We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Shutterstock
SPONSORED

When was the last time you dropped gum? Rate your habits around waste here

The not-so-refreshing habit now carries a €150 fine – ouch.

IN THE WAKE of the Dáil declaring a climate emergency last week, it’s the perfect time for us to see what we can do on an individual level for the environment. One of the best ways of doing this is by thinking about the waste we generate and how we dispose of it. 

Fortunately, we’re getting better at reducing our levels of dropping chewing gum. Research carried out by Kantar Millward Brown found that the percentage of people who do this is down to 5% from 12% in 2017. The portion of people who say they never drop gum has risen from 31% to 44% in the last few years, but there’s still work to be done.

So, tell us – what are your habits really like when it comes to keeping public places clean? Will you happily cling onto your receipt-wrapped chewing gum until you find a bin? Or are you often guilty of throwing banana skins in public, Mario Kart-style?

Use our interactive sliders below to give us an honest picture. First, let’s look at your habits when you’re in somewhere more urban.

A BAD WRAP

You just finished eating something and there’s no bin in sight for the wrapper, how likely would you be to drop it, 10 being very likely?

6

 

CHEW ON THIS

The chewing gum you’ve been eating is starting to get a bit tough, how likely are you to put it in the bin when you’re done, 10 being very likely?

6

 

TAGGING OFF

You’ve just bought an emergency umbrella, how likely are you to walk to the bin with the tags, 10 being very likely?

6

 

TRAINING IN

You’ve just stepped off the train and there’s no bin nearby, how likely are you to hold onto your ticket until you do find one, 10 being very likely?

6

Sometimes it can be easier to be responsible when there are bins every hundred metres or so. So what happens when you go further afield, into fields? Does your behaviour change depending on the backdrop – is it easier to leave things on a beach? Maybe things slip a little when your pawed friend is in tow. Share with us below.

BREAKING BREAD

When you’re eating outside, how likely are you to drop food you don’t want, 10 being very likely?

6

 

BEARING FRUIT

When you're out for a walk, how likely are you to leave behind ‘natural’ leftovers like apple cores and banana skins, 10 being very likely?

6

 

DOGGIE DON'T

Be honest, how likely would you be to clean up after your dog and leave the bag behind, 10 being very likely?

6

 

LIFE'S A BEACH

After spending time at the beach, how likely are you to bury your litter in the sand, 10 being very likely?

6

No matter what you get up to while out for a stroll, binning your gum when you’re done should be top of your list. Did you know that by incorrectly disposing of gum, you’re not only littering, but breaking the law? So do the decent thing – bin your gum, and avoid a €150 fine. Visit gumlittertaskforce.ie for more information.

Your Voice
Readers Comments
28
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel