I was listening to a UK news station while driving last week, and there was a huge debate about litter, rubbish, fly-tipping, etc., and how the UK, in recent years, has become one big bin – even in rural areas, where fly-tipping is becoming more and more common.
The debate centred around who or what is to blame. Is it cultural? A lack of respect for the environment? Laziness?
I’ve experienced this myself while living there.
One of the worst instances was in a McDonald’s car park, where there are plenty of bins. I’ve seen people sit in their car, eat their food, roll the window down, and just drop all the rubbish onto the ground – three feet away from a bin – and drive off like it’s completely normal.
I also know from personal experience that there are many community groups all over England who give up their free time – mainly weekends, when they could be relaxing – to go around picking up other people’s litter.
Only for it to return a week or two later.
Lithuania, on the other hand, feels like a completely different world.
It was actually the first thing I noticed when we arrived. So much so that, for over a month, I was slightly obsessed with how clean Vilnius is – and Lithuania in general.
Immediately, I noticed the number of litter bins. In some places, it feels like there’s one every 50 metres. They are everywhere – like an unseen army, just waiting to be used.
If I spent an hour actively looking for litter, I think I’d be both disappointed and happy at the same time.
But the more time I’ve spent here, the more I’ve realised – it’s not just about bins.
Vilnius has been officially recognised as the European Green Capital 2025, and is often described as one of the greenest cities in Europe, with a huge amount of green space and a real focus on quality of life.
Nearly everyone lives within walking distance of nature, and the whole city seems designed not just to function – but to feel good to live in.
And I think that shows up in the small everyday behaviours.
I’ve asked many Lithuanians why they don’t litter.
The answer is always simple:
“Why would we?”
There’s clearly a deep sense of pride and respect for the environment here.
It’s almost like asking – why would you throw rubbish all over your own home?
Another thing I’ve noticed is what happens when people aren’t looking.
I often drive at night, and I constantly see street cleaning machines out doing their job – cleaning roads and streets. Not because they are covered in rubbish, but simply to keep the city looking clean and welcoming.
That idea stuck with me as well – cleaning not because things are bad, but so they never become bad.
Just a quick side note.
A Lithuanian friend we often go hiking with carries a small jar with him (jars again). We both smoke, and the first time we stopped during a hike, he pulled out the jar.
I asked – what’s that for?
“Cigarette butts,” he said.
That was one of those small moments that sticks with you.
I realised then that littering is taken seriously here – and honestly, I really respect that.
So, in summary:
There is a clear respect for where you live here in Lithuania.
It feels ingrained – something passed down through generations, maybe even rooted in older traditions where nature and environment were deeply respected.
And now, it’s not just cultural – it’s visible at a national and city level too. The fact that Vilnius is being recognised globally as a green, liveable city doesn’t feel like a surprise when you actually live here.
In the UK, I think there is often a disconnect from this. Not everyone – but enough to notice.
What do you think? Share your opinion in the comments or drop me a line