Many Dominicans, in my estimation, take for granted this islands beauty. Trash is a big problem and recycling is non-existent. Two blocks from where I live is the Caribbean sea. There is no beach in Santo Domingo, but there are little alcoves which are incredibly overrun with trash and debris. I was up early today to go to breakfast and on the walk back I took video of the malecon which is disgusting and needs to be cleaned up. What a shame.
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There's just very little resources and education in terms of how to handle waste in the country. I don't even think people know what recycling is, unless they have been exposed to it in the US. This is very sad in deed.
why dont they pick up the trash and recycle it, is that hard to recycle???? i really want to go to DR but i am kinda nervous going there
I'm really sad to say that in our country is very normal to dump the trash in the streets.
When I saw this my last visit I was shocked and disgusted. Especially when I saw Dominicans swimming and fishing in that filth. If SD is going to be serious contender for travel dollars this disgrace is going to have to be addressed.
To the 8:54 post, why are you nervous?
Maybe you're just not a good candidate for travel. period. post your questions, apprehensions here, and maybe other bloggers can answer your questions. but don't change your mind about traveling just because you see a beach with trash on it.
I'm glad you focused on this, Anthony. Do you know if there are any anti-littering laws in DR? Has anyone started an anti-littering or urban beautification campaign? Is it more an issue of a lack of resources for properly disposing of trash? I was thinking as soon as I saw your video that someone could probably make some money (if the company weren't set up for non-profit purposes), by developing a trash cleanup and recycling services and contracting with the government and wealthy NGOs. Some startup money would definitely be required, but it would also create jobs too.
I could not agree more that Dominicans take for granted the beauty of the country. It has only be a few years since they actually began cleaning El Conde and hapazardly the sidewalks directly across from Parque Independencia. Very close to the scene you depict is a very nice restaurant which looks out on to the sea and this trash! It amazes me that Dominicans can be so meticulous in their dress, will be perfectly coiffed, and have shoes perfectly shined everyday, and at the same time toss trash and debris on the streets and onto the waterfront without a thought. I don't believe the situation exists for lack of resources. It's a behavior that is pervasive, at least in the capitol, and can only be changed through education that begins early.
Please remember that most of the trash that ends up in that Spot comes form The Ozama River. You can also notice the brownish water due to the erosion of both sides.People with litle resources move to the river and usually dump the trash to it because of lack of any sistem to recycle/collect waste.
It is indeed a shame but with so many other issues that strike dominicans hard everyday trash is actually not a big deal.. just my toughts
I don’t understand the 2 last blogger about dressing: The US is far from being cleaning them self!!! It’s an economic and teaching problem. Trash starts from the begging of a Childs life. If the economic was different then the area will be different. Most Latin country and Islands has a lot of Trash problems. It’s very said that the government does not see the whole pix for the future! But it also starts with the people. SD has a lot of place’s you could drive and visit that you will see it very clean. But as always it’s the poor. You find the same trash in the US; it’s the poor area full of trash. You know that every week end one could pick up the same trash over and over again. Like the last blogger says it’s the poor. Area, of course they care about their dressing and looks, but it’s the same in the US. No different, only different is that US really works hard at it. It’s said!! But we can’t expect the government to do it all. It takes a village to elect the government it takes the village to stand up and clean it up, and the village starts with each one of us. If we only help with volunteer to start cleaning up. One of the first blogger said. If some one starts it you will see a lot of business’s and government will find the money to assist with this clean up, But until when the garbage is in the palace grounds or the grounds of the cardinals then some thing is done. It is really said! But stop looking at the Neg and the positive of the countries and enjoy your self, unless you’re going to make a difference! Singapore on of the cleanest country’s that I have been too!! But they also have some strong rules! Like behead off for littering! Lol lol no the rules are strong..
I saw this the last time I was there and it made me sad. It is a huge problem that won't be easily solved without some early education and a big awareness campaign. On the other hand, the minimum wage in place like the DR is low enough that people could be hired to clean this up at minimal cost. It is done in many other countries in areas that are frequented by tourists.
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