Neil Gregori Garen
- Jul 26

NIMBY no more: how to transform our community together

NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) no more: how to transform our community together. By Neil Gregori Garen SMART GAREN TIPS

How can we expect discipline from less-educated individuals when those who are educated and can afford luxuries fail to exhibit it themselves? Why do people show support for environmental initiatives online but contradict these sentiments with their actions, like littering?

The NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) mentality significantly hinders our nation's progress. This mindset fosters complacency and selfishness, leading to pollution, poor urban planning, and social inequality. To see real improvement, those who can afford to live sustainably must lead by example, participating in community-based projects and adopting responsible behaviors. By overcoming the NIMBY mentality, Filipinos can work towards a cleaner, greener, and more united nation.

Addressing NIMBY by leading by example

Many people admire the cleanliness of countries like Japan, China and some European countries but fail to practice similar habits in their own surroundings, often justifying their littering with excuses. They might say it's part of their nature or that avoiding littering is too challenging. However, if everyone viewed public spaces as their own, they might be more motivated to avoid dumping waste. Even if you encounter litter, it's better to avoid adding to it and, if possible, clean up rather than resign to the problem. Perfection isn't required, but making consistent efforts to start over and improve can lead to significant positive changes.

Clean up your street drainage

If tackling a river feels too daunting, start with a smaller but impactful project: cleaning a street drainage system. A group of five people or families can collaborate to maintain the cleanliness of a drainage system, working with local government units like the barangay or city hall to manage waste collection. Though it might seem like a minor effort, dedicating just one or two days for the initial clean-up and regular monitoring can significantly improve water flow, prevent street flooding, and reduce pollution. A successful example can inspire other communities to adopt similar initiatives.

Utilizing extra space for composting

Community composting is an effective way to manage organic waste. In urban areas where space is limited, residents can collaborate with barangay officials to identify suitable locations for composting. If you have extra space at home, setting up a household composting system is a practical solution. This not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills but also produces valuable compost that can enrich your gardening efforts, especially if you’re a plantito or plantita. By embracing composting, you contribute to a more sustainable waste management system and support local environmental health.

The impact of being a plantito or plantita

Even a single home with plants can significantly benefit your community. Plants, regardless of size, help purify the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, thus improving local air quality. If you have extra space, consider growing plants like malunggay or papaya trees; they can absorb excess water during the rainy season and provide food. Additionally, using composting products to nourish these plants can make them healthier. Your commitment to planting can inspire neighbors to adopt similar practices, leading to gradual, community-wide improvements. By adding green spaces, you not only enhance aesthetics and relaxation but also contribute to a healthier environment.

Educating and inspiring responsible behavior

Education and awareness campaigns are crucial for transforming both short-term and long-term behaviors. Sharing best practices from individuals, non-government organizations, and the government on social media can significantly raise awareness and educate the public. Targeting your family, friends, and local barangay in these campaigns may not only spread valuable information but could potentially go viral, amplifying its impact. By promoting informed and responsible practices, these campaigns help cultivate a community committed to sustainable living.

In conclusion, overcoming the NIMBY mentality requires a united effort from all Filipinos. By engaging in community projects and responsible behaviors, we can build a cleaner, more sustainable community. These actions address environmental issues, like yearly flooding, and promote shared responsibility. Working together will support the government's efforts to solve major problems and enhance our collective well-being. Are we ready to move beyond our backyards and truly contribute to the betterment of our community? How can we each take part in this crucial effort?