Enakshi tells us about waste management. Ramifications of hygeine acquire seriousness in the light of one of the advisories of COVID-19. An exclusive for Different Truths.

One of the basic principles of recycling is to understand that there is no such thing as ‘away’. When you throw something away, it must go somewhere. That somewhere determines what kind of difference you make in the world. This might seem like an easy thing to follow because most people believe that getting rid of the waste from their houses defines their hygiene. More so, they do not mind spreading the same waste on the roads or in visible corners, pretending to be unaware of the trouble that would cause the passers-by.

When I was young, my mother always scolded me for leaving the hair on the drain mesh after bathing. She abhorred the idea of asking someone else to clean your mess.

When I was young, my mother always scolded me for leaving the hair on the drain mesh after bathing. She abhorred the idea of asking someone else to clean your mess. This helped me become more careful when visiting my relatives. In fact, I realised quite early that this habit is essential for every person as it reflects your personal manners and prevents you from becoming that irksome guest. All said and done, this habit has stayed with me till now and I am quite sure it will stay with me for long. However, I can safely say that not everyone is taught the same manners. Why do I say that you might ask? Recently two incidents in my neighbourhood got my goats!

The first episode happened last week, when my husband decided to take the bike out. While he was cleaning the bike, his face of disgust got my attention. Upon asking, I found out that a wet roll of hair was stuck on the surface of his bike. Like any normal person, he felt repulsed in throwing that ball of hair away. It did not take rocket science to figure out how it landed on the bike. Just above, on the adjacent wall, was the bathroom window. What we saw next made us rethink about the choice of the parking spot. From the railing hung another ball of hair, wet, dripping and disgusting! Faster than a photon, I ran upstairs to get a spray and a clean cloth.

I found out that a wet roll of hair was stuck on the surface of his bike. Like any normal person, he felt repulsed in throwing that ball of hair away. It did not take rocket science to figure out how it landed on the bike.

The second episode was even more appalling. This happened two days ago. As I sat by the window, weaving words together for an article (no, not this one), I happened to look outside at the nothingness. I think most of us get so consumed by work at times that staring at the nothingness also sounds interesting. Coming back to the point, as I stared at the empty roads, colourful rooftops and overburdened washing lines, I also chanced upon the lady who lives right in front of my house. She was combing her hair. It was wet. Suddenly, the horror of anticipating her next move left a lump in my throat. After she finished disentangling the knots in her hair, she took the broken hair in hand, twirled them all together and threw them away. Just like that. That roll landed on the roof of the car parked below. The lady then went inside. Moments later, when the owner of the car came outside with his wife and saw the repugnant sight, he had the same expression that my husband had had the other day. It was the first time I experienced the feeling of knowing the real meaning of deja vu!

Knowing that hygiene forms two-thirds of health, it is imperative for every individual to understand that maintaining hygiene doesn’t imply that the streets or roads can be dirtied. Proper disposal of garbage is also an essential component of a clean and healthy surrounding.

Marie Kondo said that the objective of cleaning is not just to clean, but to feel happiness living within that environment. Knowing that hygiene forms two-thirds of health, it is imperative for every individual to understand that maintaining hygiene doesn’t imply that the streets or roads can be dirtied. Proper disposal of garbage is also an essential component of a clean and healthy surrounding. The least we can do to keep our environment clean is not to indulge in acts that can cause inconvenience to the general public.

Photo from the Internet