Sir, - While it is of course encouraging to know that business community is as concerned about litter as the rest of us, I nevertheless cannot help but feel that Tom Cavanagh, of Irish Business Against Litter (September 3rd), is slightly missing the point.
I am sure that the surveys he refers to will confirm yet again that we have a litter problem in this country, but surely we know that already - or else, what is the fuss all about? Similarly, the conference that IBAL is holding in November will undoubtedly attract lots of media interest, well meaning words will be spoken, all the right resolutions will be passed. . but then what?
Will we all just sit back and wait for the next get together? While it is right add proper that the litter issue should remain in the public arena, surely the time: has come to do something, rather than just talk about it yet again?
One possible contribution might be to emulate an initiative I observed during a tour of the United States earlier this year. In many states, major (and some minor) highways are divided into two mile clubs, local chambers of commerce, Rotary Clubs, church congregations, scout troops, trades union branches, and even private households, who take on responsibility for keeping that stretch of highway litter free.
Some adoptive enterprises simply pay for contractors to do the tidying up; others delegate staff, or rely on volunteers. Prominent and official signs are erected at the start of each section, indicating who has adopted that bit of road; in this way, the participating organisations gain very effective "official" publicity, in prime roadside locations, while the gassing public knows whom to blame and complain to if litter collecting standards are not up to scratch. In some places, the idea. has even been extended to adopted lay by and roadside picnic areas, public car parks, scenic viewpoints and even public toilets.
I would have thought that such a scheme would be relatively easy to set up here in Ireland. Given the very strong community spirit so often seen - particularly in rural areas - it could have major spin off benefits in terms of civic pride, community good will and, hopefully, increased support of participating organisations. - Yours, etc.,
College View,
Midleton,
Co Cork.