THE ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMUNAL areas could assist in the timely and orderly disposal of garbage. The size, and method of such a project in some areas could protect against stray dogs and cats original fowls and rodents.
The centres could be of strong sturdy mesh with covering at the tops which can be opened when garbage is being disposed of. Neighbours from contiguous areas could then remove the lids and deposit their garbage.
This does not preclude those with good garbage handling techniques from disposing of their garbage in the usual way. The entrails of fowls and other offal could be burnt or buried.
Residents need to know when the appointed day for garbage collection will be. Basic public relations to sensitise Bajans to garbagehandling and disposal in a more responsible way is required.
Sanitation workers to my view seem to be the pariah of this society. In the more advanced countries these jobs are hard to obtain. Our image of these workers could assist in building their self esteem. The indiscipline of citizens towards garbage disposal cuts across all strata. It is possible to witness styrofoam containers being hurled through car windows. This behaviouris attitudinal.
Deterrents could include fines for littering. Teaching the need to preserve our fragile environment at all times is necessary. So too is reinforcing the need to preserve the same at all times, and for future generations.
We need to bequeath a healthy environment to young people, free from plastics in particular, since they are very hard to disintegrate. The preservation of our sources of potable water is dependent upon a safe and clean environment.
Poor garbage collection can only harm the environment. The implementation of sorting of garbage is a process long overdue, as are composting, and the use of less plastic in packaging. Why can’t supermarkets offer at a nominal price, shopping bags to their customers, to save the environment, and as a basic loyalty scheme? We need to come into the21st century.
– PHILIP HUNTE