Times Of Swaziland: LITTERING SERIOUS CONCERN

LITTERING SERIOUS CONCERN
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Editor on 26/11/2024 07:54:00


Sir,
I am writing to highlight a critical issue that plagues our communities:
Littering. This seemingly trivial act has devastating consequences that extend
far beyond a mere eyesore. As we approach the festive holidays, people will be
prone to littering. By the time they return to work in January, the country will
be filthy with litter. The dangers of littering are manifold, impacting our
environment, wildlife and public health. Firstly, litter significantly harms our
ecosystems. Items such as plastic bags, bottles and food wrappers can take
hundreds of years to decompose. During this time, they break down into
microplastics, which infiltrate our soil and waterways. This contamination poses
a serious threat to aquatic life, as marine animals often mistake plastic for
food, leading to choking or starvation. Additionally, these toxins can enter the
food chain, ultimately affecting human health.
Hazard
Moreover, littering creates hazardous conditions for our communities. Discarded
items can obstruct drainage systems, leading to flooding during heavy rains.
Sharp objects, like broken glass or metal, pose risks for injuries to children
and pets who might encounter them during play. Furthermore, littered areas can
become breeding grounds for pests, including rodents and insects, which can
spread diseases. The economic implications of littering are also significant.
Local governments spend millions of dollars annually on cleanup efforts, funds
that could be better allocated to essential services such as education and
public safety.
Littered environments can deter tourism, negatively impacting local businesses
and reducing community pride. In conclusion, littering is not just an individual
offense; it is a collective problem that demands our attention. By fostering a
culture of respect for our environment and encouraging responsible waste
disposal, we can protect our communities and preserve the beauty of our planet
for future generations. Let us commit to making a difference, one piece of
litter at a time. The law must be made tough on people found littering. They
must be made to pay at least E120 fine. This way they will stop the habit.
TD