A lesson is here somewhere
28 December 2009 | Cienfuegos, Cuba
VC
There are many things about Cuba and its socialism that have confounded us, but something that has made itself apparent is that by being completely anti-commerce, they have reaped the unintended reward of freedom from advertising and freedom from non compostable trash. Of course their garbage collection system is regulated by the rigid state system, but there is also no trash on the beaches, in the streets or in the public parks. Even when you do see the contents of a garbage bin, there is very little plastic in it, and no Styrofoam containers. There are no fast food joints here, therefore all that waste is avoided. Refreshments on the street are handed out in thick glasses which are then washed and reused, for no one has the money to buy disposable cups. Vendors use newspaper or sheets of recycled office paper to contain whatever it is they sell and plastic bags in grocery stores or markets have to be purchased separately, which encourages everyone to use shopping bags from home. Soft drink cans are collected for recycling by the poorest of inhabitants and unlike many countries in the Americas, children are taught what to do with a piece of trash.
One can argue against the communist system but Cuba has its waste under control, they have a functioning healthcare system and its people look physically fit even into old age. It is something that a Cuba of the future may some day look back on with longing.