The fun night was exchanged for the hard work of the sanitation workers, and at the same time clearly reflected the fact that many people do not really realize their responsibility to preserve the common good and carelessly litter.
Trash overflowed from the bins so many people threw trash right under the bins on Nguyen Hue walking street after the countdown program - Photo: THANH HIEP
As the clock strikes midnight, Ho Chi Minh City welcomes the new year 2025 in the brilliant light of fireworks and vibrant music in the central area.
However, when the joy and excitement passed, a not-so-pretty picture appeared right after the sparkling lights and cheerful laughter. Those were the streets filled with garbage left behind by people celebrating New Year's Eve.
What do garbage-filled streets say?
At crowded places such as Bach Dang wharf, Nguyen Hue walking street and neighboring streets such as Ham Nghi, Ton Duc Thang..., plastic bags, plastic cups, drink cans, cardboard seats and pieces of confetti were scattered everywhere.
What does the image of the entire District 1 area covered in trash after the fireworks went off reflect?
Firstly, not only does it ruin the urban beauty, it also creates a very bad impression on tourists.
Talking to Tuoi Tre , Ms. Dulani, from Sri Lanka, could not hide her regret: "I am really disappointed to see many people lacking awareness in littering, making sanitation workers have to work harder on New Year's Day.
This city is beautiful, but I think people need to pay more attention to maintaining public hygiene."
Second, it shows that many people's environmental consciousness has not improved because this is not the first time.
Every year, downtown streets are often turned into "public dumps" after major events that attract large crowds during holidays, New Year, meetings such as countdown, fireworks festivals or anniversary programs.
The scene on the night of January 1, 2025 was no exception, making many people wonder.
A night of fun was exchanged for the hard work of the sanitation workers, and at the same time clearly reflected that many of us do not really realize our responsibility to preserve the common good.
Littering at public events is often justified by the sheer volume of attendees or the inability to find trash cans (?).
In fact, to meet the demand, the authorities have arranged many trash cans and sanitation workers in the central area. The problem lies in the awareness of each individual. Many people still "choose" to throw trash at the foot of the trash can instead of putting it in the bin.
Littering becomes a habit and is justified by the excuse "because everyone else does it". Some people only care about their own experience, forgetting their responsibility to protect the common environment.
Event organization has not paid enough attention to waste management.
In addition to ensuring there are no shortage of trash bins in crowded areas and no shortage of garbage collectors, spontaneous business activities around the event area, from street vendors to promotional booths, also contribute significantly to the creation of trash.
Festival slogan, New Year's Eve zero waste, okay?
The above situation leads to the question of what is the solution to improve and prevent the widespread littering after major events? Synchronous coordination between authorities, event organizers and the community is necessary.
Awareness raising should emphasize personal responsibility for protecting the environment, while encouraging green lifestyles such as reducing the use of single-use plastics. Environmental education should be integrated into the school curriculum from an early age to build awareness among the younger generation.
Event organization needs to pay more attention to waste management. Community participation in environmental protection activities should be encouraged. Collaborating with volunteer teams is also an effective solution to reduce the workload for sanitation workers.
Volunteer groups like the "Garbage Lovers Association" present at the recent fireworks display or environmental clubs can become bridges, inspiring and spreading the message of green living to more people.
A slogan "New Year's Eve without waste" needs to be called for by the organizers and the artists performing on the countdown stage, spreading the spirit of self-consciously cleaning up the trash right under the feet of every audience member attending the event.
In addition, the government needs to have stricter sanctions to deal with littering in public places. Punishments such as fines or requests to participate in clean-ups can create a deterrent effect, helping to raise public awareness.
It is also advisable to consult on applying "monitoring" measures from "rice-powered" cameras as they have been very effective in the recent campaign to restore public order, crack down on hooliganism and traffic order by the police force.
Festivals, especially New Year's Eve, are always special moments, marking the beginning of a new year full of hope.
In Ho Chi Minh City, the brilliant fireworks display on the banks of the Saigon River, combined with vibrant music programs on Nguyen Hue walking street, not only attracted thousands of residents and tourists, but also portrayed the image of a youthful, dynamic city.
And to truly become a civilized, modern city, it is not only about having brilliant fireworks displays or similar festivals, but also the ability to call for consensus in protecting the environment of the city government.
Every citizen, from small things like picking up a piece of paper, keeping trash in a bag or simply throwing trash in the right place... can contribute to making a difference.
The living environment is not a private property, but a common property of all.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/bong-toi-rac-thai-sau-anh-sang-phao-hoa-20250106155933206.htm
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