Monday, 16 February 2015

[Straits Times] Make picking up litter a habit

IF THE correct mindset is not there, no matter how hard cleaners work, they can never keep up with the bad littering habits of the people ("Litter problem, big headache"; last Tuesday).

If I see one or two pieces of litter, I will pick it up and dispose of it. But when I see litter everywhere, I don't bother picking it up because I would be demoralised since nobody cares.

What is needed is a change in mindset - people should take the first step and pick up the litter around them.

There should be a campaign to encourage everyone to pick up one piece of litter each day, and to remind others not to litter.

The authorities could also increase the number of rubbish bins available, as these seem to be decreasing in number.

Penalties should also be harsher, so that they can act as an effective deterrent against littering. Perhaps naming and shaming offenders might do the trick.

Sim Lim Onn