By Sakul Kundra
Recent FT Report: “It’s an Eyesore”
Littering, pollution, and improper waste management have severe environmental and public health impacts, as highlighted during the launch of the National Anti-Litter Campaign on 23 January 2025. The reality is that littering is widespread and requires practical solutions. The campaign, titled “Do the Right Thing: A Call for Action for a Litter-Free Fiji,” aims to unite citizens in tackling this pressing issue.
This reminds me of the book Extreme Ownership, which emphasises that true success comes when leaders take full responsibility for their team’s results. This principle applies to all areas of life and should inspire every citizen to take moral and civic responsibility for their surroundings. Parents play a pivotal role in instilling these values in their children, while schools reinforce them by educating students on the consequences of littering and the importance of maintaining clean environments.
The Power of Collective Responsibility
Addressing the litter crisis requires teamwork and mutual support between citizens and the administration. In my research, Utopia or Dystopia: Deterrents to Ecotourism Development in Fiji, I observed that an ecotourism destination is actively working to keep its surroundings clean by raising awareness. This illustrates how pervasive littering is across cultures, affecting social welfare, public health, and the environment.
Countries like Singapore exemplify effective waste management, maintaining pristine public spaces through strict anti-littering laws. Offenders face hefty fines and mandatory community service, enforced by plainclothes officers and surveillance technology. Collective responsibility is key, and a decentralised leadership approach can help educate citizens about the consequences of littering. As Extreme Ownership advocates, “working as a team, empowering others, and communicating effectively” are essential to achieving exceptional results. Both individuals and policymakers must be held accountable for addressing this issue.
Practical Solutions for a Litter-Free Nation
To achieve a litter-free nation, individuals must actively work to reduce littering behaviours. Research from Zero Waste Scotland identifies personal responsibility, community sentiment, and environmental awareness as critical factors in minimising littering. However, challenges such as a lack of civic sense and inadequate access to disposal facilities persist. Practical solutions—such as daily garbage collection and administrative surveillance—are essential, provided that citizens are educated on littering “Do’s and Don’ts.” Taipei’s waste management system, which includes daily waste collection and extensive recycling programmes, serves as an exemplary model.
Raising awareness and fostering a sense of connection to the land can strengthen accountability. Educational initiatives and societal norms must promote an intrinsic motivation to keep public spaces clean, beyond simply adhering to laws. Successful anti-littering campaigns require coordinated efforts between citizens and the government to ensure lasting impact.
The Economic Risks of Littering
Littering also poses significant economic risks, particularly for nations that rely on tourism. Natural beauty attracts visitors, but littering undermines this appeal. Additionally, littering exacerbates environmental problems, such as blocked waterways that lead to flooding and public health hazards. Comprehensive strategies must target specific audiences to address both the causes and consequences of littering while emphasising its long-term implications.
In a Letter to the Editor dated 19 September 2020, I highlighted the importance of changing public attitudes to combat illegal dumping. Increased advertising and promotion of anti-litter campaigns could help achieve this goal. Additionally, daily radio messages and social media outreach could be effective. For example, a message such as “If you see anyone throwing rubbish out of a car, report them” could encourage accountability. Citizens should feel a sense of duty to dispose of waste responsibly and support the government’s efforts to maintain clean, healthy, and safe communities.
Conclusion
A concrete and sustainable strategy is essential to combat littering effectively and create cleaner environments for all. Collaboration between citizens and the government is crucial to developing practical, long-term solutions to this issue. Through collective efforts, we can transform our nation into a litter-free society and enhance its reputation as a premier tourism destination.
Source: https://www.endplasticwaste.org/insights/story/the-countries-who-have-built-a-culture-of-cleanups
Contributing Author: Dr Sakul Kundra is an Associate Dean (Research) and Associate Professor at the College of Humanities and Education at Fiji National University. The views expressed are his own and not those of this newspaper or his employer.
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