Are Big Companies Above Environmental Laws?

Littering is the same, whether it is from an individual or from a bigger company. A lot of time, we see people throw biscuit sachets on the road, and I will wonder if they can't pocket them or put them inside their bag until they get home, or better still, wait until they find a dustbin.

It is also common to see people throw rubbish into a drainage channel, and when rain comes, we begin to suffer drainage blockage. These things are common in our everyday life. In fact, I used to litter the road until the Lagos State government used someone as an escape goat, and I learned in a hard way. Now I eat my snacks and quietly dispose them rightly to avoid stories that touch the heart, lol.

My neighbor works with the Lagos state environmental agency, and a lot of the time, I see her post about individuals they arrest and prosecute for breaking environmental laws. But then, have you wondered how they treat big companies that do the same thing?

Without mixing words, some companies are used to dumping harmful waste into a river that serves as a source of drinking water for the masses. That same waste has a negative effect on people's health; it could also destroy businesses and kill some animals living in water. But the big question is, don't these authorities see this? Do they make the company face the consequences of their actions just like they do to the ordinary individuals who also litter the environment? The answer is a big no!

We all know the reason for the side treatment: companies add value to our economy by the employment they give out; they also pay huge taxes and render services to the society and more . But let's be fair enough: does that mean they should be treated differently from those who break the environmental law?

I said before that littering is the same, and no one is bigger than the law; no one should go free for dumping waste that affects lives. That's the way to go. The law should NOT look at the person's pocket before doing the needful. If it's for an individual who has no say, his or her punishment is urgent, but for companies, they will be speaking grammar, finding ways to cut corners, and dieing off the matter. Why are we like this? It's injustice, to be frank.

Personally, I think we should all protect the environment regardless of your status, whether a company or individual. The punishment should only be different if the level of damage differs, but every offender should take responsibility for their actions.

After all, everyone breathes the same air and suffers from the same environment. Fair enough when environmental laws are being enforced equally.

So yeah, what do you think maybe from your experience in your part of the world? Do you also think the government treats individuals more harshly than companies for breaking environmental law?

This post is in response to the #Hive Learners weekly prompt on the topic titled, LITTERING IS THE SAME.

*Image was created using chatgpt