UAE | Environment
Abu Dhabi retail chain introduces safe biodegradable plastic bags
About 1.3 tonnes of plastic bags will not be dumped in Abu Dhabi everyday from Monday thanks to the green initiative of a retail chain.
- By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:44 June 15, 2008
- Image Credit: Supplied Picture
- In spite of the additional overhead costs, we are making a conscious change for a worthy cause, says George Mojica, General Manager of Adcoops.
Abu Dhabi: About 1.3 tonnes of plastic bags will not be dumped in Abu Dhabi everyday from Monday thanks to the green initiative of a retail chain.
About 10 outlets of the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society (Adcoops), which uses about 35 to 40 tonnes of plastic bags a month, will start using environment-friendly shopping bags from today, a senior official told Gulf News.
George Mojica, General Manager of Adcoops, said Adcoops is extending its support to Gulf News' 'Go Green' campaign by introducing oxo-biodegradable bags, which disintegrate within eight to 10 weeks if exposed to the sun or mechanical stress.
Other biodegradable bags take at least 18 months to disintegrate. Oxo-biodegradable bags don't leave behind harmful residues and complete the cycle of resource utilisation and return the intractable plastics to their natural origin.
Although the biodegradable bags are 20 to 25 per cent costlier than ordinary plastic bags, the cost will never be transferred to consumers, he said.
Social responsibility
"It is a gift to our consumers as part of our social responsibility, to take a strong step on the issue, so that others in the industry may follow suit," said Mojica.
"In spite of the additional overhead costs, we are making a conscious change for a worthy cause," said Faisal Al Arshi, deputy general manager of Adcoops.
'Foldable and reusable'
People can soon keep shopping bags in their pockets. "We will introduce foldable reusable plastic bags, which will be user friendly," George Mojica, General Manager of Adcoops, told Gulf News.
"We are designing beautiful bags that will prompt customers to avoid ordinary plastic bags.
"We received good response to our reusable plastic bags priced Dh2, introduced a couple of months ago," he said.
More from UAE Environment
More from UAE
Latest news
- Dubai porter found dead inside container
- Dubai Municipality plans new zoo in emirate
- Strong winds and haze expected in the UAE
- Dubai Police deny reports of Burj Khalifa fire
- New road eases traffic problems in Dubai
- Abu Dhabi hosts strong man contest
- Farmers to be taught techniques to improve yield
- Keep recycling bins open
- President of Wollongong varsity about his plans
- Challenging role in Libya
- Parachuting event promises rich fare
- UAE ministry backs efficacy of Tas'heel system
- UAE students on research trip to Antarctica
- Brothers held in Sharjah for possessing heroin
- Fund drive for displaced Syrians launched
Community Reports
-
Keep recycling bins open
People should be allowed to do their part as the world moves towards a greener future
-
Bridges needed
Al Ittihad Road has no pedestrian facilities as one nears Sharjah
-
Street lights needed
Authorities urged to act with haste before a major accident occurs in Al Nahda, Dubai
-
Motorists ignore stop sign on buses
Overtaking school vehicles can put students' lives at risk
