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Every day, on my way to work or while doing everyday errands, I see plastic cups, tissues, cans, and food wrappers scattered all over the roadsides, especially in Gudaibiya. People finish drinking their tea or eating a snack and, instead of keeping the trash with them until they find a bin, they just toss it out of the car window. Some do this while driving, others after stopping near roadside karak shops. Once they’re done, they simply drive away, leaving behind a mess of cups, plates, and wrappers on the pavement. It’s as if public spaces no longer matter to us.
What many people don’t realise is that these small acts of carelessness quickly add up.
One paper cup might seem harmless, but multiply that by hundreds of cars and thousands of people every day, and soon we have roads lined with trash.
Littering isn’t only about how things look. There are serious environmental and health problems that come with it. Plastic wrappers and bottles block our drainage systems, causing flooding during rains. Food waste attracts stray animals and birds that tear open garbage bags, spreading the trash even further. This creates not just an eyesore, but also a potential health hazard. Broken glass and cans can harm children, pets, and cyclists. And when the wind or rain carry this waste into natural areas, it ends up polluting the soil and waterways, harming wildlife. It’s heartbreaking to think that something as simple as tossing a cup out of the car can eventually harm fish, birds, or even end up in the ocean.
The truth is, keeping our city clean doesn’t take much effort at all. Every one of us can make small changes that have a big impact. I keep a small bag in my car specifically for trash. It takes me almost no effort to use it and empty it later into a bin. If everyone did this, we’d see a huge difference. We just need to care a little more and act a little more responsibly. It’s also about patience – holding onto a wrapper for a few minutes until you reach a bin is hardly difficult. It’s a simple habit, but it shows respect for others and pride in our community.
I think the time has come for stronger action and consistent follow-up. We need more awareness campaigns that directly address this attitude problem. Posters, radio messages, and social media reminders can make a difference. Shops and karak stalls should be required to provide enough bins and keep the area around their business clean. It’s only fair, since they serve food and drinks that produce the waste. And most importantly, authorities need to enforce fines for those who continue to litter despite all the warnings. Without enforcement, people don’t take the rules seriously.
But while rules and fines are necessary, they’re not enough by themselves. What we really need is a change of mindset. We must teach our children and remind ourselves that the roads and sidewalks belong to all of us.
When we throw garbage on the street, we are disrespecting our own home. Cleanliness is not just the government’s job; it’s everyone’s responsibility.
John Thomas
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