Clean mindset a necessary prerequisite for clean Ethiopia

A clean mindset refers to a way of thinking and approaching life that prioritizes cleanliness, hygiene, environmental stewardship, and sustainable living practices. It involves cultivating attitudes, habits, and behaviors that promote cleanliness, both in personal spaces and in the broader environment.

How does this relate to the concept of clean thinking in the context of the current campaign to develop clean Ethiopia in this country? Several points could be considered regarding this.

A clean mindset involves maintaining high standards of personal hygiene, including regular bathing, handwashing, dental care, and grooming. It emphasizes the importance of cleanliness for health, well-being, and self-respect.

Awareness on the issues of the environment as a component of clean mindset includes awareness of environmental issues such as pollution, waste management, and conservation. It recognizes the impact of human activities on the environment and strives to minimize negative effects through responsible behavior and sustainable practices.

Carelessness in handling dry and fluid waste has been the practice in many cities across Ethiopia. When it comes to clean mindset citizens in rural Ethiopia are far more conscious and responsible in handling trash and waste. For instance, in rural Ethiopia the front part of a hut is always very clean because farmers use them either to dry cereals and food on mats or ise them as a spot for meetings. Organic waste is thrown at the backward and is used to grow pumpkin and other vegetable products.

The author believes that clean mindset needs to be developed at home level and particularly for children at early stage, cleanness of the entire family, community and the larger areas inn townships and cities across Ethiopia.

According to WHO, an estimated 12.6 million people died as a result of living or working in an unhealthy environment in 2012 – nearly 1 in 4 of total global deaths, according to new estimates from WHO. Environmental risk factors, such as air, water and soil pollution, chemical exposures, climate change, and ultraviolet radiation, contribute to more than 100 diseases and injuries.

A clean mindset entails respecting public spaces and shared resources by avoiding littering, vandalism and other forms of environmental degradation. It involves taking pride in one’s community and contributing to its cleanliness and beauty.

A clean mindset emphasizes reducing waste, recycling materials, and minimizing consumption to lessen the environmental burden. It encourages thoughtful consumption habits and responsible disposal of waste to minimize pollution and protect natural resources.

Among other things, a clean mindset involves active participation in community clean-up efforts, environmental initiatives, and advocacy for cleaner, healthier neighborhoods. It recognizes the importance of collective action in creating and maintaining clean environments.

A clean mindset is characterized by a positive attitude towards cleanliness, hygiene, and environmental stewardship. It fosters a sense of responsibility, pride, and satisfaction in maintaining clean surroundings and contributing to a healthier planet.

In a nutshell clean mindset encompasses a holistic approach to cleanliness and sustainability, incorporating personal, social, and environmental dimensions. It reflects a commitment to living in harmony with nature, respecting oneself and others, and taking proactive steps to create a cleaner, healthier world for present and future generations in Ethiopia

Clean and rational thinking refers to a cognitive approach that is clear, logical, objective, and free from bias or distortion. It involves critically evaluating information, making well-reasoned judgments, and drawing conclusions based on evidence and logical reasoning.

A clean mindset promotes orderliness, organization, and clarity of thought, which can help reduce stress levels. By maintaining clean and tidy surroundings, individuals may experience a greater sense of calm and relaxation, leading to lower levels of stress and anxiety.

In addition, a clean mindset often translates into cleaner living environments, which can have direct benefits for physical health. Cleanliness reduces the risk of exposure to harmful pathogens, allergens, and toxins, lowering the likelihood of infections, respiratory problems, and other health issues.

Living in a clean environment supports a healthy immune system by reducing the spread of germs and infectious agents. This can lead to fewer illnesses and infections, as well as a stronger immune response to pathogens.

Clean air quality is essential for respiratory health. A clean mindset that prioritizes indoor air quality through regular ventilation, dusting, and cleaning can reduce the risk of respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergies, and respiratory infections.

A clean and clutter-free environment promotes better sleep quality. Sleeping in a clean, comfortable space can enhance relaxation, reduce sleep disturbances, and improve overall sleep hygiene, leading to more restful and rejuvenating sleep.

A clean mindset fosters mental clarity and focus by minimizing distractions and clutter in the environment. A clean, organized workspace, for example, can improve concentration, productivity, and cognitive performance.

Living in a clean and orderly environment can have positive effects on mood and psychological well-being. A clean mindset promotes feelings of satisfaction, pride, and accomplishment, which can contribute to overall happiness and life satisfaction.

Maintaining a clean and clutter-free environment reduces the risk of accidents and injuries, such as slips, trips, and falls. By eliminating hazards and maintaining safe surroundings, individuals can protect themselves from physical harm and maintain their overall well-being.

These health advantages cannot be secured only by the efforts of health professionals or persons responsible for ensuring public health and safety in Ethiopia. It is important to develop a common narrative and public consciousness on being conscious of the health advantages of being clean in a more permanent and sustainable manner.

The fact the entire public, government officials and company owners have effectively responded to the call of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to contribute to clean Ethiopia shows that there is a huge need for developing public rest rooms in Addis Ababa and across the country. Efforts need to be made to build upon this and develop a national protocol for ensuring healthy environment in the country by cultivating clean mindset. This will certainly pay off both in the short run and for longer period of time.THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 16 MAY 2024

BY SOLOMON DIBABA

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 16 MAY 2024

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