Supermarkets asked to cut down on plastic waste in UAE

Dubai: Environment groups in the UAE have called on supermarkets to help reduce the amount of plastic waste in the country.

My Bag My Earth - an umbrella campaign for eliminating plastic bags -encourages the use of alternatives and urges retail giants to look at options that are commercially viable and sustainable.

The Green Cafe, conducted by the International Association of Human Values (IAHV), Dubai Municipality and International Humanitarian City, tasked 50 retailers to 'greenstorm' among themselves how to roll out their version of My Bag My Earth.

The forum voted unanimously in favour of alternative bags and a ban on plastic carriers.

Sandhya Prakash, Creative Director of Projects of IAHV, said: "It is very encouraging to see residents of Dubai taking responsibility as individuals. It is also great to see retailers looking at viable alternatives to plastic bags.

"My Bag My Earth started off two years ago as an awareness campaign but has snowballed in recent years with everyone is taking action. With more hypermarkets and supermarkets joining the cause, the days of the plastic bag are numbered."

Emirates Environment Group (EEG), a voluntary, non-government organisation based in Dubai, also called on supermarkets to help educate customers.

Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson of EEG and a UN Global Compact board member, said: "Alternatives like re-usable shopping bags should be offered. "