UAE | Environment

A pledge to help save the planet

People say newspapers just talk the talk; today Gulf News proves it means every word. Over 200,000 individual subscribers of the newspaper will start receiving a pair of exclusive jute bags this week, as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative - Go Green.

  • By Anupa Kurian, Readers Editor
  • Published: 23:35 September 25, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Gulf News is distributing 200,000 free jute bags to its individual subscribers, urging other organisations and individuals to follow suit.
  • Image Credit: Megan Hirons/Gulf News

Dubai: People say newspapers just talk the talk; today Gulf News proves it means every word. Over 200,000 individual subscribers of the newspaper will start receiving a pair of exclusive jute bags this week, as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative - Go Green.

Abdul Hamid Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief of Gulf News, said: "The group's top management decided to give its campaign for environment conservation - Go Green - a big boost by deciding to distribute free jute bags to its dedicated readers. It is a sign of our commitment to the environment and society."

Designed in Dubai and created in Kolkata, the bags are in two sizes to help readers use it to the best effect.

As the newspaper completes 30 years of public service in the UAE, the distribution of jute bags continues its tradition of returning to the community.

Abdul Hamid said: "Gulf News, over the past 30 years, has regularly supported and sponsored sporting activities, cultural events, the arts and humanitarian achievements - everything that matters to people and society.

"It has become part of our philosophy and the values that we stand for - the way we function. The distribution of jute bags is yet another expression of this promise that we do not merely convey in words but in deeds, too."

With its wide subscriber base, the first batch of readers in Abu Dhabi would start receiving the bags today. The process continues till September 30.

Manufactured by the jute company Aarbur, based in West Bengal, India, the bags took over two months of work and extensive coordination to be completed.

Usually jute bags have single-colour patterns that are of a simple nature, which allows for ease of printing and manufacture. But, as Gulf News wanted to give its subscribers something unique, highly stylised colour designs were created.

The multi-hued totes with the Go Green logo were manufactured with painstaking attention to detail.

The result is distinctive bags that would not look out of place - be it on the beach, in a cafe or a supermarket. Eco-consciousness does not have to be at the price of beauty.

"We hope that all our readers will use these bags when they go out, go shopping ... in this manner they would help spread the message to more people," Abdul Hamid said.

"We are celebrating 30 years by giving people and society something useful to use and remember us by."

The bags are being distributed free and will hopefully prove to be a visual beacon for other companies to follow suit. Jute is one of the strongest natural fibres with high tensile strength.

It needs fertile, alluvial soil, rain and very little fertiliser, making organically farming it a relatively easy task. Its production is concentrated in India and Bangladesh, especially due to the natural conditions.

It is 100 per cent biodegradable and recyclable, making it one of the most environment-friendly fabrics available.

As Gulf News's subscribers continue their journey with the newspaper into its 30th year, it renews the pledge to help save the planet.

"We'll do everything possible within our capabilities to preserve and protect the Earth," Abdul Hamid concluded.

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