For 8 years there has been a movement which some people approve and other criticise. It has begun in Estonia and the main purpose is to unite people to clean up their country in just one day. A lot of people joined because it sounds so perfect. But it is up to you to decide whether this event is effective or just makes for a good ad. The positive aspect of this movement is that people are enthusiastic, excited and determined to clean, to ‘save the planet’ when they are not alone. They make maps of areas which need to be cleaned and it’s easier for the good organisation. Of course the end result could be really satisfying, but we should think what causes this emergency need of cleaning, when we all know professionals who have to do this for a living.
First of all concerns that some of us may have is that when tons of rubbish has been picked up, there has to be very good plan for removing and recycling it. You can’t expect millions of people to clean their cities, parks and neighbourhoods but only the local garbage removals to participate. It’s simply not possible all trash to be transported in one day, so there will be some places with heaps of trash. One day is just not enough if a city has a lot of different problems with pollution. If such events more often are being held, people will have their habits and will prevent the need of cleaning. Because isn’t it duplicity when you clean up because of the new cause and then again create pollution with your actions? It’s only our fault if streets and parks are dirty. That’s why some governments have a lot of laws and penalties for those who throw packages everywhere and don’t keep clean. Probably these countries don’t have to join this ’clean up’, because the citizens know why they pay taxes and fines.
The idea can be really wonderful if it is about abandoned areas, villages or difficult to access mountain regions and rivers. Some places need our help in order to flourish again. There are some places in this world which are worth being visited, but will someone ever be astonished to visit a place decorated with empty bottles and dirtiness? Even worse – some organisms could die, because we disturb their native habitat. For instance if we clean a river bed from old car tires, sticks and other rubbish, we definitely help the creatures that live there, which is essential for the balance of nature. Again it is very crucial for us to know where we should transport rubbish, because nobody wants to clean up one spot and to destroy another. Whatever environmental mission we choose, we have to be sure what is our goal and what means should we use. Sometimes having good intentions is not enough and they have to be translated into well planned actions.