There's a phrase used by environmentalists that's most apt when applied to Al Ain: Think global, act local. In recent weeks, a lot of the focus on the environment has highlighted the global climate change summit in Copenhagen. There, world leaders, experts and the world media gathered in an attempt to reach an overarching agreement on global warming, hammering out complex carbon emission limits, analysing complex data and brokering deals on carbon sinks.
Perhaps not surprisingly, the nations gathered failed in their aim to achieve a binding agreement for all. It's hard to take action on a macro geopolitical level.
On a micro level, thinking global and acting local comes as second nature in the oasis city of Al Ain.
Teachers, students and municipal authorities have set up a model waste recycling project in the Al Masoudi district. A massive community effort pulled together volunteers from all walks of life, educating residents and implementing the recycling project.
Black bins for regular waste are collected daily, while new, green eco-friendly bins are collected twice a week, with their contents sent for recycling.
While the project is small, it is nevertheless a perfect example of the way forward. People can make a difference.
