Couldn't Garbage Galore just be the other name for Dhaka? This is a capital where rubbish piles up in every nook of major streets, lanes, front-yard of houses, schools, universities, parks, commercial buildings, industrial constructions, shopping malls, vegetable bazaars…where not? Today, we happily walk over the shell of an egg, or slip on a banana peel and we couldn't care less, so used are we to this lifestyle. This is not how modern hygiene-conscious people should live though, and a little effort on our part can surely change this scenario.
Many of us dump the whole burden of waste management to the Head of the State. However, the garbage problem is our problem, more than theirs. We ought to keep in mind that our country's leaders have too many times in the past failed to realise their citizens' dreams, so it all comes down to the fact that it's eventually you and your family who remain victims of this poor trash handling.
Take a look at your litter can. Is it a very grimy litter can with the handgrip almost broken, or maybe even a hollow on the body, and a putrid liquid oozing from the bottom of the container? Many of us don't even know that we must wash our garbage can everyday. The pungent smell that rises from the litter can mixes with the air inside your house, converting the entire abode into a scene from toxic hell. Your child is most likely to become a victim of this germ-infested environment. Our garbage can is often kept in our kitchen, and when you cook in this filthy air, your food is adulterated. So try and keep your garbage covered.
There are trash containers found in different shapes and sizes, they look nice and they are a quite affordable. With about Tk. 150 or even less, you can purchase a quality trash bucket or container for your home; they come in different colours and some even have a lid for convenience. Check out New Market or the supermarkets to choose a style meeting your needs.
In fact there are various kinds of garbage cans available in the market, some are good for domestic purpose, while others are suitable for shop and office settings. With a new litter can, start your mission of domestic waste management.
Most areas have large litter holders provided by the City Corporation to off-load the daily dump. Teach your housemaid to make proper use of these holders. These containers might be a few yards away from your house, but so what? Teach her to walk that extra distance; everyone around you will be benefited. It just takes one person to start a norm.
City Corporation vans collect garbage dump from different houses in many localities. If you have this facility existing in your area, then dispose of your daily litter through these people. You can also form a club in your area that would work towards keeping your neighbourhood clean. The sensible senior citizens of every vicinity can form an association and start campaigns that would work towards increasing and creating a sense of cleanliness among people, making them aware of the evil effects of poor trash management.
Today, the malls are equipped with trash cans with Use Me imprinted on them. Use them. If facilities exist then dump the wrappers inside the store. Shopkeepers especially those who are in charge of food stores should keep a garbage can at their store to contribute to waste management. They can further request the shoppers to utilise these containers.
Young people can do magic if they are guided properly. Schools and universities can do a lot to help in proper trash treatment. The volunteers can post banners and festoons in and outside their institution that would encourage people not to litter. Environment clubs can be built at high school and university level to ensure cleanliness of the educational establishments. Every school should place trashcans in each classroom, hall, cafeteria and even at one corner of the playground.
One can even put a garbage can at one's own garage. This would mean that the guests, drivers and gatekeepers could make use of it. Many apartment buildings now provide a garbage can in their ground floor. This is indeed praiseworthy.
Line your litter can with a newspaper or plastic bag. There are City Clean Garbage Bags marketed by Windy House, 3 DN Sen Road, Dhaka; these are available at Agora. You can place one inside the container and then throw out the junk. This would mean that when you empty the container you just tie a knot at the mouth of the bag and throw it in an appropriate place. There is no risk of litter.
Before you purchase an item, think about how many hours you had to work at your job to earn the money to buy the item. Sometimes, when you think about it that way, you're more likely to only purchase it if it's a necessity, or at least try harder to find a bargain. The less you buy unnecessary goods the less you create waste and save money as well.
How many more days would you want to cover your nose with a hankie? Free your hands and nose! Breathe in some fresh air. It's time we did something really worthwhile.
By Wara Karim
Date of publication: April 20, 2004
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