Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, is facing a growing environmental concern: the alarming increase in littering, particularly of 1.5-liter plastic water bottles. These bottles, being the most common source of drinking water in the capital for the past several years, have now become one of the most visible forms of pollution in and around the city.
Community elder Mr. Simon Are has expressed serious concern about the issue. He pointed out that while companies continue to produce these plastic bottles to meet the demand for clean drinking water, both producers and the public have failed to manage the waste properly. “This kind of littering is spreading everywhere. If we do not act together now, it will only grow worse,” Mr. Are warned.
He also stressed that the plastic bottles, being non-biodegradable, pose a serious threat to the environment. In Honiara, where rivers, streams, and drainage systems flow directly into the sea, plastic waste accumulates at culverts and water outlets, affecting both land and marine ecosystems. “People use the water outlets as dumping sites. It’s not just unsightly, it’s harmful,” Mr. Are added.
The heart of the problem, according to Mr. Are, is a widespread attitude of carelessness. “People want the water but don’t care what happens to the bottle afterward,” he said. This careless mindset not only undermines local laws and environmental efforts but also shows a lack of respect for the community and the land itself.
Residents near the drainage outlets have been raising concerns, as the growing piles of bottles are affecting their surroundings and posing health risks. Yet despite complaints, little change is seen on the ground.
Mr. Are concluded with a strong call to action: manufacturers must partner with communities to promote recycling and reuse, and above all, people must change their attitude. “We must take responsibility for what we consume. It’s not just about laws, but it’s about respect, discipline, and caring for our country,” he said.
Without a shift in public behavior, even the strongest laws will fall short. True change begins with every individual choosing to dispose of waste the right way.
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