Terry L. Turrell's Blog: Healthy Living and Traveling in Mexico

 Who's Responsible for Sweeping these Dirty Stairs?

Stairs and Garden Under the Romantic Zone Protected Tree

Most of the sidewalks and stairs in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, get swept first thing each morning by the local residents, shopkeepers, and city workers. Volunteers like the Vallarta Garden Club help out, too. Some areas get neglected, like this important set of stairs running beneath the protected tree at the corner of Púlpito and C. Rodolfo Gómez in the Romantic Zone. I walk these stairs two or three times each day, usually with my Mexican Chihuahuas, Max and Sophie. Recently, the trash, leaves, and dirt have begun to accumulate, building up to the point where it is dangerous to walk down in my flip-flops. And then we walk back up through this mess and track the filth into my home.

Video of the Filth that has Collected On and Around the Stairs

It had become clear that no one is sweeping or picking up trash in this area. In fact, it appeared that this had become a dumping ground.

Yesterday, as I felt the gritty dirt collecting between my toes, on my heels, and covering the soles of my feet, I became irritated. Who is responsible for sweeping these heavily trafficked stairs in the Romantic Zone? And what about all this trash accumulating under our protected tree? Then I recalled how Jon used to sweep the cobblestone street in front of our home in Sayulita. I even wrote a blog, 7 Unexpected Benefits of Sweeping the Street in México. Maybe I needed to be responsible for sweeping these stairs, at least once. I could use the exercise, anyway.I gathered my supplies—my broom, trash bag, and vinyl gloves. Sophie and Max were ready for a walk, so we made their usual circuit, down the stairs, around the neighborhood, and back, all the while with me using the upside-down broom as a walking stick.

Sophie and Max Wait by My Broom and Trash Bag

When I returned to the stairs, I tied the dogs where they could see me, donned my gloves, and planned my attack with my broom. I knew I couldn’t sweep the whole mess in one day when the weather is so hot. So, I decided a four-foot-wide, cleanly swept strip down the right side was a good goal for that morning. No way was I going to tackle the junk that had been dumped in the garden beside the stairway!I started at the top, as my dad had taught me, and was proud of my progress after ten minutes, even as I thought about how my dad and Jon would have told me this was the wrong broom for the job. I had only reached the sixth step when a young man approached me. I recognized him as one of the local garbage pickers—the people who sort the trash to remove beverage cans to recycle, reusable items to resell, “edible” meals in take-out containers, remnants of alcoholic beverages, and various other things they decide should not go to the landfill.With Spanish and hand signals, the man indicated he wanted to sweep. In my Spanglish, I asked him if he wanted to sweep the whole stairway. When he said he did, I asked, “Cuanto?” How much? He shook his head. Nothing? Of course not.

My Helper Was Sweeping the Dirty Stairs From the Top Down

I gave my helper 50 MXN pesos and indicated there would be more money at the condominium Security desk when he finished and returned my broom. I took the garbage bag to the pile of leaves and trash accumulated at the bottom of the stairs and started scooping the mess in. My helper waved his hand at me, shook his head, and pointed to himself. “You want to do this, too?” I asked. “Si,” he answered eagerly. I thanked him, and we exchanged names. I had made a friend, or at least a friendly acquaintance. I noticed as I walked away that his girlfriend had arrived. She’s a trash-sorter, too, so she would probably get recruited to help.I talked to two condominium Security guys at the desk, explaining that I had hired the young man for my project, and asked if they could give him my 100-peso bill when he finished and returned my broom. They agreed and even called across the street to let my helper know he was to report to them.

The Steps were Swept Clean and Trash Removed

That afternoon, when I walked down the stairs with Max and Sophie, not only was it swept clean, but all the trash from the garden next to them was gone. My friend had earned his wages, and I suspect the security guys inspected the job and instructed him when they felt the job was complete. I am grateful to everyone who has helped with this project. How can we keep it clean? Leaves fall continuously from our beautiful trees.The benefits of sweeping are many, but here are the five that seem most valuable to me:1. Greatly Improves the Neighborhood Appearance 2. Decreases the Amount of Soil, Trash, and Debris Washed down the Street into the Ocean when the Rainy Season Starts. Plastic Washing into Our Oceans Is a Big Concern.3. Increases Safety for Walking4. Others Offer to Sweep and Clean, Creating Relationships5. It Welcomes Our New Neighbors and Visitors

The next troubling mess I want to tackle is that trash pileunder our protected tree, dumped right next to the “Prohibido Tirar BasuraAqui” sign that clearly says it is prohibited to throw garbage there. Inthis photo, the pile is so huge, it covers all of the sign except the top.

It's Prohibited to Throw Trash Here According to the Puerto Vallarta City Sign, "Prohibido Tirar Basura" That is Buried by the Pile of Unsightly Trash!

Why are there no trash barrels like the ones our neighboringcondominiums provide? Why doesn’t anyone sweep up this messy area? Even the mostfastidious trash-pickers leave bits of plastic on the ground that need to beswept up before the rain comes in a few weeks. 

Please check out my blogger blogs, Healthy Living and Traveling in Mexico” and “Retirement Before the Age of 59” to discover other projects I tackle while living in Mexico. Thank you for reading my blogs and books.

Terry L Turrell's Amazon Author Page

 Unexpected Alternatives to Plastic Packaging M de Maní Almendrina Almond Butter Two-pack
I’m always looking for new ways to reduce everyday plastic use. Recycling and reusing help—but I’ve come to believe that reducing is what really makes a difference.
I recently madethree more great discoveries. Almond butter packaged in glass had been a realchallenge to find, but I finally located a good option on Amazon. Purchasingthe M de Maní Almendrina two-pack in the largest jar size is the mosteconomical option. Even better, it’s made by a Mexican company, so there are noadded import costs. SturLemon-Lime Electrolyte Packets
Finding ways to avoid purchasing electrolyte solutions andsports drinks in plastic bottles has been one of my biggest goals. It’sdiscouraging to see how many bottles of Electrolit rehydration drinks areconsumed in Mexico, each one creating another piece of plastic waste.Discovering Stur electrolyte packets was a real win. I ordered it online fromiHerb. Label on the Back of the Stur Package
One packet of Stur electrolyte powder mixed into a 16-ounce reusable water bottleprovides effective hydration with a good balance of potassium and sodium. AsI’ve mentioned before, Clamato is one of my favorite post-walk drinks aftertime in the heat—which is why I couldn’t resist sneaking it into the photoabove. Rendin Brand Biodegradable Poop Bags
Switchingto Rendin Biodegradable Poop Bags has been an excellent decision. They’re anAmazon Choice for good reason—eco-friendly, economical, and easy to use. Withmy two dogs, Sophie and Max, getting me out for walks three times a day, I gothrough an average of 4 bags a day, so finding a better option reallymatters. Max and Sophie with Me at the Saturday Market Puerto Vallarta's LázaroCárdenas Park

Here’s an extratip: on longer walks, when my pups need a drink, I roll down the edges of aclean bag and pour water from my bottle into it. It works perfectly as alightweight, on-the-go water bowl. Once they’ve finished, I simply empty it—andit’s still usable for the next potty break.

I Switched to Nellie's Dishwasher Detergent in a Metal Tin

I cringe every time I reach for my dishwasherdetergent and pick up that familiar plastic jug of Cascade DishwasherDetergent. I try to make it last longer by only filling the dispenser abouttwo-thirds full, but even then, I know I’ll eventually need to replace yetanother plastic container.

So I was genuinely excited to discover Nellie’sDishwasher Powder Tin—a dishwasher detergent that comes packaged in a reusablemetal tin. Even better? It works just as well as what I was using before.

Nellie’s is made in Canada, so importation fees make it a bit more expensivehere in Mexico. I purchased mine through iHerb.Another plastic-free option is Cascade Complete Powder Dishwasher Detergent,which comes in a cardboard box instead of plastic. However, it’s also importedinto Mexico and tends to cost more than the standard Cascade DishwasherDetergent in plastic packaging.

To really understand the value, I plan tocompare the cost per load betweenNellie’s and Cascade powder—because a sustainable choice also needs to makesense financially.

Finding simple swaps like this makes reducingplastic feel not only possible, but practical.
Muyme ToothpasteTablets from La ComerPaper Box with Tablets in a Metal Tin Inside
A readerrecently shared some helpful information about Muyme Toothpaste Tablets, oneof my favorite plastic-free products. It’s available at La Comer grocery storesin Mexico and on Amazon. Good news—it’s actually less expensive from La Comer. Thisweek, they were even running a Buy 2, get them at 1½ price. I stocked up!
FEBU Biodegradable Zip Seal Gallon Bags
Finding gallon-sized biodegradable zip-close food bags in Mexico has beena bit of a challenge, and La Comer doesn’t currently carry that size. I didfind FEBU Plant-Based Zip Seal Food Storage Bags on Amazon Mexico. They’re biodegradable and compostable, and feel durable enough to reuse. Since they’re an imported item,they’re a bit more expensive—but for me, it’s worth it to reduce plastic waste.

Ihave more plastic-free options to add to this blog—watch for weekly updates.What switches have you made to reduce plastic in your daily life?
👉 Start here: 10 Effective Ways to Reduce Plastic Use Today 🌎 (Ecological Footprint Lesson 102, updated Dec 28, 2025)

If you're looking for simple, practical ways to cut back on plastic, this earlier post is a great place to begin. It covers easy swaps you can start using right away to reduce your environmental footprint.

As always, thankyou for reading. And one small favor—if you’ve read Mexico For Better or For Worse: A Novel, I’d truly appreciate you taking a moment to leave a briefreview on Amazon. It helps more than you might think.

Mexico For Better or For Worse: A Novel Available from Amazon in Paperback and eBook Mexico For Better or For Worse: A Novel Kindle Edition

Terry L Turrell, Author Mexico For Better or For Worse: A Novel eBook is Free with a Kindle Unlimited Membership

 Unexpected Alternatives to Plastic Packaging I Switched to Nellie's Dishwasher Detergent in a Metal Tin
I’m always looking for new ways to reduce everyday plastic use. Recyclingand reusing help—but I’ve come to believe that reducing is what really makes a difference.

I cringe every time I reach for my dishwasherdetergent and pick up that familiar plastic jug of Cascade DishwasherDetergent. I try to make it last longer by only filling the dispenser abouttwo-thirds full, but even then, I know I’ll eventually need to replace yetanother plastic container.

So I was genuinely excited to discover Nellie’sDishwasher Powder Tin—a dishwasher detergent that comes packaged in a reusablemetal tin. Even better? It works just as well as what I was using before.

Nellie’s is made in Canada, so importation fees make it a bit more expensivehere in Mexico. I purchased mine through iHerb.Another plastic-free option is Cascade Complete Powder Dishwasher Detergent,which comes in a cardboard box instead of plastic. However, it’s also importedinto Mexico and tends to cost more than the standard Cascade DishwasherDetergent in plastic packaging.

To really understand the value, I plan tocompare the cost per load betweenNellie’s and Cascade powder—because a sustainable choice also needs to makesense financially.

Finding simple swaps like this makes reducingplastic feel not only possible, but practical.
Muyme ToothpasteTablets from La ComerPaper Box with Tablets in a Metal Tin Inside
A readerrecently shared some helpful information about Muyme Toothpaste Tablets, oneof my favorite plastic-free products. It’s available at La Comer grocery storesin Mexico and on Amazon. Good news—it’s actually less expensive from La Comer. Thisweek, they were even running a Buy 2, get them at 1½ price. I stocked up!
FEBU Biodegradable Zip Seal Gallon Bags
Finding gallon-sized biodegradable zip-close food bags in Mexico has beena bit of a challenge, and La Comer doesn’t currently carry that size. I didfind FEBU Plant-Based Zip Seal Food Storage Bags on Amazon Mexico. They’re biodegradable and compostable, and feel durable enough to reuse. Since they’re an imported item,they’re a bit more expensive—but for me, it’s worth it to reduce plastic waste.

Ihave more plastic-free options to add to this blog—watch for weekly updates.What switches have you made to reduce plastic in your daily life?
👉 Start here: 10 Effective Ways to Reduce Plastic Use Today 🌎 (Ecological Footprint Lesson 102, updated Dec 28, 2025)

If you're looking for simple, practical ways to cut back on plastic, this earlier post is a great place to begin. It covers easy swaps you can start using right away to reduce your environmental footprint.

Terry L Turrell, Author Mexico For Better or For Worse: A Novel e Book Free with a Kindle Unlimited Membership

 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 I𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗼 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗮 (𝗠𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗼 𝗱𝗲 𝗹𝗮 𝗖𝗿𝘂𝘇)

View ofBanderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta from Mirador Cerro de la Cruz

While there areseveral routes to the best viewpoint in Puerto Vallarta, I chose to startwalking from my home in the Romantic Zone. I’m training to walk the119-kilometer Camino de Santiago Inglés in Spain, so the routethrough Isla Cuale offered the perfect warm-up with a few gentle hills.

To see a fewof the views along my route to the hilltop cross, and awalking map, please continue reading at Retirement Before the Age of 59: 

𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗼 𝗱𝗲 𝗹𝗮 𝗖𝗿𝘂𝘇 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗭𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗼 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗮.

Terry L Turrell, Author

RV-Ready,Gated Lot With Installed Services

Full-size Class C RV parked inside the gated lot

With clearance along the wall for easy access to RVhookups.

We’ve been so grateful for the continued interest in our gated lotin Lo de Marcos. With the questions coming in, we thought it would behelpful to answer a few more of the most common ones we’re hearing lately. Ifyou’ve been following along, you know this property has a lot going for it—andclearly, others think so too.

This gated lot is located in Lo de Marcos, Nayarit, alongMexico’s Riviera Nayarit.

❓ Question1

How many square meters is your lot?

Please continue reading in my article: Retirement Before the Age of 59: 𝟰 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗔𝘀𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗲stions About Our Gated Lot in Lo de Marcos, Mexico.          Terry L Turrell, Author

Sunsetwalks are part of everyday life in Lo de Marcos.
Peaceful and Private Improved Property
Read more in my Retirement Before the Age of 59 blog at this link:3 Common Questions About Purchasing Our Lo de Marcos Lot  Jon and Terry Turrell at a Riviera Nayarit Beach

Jon and Terry on a Day Trip
¡Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo desde Puerto Vallarta! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Puerto Vallarta! 
See more at this link:Retirement Before the Age of 59: ¡Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo desde Puerto V...  

In the Heart of the Riviera Nayarit
The Lo de Marcos Town Plaza

Lo de Marcos is a small, welcoming town known for itspristine beaches and relaxed pace of life. Tucked between palm-covered hillsand the Pacific Ocean, it offers a true taste of Mexico—far from the crowds ofthe bigger tourist destinations.

Waiting for Sunset at Playa Lo de Marcos
Here’s an AI-generated description I felt captured itbeautifully:

Why Lo de Marcos Stands Out

Authentic Vibe: A traditional Mexican town with colorful buildings, a central plaza, and a warm local community.

Peaceful & Uncrowded: Home to stunning beaches—Los Venados, Las Minitas, and El Atracadero—perfect for swimming, surfing, and soaking in sunsets.

Walkable: Easy to explore on foot; golf carts and bikes are popular for getting around.

Local Amenities: Filled with eateries, organic markets, artisans, and charming accommodations.

Ideal Location: Situated in the Riviera Nayarit, just north of San Pancho and south of Guayabitos, within easy reach of Puerto Vallarta.

Read more and see our lot For Sale HERE . Jon and Terry Turrell in April 2025At Jardin Sereinin Lo de MarcosAnother Favorite Restaurant
Continue reading at Retirement Before the Age of 59: Is Lo de Marcos Calling Your Name? 🌊

My November Newsletter is Live! Marigolds Planted for Día de Los Muertos By the Vallarta Garden Club on the Isla Cuale
Happy Autumn from Puerto Vallarta!

It’s been a busy three months caring for Jon, Max, andSophie—while also reminding myself how important it is to nurture my ownwell-being. November was National Family Caregiver Month, but I’ve decided tomake self-care an everyday practice.

Please continue reading at Retirement Before the Age of 59: Happy Autumn from Puerto Vallarta 🌻 Reflections o... 

Terry L Turrell, Author

My Birthday Dinner at Bacelona Tapas in Puerto VallartaI'm Alone Now, Adjusting to the New Changes from PDRead more at: Retirement Before the Age of 59: Our Life With Parkinson's has Changed🌷and a FREE ...: Healthy Living and Traveling in Mexico Newsletter   Greetings from Terry, Sophie, and Max, My ...
Terry L Turrell, Author