Sometime ago I wrote an opinion piece about the street littering situation in Brussels. I knew there is a lot of interest in this topic, but I did not expect some many people shared my frustration. Instead, one day through my Instagram account, I got contacted by someone not only upset but also feeling the responsibility to do something about it.
Long story short, Anna, this is the name of my new friend, brought together many likeminded people who shared her annoyance and, over the summer, founded BRUSSEL (POU)BELLE: an apolitical collective of committed citizens from several Brussels municipalities tired of being confronted daily with waste on sidewalks and in public spaces.
Based on the motto it is time to act!, the goal of BRUSSEL (POU)BELLE is simple: to transform Brussels into a cleaner, more pleasant and more environmentally friendly city.
Citizens, municipal authorities, politicians and all stakeholders must come together and cooperate towards a common goal. As cleanliness is one of the top priorities of the new Brussels government and the new legislature at municipal level, the group calls upon politicians and decision-makers to put sustainability and clean streets higher on their agenda.
The problem is structural and requires structural solutions: BRUSSEL (POU)BELLE has a concrete action plan to guide politicians in achieving results:
Waste collection should be more flexible: the waste collection system is a source of vermin on the streets, and not everyone can keep waste at home for a week. Garbage bags should be replaced by waste containers and pilot projects should be tried out in existing neighbourhoods.
Prevention and education are essential: schools and municipalities play a key role in raising awareness. Children, newcomers and all residents must be educated about the rules in public spaces.
Enforcement: Municipality must implement stricter rules and fines for dumping rubbish on the streets. The extension of the powers of the municipal guards can be useful in this regard.
Clarification & simplification of responsibilities: It is preferable to centralise the structural approach to cleanliness issues at the regional level. At the same time, the approach of Brussels Propreté should be evaluated.
The municipal elections on 13 October offer an excellent opportunity to demand (and obtain) change. By signing the petition promoted by BRUSSEL (POU)BELLE here, all citizens can play a role and make their voice heard.
