Stop creating a litter epidemic

There has been much concern expressed about the deluge of litter that seems to have erupted over recent months.

On our recent Wanstead Village litter pick, there was a lot around to gather, including disgarded plastic masks and gloves.

The thought did occur, whatever happened to the efforts to cut plastic waste, the whole idea seems to have gone out of the window with the Covid pandemic. 

The land and sea continue to fill with plastic waste, as the activities of humankind gradually choke the planet.

Human beings seem to have a complete disregard for the planet and each other, when it comes to waste.

Cycling along the canal recently between Hackney and Three Mills, there was litter piled on the tow path and thrown into the water.

Who do people think should pick up their rubbish, when they just cast it aside?

Much of the present surfeit of litter is no doubt due to the way life patterns changed during lockdown. Many more people are going to parks. Pubs, restaurants and shops have been shut - all of these enterprises have processes for disposing of rubbish. Their absence has no doubt resulted in a displacement of rubbish disposal.

The re-opening of these businesses should see some normality restored.

This though does not take away from the central question as to why human beings are such wasteful, destructive creatures. Why is there so much food waste? Can people not buy what they are going to eat?

The rubbish creation and recycling debate continues but the real challenge is to not create the waste in the first place. Recycling is important but it is only part of the solution, the real answer is to stop creating waste. 

The pandemic period has seen other forms of recycling of goods between neighbours via various social networks. This re-use of items  is another positive move toward more sustainable living.

At another level, the amount of materials piling up in skips, as people tear houses inside out is another cause to question. Recycling and re-use of much of the stuff dumped into skips would also be welcome.

As said before, the pandemic has created a space for reflection on how we live our lives. How we are going to live life moving forward.

The community spirit released during this period has been a wonder to behold. Neighbours really looking out for neighbours, the mutual aid networks and fantastic donations to foodbanks.

Now is the time to plug into this well of goodwill, thinking of each other and the environment in a more holistic way.

The new way has to include a greater respect for our living environment, which means creating less waste, using less plastic and generally treading more lightly on the earth.

* the next Wanstead Village litter pick takes place at 10am on sat 18 july - starting from Woodbine Place (by the buses). All are welcome