Land Pollution

 St.Augustine Land Pollution

Yet another major problem that plagues the busy streets of the East-West Corridor, is poor solid-waste disposal. Yes. The glistening sea of glass and plastic bottles litter between overflowing barrels and garbage bags, dumped on unoccupied lots of land and street corners. Not to mention, old appliances, furniture and dirty mattresses simply tossed aside on a corner as if one day, they will simply vanish. 

Would you believe that this picture was taken on the Eastern Main Road St. Augustine, obliquely opposite Scotia Bank. If you observe this area, the surrounding buildings are businesses. So where did this waste come from? The only answer is, us. It came from the very own people who inhabit the Earth, a place they call home. These appliances, did not just appear, they had to be physically moved and dumped there. 

Of course, its not new to see people throwing bottles, boxes and plastic bags through car windows while driving down the highway or in traffic congested streets. Its considered to be a minor littering offense with no apparent consequence. Or is it really?

Belmont Land Pollution

On a field-trip to Belmont, while walking along the streets I noticed a "No Dumping" sign which also stated that dumpers will be fined $1000 or face a six month imprisonment. To my surprise, the sign was surrounded with  garbage. How ironic, isn't it?

The unauthorized dumping of garbage on state and private property has become rampant in the past few years.Even though there are sanitation services in place for the everyday removal of waste, there is still significant waste needed to be disposed of as "most of the solid waste generated is left to accumulate on wasteland and in the streets to pose a serious human-induced environmental hazard" (Pacione, 2009: 550)  

Consequently, it has highlighted a need for more defined solid waste disposal methods and stricter littering and dumping laws. As such, more garbage disposal bins should be placed in neighborhoods and also each individual should practice the three "R's" : Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Maybe if we all try to abide by the rules, we can become sustainable after all. Read more on the 3 R's

Reference:

Michael Pacione. 2009. Urban Geography: A Global Perspective Third edition. London and New York: Routeledge.