In Japan, diners separate leftovers when clearing trays
'Clean as you go' cities
These cities are famous for their clean, tidy foodcourts. The Straits Times gets insights from Singaporeans living there on how diners play their part.
A foodcourt at Darling Harbour in Sydney. Large bins are provided for people to dispose of their trash after eating.
In Australia: Patrons reminded to clean up after themselves
- Ganessan Suppiah, 46, hotel sales director, Sydney
Australians are very mindful of what they eat and where they eat, and cleanliness is of the utmost importance.
Food centres are equipped with several large bins, and there are signs in place reminding patrons to remove their plates and dispose of their waste after meals - even though food halls employ ample cleaning staff to keep them in tip-top shape.
Schoolchildren are taught food etiquette, such as cleaning up after themselves.
It has become a habit I take with me when I return to Singapore. I clean up after myself to ensure that the next patron enjoys his meal in a clean environment as well.
In Japan: Diners separate leftovers before returning trays
- Cheryl Heng, 30, architect, Tokyo, Japan 'The concept seems to be part and parcel of everyday living in Japan. It is instinctive and comes naturally to people of all ages.
I found myself picking up the habit of returning my tray - although I didn't do it before I came here.
The Japanese have, in fact, gone one step further: They separate their trash before returning their trays. Everyone is trained to be environmentally conscious, separating their leftovers - plastics from paper, combustibles from non-combustibles.
When I'm back in Singapore, returning my tray will be second nature to me.
In US: No foodcourt cleaners - so clear your own tray
-Liang Kaicheng, 22, undergraduate at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, United States. 'My first meal in the United States was in an airport foodcourt, where I sat down with a Big Mac.
I finished and got up to leave, just in time to catch disgusted looks from everyone. I remained clueless till I saw a family of three get up from their seats, clear their trash and stack their trays before leaving. I realised that my table was the only one with a mess - the others were spotless.
Foodcourts are common in malls throughout the US. The layout is identical to those in Singapore. American foodcourts do not employ staff to clear crockery and Americans have no problems clearing their utensils.
In South Korea: Clearing trays part of diners' culture -Lee Tee Jong, 35, South Korea correspondent for The Straits Times, Seoul It is second nature for South Koreans to clear their trays after they finish their meals in foodcourts, fast-food restaurants and school canteens.
They say that it is part of their culture, and something that comes naturally.
Koreans see it as an act of courtesy that makes it easier for the next diner, who does not need to endure the unsightly mess.
The cleaners at foodcourts in South Korea have only praise for patrons.
Their job is made easier and most of the time, they say their main task is wiping tables.
In Sweden: Diners clear dishes and wipe spills with tissues
- Tan Qin Lie, 22,exchange student in Lund, Sweden There are no waiters available to clear trays at all times as they are mainly behind the counters serving customers.
They wipe the tables towards the end of the day or when the crowds are slow. Despite this, the eating places remain very clean.
After eating, diners usually clear their own dishes and trays and use their tissues to wipe away crumbs or anything they have spilled.
There are places for trays and dirty dishes and bins are readily available with clear signs indicating whether it is for trash, glass or metal.
People here are very conscious of the environment, and considerate of others.
On the streets, there is no rubbish.
This article was first published in The Straits Times (ST) on Oct 10, 2008. It was titled "'Clean as you go' cities", and part of ST's "Goodness Gracious Me!" project.
