Spotted this sign in downtown Kuwait City at one of the main Bus junctions. At first instance, some would say that’s strange and doesn’t belong here. Kuwait society is too classy for such low manners!

But, the truth is, sometimes even classy people need some reminders. Do you need justification for this statement? Just drive down to the beach areas during the early morning hours and you’ll find the truth. The beach and the surrounding side-walks are so trashed that early morning joggers would have to literally run an obstacle race in their paths. Soda cans, empty glass/plastic bottles, take-away food wrappers, left-over barbecue coals and all kinds of other thrash is found littered every weekend at these places and the poor cleaners have a tough job on these days.

Recently the Kuwait Municipality has banned barbecuing at these sea-fronts and is imposing heavy fines up-to 1000 KD on those who violate these rules. They have assigned specific spots for such activities so as to preserve these parks and other green spots at the beaches.

Now, it’s not only the beaches which are violated, but you will find litter in most public places. Where there is heavy traffic of people such as shopping areas, restaurants, cinemas and other hang-outs, you will find the same very thing! If you’ve been out here for some time and driving down the the highways, I’m sure, you may have found someone coolly flicking a empty soda can from outside the vehicle window and hopefully that wouldn’t have landed on your car windshield! Let’s not talk about cigarette butts! You’ll find them in the stairways of all offices even the the classy corporate ones. The Government has banned smoking in public areas but that hasn’t deterred the die-hard smokers from smoking and littering public properties.

So, what should we do about that? Stop littering in public properties. . We should apply the same policy that we do at our own home when we use public facilities. When you’re at the beach, put away your trash in separate bags for later disposal when you leave. Leave cigarette buts in ash-trays.When you travel in public transport, do not leave litter on the floor, take it away with you when you leave and throw it in dust bin. Do your part to Save the Environment! Keep your City Clean