People continue to behave in an irresponsible manner that only results in a further deterioration of the environment, which is already under assault. Protecting the environment is not just a national responsibility but a religious responsibility as well.
Education should begin at home, by ensuring that every member of the family participates in a joint effort for a clean and healthy society. Protecting the environment means maintaining our bodies, our homes and our surroundings in good shape.
A few minutes spent on repairing things at home could mean a lot in terms of environmental protection. At least any leakage of water would be prevented, as this would help in the conservation of this precious commodity. One of the greatest threats to the environment is sewage overflow, which could mean serious health problems. Another element contributing to pollution of the environment is the misuse of roads and pavements. In several places these are used as parking spaces and for car washes, resulting in further infrastructure degradation.
Perhaps the most irresponsible behavior in our streets is the sight of beverage cans and tissue paper being thrown out of passing or parked cars.
Drivers, too, have their share of the blame. It is common to see motorists waiting at traffic lights to lower the window and gently put an empty can or tissue box on the pavement thinking that by behaving like this they help keep the city clean.
Isn’t it better than throwing them in the middle of the street, they would ask you if you dared to challenge them.
There is then the problem of smoke emitted by cars and other machinery. The greatest health threat is posed by old vehicles plying the streets with clouds of smoke coming out of their exhaust pipes.
To this is added smoke from factories, the burning of medical waste often containing radioactive and poisonous material, the burning of trash and cigarette smoking. We are faced with a real problem that requires a major effort to overcome. Pollution is a man-made problem and it is up to us to fix the mess we have created.
Arab News From the Local Press 22 July 2003
