WE should strive to protect the environment. Most of the waste we generate does not decompose within our lifetimes.
If we do not separate our waste, they will end up accumulating in rubbish dumps. Separating waste at the point before it is thrown away reduces the amount of waste that goes into landfills. This, in turn, reduces our carbon footprint because less fuel is required to collect and transport waste.
Many consider people who earn a living by collecting unwanted paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and cans a nuisance but they are providing an essential service.
Every day, come rain or shine, I see a Southern Waste Management worker named Yusoh carrying a big rubbish bag full of cans, plastic bottles and paper. It’s sad because workers like him are often overlooked when companies hand out staff appreciation awards.
LIONEL PERERA, Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan