Fisherman hopes 'bucket challenge' will help save the planet

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - A Louisiana fisherman is hoping a social media "bucket challenge" will help save the planet.

Ryan McGittigan of Chauvin is spreading the word on the "5 gallon bucket challenge."

The challenge was started by Leonard Bergeron of Houma on Facebook.

The challenge requires anyone planning a trip outdoors, whether it be fishing, hunting, or hiking, to fill a 5 gallon bucket of litter they see while they are out and about.

"It takes minutes to do, sad I know, and if enough can get on board we can make a difference," said McGittigan.

McGittigan said he is outdoors as much as his work allows, and that litter is everywhere.

"The closer you get to populated areas, the worse it gets," McGittigan said. "It's bad."

McGittigan said the challenge does not require anyone to be nominated like other social media challenges. He just hopes enough people will catch on and do their part to clean up.

"A lot of our food comes from our waters, we drink from it, kids play in the bayous and lake," said McGittigan. "We are Louisianians. A clean waterway looks better for our tourist industry."

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