2025, the year of the big cleanup

On January 2nd, the Minister of Environment launched a national campaign to rid Cambodia's national roads of plastic waste. Bravo!

Among the thousands of wishes one could make at the dawn of this new year, that of a Cambodia unspoiled by this filth is surely at the top of the list. For one simple and good reason: it is achievable!

Not long ago, a Western tourist who had travelled the country by car was interviewed by a media outlet and made an unpleasant observation. "I don't know how one can live in such a dirty country," she said. She had been charmed by the temples, culture, welcoming population, smiles, etc. But in the end, the image of the kingdom she took away with her was that of roads and landscapes disfigured by plastic bags. 

How to respond other than with an embarrassed smile? Impossible to deny this sad reality: the roads are dirty. This pollution by plastic waste is not only a physical wound inflicted on the environment. It's also a psychological wound we inflict on ourselves. For what is more depressing than this filth that the eyes cannot ignore? And what is more depressing than seeing one's own country thus devalued in the minds of tourists?

Some will say that there are many other problems to solve as a priority before that of plastic waste pollution. Perhaps.

But here is a challenge to take up that is within reach. We pick up and we no longer throw away. What could be simpler?

Close your eyes and imagine a Cambodia without plastic waste. It's beautiful, isn't it? So, let's get to work!