iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
The program prepares a group of future-focused experts in different sectors across Dubai’s government
KT APPDOWNLOAD
UAE: How residents have made the shift towards plastic-free shopping
The single-use plastic policy has yielded impressive results, with a remarkable up to 95 percent reduction in the use of single-use plastic bags within its first year
File
Residents across the country have wholeheartedly embraced the concept of plastic-free shopping following the ban on plastic in the UAE.
They also welcomed the introduction of charges for plastic bags in Dubai and Sharjah which will deter people from dependence on single-use plastic and opt for reusable bags.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, residents in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, shed light on how their lives have changed since the plastic ban came into effect, highlighting the significant impact it has had on their daily routines and overall mindset.
Faris Hamdan, a Syrian expat residing in Sharjah, said that he has been carrying reusable bags in his office suitcase. “It has become a habit for me. I remember it was a little challenging in the beginning. I usually shop after my work and after I'm done shopping, I empty the products and put the reusable bags back in my office bag,” said Hamdan.
“I even carry a spare expandable bag. I'm proud to be part of a community that actively cares for the environment,” added Hamdan.
The Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi (EAD) announced that the implementation of the ban on the single-use plastic policy has yielded impressive results, with a remarkable up to 95 percent reduction in the use of single-use plastic bags within its first year.
EAD confirmed that more than 172 million single-use plastic grocery bags have been prevented from entering the environment. The ban was enacted on June 1, 2022, and, to date, 450,000 single-use plastic bags have been saved each day.
Yaqoob Musba, a resident of Abu Dhabi shared his experience saying that the introduction of charges for plastic bags made him more conscious of consumption. “We had been carrying our own bags wherever we go for shopping. My car, my brother’s car, and the family’s car have at least ten reusable bags stacked up. It has become a norm in my family and relatives. It's not just about saving money, it's about reducing waste and preserving our surroundings,” he said.
“It’s not just us, but the grocers have also played a vital role by urging residents to carry their own bags, added Musba.
A grocery attendant in Al Barsha said that charging on plastic bags has significantly reduced its usage. “Many people have started bringing their own bags and are really concerned about its usage,” said the attendant.
Mohammed Fami, a resident of Dubai’s Al Nahda said that he has noticed a significant shift in the way grocery stores operate. “I work at a mall in Sharjah. I have noticed stores and groceries promoting sustainable alternatives and encouraging us to make better choices,” Fami said.
“The change is so much evident that my 5-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter remind us to carry bags while going out,” he added.
ALSO READ:
More news from UAE
Some roads will be off limits to give way for the opening of Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference
His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah succeeded to the throne in September 2020
The Dubai-based pair founded 'Go Gravity' in 2018 and have since designed and manufactured electric bikes for mountains that they export to several countries
Hidden in one of the packs is a 'golden cheque' worth Dh28,000 to celebrate the attraction's 28th season that begins on October 18
The place did not specify when the attractions would reopen
The 27 outlets of Mister Baker will welcome delivery boys with a special gift packet on their birthdays for the entire year
Formally established as a business in 2021, Al Zira’a Tech was first conceived when Farouk was in the final year of his Bachelor's degree