Protecting our health, environment key to productivity

AS JAMAICA’S population becomes increasingly urbanised, with our towns and both our cities having to adjust daily to accommodate growing numbers of people, measures to safeguard the health of our citizenry and protect the natural environment – two primary components of waste management systems – assume even greater significance. In this regard, I issue the challenge for us to consider ‘Better Solid Waste Management, Healthier Jamaica’, the theme chosen for this year’s observation of Solid Waste Day, a rallying cry for community participation.

It is no secret that the improper handling and disposal of wastes is one of the major risk factors for human disease and environmental pollution or degradation; and while we rely on municipal bodies like the National Solid Waste Management Authority to collect and safely discard refuse, they have no control over the poor habits we practise that jeopardise our health. This is where community accountability comes in.

ALL HAVE A PART TO PLAY

Each individual and every family unit within our communities must play their part in ensuring that their actions with respect to waste management do not contribute to the problem. This includes stemming such activities as indiscriminate dumping and open burning, while at the same time teaching the next generation to be more responsible in what they do. A healthy community, after all, leads to a healthy nation and a better functioning and more productive society. May the observation of Solid Waste Day see the start of a more responsible approach to protecting our health and the environment in which we live. DR PETER PHILLIPS Leader of the Opposition