Amara Stupac, Cernica, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Modernized Waste Disposal
Author: Amara Stupac
The Bulevar neighborhood in Mostar showcases a more contemporary architectural style, evident from the size of the buildings and the prominent use of concrete. The introduction of white buildings with balconies in the ‘80s brought about the subdivision of family homes and a fresh wave of residents to Mostar. Gradually, the once empty and austere building lobbies resonated with the cheerful echoes of children’s laughter, a delightful outcome of love fostering natural population growth. Over time, the interstitial spaces between the buildings grew livelier, bustling with activity. Unfortunately, the increased flow of vehicles has caused an increase in waste, both small and large. While waste itself can be seen as a positive sign of consumerism, the inadequate provision of proper disposal facilities has emerged as a concern. Several weathered garbage cans, unable to accommodate even small items like ice cream sticks, candy wrappers, and banana peels, became a common sight. Yet, the most ‘fragrant’ of all the waste most often arises from the greasy paper from burek shops. Negotiating the busy spaces between buildings now demands an additional facet of upbringing: the art of waste disposal. Though not always environmentally conscious, an effective approach to maintaining cleanliness involves collecting this litter in plastic bags and depositing them in the nearest dumpsters. Regrettably, playful children occasionally forget the rules, while the paths also often bear the marks of nicotine addicts.
I hurriedly make breakfast while handing a tracksuit to my excited teenage son. Racing against time, I match my steps with the bouncing ball by the door, signaling that it’s time to go out.
Although happy about his independence from a mobile keyboard, I still feel the need to find something to criticize in keeping with my role in raising him well. So, by the door, I hand him a sandwich and exercise my vocal cords, saying, “Remember, don’t litter. It won’t just disappear like it does on a touchscreen.”
The society’s genuine commitment to the environment is evident in the resolution to “collect everything and put it in the garbage can.” What initially started as a valuable lesson in a child’s upbringing has transformed into an ingrained routine. There are moments when I catch myself uttering these words even in my sleep. The enthusiastic voice of my teenager assures me that waste is no longer a concern. It is a moment of truth, revealing the beauty of organization, a concept I am unaccustomed to. The introduction of small trash cans in front of the building means we no longer have to carry snack waste to the large, odorous dumpsters. I vividly remember the day we received new dumpsters, distinct from the old ones but equipped with a pedal for effortless lid opening. We looked at them affectionately, though initially hesitant to discard waste into their inviting embrace.
With sneakers on his feet and a sandwich in his hand, he politely requested, “Mom, can you pass me the broom?” Intriguingly, I pondered, “Could he be channeling his inner Harry Potter?”; the teenager’s response left me in awe. A woman from the neighboring building, who didn’t have children of her own, took the initiative to organize a communal yard cleaning event, involving children from the surrounding buildings. The occasion was further enhanced by a delightful snack, fostering a sense of togetherness and camaraderie.
As the doors slam shut, propelled by a gust of teenage energy, and with a lingering worry of needing to look for the missing door handle near my neighbors’ entrance, I walk towards the window and marvel at our courtyard. Its pristine condition exudes a visual testament to progress.
“Let’s not litter, as it is both improper and unsustainable. Waste doesn’t simply vanish! Instead, let’s gather everything in one bag and dispose of it in the designated dumpster.” The inspiration behind this call to action arises from the observation that children’s playgrounds lack small waste bins, leaving us reliant on a single dumpster. Driven by our commitment to social and civic responsibility towards the environment, we embarked on the development of the waste management system customized for children. This initiative was sparked by the realization that the current container, devoid of a lid and serving residents from four multi-story buildings with numerous apartments, proved inefficient, especially during sunny and hot weather. The presence of unpleasant odors and potential gamma radiation hazards further emphasized the need for improvement. Under the new system, children are instructed to gather their waste in a designated area and responsibly dispose of it when they return home. Simultaneously, adults are encouraged to carry their waste in their pockets or bags. By adhering to these guidelines, we can effectively reduce the likelihood of creating unsightly messes, such as with discarded banana peels, and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to preserve a clean and more sustainable environment.
However, one morning, we witnessed a moment of pure bliss – gleaming, brand new garbage bins appeared in the yards. It felt like a dream come true, as if we had been transported to the 23rd century, right in the heart of Mostar. The residents couldn’t believe their eyes as they laid sight on the pristine dumpsters.
In addition, the installation of small waste bins for incidental waste represents a significant improvement from the previous practice of collecting garbage at home. Parents now have the convenience of instructing their children to promptly dispose of their waste, such as snack wrappers, thanks to the availability of designated dumpsters. These modern dumpsters, featuring touchless systems and foot pedals for effortless lid opening, not only improve the visual appeal but also provide a pleasant experience and recuperation of the sense of smell.