One would think that keeping a nation clean would be the responsibility of those that are paid to do so.
However, this could not be further from the truth. Employees of sanitation services are employed to help keep our country clean not be the only option.
Some Bahamians think that their littering is what keeps sanitation workers employed when actually they are employed because we litter. Everyone should take part in keeping our islands clean, not just the government or sanitation workers.
This is our island and we should take pride in it, for us, for our parents, our children, and our visitors.
Many people perceive that littering is insignificant and that throwing a plastic cup away would not in any way affect anything.
However, if a hundred people thought and believed that same concept and idea then that would result in having a hundred plastic cups all around the island.
It doesn’t matter how small the litter is or how often you do it, it still adds up in the long run. Everyone needs to be more cognizant of our surroundings.
Have you ever driven by a sidewalk and taken a look at the side of the roads? Most people don’t because they don’t care, but if you look closer you can see the various fragments of garbage scattered on the ground.
Yet, no one picks it up because everyone feels as if it’s not his or her job. Or have you ever driven down a side road to see derelict vehicles or home appliances rusting away.
Imagine how much effort that takes. People are so desperate to get rid of these large items but can’t put in that effort to take them to the landfill and dispose of them properly.
If we can do this for large items why can’t we do this for small items?
We, The Bahamas, cannot remain a tourist attraction if our beaches are cluttered with filth. We want to leave a good impression on them; we want them to tell their friends or family how lovely it was, how clean and pristine the environment was, but how can we accomplish this when all we do is ruin it by littering.
Although tourism is important, the future of our children’s homes and surroundings is more important. Children learn by example, and while one might not say that it is okay to throw garbage on the ground, what children often see, they will do, especially in their adult life.
The parents of this generation need to take the first step in the alteration of our environment. Government and community efforts aren’t enough.
It starts in the home, like many things do. Parents need to be responsible and illustrate to our younger generation that littering is a serious disgrace. Along with teaching them how vital it is for our nation, citizens, and visitors to enjoy a clean environment.
Everyone needs to do his or her part and fair share; it is no one else’s responsibility but OURS.
It is very difficult to change the mentality of an entire island or nation, but it can be done through everyone’s involvement.
Not one person, not one entity, not one party, but all of us. Thinking it is acceptable has been the norm for far too long. If everyone takes a stand to report people for littering, enforces fines for littering, hold initiatives to educate children and adults, and to raise awareness that this kind of attitude will not and should not be tolerated, we will have a cleaner Bahamas!
By Katrina Dorsett
Bishop Michael Eldon School
