I FIND it puzzling that the policy of clearing food trays is not implemented in institutions of higher learning. As centres to impart knowledge and values, aren't they the very places to teach such habits? Unlike in commercial places like foodcourts, where most patrons feel they are paying someone else to clear their tray, students should realise their food is heavily subsidised, so returning their tray is not too much to ask.

Also puzzling is the phenomenon that students in primary and secondary school return their tray, then at polytechnic they stop, then when they start national service, they return their tray again. Why this break?

Ten years ago, I saw one polytechnic encourage students to return their tray with the slogan, 'Be responsible, take ownership of your rubbish'. Ten years later, the slogan is, 'Be bold, be distinctive'. These slogans hit the right note, but students still don't return their tray. Can we not take a more direct approach like requiring them to return their tray, as these are value-imparting institutions?

As Mr Ng Shao Wei wrote last Monday about a cleaner stopping patrons from clearing trays ('Returning food trays: How to make it work'), polytechnics take the easy way out. Instead of teaching values, they make sure cleaners clear trays quickly so the canteen looks clean all the time. They clear your tray even before you have time to do it yourself.

Let's not waste another 10 years with slogans. Let's start with the education institutions.

Sim See Hwee

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Sept 29, 2008.

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