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Straits Times Forum Online 22 Nov 06
Stop littering for the love of Singapore
Letter from Anthony Oei

Straits Times Online 22 Nov 06
Hong Kong: Not as green but there is hardly any litter
Letter from Chong Puay Ling (Mrs)

Straits Times Online 22 Nov 06
Rubbish piles up on HDB lift landings
Letter from Li Fuzhang

Straits Times Online 22 Nov 06
Littering problem among the young is sign of social malaise
Letter from Lee Khum Thong

Straits Times Online 22 Nov 06
Don't be lenient. Also slap fine on the parents of young S'poreans who litter
Letter from Anil Vasudevan

Straits Times Forum 27 Nov 06
Schools can help nip litter problem in the bud
Letter from Terrence Hong Bing Quan

Straits Times Online 27 Nov 06
Bring back Capt Planet and ENV frog cartoon
Letter from Han Yunhao
See reply to this letter from Mediacorp

Straits Times Forum 28 Nov 06
Many S'poreans are spoilt. They expect other people to clean up after them
Letter from Tan Lin Neo (Ms)

Straits Times Online 30 Nov 06
Tour guide won't have tourists visit HDB estates
Letter from Jackie Lau Wai Wan (Ms)

Straits Times Online 30 Nov 06
Put a stop to littering, outsource booking of litterbugs
Letter from Roger Yan Fook Wei

The Straits Times 20 Nov 06
Littering is no big deal, say many
ST poll reveals majority have blase attitude; those in under-30 group make up 50-70% of litterbugs
By Jessica Lim, Tessa Wong and Jessica Cheam

SO MUCH for Captain Green. Despite 38 years of campaigning and education projects to curb littering, a Straits Times poll of 110 Singaporeans aged 14 to 74 has revealed surprising attitudes.

'Too inconvenient', 'too lazy' and 'someone will clean up after me' were the top reasons given for not disposing of rubbish properly. There was also an incident cited where a soiled sanitary napkin was thrown out from a toilet cubicle.

Such dismal, anti-social attitudes and behaviour might explain why the National Environment Agency (NEA) still fights an uphill battle at bus interchanges, hawker centres and eateries - all littering hot spots.

A majority of the people polled said they did not feel any need to pick up after themselves, with 21 shamelessly admitting it might be 'too inconvenient' or that they were just 'too lazy'. Another 19 expected someone else to pick up after them; others blamed a lack of rubbish bins.

Age-wise, those under 30 consistently made up between 50 and 70 per cent of the littering offenders caught by the NEA. The under-30 group made up 60 per cent of the 4,818 litterbugs caught so far this year.

Student Rayzacky Rahman Mostafa's view may be an indicator of how they feel about littering. Said the 14-year-old: 'If I leave small things like tissue on the table, I don't consider it littering because cleaners will clear it anyway.'

Such a cavalier mindset among young people worried Dr Amy Khor enough for her to highlight it at a press conference recently. The Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources said young Singaporeans might have got too used to a comfortable lifestyle like having a maid to pick up after them.

Another issue highlighted by the poll: a lack of civic consciousness in public places. Madam Eileen Ko said she was using a toilet at Kusu Island when someone in the next cubicle threw a soiled sanitary napkin over the dividing wall. 'It was so disgusting and I was shocked,' said the 50-year-old manager.

The NEA is now working on a survey to find out why people litter in order to customise programmes for specific groups, said Dr Pang Fung Yin, a spokesman for the agency.

Mr Howard Shaw, executive director of the Singapore Environment Council, said education programmes need to tackle existing attitudes rather than just the act of littering. 'There is lack of understanding of how litter affects all of us, and how it connects to the broader environment,' he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Wilson Ang, founder of Environmental Challenge Organisation (Singapore), suggested direct involvement. The non-profit organisation aims to instil a sense of social responsibility in the youth. He said: 'It is only then that you start to look at your own habits as well.'

Getting involved certainly worked for Saseetharan Kaleemthu, 14. For not throwing an apple core into a bin, the Secondary 2 student at St Gabriel's Secondary School found himself cleaning the school canteen for 15 minutes every day for a week. 'Now, I check myself and walk to a nearby bin to drop something,' he said.

Peer pressure, too, gets young people thinking about littering in public. Eco Singapore conducts programmes that rally young people to stake out public areas. When they spot people throwing away fliers around bins rather than in them, for instance, they tell them to use the bins properly. So far, about 400 young people have participated, and they say the exercise works.

Indeed, Clovie Peck, 15, a Secondary 3 student from St Nicholas Girls' School who took part in the poll, admitted: 'I am more likely to litter when people are not looking at me. 'If someone is watching, I won't feel comfortable doing it because they might judge me.'

Straits Times Forum Online 22 Nov 06
Stop littering for the love of Singapore
Letter from Anthony Oei

IT IS disturbing to read that littering in Singapore is still rampant, despite numerous campaigns against this social ill ('Littering is no big deal, say many'; ST, Nov 20). Indeed, one is flabbergasted by the reasons given by those who litter, particularly the one given by a polytechnic student who said: 'I care very little about the environment...' Such thinking is irresponsible and shows a sad lack of knowledge of why we must keep Singapore clean.

There is no doubt that we need a complete overhaul of this aberrant attitude, through education and other means.

The most important thing to do is to make everyone want to care for the environment for its own sake, not because the 'police will catch and fine you', as I have heard parents tell their children. 'We love Singapore and are proud of it'' should be the message.

The success or failure of the campaign depends on every one of us. So let us play our role for it is an exercise that calls for a collective effort.

Here, we can take a line from the late Dr Seuss, famous author and illustrator, who said: 'Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.'

Straits Times Online 22 Nov 06
Hong Kong: Not as green but there is hardly any litter
Letter from Chong Puay Ling (Mrs)

I REFER to the letter, 'HK customer service, cleanliness top notch' (ST, Nov 20). A change of attitude is urgently needed to improve cleanliness and customer service in Singapore.

Singapore is known as a clean and green city. However, the beautiful greenery, planted and maintained by the authorities, has tended to camouflage the worsening littering situation. Litter is all over the place; on pavements, along grass verges, and in housing estates and commercial areas.

The results of the recent Straits Times poll show that Singaporeans feel that this is not their problem as their attitude is that there will be someone to clean up after them.

Hong Kong does not have the greenery we do. It has pollution caused by vehicle emission, and industrialisation in China. But the people of Hong Kong have done what they could to improve their environment.

From Causeway Bay and Mongkok, where hundreds of thousands of people pass through every day, to the outskirts like Tsuen Wan, one hardly sees litter. It could have been a result of Sars but what is important is that the people have changed their attitude and now take responsibility for the environment.

If Singaporeans continue not to take personal responsibility for the environment, the situation could only get worse.

One thing to note is that Hongkongers have also reduced their usage of plastic bags. In stores and supermarkets, the customer is asked if a plastic bag is needed before being given one. Every first Tuesday of the month is plastic bag-free day.

To improve our customer service, a change of attitude is also needed. In Hong Kong, sales/service staff are welcoming, and would never treat a customer's request for information with disdain. If an item or service is unavailable, an alternative is always suggested. Product knowledge is excellent and information on the item or service is always forthcoming. This applies in all sectors, including fashion, food and transport.

Sales and service staff in Singapore need to appreciate the fact that customers are not menaces. Their ultimate aim is to secure a sale and customers would buy if relevant products/services are introduced to them in a sincere way. And we must not think that serving customers is being servile as it is the rendering of a professional service. If we cannot change our attitude, it would be difficult for us to improve on our customer service.

Straits Times Online 22 Nov 06
Rubbish piles up on HDB lift landings
Letter from Li Fuzhang

THE report, 'Littering is no big deal, say many' (ST, Nov 20) mentioned bus interchanges, hawker centres and eateries as littering hot spots.

My view is that the most pervasive hot spot for inconsiderate rubbish disposal is closer to the homes of the litterbugs.On lift landings on many levels of HDB blocks one can see piles of rubbish, discarded furniture, dead plants still in their pots - all left haphazardly, presumably for the cleaners to dispose of.

This is deplorable behaviour and it clearly shows up these householders as lazy, irresponsible, inconsiderate and having no pride in the cleanliness of their neighbourhood. Cameras at such spots ought to be a deterrent, but installing them is expensive.

But what else can be done when 38 years of public education against littering have not helped?

Straits Times Online 22 Nov 06
Littering problem among the young is sign of social malaise
Letter from Lee Khum Thong

I refer to the article 'Littering is no big deal, say many' (ST, Nov 20).

Singaporeans who litter are acting against the system. I am not surprised that those under 30 years of age who were caught littering make up between 50 per cent and 70 per cent of the offenders.

This group is an angry lot. Their reasons for littering, such as it's 'too inconvenient' or they're 'too lazy' to use a litter bin are a veil in their bid to 'beat the system'. They are addicted to the sense of achievement and the feeling of triumph when they litter and go scot-free. This is akin to the act of cheating a few minutes with the parking coupons.

Singaporeans are accustomed to 'kiasuism' and this trait of ours manifests in the littering habit.

In the Scandinavian states, there are no fines for littering and yet their citizens understand the social responsibility by not littering.

Singaporeans are also accustomed to thinking that money can solve everything. I have heard some of my friends boasting that they can afford the fines if they get caught for littering.

The education programmes have proved to be ineffective. Perhaps it is time to focus on the cause rather than the symptom.

Straits Times Online 22 Nov 06
Don't be lenient. Also slap fine on the parents of young S'poreans who litter
Letter from Anil Vasudevan

I refer to the article 'Littering is no big deal, say many' (ST, Nov 20).

It is obvious that many in Singapore, especially the youths, are nonchalant about the littering problem. While it is commendable that the National Environment Agency is looking into finding the root of the problem, I hope it doesn't ignore the other facets, such as the rising number of foreigners in Singapore and the intensity and effectiveness of enforcement action.

Also, is our nation getting too crowded for comfort? Are littering problems, bad driving habits, anti-social behaviour in public transport and food places a result of the country's increasing population density?

I hope that the society does not expect the solution to lie with the schools only as they have been promoting good social behaviour.

Unfortunately, the other stakeholders, such as parents and the community, are not doing their part. What's the use of a good school programme if a pupil litters in front of his or her parents and nothing is done to correct it, or worse, the parents litter in front of their children.

Also, I hope the law will not be too lenient on the young offenders (under 18 years) and it should explore issuing summonses to the parents, as well as write to the school, as this will send a clear signal to the youths.

Sadly, we need to do this until our society reaches the level of civic conciousness that we all desire.

Straits Times Forum 27 Nov 06
Schools can help nip litter problem in the bud
Letter from Terrence Hong Bing Quan

I AM appalled to learn that the youth of today feel it is not a big deal to litter. Such antisocial behaviour must partly stem from the fact that many households have foreign maids who are constantly at children's beck and call and pick up after them.

Others take it for granted that public spaces are kept clean by magic, often ignoring the hours of work sweepers have to put in.

To the education authorities, I offer a two-pronged approach to nip this problem in the bud before it festers further. Schools should make classes adopt parks or stretches of roads and bus stops near their school where their students frequent. By adopting these areas, students will be made responsible for keeping them litter-free.

Also once-in-a-blue-moon social work visits to clean up parks and beaches should be made more frequent. Once students see how tiring - and disgusting - it is to have to clean up after others, they will learn not to inflict the same on others.

The adoption exercise will also give youth a sense of ownership of their neighbourhood. Just as you would not damage your own home, they will learn not to dirty the surroundings they are part of.

The police should also begin a month-long blitz to enforce the $150 fine for littering. Plainclothes police officers can be stationed randomly at popular youth haunts to fine all who are found littering or spitting. Walk down Orchard Road and you will see how many young people actually spit.

Once culprits are caught and openly shamed in front of their friends, they will learn it is actually 'uncool' to litter and spit.

Tough and authoritarian as these measures may seem, I feel they are a must. I am sure most of us beam with pride when tourists or friends from abroad compliment us on how clean Singapore is.

I am just not ready to let a bunch of antisocial elements spoil this wonderful impression others have of my country.

Straits Times Online 27 Nov 06
Bring back Capt Planet and ENV frog cartoon
Letter from Han Yunhao

I REFER to the article, 'Littering no big deal, say many' (ST, Nov 20), regarding the survey on littering, which shows a lack of concern for the environment.

I am shocked that some of the younger generation display such apathy. Perhaps their environment is so comfortable, they take it for granted. I believe increasing environmental awareness should start from a young age.

Today, cartoons on Kids Central TV show Japanese anime like Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokemon. While these programmes entertain the children and are something they can relate to, would it not be better if they learn something that is beneficial and relevant to society and the environment?

When I was a child, there was a cartoon series titled Captain Planet. Beside other 'action' cartoons like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Captain Planet increased my awareness of environmental issues we face today, through his battles against pollution and other ecological problems.

A typical episode ended with a little tip on how we, as children (the heroes in the cartoon were children too), can do our part to help 'save the planet', concluding with Captain Planet saying: 'The power is yours!''

It made a difference to me, as a primary school pupil, knowing I had the ability to do that little bit to help.

With the world's attention on climate change and global warming, it will do the future generation good to have this slogan of 'saving the earth'' on their mind through this cartoon.

In Singapore, there was also an advertisement in the form of a cartoon, from the Ministry of the Environment (ENV). It showed a frog swimming happily in a clean river, but then litter came into the river and the frog choked. Finally, the frog jumped up onto a lily pad in an unpolluted river with a big smile, with the words 'Keep our Singapore clean and green' above it.

It was a small campaign, but I am sure it reached out to both children and adults. But I do not see this kind of advertisement now.

I believe the media can reach out to the majority of the population. Airing suitable programmes and advertisements that inculcate environmental awareness will go a long way in changing the mindset of Singaporeans, especially younger ones.

Perhaps these programmes can be re-aired.

Straits Times Forum 28 Nov 06
Many S'poreans are spoilt. They expect other people to clean up after them
Letter from Tan Lin Neo (Ms)

It is very sad that despite all the progress Singapore has made to be a world class city, we are also on the way to becoming a world-class litter city. Despite the government campaigns and Work Corrective Orders, Singaporeans have become worse than ever in littering.

When I visited the United States and Europe 30 years ago, the people there were already clearing their trays at fast food outlets.

Singapore is the only country I know where there are cleaners to clear trays at fast food outlets.

Irresponsibility, selfishness or plain laziness? Most Singaporeans seem to have a mindset that there is always a cleaner paid to clean up after them.

Every Singaporean has the social responsibility to keep our community and city clean. Sad to say, most of the culprits are below 30. Not surprisingly, as one youth commented, this happens because most of his peers were raised by maids.

Worse still, there seems to be a strong `maid mentality' among the young today, that there is always someone to clean up after them. These young people behave in the same way at their workplace, leaving food and litter around, not caring and behaving as if there is a maid at the workplace to clean up after them. Such behaviour and mindset are disgusting.

It is very common these days to see children bringing food and drinks into buses, and leaving discarded containers everywhere. In fast food outlets, they don't bother to clear their trays.

Such actions are further compounded by the parents themselves who allow such behaviour to continue. In fact, the parents themselves behave in the same way.

Just because we have maids and cleaners does not mean we can evade our social responsibility to keep our surroundings and community clean.

Parents play a vital role and should take the responsibility of educating and disciplining the young on correct behaviour and social responsibility in keeping our community clean. This can begin at home, where the young should be taught to clean up even if there is a maid around. This helps to inculcate and build correct core values and character in the young.

Despite a busy lifestyle, it is vital for parents to inculcate the basic core values of morals and social responsibilty in their children. Such a duty cannot be delegated to the maid. If this happens, we breed a generation of callous, selfish and socially irresponsible youths, and risk turning our nation into one massive garbage dump.

I urge parents to give some thoughts to this vital responsibility and its consequences.

Straits Times Online 30 Nov 06
Tour guide won't have tourists visit HDB estates
Letter from Jackie Lau Wai Wan (Ms)

I AM a tour guide and every time I do a city tour I tell tourists that Singapore is very clean and green but I lie and I feel guilty.

If they were to visit Ang Mo Kio or any other HDB estate, they would see rubbish in the void decks, on staircase landings, in hawker centres, at bus stops and many more places. That is why I never encourage them to visit any of the estates, lest their good impression of Singapore evaporates.

We have to depend on legions of foreign workers to pick up after us. Many of the litterbugs and spitters are young people. They have had at least 10 years of education but their behaviour is atrocious.

Some smokers are disgusting, often throwing their cigarettes on the road before boarding the bus. It is also very common to see commuters taking half-consumed canned drinks, cups of ice-blended coffee and food in bags on board the trains and eating and drinking along the journey.

Why don't MRT officers stop them from taking food and drinks into the trains? Parents often let their children eat or drink in the train and if you tell them they are not supposed to, they often tell you, 'They are only children, so it is okay.' If they are nasty, they tell you not to be a busybody.

The announcement to stand behind the yellow line on train platforms comes in four languages but the admonishment not to eat and drink is only in English. Why?

What are parents doing nowadays? Aren't they supposed to nurture their children into good citizens, besides getting good grades, good jobs and a good living?

We have passed laws to fine litterbugs. There is even a T-shirt proclaiming Singapore as a fine city, with various fines for various offences. If we have no intention or the manpower to enforce the laws, then for goodness' sake don't have them. If we want to keep them, then fine all the litterbugs. The money collected may be enough to help the poor and needy. Then we won't have to increase the Goods and Services Tax. It is a win-win situation.

Straits Times Online 30 Nov 06
Put a stop to littering, outsource booking of litterbugs
Letter from Roger Yan Fook Wei

MANY ideas have been suggested to stop Singaporeans from littering. But all these ideas are based on educating and persuading, and they haven't worked well.

Perhaps the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources could take a leaf out of the book of the Land Transport Authority, which outsourced the enforcement of bus-lane rules, and similarly outsource the catching of litterbugs to private companies.

The officers deployed should be in plainclothes and would not only catch litterbugs but also spot individuals who go out of the way to keep public places clean. These civic-minded individuals could be commended publicly and given a token reward.

The cost of outsourcing would be easily covered by the fines collected and most likely there would be a surplus for financing anti-litter education and campaigns.

Recalcitrant litterbugs should be made to wear a uniform with large words saying 'I have let Singapore down because I am a litterbug'. These repeat offenders should also be made to sweep the floor and pick up rubbish in areas with high human traffic, regardless of where they had been caught littering.
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