The unsavoury and hazardous problem of littering was highlighted recently in an incident on Marcus Garvey Drive in Kingston, where after a period of heavy rain, businesses on that stretch of road were flooded with water and surrounded by plastic bottles, Styrofoam boxes and other waste.

Stephen Shaw, the communications manager at National Works Agency, indicated that the major factor resulting in the disastrous scenes was the improper disposal of garbage.

The incident pushed one of our society’s most crucial issues to the forefront of discussions as the Government has stated its intent to amend laws concerning littering.

However, Government’s proclamation is not enough. What’s more, Government indicating it will get more serious with handling the improper disposal of garbage has been expressed before.

For some time now the Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica campaign has done an excellent job in striving to educate citizens about the impact of poorly handled waste on public health and the environment. But it is quite obvious that education alone is simply not enough.

We no doubt know that the reckless discarding of non-biodegradable items, such as water bottles, tin cans, and metal products, may lead to major complications for our communities. We have seen the possible consequences. So, why does the problem persist. Too many of us are guilty.

There is a culture of lazy acquiescence to littering.

What is required is a change in the mentality of our people.

Where do we start?

Schools need to focus more on discipline and respect of one’s surroundings. The behaviour modification must begin here.

Schools socialize then filter citizens into the communities. If we bolster the teaching of cleanliness within our schools then we can help shape a generation of people who understand the importance of keeping our surroundings clean. It is through this type of remedial action the mindset of the nation will be improved.

Some years ago, Campion College faced a problem with littering and embarked on a ‘Tek Up Dat’ campaign. The results were quite effective.

teenAGE suggests that the Government attempts to replicate programmes of this sort, beginning from basic and primary/preparatory schools.

Crucial to the success of this effort will be a focus on recycling and repurposing waste.

Legislation must then follow to serve as a deterrent to what would be understood as antisocial behaviour.

It will be difficult to regulate the current generation and change attitudes, but educating the citizenry on the consequences of their actions, supported by enforcement, is the first step towards a cleaner Jamaica.