In the quiet village of Hunphun’s Kasomtang — not long ago — there once lived a poor but happy family. One summer vacation, Raringboy, a ten-year-old boy, and his grandpa found themselves with nothing to do and got bored.
They decided to take a stroll down to the Duncan Park, which was about one and a half kilometers away.
They filled a bottle with clean drinking water and set off down the sloppy road towards Somsai.
On reaching the Duncan Park, the kid was overcome with excitement. He scampered around the park, occasionally scaling the leaning trees and smaller trees, while Grandpa sat under a shady tree, happily singing his favourite folk songs.
Eventually, as exhaustion set in for both of them, they lied down onto the spongy, dried leaves to rest.
Suddenly, Grandpa remembered what he had brought for refreshment. With a careful hand, he unzipped his coat and held out two packs of potato chips. Raringboy was elated as he reached for the snacks and started munching on the snacks — eagerly.
Finishing off the chips, they both gulped down some mouthful of water. Just then the kid caught sight of a fresh plastic wrapping discarded on the ground.
“Did you throw this on the ground?” the kid inquired, looking at Grandpa.
“What difference does it make?’ Grandpa replied casually, gesturing to the littered plastic waste surrounding them.
“Look around, the spot is all littered with plastic wastes and who cares?”
“’Well, no, I’m not going to add to it.” Saying this, Raringboy picked up the plastic item that Grandpa had carelessly tossed aside. He rolled up the wrappings and inserted them into the empty plastic bottle. He then securely capped the bottle, ensuring that the waste was contained.
After thoroughly enjoying the sights and sounds of the park, it was time for Raringboy and Grandpa to head back. The young boy picked up the bottle and began walking the path, followed by grandpa.
On reaching the broad road, they came across a garbage bin placed at one side of the road. Raringboy made his way to the bin and carefully dropped the plastic materials into the bin.
From the behavior of his grandchild, the grand old man learned a new lesson.
(This story was retold by Hungyohung and adapted by RLG-U for the Solid Waste Management Campaign 2022)
