Take out what you bring in!
The threat of the COVID-19 virus to the residents of the CNMI is real. The steps taken by our administration, and particularly the Commonwealth Health Care Corp., to assure the safety and wellbeing of our community are commendable.
Private businesses are also stepping up and following protocols as recommended by health experts to prevent the spread, and are offering special services to the community to alleviate some of the anxieties that come with emergency situations.
Continued public sanitation practices are also of critical importance. Our beaches have now become hangout spots for those who have leisure time to enjoy nature, but who also have little regard for the importance of a trash-free environment.
It’s common practice and an entitlement that some of our residents have become used to an attitude of “Let somebody else do it.” In this case, dependent on others to pick up their trash littering the ground. Well, in this case, Parks and Recreation and the Saipan Mayor’s Office employees are also subject to government hours reductions, so who’s left to pick up your trash? You are!
It’s time to take responsibility. We like to blame tourists for trashing our islands but, guess what? There are no tourists.
It’s our home, our responsibility, our children’s futures that depend on our good example and actions that we practice today. It’s simple. A call to action to feel better about yourself and make an impact.
Micronesia Islands Nature Alliance
via email