Dubai: The global overuse of plastic today and the enormous negative impact it has on the environment are no longer a matter to be put off for another’s day’s discussion. Gulf News spoke with residents to know what role they are playing in protecting this planet from a plastic chokehold. Keen on being environmentally conscious, they believe recycling plastic is both a civil and a governmental responsibility.
“I’m very much aware of the overuse of plastic in the world. Everything we buy comes in a plastic package nowadays, and [much of it] does not naturally degrade and keeps accumulating in landfills. When dumped into the sea, plastic hampers the ecosystem and affects the food chain.
I don’t recycle the plastic I use, but I do try to use the designated bins for recycling available in public places. At home, we don’t segregate as such. In my opinion, I think recycling is a civil responsibility. The government also has a role but [recycling] should begin at home. When the government dedicates more places for people to recycle plastic and puts rules in place, it will motivate people.”
“We are too dependent on the use of plastic. In my province [back home], people are burning plastic to get rid of it, which is polluting the environment and hurt the ozone layer leading to global warming. In the UAE, the government provides separate bins for glass, plastic and cans, and I use those when I can. These bins are mainly found in parks, shopping malls and some upmarket areas, but many people just throw their trash in any of the bins. I think the government and the people should unite to recycle plastic.”
Helena A., Ukraine, working in hospitality
“I’m aware that the overuse of plastic is creating a problem. I know plastic pollution is harming the environment and animals. I believe that we should try to recycle the plastic we use. Every year, tonnes of plastic end up in the sea. Burning plastic in the open air is no better as it releases toxic chemicals. Since the government is providing the facilities for recycling plastic waste, people must take the effort to drop them in the dedicated places.”
I believe there is plenty of plastic being used everywhere and we still see little awareness on the issue. Most of the plastic is for one-time use and this is harming the environment. I don’t recycle because I’m not aware of how I can do it. If it’s a plastic bag from the supermarket, we use it for the garbage at home and eventually throw it away. The only way this problem can be addressed is by individuals and government coming together.
I would cut down on the use of plastic, for example, by using jute bags instead of plastic bags when shopping and drink from glass bottles instead.”
“In the company I work in, we use plastic waste found in oceans and recycle it to make footwear. I think it is a great initiative. Plastic contains harmful chemicals and the pollution caused by it can poison animals and humans. It’s a responsibility of both the government and people, they can restrict the use of plastic or make it mandatory to use less plastic bags, or use paper bags instead. Also, making more recycling bins available can help. If you live in apartment buildings, it’s not practical to recycle because there are no dedicated bins.”
