Join hands to get rid of plastic bags

The introduction of any regulation or procedure that would ensure the safety of the environment is welcomed. Maintaining a clean environment is achievable only if it involves all sectors of society.

A recent decision endorsed by the UAE Cabinet that calls for a total phase-out of plastic shopping bags should assist in paving the way for many improvements in the field.

The Ministry of Water and Environment has chalked out a plan to educate consumers over the next three years on finding alternatives for using plastic bags.

The use of jute, paper or biodegradable plastic bags are options the ministry is looking at as alternatives to be used across the country by 2012.

"This initiative will include six main areas, the most important of which is education using all media, in all languages... to explain the negative impact of misusing plastics bags," said Hunaida Qaid, head of the environmental education section in the ministry.

Besides establishing policies and setting dates for deadlines, it is important to engage the public.

It will play a major role in bringing either success or failure to the initiative - an aspect that would prove, perhaps, to be the most important in the campaign.

This initiative will provide employment to people from the tailoring and advertising sectors (by making fancy jute/biodegradable carry bags more popular).Shopping malls can give groceries in these and can also reward the customers for reusing them on the next visit
Nisha Nevil
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 06, 2009, 13:03