Citizens across Vietnam are concerned over the issue of makeshift landfills caused by careless littering, but how can authorities stop the problem at its roots?

Ho Chi Minh City’s fireworks display on New Year’s Eve was a tremendous success. 

However, once the countdown ended, an all-too-familiar issue resurfaced: massive amounts of trash strewn across the city.

Herd mentality

Vietnamese people are generally mindful about their garbage. 

Over the years, proper waste disposal has become commonplace, community cleanup efforts are plentiful, and images of students collecting rubbish after festivals abound. 

Still, the country’s herd mentality persists, with Vietnamese often losing their sense of discipline and respect for the environment when gathered in large crowds.

Simply put: when one person litters, others follow suit.

Rampant litters typically attempt to justify their actions, claiming waste collectors will pick up their trash.

No harm, no foul, right?

Wrong. 

When children see their parents tossing trash on the ground, smoking in public, and spitting, they tend to mimic such behavior. 

This sets a negative example and builds bad habits among younger generations.

Research has shown that clean spaces discourage littering. Conversely, areas with visible trash —even in prestigious locations — invite more garbage, causing the problem to spiral.

Countries like Singapore and Japan provide valuable lessons. Adults who prioritize education, mentorship, and setting examples for children tend to foster a culture of discipline and responsibility.

Children, in turn, grow up adhering to these principles because they see adults practicing them consistently.

Treating littering like traffic offenses

Imposing strict fines for littering — similar to penalties for traffic violations — could significantly mitigate the problem.

The newly formed national habit of motorbike and car drivers strictly adhering to traffic rules, such as stopping at red lights, demonstrates the effectiveness of financial deterrents.

Penalties not only compel compliance but also emphasize the saying, "Money is close to the heart." Over time, such measures can help instill good habits and a sense of civic responsibility.

Coupled with education, public campaigns, and leading by example, these efforts can gradually transform littering from an ingrained habit to an unacceptable behavior.

By addressing the issue through both punishment and education, we can cultivate awareness and instill the desire to act responsibly — not just out of fear of penalties, but through genuine civic consciousness.

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