Garbage and Advertisements: The True Path to Cleanliness

When I walk around parks and public places, I often see used water bottles, canned drink bottles, and snack wrappers scattered about. These items frequently end up on walkways, sometimes getting kicked around. I'm sure many of us have witnessed and experienced this.

However, I've also seen people responsibly throwing their trash in bins, even separating degradable and non-degradable waste. This is something many of us have likely observed.

I've noticed sanitary workers diligently picking up trash, sweeping the area, and disposing of waste. Unfortunately, many of these workers lack gloves, safety aprons, and proper tools. They work in public spaces as sanitary workers, but often don't have a place to sit and rest for their meals.

Despite witnessing these efforts, I rarely see individuals picking up trash from walkways and disposing of it properly on normal days. Yet, I've observed groups of people coming together for clean-up events. They buy expensive gloves and safety aprons for the day, wear matching T-shirts, travel to the location by car or rented vehicle, and assemble to collect trash in high-traffic areas. They gather all the trash in black bags, but it's unclear where they dispose of it afterward. They then enjoy a pre-ordered meal from a local restaurant and have a chit-chat before heading home. This entire episode is often captured from multiple angles by a dedicated person.

While these events are good in theory, doing it for the sake of it won't make a lasting impact. True change happens when individuals consistently pick up trash whenever they come across it. This behavior can inspire others to follow suit. Advertising cleanliness is important, but it's the daily actions that matter. Sanitary workers keep our public spaces clean 356 days a year, and our one-day efforts shouldn't overshadow their hard work. Instead, the money spent on these events could be used to buy and donate necessary items for sanitary workers, place more bins in public areas, and provide a resting place for them at their workplace.

Above all, we should pledge to always dispose of trash in the correct bins. This is the true path to cleanliness.