Illegal dumping is growing at a rapid rate and should be of great concern. It has become a norm because people choose to turn a blind eye to what is happening in their areas.
I live in an area where littering abounds with absolutely no regard for the health and safety of the next person. And nowadays, everywhere you go, you are bound to see rubbish that has been dumped just because.
Rubbish in all shapes and sizes are dumped not only within our very neighbourhoods but also on other neighbour’s pavements.
Clearly, this is a manifestation of the lack of integrity, the blatant disregard and complete disrespect towards a fellow human being and an infringement on the health and well-being of so many in all communities.
Then there are the bin/trolley shoppers who are paid to have someone else’s rubbish dumped illegally. Surely, this exercise has also spiralled out of control.
When someone is found in possession of a trolley that clearly belongs to a supermarket, doesn’t that constitute theft? Or has that also just become a normal everyday occurrence?
Urging people to become more mindful of others has clearly proven to be a futile exercise.
I believe it is the responsibility of each and everyone to adopt a mindset that will enable them to make a change for the better and, in so doing, eventually eradicate illegal dumping.
The object should be to create a clean, safe and healthy environment.
Identifying illegal dumping sites, cleaning them up, and then developing vegetable gardens for food security for the city should in time become the norm for everyone.
Most homeowners have children, and what better way to leave a lasting, resourceful legacy.
If you truly want your child to become a responsible citizen, it is up to you to set the right example.
Children seldom say what their parents say. Mostly they will do what their parents do.
In the words of Stephen R Covey (writer and public speaker), “Accountability breeds responsibility”.