Letters: November 8, 2009

 Contribute a little, do a lot

Finally, after years of witnessing the evolution and growth of the famous blue, white and yellow migrating cactus — thousands of plastic bags that litter our deserts — I welcome the authority's initiative to cut down on the use of plastic bags in the UAE. Camels, livestock and marine creatures die after ingesting plastic. Additionally, the production and disposal of plastic adds to carbon emissions. I've been using large, reusable shopping bags for two years now and I love them — they don't tear and I can wash them with water. It's great that the UAE wants to be plastic-free by 2013, and that many major supermarkets are already offering biodegradable and reusable bags. But what about convenience stores at petrol stations? Every time I visit one of these stores, I'm amazed at how freely the staff distributes plastic bags. When I buy a soft drink and a snack, I have to argue with the attendant as to why I do not want or need a plastic bag. Additionally, I've seen people throw plastic bags out of their car's window, before driving away. Management at petrol stations must train their staff to use plastic bags for five items and above or to offer a bag only when the customer asks for it. I'm sure this simple measure would reduce the number of bags used to a great extent and most people wouldn't even mind or notice! If everyone contributes a little, a lot can be done.
From Ms Jessica H. 
Dubai

What do you achieve?
What do you achieve? This is my message to the suicide bombers in Pakistan — enough is enough. So many innocent lives have been lost, unwarranted and for no fault of theirs. What do the suicide bombers achieve with such acts? Perhaps if one indecent politician or corrupt senior official was affected by these blasts, the nation could still recuperate. Unfortunately, those who die are innocent men, women and children.
From Mr N. Othmani 
Dubai

Exceptional service
I have been in the UAE for the past 18 years and would dread visiting the Indian Consulate in Dubai, as I had a negative impression about the services provided by them. This completely changed a while ago. Not only was I attended to in a caring manner, but the representative handling my query recommended that I apply for a service best suited to my needs, especially if I did not require my passport on an urgent basis. Additionally, he helped me fill a particular section of the form and constantly reassured me that the document would be delivered on November 1. True to his word, the document was delivered as promised. Additionally, the surroundings in the office were clean and hospitable and the representatives were very courteous — greeting everyone with a smile and attending to each and every query. A big thank you to the staff at Empost and the Indian Consulate for providing us with exceptional service; most importantly for having kind, friendly and professional employees. I hope this level of service is maintained.
From Dr Ashok Chaturvedi
Dubai

Traffic is good
Sharjah Police is doing a good job by patrolling roads during the early morning and evening hours. Traffic control has been very good since the new academic year started for most schools. I can now plan my trip to Dubai from Sharjah and save much more time. Additionally, there is breathing space between cars in the morning. I urge the authorities to continue the good work and maintain the flow of traffic.
From Mr Abdul Nazeer 
Sharjah

We could be extinct
As a grade six pupil, I believe that life is precious — be it of human beings, animals or trees. To live peacefully, we must all cooperate and lead a harmonious life. In order to exist, humans need oxygen while plants get carbon dioxide from us. Therefore, we must protect our environment. We should plant more trees, not cut them down. We must use fewer pollutants, lesser plastic and educate children on the need to develop eco-friendly habits. We must stop discarding waste in rivers and water bodies. We must recycle. Why do people raze trees and build cities and towns in the empty spaces? If this continues, very soon we might be extinct! Some people are very selfish and do not value animals or conserve the environment for future generations. In the process, we are destroying the habitat of many animals and causing a decline in their number. Be it Monday or Thursday, let's care for trees every day.
From Ms Habeeba Tahaseen Banu
Al Ain