1. Essay on the Phenomenon of Littering in Vietnam Today, Number 4
One of the consequences of modern society is environmental pollution. The severity of pollution today can partly be attributed to the careless act of littering.
Littering is a serious issue in today’s society. It happens everywhere – in parks, on sidewalks, and even at famous historical sites or scenic spots. In rural areas, it is common to see heaps of garbage by the roadside, emitting a foul odor and swarming with flies and insects. Rivers and canals that were once clear now show plastic bags floating on the surface. What about the city? People casually throw away trash such as ice cream wrappers, candy, or water bottles onto the sidewalks or streets. Unregulated restaurants and businesses dump waste into drains, ditches, and ponds. Even in tourist areas, despite clear signs prohibiting littering, visitors still carelessly discard candy wrappers and water bottles, claiming it was a mistake and relying on cleanup workers.
This simple, thoughtless action leads to devastating consequences. If waste is not properly managed, it emits a foul smell, toxic substances pollute the air, and harmful chemicals seep into the soil and water, devastating the local environment. Accumulated garbage blocks drains, ponds, and canals, causing flooding during rainy seasons and diminishing the aesthetic value of urban areas. Trash heaps also serve as breeding grounds for flies, mosquitoes, and other parasites, which could lead to health risks. Moreover, littering reflects a lack of cultural awareness and environmental consciousness. One person’s negligence encourages others to act similarly.
Littering stems from a lack of personal responsibility. People don’t fully understand the damage caused by littering, and some may even rely on environmental workers to clean up after them. In rural areas, the absence of waste management systems contributes to the creation of unauthorized dumpsites.
To help build a cleaner, greener world, we must work together to prevent littering. Each person must be aware of their actions, disposing of waste in proper bins, and encouraging others to do the same. Government organizations should educate people about the harmful effects of littering and pollution and promote participation in environmental protection campaigns. Furthermore, the government should invest in modern waste disposal systems, with collection teams to prevent waste from accumulating in one place. Waste should be sorted for recycling or used as fertilizer for plants, minimizing its impact on the environment. Livestock owners can also install biogas tanks to utilize animal waste while preventing environmental contamination.
Littering is a thoughtless act that deserves strong condemnation. To improve our living environment, each person should develop the habit of disposing of trash in the correct place, contributing to the creation of a civilized, modern society free from waste.
Illustration Image (Source: Internet)2. Essay on the Phenomenon of Littering in Vietnam Today, Number 5
In today's rapidly developing society, the environment has become a top priority for global protection. In most developed countries, the problem of littering is almost nonexistent due to the high environmental awareness of the people. However, in Vietnam, littering remains a serious issue, especially within educational institutions like schools. Schools, which nurture the nation's future generations, not only provide knowledge but also teach values and ethics. Unfortunately, the issue of littering persists daily in schools.
Littering in schools is a sad reality. Students often discard trash carelessly, anywhere, and at any time, due to habit, simply tossing waste wherever it is convenient. This lack of environmental consciousness starts from a young age. After eating an ice cream, people will throw the wrapper at their feet, even though a trash bin is not far away. Others may toss trash into a bin from a distance, and if it misses, they simply walk away. This results in empty bins surrounded by piles of litter. In classrooms, students often place trash in their desks, even though every room has a waste bin. Unfortunately, this careless littering becomes so normalized that children sometimes believe it is acceptable and not worth criticizing. Another common phenomenon in schools is students throwing trash out the window if the classroom is near a garden or sports field. You can find various hidden corners by windows, filled with milk cartons, plastic bags, and other discarded items.
So, what makes this issue so severe? First, the primary factor is the awareness of the individuals. While students are taught about littering and its consequences, whether they accept and act on this knowledge depends on their personal attitudes. Second, from an external perspective, some schools lack an adequate number of waste bins or place them in inconvenient locations, requiring students to walk far to dispose of trash. Another reason is that when students litter, teachers or parents often impose minimal punishment or fail to recognize it as a behavior that needs correction.
Littering in schools has many harmful effects, directly impacting both students and the school environment. First, it contributes to pollution, particularly soil, water, and air pollution in the school and surrounding areas. Second, littering poses health risks, especially the spread of infectious diseases. Harmful insects, such as mosquitoes, breed in the trash, which can affect the long-term health of both students and teachers. Third, unaddressed littering habits can create a lasting negative culture for future generations. Schools, as the places that nurture the nation's future leaders, must instill the good habit of proper waste disposal in students.
To address and prevent littering in schools, it is crucial to enhance the awareness and responsibility of both students and teachers. Educators should serve as role models for proper waste disposal, particularly for younger students. Furthermore, schools should organize extracurricular activities to raise awareness about environmental pollution, helping students understand the urgency of the environmental crisis. Additionally, strict rules and penalties should be enforced for those who litter in school grounds.
Littering is a bad habit that needs to be corrected for the future's development. A green environment is essential for a nation's progress, and although schools are small in scale, they play a crucial role in fostering good habits about waste disposal among students.
Illustration Image (Source: Internet)3. Essay on the Phenomenon of Littering in Vietnam Today, Number 6
In the realm of education, there are many pressing issues that demand attention. There are both positive and negative aspects, and each one often presents two sides for discussion. Education, in particular, not only involves literacy, knowledge, and achievements but also the attitude of students, which is equally crucial. Yet, many students excel academically while still lacking in awareness. A prominent example is the widespread issue of littering on school grounds.
From an objective perspective, littering is not limited to a few students but rather involves a group of many, and it's not restricted to certain schools—it can be found in almost any institution, though to varying degrees.
It is particularly troubling when some students, due to waking up late, miss breakfast and hurriedly rush to school, stopping by a food stall for a quick bite, such as a bread roll or a box of sticky rice. Some students eat quickly as soon as they arrive in class, while others sneak food into their desks to eat during lessons. Once done, they are too lazy to dispose of the waste properly, often tossing it around the classroom. There are also instances of students surreptitiously throwing scraps of paper at others, and after exams, tearing up test papers and carelessly discarding them in the exam room.
As a result, trash accumulates in the classrooms and on the playground. One might wonder what the school environment would look like under such conditions. The school loses its aesthetic appeal, which can negatively impact its reputation. Teachers are demotivated to teach and sometimes waste time reminding students about proper behavior, or even spending time cleaning up after them. Most alarmingly, throwing trash once leads to repeated behaviors, eventually turning it into a bad habit that diminishes awareness and affects the entire school community.
So, what causes this behavior? Initially, it stems from laziness and a lack of responsibility. The laziness of students hinders them from walking to the trash bin to dispose of waste, compounded by a lack of understanding of the harmful effects of littering—or even awareness of the problem, but still doing it anyway. Sometimes, it's because students see others doing it without consequences, which encourages them to follow suit. Additionally, the school's management may not be strict enough in enforcing rules.
To reduce or even eliminate the problem of littering, students must take personal responsibility for maintaining a clean and beautiful school environment. This requires engaging in educational activities to raise awareness among fellow students. School administrators must also implement appropriate disciplinary measures for those who violate school rules, especially those involving environmental awareness, such as littering. Only by instilling this awareness within the school can we foster a more disciplined and responsible society beyond it.
While some students still display poor behavior, many others set a great example by adhering to school rules, properly disposing of waste, and helping to preserve the school’s surroundings. These exemplary students should be recognized and praised for their commitment to setting a positive standard for others to follow.
Littering in schools is an important issue to address. As a student, I pledge to avoid littering and will encourage my peers to join me in raising awareness so that we can maintain a green, clean, and beautiful learning environment.
Illustrative image (Source: internet)
4. Argumentative essay about the phenomenon of littering in our country today, number 7
Human life is closely intertwined with the environment, and every action, whether big or small, has some degree of impact on the world around us. To enjoy a good life, we must have a healthy environment. Therefore, human awareness in protecting the environment is of utmost importance. If individuals fail to recognize the need to preserve the environment, it will suffer great damage.
Today, environmental protection education has become increasingly widespread. However, how we protect the environment largely depends on our awareness, because awareness drives action. Obviously, one person alone cannot make a significant impact, but when everyone acts together, the results will be clear. If people fail to protect their living environment, it will inevitably be destroyed.
Every human action towards nature carries significant meaning, reflecting either the benefit or harm it causes. When people are careless, they become destroyers. If no one makes an effort to conserve nature, nature will retaliate against humanity. Eventually, when there is nothing left of nature to shelter or support us, humanity will be on the brink of self-destruction. Each individual’s impact might seem minimal, leading some to think, 'My small actions don't matter; the world is vast.' This might be true for one person, but what happens when everyone thinks this way? Mankind is a powerful force, capable of destroying far more than we can create. Consequently, humanity's destructive power becomes immense, threatening our planet.
If no one takes responsibility for protecting the environment, the Earth will no longer be a green planet. It will resemble Mars, forever devoid of life. While life exists everywhere on Earth, if the planet is heavily damaged by harmful chemicals and the destruction of the atmosphere, the consequences will be irreversible. Wars have introduced deadly toxins like Dioxin into the Earth, seeping into the soil, with consequences still felt by future generations. The birth of deformed children due to environmental destruction is heart-wrenching, yet it’s the direct result of humanity’s actions. How long can such degraded land support life?
Rather than tossing trash into rivers or oceans, creating mountains of stinking waste that damage the landscape and pollute the environment, each person should pick up trash and dispose of it properly. Such simple actions play a crucial role in maintaining a clean environment. Instead of cutting down trees or destroying forests, each person can plant trees and encourage others to protect nature. These are simple tasks, yet for many, they seem difficult. For instance, even on the world’s most beautiful beaches, people often leave behind their litter. On the streets, it's common to see people discard food wrappers or drink bags carelessly, even when a trash bin is right in front of them.
Such careless actions are clear signs of irresponsibility. This lack of awareness has devastating consequences. People prioritize short-term convenience and profit, forgetting the long-term damage it will cause for future generations. Rare species are being driven to extinction, forests are being destroyed, and deforestation continues at an alarming rate, all of which lead to severe consequences. When nature fights back, the results can be catastrophic for humanity.
No police force or environmental protection agency can follow every person to enforce rules, and no special cleaning team can fully protect the environment. It is all about individual responsibility. Everyone must be conscious of their actions and realize that protecting the environment is essential for their own well-being. Only then will the Earth remain a sustainable planet for all life.
Illustration Image (Source: Internet)
5. Argumentative Essay on the Issue of Littering in Our Country Today, Essay #8
Today, historical sites, scenic spots, and urban areas are facing a pressing issue: the widespread littering phenomenon.
It’s not hard to notice that our living environment is becoming increasingly polluted. Trash can be seen everywhere: on sidewalks, in rivers and lakes, at historical sites, tourist attractions, and more. The more crowded the area, the more waste accumulates in inappropriate places, leading to growing environmental pollution.
To maintain cleanliness, many cleaning personnel are tasked with picking up litter, but despite their efforts, waste reappears almost immediately. So, what is the root cause of this problem?
The main cause lies in the awareness of each individual. Across the sidewalks, various candy wrappers, plastic bags, flyers, and other waste tarnish the aesthetics. This happens because when people receive advertising leaflets, they read them and then discard them onto the streets, causing a buildup of paper waste. After eating an ice cream bar or candy, people habitually throw the wrappers onto the ground without a second thought. Similarly, food stalls operating illegally on sidewalks often dispose of leftover food and wastewater into drains, causing blockages.
Schools present a similar scene. Candy wrappers, plastic bags, and trash scatter across schoolyards after each break period. After class, the classrooms are filled with crumpled paper on the floor.
In crowded places, littering becomes even more prevalent. People visit tourist spots or beaches, spread out blankets for eating and enjoying, but when they leave, few have the awareness to clean up the bottles and trash they’ve left behind. After every football match, cleaning staff are busy picking up trash left in the stands by spectators throughout the game.
The issue of littering has become widespread in our country, severely affecting both aesthetics and the environment. The subjective cause is the low awareness of maintaining environmental cleanliness. Throwing trash on the streets is an accepted behavior for many, and it’s done without hesitation, even when a trash bin is just a few steps away.
The objective cause involves the inadequate distribution of trash bins. People often throw their trash onto the streets because they can't find a bin nearby. Therefore, in addition to raising the awareness of environmental protection among the public, the government should also consider increasing the number of trash bins, providing convenient locations for people to dispose of their waste responsibly and reducing littering.
The environment is the shared living space for all of us, so each person must elevate their own awareness as well as that of the community to eliminate littering. Together, we can create a green, waste-free space that is beautiful both for residents and tourists.
Illustration Image (Source: Internet)
6. Argumentative Essay on the Phenomenon of Littering in Our Country Today, Essay #9
After several revolutions in human history, from the Cognitive Revolution and Agricultural Revolution thousands of years ago to the Industrial Revolution that took place about 500 years ago, humans have increasingly established their dominance over the planet. From being an animal in the middle of the food chain, we have made a giant leap to the top, exerting powerful impacts on our surrounding environment. In the past, our influence was primarily focused on plants and animals—those that provide us with daily sustenance—but today, the process of industrialization and modernization, along with the advent of countless synthetic products, has led to devastating negative effects on the environment in all aspects—soil, water, air, and biodiversity. Among these impacts, littering may seem like a trivial act, but its consequences are truly enormous for the environment.
In some countries, including Vietnam, littering is not an intentional action; it has become a deeply ingrained habit. For some reason, people believe that tossing a piece of trash into the vastness of the Earth won't matter, and sooner or later, that trash will just disappear. But they don't care about how it disappears, nor do they stop to think about it! I sometimes find it hard to understand why people readily throw an empty water bottle on the street when a green trash can is right in front of them, inviting them with the friendly, yet imperative phrase, "Please put trash in the bin," or even a more polite plea, "Please give me your trash."
It's truly sad that no matter how sweet or urgent the request is, it cannot move the indifferent hearts of some people today. These individuals prefer to toss the trash as soon as they have finished with it, without wanting to waste even a second more. Trash is dirty, right? I would argue that it is not, because it just left your hand moments ago. Would anyone dare to say their mouth is like a trash bin, so it must be quickly emptied right away? It's not just on the streets or in parks, where trash bins may be a bit far away; there are places like restaurants where trash bins are placed directly beneath the dining table, waiting for diners to conveniently dispose of their waste. But still, people won't do it! At the end of the meal, restaurant staff are often bent over, picking up shrimp shells, crumpled napkins, chicken bones, and discarded shells scattered across the floor. And the trash bin? The restaurant owner might even want to sell it to the scrap collector for some extra cash.
In addition to streets, parks, and restaurants, vacant lots, riversides, and beaches have also become ideal dumping grounds for many people. This time, they don’t just throw a few napkins or shells, but entire bags or piles of trash, ignoring the signs clearly marked "No littering." Ultimately, littering has become a difficult habit to break, a simple act that sometimes even sparks heated debates between neighbors when one secretly dumps trash at another's doorstep in the dead of night. It's not an exaggeration to say that indiscriminate littering has become a "culture" of the Vietnamese.
The main reason for this culture is the consciousness, or lack thereof, of individuals. It’s not that they can't read, or that they can't find a trash bin, but fundamentally, they don't like, or aren’t used to, putting trash in the bin. Maybe they feel that this action is too civilized, too foreign to their identity. Another issue is that our country’s infrastructure is still not fully developed—trash bins are scattered sparsely, requiring people to walk quite a distance to find one. Let’s not even mention the occasional thief who steals trash bins at night, not knowing whether they are taking them to use for their own waste or to sell as scrap metal. Finally, the laws in our country are still lacking strict regulations to punish those who litter. The responsibility for proper waste disposal entirely depends on individual consciousness and morality. Thus, the "culture" of littering anywhere remains a common occurrence in Vietnam.
And this terrible "culture" has brought about severe consequences for the environment. Litterers always think that they are only tossing a small piece of paper or a small bottle, but they never consider that if all 7.5 billion people in the world did the same, I am sure that within a month, Earth would be so covered in trash that there would be no place left for humans to live. And if we discard a plastic bag, it will take 500 years to fully decompose, during which time the plastic waste will impede the growth of green plants, which are essential to provide us with oxygen to breathe and to consume carbon dioxide. Without oxygen, we would die, which means that littering is essentially a way of hastening our own destruction.
Moreover, trash buried in the ground significantly disrupts farming and agriculture, reducing the quality of crops. Waste dumped into rivers, lakes, and oceans kills aquatic life—either because animals ingest it or because the polluted water becomes undrinkable for them. Humans also indirectly suffer the consequences when they consume seafood caught from contaminated waters. When trash is improperly disposed of near riversides, outside of residential areas, and is left untreated, it eventually turns into a stinking pile, attracting flies, rodents, and other pests, which become carriers of dangerous diseases. The foul smell also contributes to air pollution, making it unpleasant to breathe. Toxic gases entering the human respiratory system can accumulate over time, causing potential diseases or respiratory infections such as pneumonia.
Waste dumped carelessly into drainage systems can clog pipes and create major blockages, leading to floods during the rainy season, causing traffic disruptions and congestion. Additionally, the sight of trash scattered everywhere detracts from the aesthetic beauty of the environment, creating a negative image for foreign tourists, damaging the positive reputation our country has worked hard to build. The lack of awareness about sanitation also results in financial losses for the government, which must allocate resources to clean up lakes, rivers, unblock drains, and so on. Moreover, this habit of littering represents a lack of civilization and consciousness, and parents' actions serve as poor examples for their children.
As for the problem of littering by millions of people, both in urban and rural areas, the only solution is to raise awareness about the harmful effects of this behavior, through propaganda that directly addresses the personal benefits of individuals. Each person must understand how their actions today will negatively affect both themselves and future generations. Public service messages should be displayed regularly in high-traffic areas, especially in schools, organizations, and via mass media, ensuring the information reaches every corner of the country and that everyone has access to it and understands it.
In addition, organizing frequent volunteer programs to collect trash, with different themes and slogans, should be implemented to clean up areas such as beaches, riverbanks, residential areas, and the surroundings of schools and government offices. The motto should be simple: clean up wherever you live. Finally, while it’s essential for individuals to take responsibility, the government should also step in with regulations, penalties, and deterrents to deal with those who irresponsibly dispose of waste and harm the environment and society.
In conclusion, protecting the environment is no longer the responsibility of just one organization, individual, or nation, but that of the entire world. Each of us must develop a sense of duty to protect and preserve our surroundings—not only for our own well-being but also for the survival of the planet in the future. Let’s ensure that future generations enjoy a better life and a cleaner environment, and let’s not force them to face the dangers created by our thoughtless actions.
Illustration (Source: Internet)
7. Argumentative Essay on the Phenomenon of Littering in Our Country Today – Essay Number 10
Today, environmental issues are a global concern. In advanced countries, maintaining a clean environment is highly emphasized, and careless littering and wastewater disposal are nearly eradicated. Citizens are thoroughly educated about the importance of preserving a clean and beautiful environment. Sadly, in our country, the act of throwing trash on the streets or in public places is still common, and neglecting cleanliness is widespread. This careless behavior severely impacts the environment, specifically leading to pollution. Let us explore this phenomenon further.
The lack of cleanliness in public spaces manifests in various ways, with the most common being the act of throwing trash in the streets or public areas. After consuming a popsicle or candy, people discard the stick or wrapper on the ground. After drinking a soda or bottled water, they leave the can or bottle right where they sat, even though a trash can is nearby. Some even throw chewed gum on benches, leaving it stuck there for others to deal with. Parks, which are meant to offer fresh air and relaxation, and even temples, sacred spaces, are not spared from this issue. Trash can be found at train stations, bus stops, canals, and rivers as well.
Another common sight is construction truck drivers dumping bricks, stones, and waste materials on public roads. Some people, with little awareness, dispose of dead animals like dogs, cats, rats, and even poultry in bodies of water or on the roads. Street vendors and small shops also contribute to this problem by dumping leftover food and washing water directly into drains, causing blockages. Unfortunately, this issue has even reached the younger, educated population. Some students, who tutor others, hand out flyers indiscriminately at street corners, littering the area. In classrooms, students carelessly throw trash into desks, corners, or hallways.
The situation becomes even more alarming when hospitals bury waste near residential areas, or when factories like Vedan illegally dump waste into rivers, rendering them lifeless. So, why is littering so widespread? The first reason is the prevalence of bad habits and an outdated, selfish mindset that prioritizes personal convenience over communal responsibility. People often think that as long as their homes are clean, it’s not their problem if public spaces are dirty. They tend to neglect these spaces, assuming sanitation workers will clean up after them. This short-sighted and dangerous mentality needs to change.
Another contributing factor is that this behavior has been ingrained for a long time and is difficult to break. People only stop littering when they are reminded, such as in classrooms where teachers and class leaders constantly remind students to keep the space clean. But society is much broader than a classroom, and individuals are often too busy with their own lives to remind others. Without consistent reminders, people fall back into their old habits. Environmental education has not been given sufficient attention or organized effectively. Despite public service campaigns on the media promoting environmental awareness, they are too few and fail to meet the public’s need for information. As a result, many people still lack the knowledge to adhere to public rules. Additionally, governmental oversight is weak and ineffective, and there are no strict penalties for violators. If harsh fines were imposed on those who littered, it would discourage others from doing the same.
The consequences of littering are not trivial. First and foremost, it poses serious health risks to the public. If litter is left untreated, it will decompose and emit unpleasant odors, polluting the air. Water sources, particularly in rural areas, are heavily contaminated with waste, which often includes hazardous materials like dead poultry. People who drink contaminated water or live near trash dumps are at higher risk of developing gastrointestinal diseases, skin conditions, and eye infections. Recently, the country has seen several deaths from cholera caused by tainted water. The economy, too, suffers. The fisheries sector is particularly impacted, as polluted water leads to fish and shrimp dying, causing major losses in production and financial resources for local communities.
If trash is not cleared from schools, it will start to smell bad, which hinders both students’ ability to learn and teachers’ ability to teach. It also harms the school’s reputation and visual appeal. Medical waste, which contains cancer-causing pathogens, poses even greater dangers. The accumulation of trash in waterways, sewers, and gutters leads to flooding during the rainy season, affecting daily life and requiring the local government to spend significant resources on cleaning and maintaining drainage systems.
The worst outcome of unchecked littering is the negative impression it leaves on tourists. If a country is filled with garbage and foul odors, who would want to visit? This will ultimately lead to a decrease in tourism, which is a significant source of revenue for many regions.
So, how can we reduce this widespread littering problem? Schools, in cooperation with local authorities, should regularly remind and educate people about maintaining cleanliness. Students who habitually litter should be reprimanded, and those in violation of public cleanliness laws should face appropriate penalties. For individuals and companies that violate environmental standards, strict actions such as fines or even revoking business licenses should be enforced. The government must also pass more detailed environmental protection laws.
Littering in public places remains a pressing issue for authorities due to its harmful impact on society. Protecting the environment means safeguarding the health and lives of everyone, and we must all contribute to building a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful world.
Illustration Image (Source: Internet)
8. Argumentative Essay on the Phenomenon of Littering in Our Country Today - Part 1
Today, the environment is a top priority worldwide. In developed countries, the issue of environmental cleanliness is consistently addressed, and littering and wastewater discharge are almost non-existent. People are thoroughly educated about the importance of maintaining a clean, green, and beautiful living environment. Unfortunately, in our country, a common problem is people throwing trash on the streets or in public areas, failing to keep the streets clean. This behavior severely affects the environment, particularly leading to pollution.
There are various signs of this negligence, but the most common is littering on the streets or in public places. After eating an ice cream or candy, people throw sticks or wrappers on the ground. After finishing a can of soda or a bottle of water, they leave the trash right where they sat, even though a trash bin is very close by. Still, they act carelessly, without a second thought. Even after chewing gum, they don't dispose of it in a trash can, instead rolling it up and sticking it to a bench, then leaving without any hesitation. Not only in public areas but also in some neighborhoods, even though there are signs of cultural districts, the grass grows wild, trash fills the pathways, and an unbearable odor lingers. Another common sight is truck drivers unloading construction waste all over the place, even on city streets.
People can be so thoughtless that they discard the bodies of dead animals—such as dogs, cats, rats, or poultry—into rivers, ponds, and streets. In some street-side eateries, leftover food and dishwashing water are dumped into drains, causing wastewater to pool and clog the pipes. Even more concerning, some riverboat residents, who live on boats moored on rivers, engage in behaviors that severely pollute the environment. They casually toss trash into the river, and even relieve themselves in the water, only to immediately use the same river water for washing, bathing, and cooking. Unfortunately, this littering habit is even spreading to a younger, educated generation. Some students who work as tutors stand at street corners, carelessly handing out flyers for their tutoring groups, leaving the streets littered with paper.
Although these actions may seem minor, they have immense consequences. Keeping our homes clean, from the living room to the dining room and out to the garden, is good, but carelessly discarding trash in public spaces—without any regard for others—appears to be of no consequence. This behavior is something we all need to reconsider. What happens when a beautiful, modern city is overwhelmed by a sea of trash? It reflects a lack of culture, ignorance, and a disregard for cleanliness, which in turn harms human health. People toss trash into rivers without considering that many others rely on this same water for drinking and bathing. If the water is polluted, how will people’s health be affected? If there is no good health, how can we contribute to the development of our country in the modern industrial era? In our very own city, for example, the Dong Nai River suffers from the accumulation of waste.
Parks along the river are places where people come to exercise, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. However, when they look down at the water, they see dirty water flowing from the drains, with plastic bags floating in the river, marring the scenic beauty. And then there are the benches, innocent in their purpose, but marred by sticky gum, which will cling to anyone who unwittingly sits down, staining their clothes and causing discomfort. Can you imagine how it would feel if someone had an important meeting and sat on such a bench? These seemingly small, careless actions can disrupt someone else's important tasks. Nowadays, people take pride in calling their neighborhoods cultural areas, but if trash is scattered everywhere, it is a mockery of their own image. The overgrown grass, a breeding ground for mosquitoes, contributes to the spread of diseases like dengue, which can be deadly. And what about the truck drivers who dump construction debris on the roads? A once clean and beautiful street is now littered with rocks and dirt, causing traffic jams. Worse still, these roads are the site of numerous traffic accidents that bring pain to many families. Not only are construction materials discarded on the streets, but animal carcasses are thrown around as well.
As mentioned earlier, the remains of animals are carelessly thrown everywhere. As they decompose, they emit a foul odor that inconveniences those passing by. Even more dangerous, with the risk of bird flu outbreaks, some people throw dead chickens or ducks into ponds without notifying authorities for proper disposal. If these animals carried disease, it could spread widely, as water from these ponds eventually flows into rivers, which are sources of water for many households. Street-side eateries also contribute to pollution. Leftover food and waste are discarded into drains, which block the pipes and prevent water from flowing. During heavy rains, this clogged system causes floods, disrupting traffic and sometimes even flooding homes. This situation is heartbreaking to witness, especially when the beauty of our surroundings is lost.
It is alarming that today’s children have also become part of this littering phenomenon. After every break, classrooms are filled with candy wrappers and snack bags. This frustrates teachers, as they cannot focus on teaching when the classroom is full of trash. Cleaning up the mess becomes a distraction from learning, and if this continues, valuable study time is wasted, possibly even affecting the class's performance. What a harmful impact!
Today, Vietnam has changed significantly. As a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and after hosting the APEC summit, our country has gained international recognition. More tourists are visiting, and Vietnam is being introduced as a peaceful, friendly nation. But when visitors see scenes like those described above, do they still view our country positively? Or do they begin to see us differently, perhaps with a sense of disappointment? I once witnessed a group of foreign tourists pass by a school, noticing the flyers strewn across the sidewalk. They shook their heads and walked away, muttering, “Is this how the Vietnamese are?” Just a simple comment, but to me, it was a heavy and shameful remark. I thought to myself, if those flyers had been handed out properly, if the school gate had been free of trash, maybe those tourists wouldn't have made that comment.
Environmental pollution has become a massive issue for humanity today. Climate change and its devastating consequences are no longer forecasts; they are real and happening all around us. Global phenomena like El Nino and the ongoing warming of the planet due to the greenhouse effect continue to unfold day by day. The unfortunate truth is that most of these phenomena are caused by human actions, particularly careless littering and waste emission. In other words, the consequences of littering, such as unsanitary conditions, a lack of culture, the spread of diseases, and the negative impression it leaves on foreigners, all stem from human behavior. The root cause lies in bad habits, laziness, and a selfish lifestyle that focuses only on personal interests. Some people think that as long as their own homes are clean, they don’t care about the cleanliness of public spaces. Public spaces aren't theirs, so they don't feel compelled to keep them clean. They think it's okay to throw trash anywhere because the cleaning crews will take care of it. This kind of thinking is short-sighted and dangerous.
Another reason is the ingrained habits that are difficult to change. People often need reminders to avoid littering. In schools, teachers and class leaders constantly remind students to keep their classrooms clean. But society is much larger than any classroom, and everyone is too busy with their own lives to remind each other constantly. Without constant reminders, people often revert to their old habits. The final reason is that some people lack awareness about hygiene and the environment. They don't realize that their actions are thoughtless and harmful to the environment. Additionally, education on environmental protection has not been given enough attention. While there are public service programs promoting environmental awareness, they are too few and don't meet the public's need for information.
This lack of awareness results in poor compliance with public hygiene rules. Moreover, compared to other countries, Vietnam’s penalties for littering and environmental offenses are not severe enough. For example, in Singapore, even throwing a small piece of paper on the street results in a hefty fine. Depending on the severity of the offense, violators can even be caned. In Vietnam, however, careless individuals continue with their actions, as penalties are too lenient to serve as a deterrent.
As our country develops in many areas, the living standards of the people improve, and people’s mindsets are evolving. The way we interact with others and the way we live is becoming more civilized. In particular, in today’s world, clean and beautiful streets are an essential feature of a modern city. It’s crucial that everyone is aware of the importance of cleanliness to protect their own health and that of others. People’s awareness has largely improved. Every household now collects trash properly, ensuring it is disposed of by cleaning staff. These actions are commendable as they not only preserve the cleanliness and health of an individual and their family but also contribute to the community.
While there are still people who carelessly litter, there is a large group of people with a strong awareness of hygiene. A group of young people in a coastal city, for instance, spent their summer holiday collecting trash from the beach. An elderly woman picks up broken glass pieces from the sand every day, making it safer for people who come to the beach. These are admirable actions that we should all follow. As for those careless individuals, it's time for them to reflect. We can solve the problem of littering if each of us, as well as the entire society, makes an effort. From now on, we need to raise awareness about cleanliness. Through various channels such as posters, banners, and programs on radio and television, the basic messages of environmental protection should reach everyone. Moreover, those who persist in violating these rules should be appropriately fined. We cannot be lenient with those who seriously harm the environment, as being too lenient will only prolong the problem.
If we can carry out these actions, life will be much better. And perhaps we will no longer see the shocking sight of six tons of trash being scooped from a canal, or the disapproving head shakes from foreign visitors. Everyone in our community wants to be healthy, with their loved ones free from illness, and their neighbors living peacefully. But due to the entrenched habits and thoughts of a few people, littering in public places remains a problem. In this era of industrialization and modernization, we can no longer continue with these outdated habits. We must tackle the issue in every possible way. Each of us should strive to live well, maintaining cleanliness everywhere—whether at home, outside, on land, or in rivers—to create a clean living environment for everyone, ensuring we can all contribute the most to the country.
In the face of today’s global integration, how can we succeed in the international arena and connect with the world? I believe the key is presenting a fresh, clean image of our country. A clean, beautiful street in the city gives visitors, especially international tourists, a comfortable feeling. Let’s make ourselves more appealing in the eyes of others, and not let bad personal habits like littering ruin the reputation of our country. Let’s put an end to these uncivilized actions, making our lives better and better. Let’s live by the noble spirit: 'I am for everyone, everyone is for me.'
For me, actions like littering in public places or dumping wastewater into drains are shameful and harmful. They have serious consequences for everyone. Therefore, all of us, as citizens, need to address this issue quickly. As for us, the students, the future leaders of the country, we need to reflect on our own actions and adjust our behavior accordingly.
In response to the issue of littering, we will actively raise awareness about environmental protection, encouraging our friends to follow suit. I hope that through this small action, we will contribute to making our living environment cleaner, greener, and more beautiful, and that the Earth will always remain a beloved shared home for all of humanity.
Illustrative Image (Source: internet)
9. Argumentative Essay on the Phenomenon of Littering in Our Country Today (No. 2)
Along with the overwhelming success of humans in the fields of industry, service, and science, there comes pressure on the environment worldwide. In Vietnam, aside from serious issues like the direct discharge of wastewater into rivers and the environmental damage caused by the mining of natural resources, there is a common problem that also pollutes the environment: littering. Some people, while sitting by a famous lake, carelessly toss garbage into it.
Littering has become a habit for many. In schools, students often leave trash on the classroom floor or in the playground after eating snacks, not bothering to dispose of it properly. Plastic bags and paper waste scatter everywhere, creating an unpleasant and unsightly environment. In some households, people don’t bring out their trash to the curb when the trash truck arrives, choosing to leave it in a corner of their yard or near their homes once the truck has passed. Additionally, some people throw waste from their motorbikes, buses, or cars, such as packaging or empty bottles, directly onto the streets. There are also those who carelessly dispose of things like ice cream sticks or empty bottles right where they sit, without any thought. And these are just a few examples of the many people who lack awareness of environmental protection. Littering in public spaces has become a widespread problem.
What causes such behavior? Objectively, it seems that the efforts by government agencies and environmental protection groups to raise awareness among the public are still insufficient. Regulations on fines for littering are inadequate and not strictly enforced. Subjectively, many people simply lack the consciousness of protecting the environment. They think that as long as their own home is clean, it doesn't matter what happens outside. They do not realize that such seemingly trivial actions can have a huge negative impact on the environment around them and those who live in it.
Littering has devastating consequences. It destroys the beauty of nature, harming the visual appeal of the streets. More dangerously, it pollutes the environment: litter thrown into rivers and lakes contaminates water sources, improperly buried waste pollutes the soil, and litter in public spaces deteriorates air quality and obscures the view. This issue affects not only humans but also the entire ecosystem. Human health is impacted, with increased risks of respiratory and digestive diseases, as well as cancer. Marine life and animals that ingest non-biodegradable waste or are exposed to polluted water sources suffer and perish, causing widespread panic in the community.
Therefore, we must find effective solutions to address this problem. In Singapore, people who litter, even something as small as a cigarette butt or a piece of chewing gum, are heavily fined. This is a lesson that Vietnam can learn from. There is an urgent need to impose strict penalties for littering. Additionally, local authorities and organizations should focus on educating the public more about environmental protection to discourage littering. Moreover, we need to plant more trees and restore barren lands to promote a Green – Clean – Beautiful environment.
In conclusion, littering is a behavior that reflects one’s cultural level. To avoid being labeled as uncivilized and to keep our environment clean, we should always dispose of trash properly.
Illustrative Image (Source: internet)
10. Argumentative Essay on the Phenomenon of Littering in Our Country Today (No. 3)
Waste disposal has become a serious concern in our country, as everywhere we go, we encounter trash bags on the streets, sidewalks, or floating in public lakes. Consequently, our environment is increasingly polluted. What are your thoughts on this issue?
At present, waste disposal has become an urgent societal issue. Trash bags are often scattered along the streets and sidewalks. In public spaces, people display a lack of awareness by throwing their waste, such as candy wrappers, right on the ground, despite nearby trash bins. After festivals or markets, public areas are often overwhelmed with piles of litter. It's shocking to witness such scenes. In parks, where people gather for recreation, they consume fast food, drinks, and ice cream, but after finishing, they carelessly toss their trash on the ground without any thought, despite being in a busy public place. There are also individuals who behave in uncivilized ways when in public spaces.
These actions stem from a lack of awareness. The environment is our home, yet we fail to protect it, contributing to its rapid pollution through our own behavior. This issue arises from our complacency, not fully understanding the critical importance of the environment in our lives. People tend to mimic others and thoughtlessly discard trash when they see it being done. Nowadays, we have become selfish, thinking only of our own convenience and placing more value on our possessions than the cleanliness of the spaces we occupy.
As a result of such actions, trash accumulates along roadsides and rivers, destroying the natural beauty of the environment. Urban landscapes are damaged, leaving a negative impression on foreign tourists. Piles of waste left to decompose emit foul odors, polluting the air and contaminating the ground, exacerbating environmental pollution. These trash piles serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes that spread malaria, flies that transmit cholera, and rats that spread the plague. This situation has serious health implications, leading to the spread of various diseases and creating a hazardous living environment. Littering also reflects a lack of awareness, selfishness, and poor behavior, which will likely be criticized by others.
Littering is not only an ugly act, but it also has severe consequences, affecting both the environment and human life. This is an action that must be condemned in order to reduce and eliminate the widespread issue of littering.
Therefore, each person must take responsibility and avoid littering, disposing of trash in designated bins. A public campaign is necessary to raise awareness about keeping the environment clean, from the home to the wider community, with practical programs like “Good Deeds”. For example, an elderly person might daily clean local recreational areas, setting an example of environmental stewardship. Local governments should establish effective waste management and treatment systems. It's important to avoid concentrated waste incineration, as it worsens environmental pollution and contributes to global warming. To reduce waste sent to landfills, families should sort their trash.
Some waste can be composted or used as fertilizer for plants. As society progresses toward modernity, each individual must be aware of their impact. If one person disposes of trash properly, it can inspire others to follow suit, leading to a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful environment. Protecting the environment from pollution is ultimately protecting our own lives.
By simply disposing of waste in the correct place, you contribute to environmental protection and help create a safer, cleaner world free from pollution. Let's all work together to build a better future.
Illustrative Image (Source: internet)
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