labor, or physical challenges—we can work toward dismantling stereotypes and building a more equitable society.

The study points to actionable steps, like addressing pay inequality, supporting men’s mental health initiatives, and normalizing shared responsibility in caregiving roles. For individuals, it’s about stepping back from assumptions and celebrating the unique contributions of each person, regardless of gender.

What this study says about society

Ultimately, the study highlights how envy reflects societal imbalances. As long as one gender carries heavier burdens in certain domains, envy will persist. But it also shows a path forward—one where we move beyond envy to understanding and collaboration.

via GIPHY

By tackling these underlying inequalities, we don’t just start to resolve envy. We create a society where everyone feels valued and supported—and that’s something worth striving for.

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Pop Culture

Leftovers just got legendary: How Action Bronson is cooking up genius ideas with AI

From turkey stir-fries to cranberry vinaigrette, Meta AI is his new secret ingredient.

Pitchblend

Action Bronson helps prepare meals

Artificial intelligence is everywhere these days—from our phones to our social media feeds—and it’s now making its way into the kitchen. Chef, rapper, and TV personality Action Bronson is tapping into this growing trend, using Meta AI to turn holiday leftovers into creative new dishes. It’s a fresh way of looking at food, and Bronson is showing how technology can help us rethink what’s possible in the kitchen.

Friendsgiving reimagined

Celebrating both Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving can sometimes feel like a culinary marathon, with dishes often overlapping between gatherings. Bronson’s advice for making Friendsgiving distinct? Add your personal twist to the classics.

"It’s all about taking what you know and love and adding a little spice."

— @ActionBronson

For Bronson, creativity starts with tradition—but it doesn’t end there. With the help of Meta AI, built into his Ray-Ban glasses, he’s reworking holiday staples in unexpected ways.

Celebrity Chef Action Bronson wearing glassesAction Bronson sporting a pair of sunglassesPitchblend

Using AI to brainstorm in real-time, Bronson turned leftover turkey and green beans into a flavorful sausage stir-fry, topped with pickled onions—a detail suggested by the AI itself.

"I asked Meta to look at my Friendsgiving leftovers and give me some inspiration—that’s how we dreamt up a delicious sausage green bean stir fry."

— @ActionBronson

A new kind of sous chef

What makes AI in the kitchen so intriguing is how it goes beyond simply following recipes or taking voice commands. Bronson describes Meta AI as a creative partner, one that doesn’t just respond but actively contributes ideas.

The AI in Bronson’s glasses can analyze what’s in his fridge, suggest combinations, and even offer finishing touches like garnishes or seasoning tweaks. “It can look at what I’m slicing and dicing on the chopping block and give me crazy ideas in real-time,” he explained. "The technology really knows how to take what’s familiar and elevate it, which is exactly what I do in the kitchen."

One standout moment? “I thought it was pretty cool that Meta AI basically suggested a spin on a dish I was already thinking of,” Bronson added. The tool doesn’t just follow instructions; it collaborates, enhancing the creative process.

A pair of Ray-Ban / Meta AI glassesA pair of Ray-Ban / Meta AI glassesMeta

How AI is changing the way we cook

Bronson’s experience highlights a broader trend: AI isn’t just helping people with complex tasks or problem-solving; it’s showing up in everyday moments, like deciding what to do with leftovers. While traditional kitchen tools help with execution, Meta AI brings an element of creativity, sparking new ways to think about food.

"It’s not just about cooking; it’s about creating something that blows your mind."

— @ActionBronson

The technology is still new, but Bronson sees potential for AI to become a staple in kitchens everywhere. From reducing food waste to inspiring new flavor combinations, AI offers a way to rethink how we approach cooking. “I do enjoy that you have a useful tool at your immediate disposal—all you have to do is ask,” Bronson said. He also shared that he used Meta AI to create dishes for both reimagined Thanksgiving leftovers and game-day celebrations, and both were so successful that he’d recreate them again.

More than just leftovers

For Bronson, using AI in the kitchen isn’t just about convenience—it’s about pushing creative boundaries. It’s the same ethos that drives his approach to food, music, and fashion. “Meta AI has my back in the kitchen, and it’s helping me create things that blow my mind,” he said.

As the holidays approach, AI is showing that it’s not just a tool for professionals—it’s something anyone can use to simplify seasonal planning or elevate their meals.

This season, whether you're reworking Friendsgiving leftovers or experimenting with new recipes, technology like Meta AI might just be the creative partner you didn’t know you needed.

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