The state of our streets is more than an environmental issue.

It is a mirror reflecting our collective values, priorities and responsibilities.

The plastic bottles clogging drains, the heaps of trash along roadsides, and the overflowing bins in our cities are not the government’s doing: they are ours.

Each piece of litter tells the story of neglect, of our refusal to take ownership of the spaces we share.

The inconvenient truth is that our streets are not dirty because they must be; they are dirty because we have made them so.

Who bears responsibility?

Blaming the government is easy. We expect it to clean up after us, to enforce policies, and to fix the mess we create.

But policies alone do not litter streets. People do. A plastic bottle thrown out of a car window or trash dumped into open drains is not the fault of officials.

It is the action of individuals who fail to see the harm they cause.

Rwanda offers a stark contrast. Often celebrated as one of Africa’s cleanest nations, its transformation was not solely the result of government policies. It stemmed from the active participation of its people.

Monthly community clean-up events, known as Umuganda, bring citizens together to clean their neighbourhoods.

This initiative fosters a sense of shared responsibility.

Rwanda’s decision to ban plastic bags in 2008, though initially met with resistance, is now hailed as visionary. Today, Kigali’s streets are pristine, not just because of regulations but because the people have embraced cleanliness as part of their culture.

This lesson is simple yet profound.

The transformation of any environment begins with individual accountability.

The streets are not dirty because governments have failed.

They are dirty because people have abandoned their duty to protect them.

Success stories: Cleanliness through responsibility

Many nations have faced environmental crises and turned their fortunes around.

Their experiences show that change is not only possible but achievable through bold leadership, community involvement, and clear policies.

Rwanda: A culture of cleanliness

Rwanda’s journey began with a bold decision to ban plastic bags. Initially met with skepticism, this policy has had a profound impact.

Citizens embraced alternatives, and combined with Umuganda, the streets of Rwanda are among the cleanest in Africa.

This transformation was not achieved by enforcement alone.

It was driven by a culture of shared responsibility, where citizens take pride in their environment.

Singapore: From polluted to pristine

In the 1960s, Singapore was plagued by pollution and poor public hygiene. Recognising the need for change, the government introduced strict anti-littering laws, built advanced waste management infrastructure and launched public education campaigns.

Today, Singapore’s spotless streets and lush greenery are global benchmarks of cleanliness.

The key to this transformation was the combination of enforcement, education and infrastructure development.

South Korea: Making recycling a way of life

South Korea faced overwhelming waste problems until it introduced a volume-based waste disposal system. Citizens were required to pay for waste collection based on the amount they generated.

This created a financial incentive to reduce waste. Today, South Korea has one of the highest recycling rates in the world.

This success highlights how aligning incentives with environmental responsibility can drive change.

Costa Rica: Restoring the environment

Costa Rica reversed decades of deforestation through aggressive reforestation policies.

Financial incentives for landowners and eco-tourism initiatives transformed the country into a global leader in sustainability.

Its success underscores that environmental restoration is possible when governments and citizens work together towards shared goals.

Germany: A leader in renewable energy

Germany’s Energiewende initiative has positioned it as a global leader in renewable energy.

Through investments in solar, wind and waste-to-energy projects, Germany has significantly reduced its carbon footprint.

This transformation was driven by long-term planning, public buy-in, and strong government support.

These examples illustrate a critical truth: transformation is not a distant dream. It requires leadership, collective action and practical policies.

The cost of neglect

The consequences of environmental neglect are severe.

They manifest as floods, disease outbreaks, and long-term pollution.

These are not acts of nature; they are the results of human indifference. 
In Ghana, urban areas face repeated flooding, exacerbated by plastic waste clogging drainage systems.

During heavy rains, water mixed with garbage overflows into streets and homes.

This destroys property, endangers lives and cripples infrastructure. Such disasters are not inevitable.

They are the consequences of unmanaged waste and poor planning.

In Pakistan, the catastrophic floods of 2022 displaced millions and caused billions of dollars in damage.

While climate change played a role, unchecked deforestation and poor urban planning magnified the disaster. The land cannot heal itself when it is constantly exploited and neglected.

These examples remind us that failing to care for our environment comes at an enormous cost: both human and financial.

Taking responsibility for change

Transformation begins with us. Governments can create policies, but they cannot execute them without public support. Each person must take ownership of their role in environmental stewardship.

Dispose of waste responsibly

Carry your trash until you find a bin. Avoid adding to the piles of waste already littering the streets. Every piece of trash disposed of properly reduces the burden on the environment.

Reduce and recycle

Minimise the use of single-use plastics. Embrace recycling wherever possible. A small change in daily habits can have a significant cumulative impact.

Participate in community action

Organise or join local clean-up initiatives. When communities come together to address environmental issues, the results are immediate and inspiring.

Hold others accountable

Challenge littering whenever you see it. Encourage friends, family and neighbours to take pride in their surroundings. Collective action starts with individual efforts.

The change begins with small actions. If every citizen picked up one piece of trash daily, and correctly disposed it, the transformation would be monumental.