Last year, Abu Dhabi produced 5.9 million tonnes of waste and rubbish, the vast majority of which was trucked to landfills and dumps. On a per-capita basis, every resident of the emirate generated about 4.2 kilogrammes of waste per day: In the rest of the developed world, about 1.5 kilos of waste is produced on a daily per-capita basis.
This disparity in numbers, if allowed to continue unabated, will result in a steady downward spiral to environmental calamity. As it is, residents of the UAE are among the highest per-capita users of energy per day, while our thirst for water is vast.
Higher energy use, more waste and a squandering of resources on a single-use basis add to our carbon footprint, has a detrimental effect on our environment and contributes significantly to global warming.
If evidence of the existence of global warming needs to be further proven, a report last week noted the multi-year ice which clogs the Northwest Passage at the top of Canada year-round will be a thing of the past within the next decade.
Obviously, the time for action is now. And the sooner the better.
The Centre of Waste Management in Abu Dhabi must be fully commended for its serious effort to introduce a comprehensive and effective recycling programme to all of the residents of the emirate.
The CWM is introducing an eco-friendly sort system which will eventually cover off every villa and flat in the capital. This type of programme is commonplace throughout Western Europe and North America.
Recycling glass, plastic and paper materials can greatly reduce the long-term effects on the environment, diverting valuable resources away from permanent loss in the landfills of the emirate.
By simply sorting your bottles, cans, newspapers, cardboard and other packing materials, and placing those items in a separate container for recycling, you are doing your bit to ensure a green future for all. It's that simple.
