Lazy Singaporeans?

Read more at http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/STIStory_261297.html July 25, 2008
Tray Return initiative at Suntec food court struggles
Food Court drive to get diners to clear their trays and dishes is ignored by patrons
By Elizabeth Wilmot
AN effort to get patrons at a food court to return their trays has had dismal results so far. Launched two weeks ago, the Tray Return Movement at Suntec City's Fountain Food Terrace has left even one of its organisers disappointed. The drive was spearheaded by property consultants Chesterton International Property Consultants, a subsidiary of Suntec Investment, which owns the food court. It is supported by the Singapore Kindness Movement. So far, though, little has changed. Many customers still leave their trays piled on tables, leaving cleaners with more work, and inconveniencing other diners. Said Mr Ricky Sim, managing director of Chesterton International: 'Of course it's discouraging seeing people not returning their trays. It is an uphill task we're facing.' He added: 'It's not easy. There are a lot of problems because people's habits do not change overnight.' When The Straits Times visited the food court yesterday for an hour-long lunch-time check, only a few customers were spotted returning their trays and used crockery voluntarily - and all but one did so simply to free up space on their tables. This was despite the presence of eight tray return points and posters promoting the movement everywhere. Even patrons seated directly in front of the tray return carts ignored their presence.