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  Straits Times Online 15 Nov 06
Lion's share of overnight rubbish in East Coast Park from McDonald's and 7-Eleven
Letter from Tan Ken Jin

RECENTLY, I was in East Coast Park in the early morning to catch the sunrise. Unfortunately, my spirits were dampened when I saw the huge amount of trash left behind by overnighters and other nocturnal users of the park.

I decided to keep track of where most of the trash came from. Obviously, the lion's share came from McDonald's and 7-Eleven, no doubt due to their popularity and 24-hour access.

While I understand that businesses have no control over how their patrons use (or abuse) their products and services, it would be good if the two businesses (and others located along the East Coast Park stretch) advised what steps they have taken to encourage their customers to preserve the cleanliness of this much-loved public park.

I have some ideas as well, and perhaps they can determine the feasibility:
- Use only paper bags instead of plastic bags. Also, use biodegradable wrappers.
- Charging for use of bags
- Issuing Green bags with large notices to remind customers to place trash in appropriate receptacles
- Have counter staff say, 'Thank you for keeping Singapore Clean and Green' as part of their greeting, especially to those with the midnight munchies.
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