“The strongest governments on earth cannot clean up pollution by themselves. They must rely on each ordinary person, like you and me, on our choices, and on our will.”
Chinese investigative journalist Chai Jing stressed this in her documentary film, “Under The Dome.”
Like pollution, trash can only be effectively cleaned up through a concerted effort — from every individual, and extending to the community and the government.
So, today’s observance of World Cleanup Day is an opportune time for everyone to reflect on how to deal with our trash. Either we cleanup our mess or we trash our future.
The observance of World Cleanup Day every Sept. 20 was institutionalized by the United Nations General Assembly through a resolution unanimously adopted on Dec. 8, 2023 to raise awareness of the environmental challenges the world is currently facing. The initiative started in Estonia in 2008. Since then, it has become a global movement that unites millions of people across the world against the mounting waste crisis.
This year, as we come together to clean our surroundings, it’s crucial to remember that the journey to a cleaner planet begins at home, extends to our neighborhoods, and encompasses our entire community, but its impact resonates globally.
The foundation of a clean environment starts with personal responsibility. Simple actions such as reducing waste, recycling, and participating in local cleanup activities can make a significant difference.
On World Cleanup Day, individuals can join organized events or take the initiative to clean their local areas. Beyond this day, adopting sustainable habits like using reusable products, composting organic waste, and minimizing single-use plastics can contribute to long-term environmental health. Every small action counts, and when many individuals contribute, the collective impact can be tremendous. It’s inspiring to see how personal responsibility can drive broader change.
Communities are at the heart of the cleanup movement. Local organizations, schools, and community groups can organize regular cleanup drives, educational workshops, and recycling programs. By fostering a sense of community pride and responsibility, neighborhoods can become cleaner and more sustainable. Engaging children and young people in these activities is particularly important, as it instills environmental values that will last a lifetime.
As part of the community, businesses and corporations have a significant impact on the environment and thus bear a substantial responsibility. Companies can reduce their environmental footprint by adopting sustainable practices such as minimizing packaging, using renewable energy, and ensuring proper waste disposal. Moreover, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives can focus on long-term environmental projects.
Governments play a pivotal role in creating policies and infrastructure that support environmental sustainability. This includes implementing strict waste management regulations, providing adequate recycling facilities, and promoting public awareness campaigns. Government agencies can collaborate with local communities to organize large-scale cleanup events and provide resources such as gloves, bags, and transportation for collected waste. Additionally, governments can incentivize businesses and individuals to adopt eco-friendly practices through tax benefits and grants.
The success of cleanup initiatives hinges on the collaboration among individuals, communities, and the governments. By working together, we can create a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations. This concerted effort extends beyond World Cleanup Day; it requires ongoing commitment and effort from all sectors of society.
As we celebrate World Cleanup Day, let us remember that every piece of trash picked up, every policy implemented, and every sustainable habit adopted brings us one step closer to a cleaner world. Together, we can make this world a cleaner place to live in.