FIJI’S growing waste crisis is the result of people becoming increasingly lazy in how they use and dispose of rubbish.
“There’s no two ways about it,” said Reverend James Bhagwan, general secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches, pointing to a culture of convenience and carelessness that has taken root across communities.
“We are lazy in what we use and we’re lazy in how we dispose,” he said.
“We’ve got to just change that.”
He said despite the consistent efforts of churches and civil society groups to promote environmental awareness; the public’s habits remain a major challenge.
The Season of Creation, observed by churches across Fiji and the Pacific every year from September to October, includes sermons and community activities focused on environmental stewardship.
“So, we’re preaching it from the pulpit.
“We know some communities have done this during Lent as part of their focus.”
Mr Bhagwan recalled a 2017 World Oceans Day event in which the Archbishop of Polynesia described rubbish collection as a “corporate confession of sin”.
He said that while there had been education and advocacy, the public often continued to discard waste irresponsibly, tossing items from cars, buses or while walking in public spaces.
“We need to address those issues. And we need to really think about it because the things we are throwing are not biodegradable.
“It’s not the banana leaf or peel. It’s plastic, tins, coated paper, things that affect the life of the environment.”
Mr Bhagwan said changing the country’s waste culture would require not just government and NGO action, but a personal commitment from every citizen to take responsibility for their waste.
