Environment group all set for its big UAE clean up

Dubai - As is tradition, the campaign will end with a tree planting ceremony on December 15 in Umm Al Quwain.

Did you know that 27.5 million metric tonnes of waste is generated in the UAE every year? And that only 12 per cent of that waste in recycled?
But there is hope. The Emirates Environment Group (EEG), which will carry out its annual Clean Up UAE event on December 5-16, has said that it saw a 21 per cent decrease in waste collected in public places in three years during the drive.

During the announcement of the 15^th Clean Up UAE event, EEG Chairwoman Habiba Al Marashi said she is expecting even more positive results this year.
"In 2013, 112,000 volunteers collected 100,000kg of waste; while in 2015, we collected 79,000kg with the help of more than 123,000 participants. This indicates that awareness of waste management is increasing," said Al Marashi, who is expecting more than 130,000 people to participate in this year's campaign.
"The problem is lack of awareness. Many residents leave waste behind on purpose out of the belief that cleaners will lose their jobs if they choose to clean up after themselves," said Al Marashi.
She said the 10-day event under the slogan 'A United Cause for a Cleaner UAE' aims to combat the irresponsible behaviour of throwing waste in non-designated areas. Involving members from all society segments instills a sense of responsibility in the community, she said. "Certain types of waste ... do not decay and may result in air pollution among other harmful effects on our health and environment. With consistent awareness, we can help reduce waste generation in the UAE," said Al Marashi.
In 2015, 68 per cent of volunteers came from the corporate sector, 19 per cent from schools and 13 per cent represented families across the UAE.
Al Marashi noted that the figures of school participation were "somewhat disappointing". "We look forward to target academic institutions around the country because everything starts with students. If we succeed in instilling the right habits within them from an early age, we will help create a better environment," she said.
The drive will focus on public spaces including beaches, marine and desert regions. As is tradition, the campaign will end with a tree planting ceremony on December 15 in Umm Al Quwain.
Municipalities from different emirates are major partners in the initiative.
Since it was launched in 2002, the campaign has grown into a UAE-wide initiative bringing together individuals, families and organisations from various backgrounds.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com   
  

• UAE