Group wants govt to use CCTV systems vs littering

Aside from monitoring criminals and traffic violators, closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems may be tapped to monitor litterbugs, if an ecological group will have its way. EcoWaste Coalition pushed for the use of CCTV systems to complement anti-littering and declogging efforts in preparation for La Niña's rains. "Fund the installation of CCTVs in littering hotspots to identify, shame and penalize litterbugs with community service such as estero cleanup," the group urged government, in an entry on its blog site. It also pushed for anti-littering, declogging and cleanup activities, even as it expressed willingness to inter into partnership with government to recover recyclables and to enforce ecological solid waste management policies. The group pushed a nationwide, year-long anti-littering and anti-dumping drive led by the National Solid Waste Management Commission. It also urged government to adopt and enforce a Zero-Waste policy nationwide, including the implementation of best environmental practices in solid waste management that bans open dumping, open burning and incineration. Meanwhile, EcoWaste urged local governments to play an active role against littering, including launching creative campaigns to rid streets, creeks and rivers of litter. Also, it enjoined government agencies, schools, churches, businesses and civic groups to promote and support the anti-littering campaign. On the other hand, it urged households to set a good example for others, especially children, by not littering and to discourage others from littering by politely explaining the consequences of their actions. "Avoid using plastic bags and other single-use disposable items. Reduce your waste size by separating your discards at source, reusing, recycling and composting them," it suggested. "Do not throw litter out of cars. Place a litter bag in your vehicle to collect your litter until a waste bin is available," it added. It also urged the public not to throw hazardous discards such as mercury-containing lamps and batteries in regular trash. — LBG, GMANews.TV