Thomas Van Der Wielen, the head of International School Suva, has voiced a pressing concern over Fiji’s escalating waste management issues. During the Veivueti Kids Ocean conference, which convened representatives from ten schools across Fiji, he highlighted the alarming rise in littering, particularly after public gatherings at popular locations like My Suva Picnic Park. Mr. Van Der Wielen described the aftermath of such events as “embarrassing,” noting the prevalence of leftover rubbish, such as plastic wrappers and fast-food packaging, which poses long-term environmental threats.
He emphasized that even seemingly insignificant items, like candy wrappers, can persist in the environment for generations if not disposed of properly. In response to this challenge, he has committed to fostering environmental awareness among students and their families by encouraging the recycling of plastic bottles. He asserted that every individual’s actions, no matter how small, contribute to a collective impact.
The head of school mentioned the institution’s ongoing efforts to reassess packaging methods for lunches to reduce waste while maintaining food quality. He urged everyone in the community to reflect on their consumption and waste disposal practices, underlining the importance of personal responsibility in tackling waste issues.
This sentiment resonates with other community leaders who have expressed similar concerns. Pita Nacuva, a former Speaker of the House, remarked on the need to instill a culture of responsibility when it comes to waste disposal, indicating that past generations exhibited more conscientious habits. Furthermore, the Suva City Council has been active in promoting greater citizen engagement in waste management efforts, acknowledging the detrimental effects of littering on public health and the environment.
Despite the challenges that Fiji faces with waste management, there is a collective hope for improvement. By nurturing a sense of civic pride and encouraging responsible behavior, the people of Fiji can work towards a cleaner, more sustainable environment. Community initiatives and awareness campaigns aimed at educating both adults and youth will play a crucial role in cultivating long-lasting changes in attitudes toward waste disposal.
As Fijians rally together in this effort, there remains optimism that their natural beauty can be preserved for future generations through collective action and shared responsibility.
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