Many Get Offended By How I defend Puerto Rico From Trash

Many Get Offended By the Way I Use My Voice for Defending Puerto Rico From Trash

Since 2013, I have been using my voice to speak out about the trash that is found all over this beautiful paradise, Puerto Rico. As i became the self imposed guardian of the beaches, carrying my signs all over to raise awareness to this issue. I am considered radical by many because I never had a filter. I speak my truths, never sugarcoating anything.

Many have felt offended by what I say, which is probably why I have never had much support on the island. Some see me as an outsider talking badly about the people or trying to paint a negative image of the island. That is not the case. I am not the one painting a bad image. It is many of the people here who treat Puerto Rico with no love or respect.

While many are offended by my words, I have always been offended by how many treat this magical island. It is sad that people are offended by the message instead of the problem I am trying to raise awareness about. For a while, I toned it down so I would not offend as much.

But yesterday, I had a confrontation with a family who left a pile of trash at the beach. I knew it was theirs, but when I approached them to hand them a bag, they denied it. That kind of ignorance is what ignites my passion to continue this mission.

That filter is coming off once again. Let my words offend whoever they want to offend if they feel like my truth hurts. I am offended every single day I drive down these roads and see Puerto Rico looking like a giant landfill. I am offended when I clean up a beach only to find more trash the next time I visit. I am offended by the ignorance of so many.

Using My Voice

I have been working hard to improve my Spanish to better communicate directly with the people. I am making more videos in Spanish. Although I often feel like a lost cause because many just do not care to listen, I will continue.

I want others to feel what I feel. I want to touch a nerve. My signs are meant to do that for those who choose to read them. That is one reason I continue to bring my signs out, even though I face adversity and carry PTSD from being shot in the face for defending a beach.

Truly, our nerves should be touched by seeing this disrespect for Puerto Rico. But I feel that many do not feel anything. For too many, it is normal. It has become part of the culture.

Many will continue to blame the government for not cleaning up after them, just as they blame tourists. But the truth is that most of the trash comes from locals. Many have no clue where they live. They take this island for granted.

What Needs to Change

The real tragedy is that the issue of trash has become deeply ingrained in the culture for many. Instead of confronting the reality of the problem with shock and shame, it has become far too easy to point fingers elsewhere. The government is blamed for not cleaning up after people. Tourists are blamed for leaving behind messes. The narrative is always about someone else being at fault, while the root of the problem often goes ignored.

The truth, however uncomfortable, is that much of the trash comes from locals—people born and raised on this magical island who fail to see its true value. Many have grown numb to the beauty around them, taking Puerto Rico for granted as if it is an endless resource that requires no care. The disconnect is heartbreaking. This land, rich with history, culture, and natural wonder, deserves so much more respect than it is shown.

What needs to change is a shift in mindset, a collective awakening to the importance of treating this island as a treasure rather than a dumping ground. This means taking responsibility—not just for one’s actions but also for influencing others to do the same. It means recognizing that every piece of trash left behind is an act of disrespect toward the land and all the life it sustains.

We need to transform this cultural norm. What if the very sight of litter made people uncomfortable instead of indifferent? What if respecting the land became a matter of pride and community, not just an obligation? These are the shifts in mindset we desperately need.

I want others to feel what I feel when I see a pristine beach ruined by garbage. I want people to experience the sorrow of watching a place of immense natural beauty being desecrated. But I also want them to feel the spark of hope and responsibility that comes with knowing we have the power to change this.

If my words come across as too harsh for some, I challenge them to step up and use their own voices to inspire change. The solution is not about agreeing or disagreeing with how I deliver my message. It is about taking action in your own way. Whether that means organizing a cleanup, educating your family and friends, or simply choosing to pick up trash instead of walking past it, every effort matters.

This is not about waiting for the government to fix the issue or hoping that others will take responsibility. It is about each and every one of us acknowledging our role in protecting and preserving this beautiful paradise. The choice is ours: to continue ignoring the problem or to rise and defend the magic of Borikén. The time for complacency has passed. Now is the time for action, for care, and for restoring the beauty that surrounds us. As I always mention we could either be the plague or choose to be that cure. We are that change.

Staying True to the Mission

It is OK if I continue to lose followers as I try to educate and raise awareness. Those who support me will stay because they understand my intentions and feel the same. Those who do not want to support me, that is OK too. I cannot appease everyone.

Many people tell me how I should use my voice and criticize the way I use it. I invite those people to use their voice in whatever way they deem fit. I will use mine. That is what makes us unique.

But many will criticize without ever using their own voice. If you have a problem with how I use mine, or if you agree with what I say but feel it is too harsh, please use your own voice. That is what I want to inspire—for others to use their voice instead of accepting the way things are.

A Voice for Boriken

I felt that nature and this magical paradise needed a voice. So I chose to be one. But it needs more voices. At least I can say that I am using mine. I am fine-tuning this voice, getting better at Spanish to continue making more videos. Even when it feels pointless because so many just do not care, I will keep trying to touch those nerves and spark change.

I am grateful to everyone who has supported me, whether you have been with me for a long time or are new to this journey. Your support means the world to me, and I appreciate it deeply. This path has not been easy, but having you alongside me makes all the difference.

Do you consider my approach radical or extreme?
Does my passion inspire you or push you away?

What do you feel when you see our island covered in trash?
Are you ready to stop blaming others and start taking real responsibility?
How will you use your voice and your actions to protect Borikén and our world, where ever you may be?

Share your honest thoughts, your ideas, or even your frustrations below.
Let’s turn this pain into power and start a real conversation that leads to change.

Your voice matters. Do not let it go silent.