Why I Decided To Be The Guardian Of The Beaches And Rivers In Puerto Rico

Guardian of Borikén’s Waters: A Mission to Protect Paradise

For the past 15 years, I’ve lived on the breathtaking island of Puerto Rico. Twelve years ago, I took a stand against the growing tide of trash polluting the beaches, rivers, and roads of this paradise. It wasn’t a decision born of obligation but from a deep love for this earth—a love that refuses to let such beauty go unnoticed or unprotected.

Every week, I walk these shores, armed with signs carrying messages that are both urgent and raw. I walk for miles, crossing different beaches, holding my signs up against the wind and under the relentless heat. My goal is to raise awareness and inspire change. I hand out free bags, urging others to take action because I believe deeply: we are the change this world needs.

I’ve become a familiar figure to many—a barefoot guardian calling attention to the destruction we’ve normalized. My signs are not just words; they’re a call to action, an invitation to wake up.

I’ve become a familiar figure to many here—a barefoot guardian who raises awareness and calls attention to the destruction we’ve normalized. My signs are not just words; they are a call to action, an invitation to wake up.

Fighting for our World

Many have asked me, “Why do you care so much about the beaches and rivers here, especially when you’re not native to this island?” My answer is simple: I don’t see borders. I don’t see divisions. I don’t fight for a country—I fight for the world. This planet is our shared home, and every corner of it deserves our respect and care. While many might see me as a foreigner, I see every one as brothers and sisters.

Here in Boriken is where I connected deeply to nature and deeply to myself. I see all of this enchanted island as sacred land filled with so much magic in every inch. I love boriken so deeply and it hurts to see how many treat this island, with no love or respect.

I fight for the rivers that flow through this land, for the waves that crash against its shores, and for all the species that call it home. We have forgotten our connection to this earth, treating it as if it were disposable. But I cannot and will not stand by and watch paradise turn into a wasteland.

The trash that you throw on the ground doesn’t speak but it does say a lot about you

Radical Action in a Complacent World

I truly don’t see the love. I find that many love their flag more than they do their own island.. Many love drinking, eating having a good time more than they do their own island. Our world is drowning in complacency. I find People sit beside piles of trash as if it’s invisible, as if the garbage is just another part of the landscape. Many just sit their ignoring the problem when we are that solution.

The signs I carry are bold because they must be. Messages like:

“You don’t respect the earth because you don’t respect yourselves.”
“Pick up the litter even if it’s not yours. If we all do our part, we can change the world.”

These words aren’t meant to comfort—they’re meant to wake people up. Some say my signs are too aggressive or too radical, but when “please stop littering” fails to make an impact, boldness becomes necessary. My signs are crafted to provoke thought, to cut through the numbness, and to make people feel something because I find many just don’t feel a thing.

Awakening the Collective Responsibility

It wasn’t always like this for me. I, too, once walked through life with blinders on. But something changed. I opened my eyes to the beauty of this world and the responsibility we all share. We’ve been taught to suppress our voices, conform, and accept the destruction around us. Disconnected from the natural world, we’ve become more attached to material things, losing sight of what truly matters.

But I believe in action—action that inspires others to care and break free from the numbness. Whenever I visit a beach or river, I carry my signs and a trash bag. I challenge others to do the same: collect just one bag of trash. I call it the One Bag Challenge. If everyone filled one bag and left the world cleaner than they found it, we could make a monumental difference.

Becoming a Guardian

I’ve taken it upon myself to be a guardian of this island’s waters. I don’t wait for someone else to act. If I see trash left behind, I pick it up. If I see someone littering, I speak out. I am like a lifeguard of trash watching over the beach and making sure that others take out their trash. I feel like I have to baby sit the beach in order for the people to do what they automatically should be doing Taking their trash away the way they brought it. I feel like my presence makes a difference because the beaches stay much cleaner.

“Today, you leave your garbage. Tomorrow, your children will play in it.”

We all have the power to become guardians—wherever we are. Speak out. Take action. Refuse to accept this destructive pattern as normal.

Paradise Is Worth Fighting For

Puerto Rico is a treasure with over 200 beaches and countless rivers. Yet, so many are choked with garbage. My goal is to remind people of the paradise we live in since many here have no clue what they have and to inspire them to protect it. By any means necessary, I will continue to be vocal. I will continue to carry my signs and clean up this island, one bag of trash at a time

This path has not been without its challenges. I’ve faced hostility, ignorance, and even violence. I’ve had my tires slashed four times. I was once shot at while recording a family leaving their trash behind on a pristine beach. And the comments? “Gringo, go home.” The hatred is real. But so is my love for this land—and love is far stronger than any hatred.

I persist because this enchanted island, Borikén, deserves protection. Its rivers and beaches deserve guardianship. The Earth itself deserves defenders.

I don’t do this for recognition or money. I do it from the heart, out of love for this world. This has become my life’s work—my way of giving back to the earth that has given us everything.

one bag challenge. I am always cleaning the beach.

A Message to the World

When I first started this mission, my Spanish was limited. But with the help of translation tools and friends, I created signs that could reach the people of Puerto Rico. My words, though simple, have sparked change. I really don’t need to say a word, these signs speak louder than any voice ever could. But now I have improved my Spanish to talk more to the people and plant the seeds of change.

This is not just about Puerto Rico as trash is a human problem. This is about all of us , everywhere. Our world needs us to care, to act, and to fight for its survival. I invite you to join me—become a guardian, wherever you are. Lets be that change.

Join the Mission

If this resonates with you, I welcome your support. Whether it’s picking up trash in your own community or sharing this message, we all have a role to play. You can also support my work directly through donations, helping me continue to spread awareness and protect the beauty of this island and beyond.

Watch the video below to see my mission in action. Subscribe to my channel, leave a comment, and share this message so it can reach more hearts and minds. Together, we can be the change our world so desperately needs.

Why I Decided To Be The Guardian Of The Beaches And Rivers In Puerto Rico