The difference is huge
Each time I have an opportunity, I talk to people about the ill effects of littering on the beach.
My friends and I use big shopping bags instead of the plastic bags available at the supermarket.
The difference is huge. Firstly, there are no accumulated plastic bags, so there's more space to accommodate other things.
The garbage is lesser. All the shopping can be put into one bag which makes it easier to carry. It would help if supermarkets could show videos highlighting the danger of plastic.
Teaching the same in schools and universities would educate children about the need to have a better planet.
From Ms Anabelle Martin
UAE
Stalled plans
We are a family of three - my husband, child and I. We had plans for another baby but with the recent increase in prices, have decided against it.
Shopping for weekly groceries such as fruits and vegetables is usually unpleasant what with the high cost of most.
We have cut down on eating out, trips to the cinema and even non-vegetarian meals.
From Ms K. Ganesh
Sharjah
Talking people
I am all for improving dialogue between the East and the West and promoting peace ("Cartoon controversy could have been avoided," Gulf News, March 21).
What I will never understand though is how supposedly democratic, 'civilised' countries justify an attack on the entire Muslim world in response to the actions of a few.
The Western world loves to impose embargoes - let this be an embargo of the people, by the people. That would be very democratic, wouldn't it?
From Ms Tracy Farrag
Sharjah
Nothing new
Regarding the recent Danish cartoon controversy, non-Muslims should not be under any misconception that asking for clarifications regarding any Islamic practices would provoke anger in Muslims.
We are open to discussion.
From Mr Mohammad Bakr
Dubai
Appalled
In his letter, Mr S. Ranjan may not be a chauvinist but he definitely is egoistic ("More than a woman", Gulf News, March 19).
If a wife is tired after work, why can the husband not help with the cleaning and cooking? Surely Ranjan must work, too, and knows what it feels like to be exhausted.
My father helps when he knows my mother is tired. If you are such a man, who believes in promoting equality in relationships, doesn't expect his wife to be a wonder-woman, nor treats other women like sub-humans, I bow to you.
I am appalled that Gulf News even published this letter.
From Ms Mona Navalkar
Sharjah
Second opinion
I second you Mr S. Ranjan. Most non-professional women leave their children including newborn babies at day care centres.
If they have house help, they often misuse office telephones to provide instructions to their maids.
Most often teach their children way past the bedtime - all this for a mere Dh2,000-Dh3,000.
Such women often proudly announce that their husbands draw a five-figure salary.
From Mr K. K. Sheeshaik
Dubai
Thorough research
This is in reference to the letter to Gulf News by Mr S. Ranjan. I totally disagree with him. These days, women receive higher salaries as compared to men.
There are instances where husbands rely solely on the income earned by their wives. Thereby, there is no harm in them helping their wives in the household work.
There are many cases wherein husbands sit it out while their wives work. Some even spend their wives' hard-earned cash on luxury items.
On the other hand, there are women including me who work 12 hours a day, come home, and do all the household chores without any complaints, despite being very tired.
I think Ranjan is unaware of women who stay at home yet have househelp to do all their chores.
I suggest he does thorough research before blaming working wives.
From Ms Shiny Atly
Dubai
Host help
Although I have spent several years in the Middle East, I could not learn the language mostly because it has very little usage in the work place.
The Arabic-speaking group often keeps the language to themselves. This leaves no room for the non-speaking group from picking up anything.
I would like to suggest, in the interest of promoting Arabic language, apart from imposing its usage that television and radio stations should host a programme that imparts "learning Arabic" lessons.
From Mr Sajit Viswan
Abu Dhabi
Encourage
Why not recycle paper to make paper bags, especially from used newspapers? Certain stores sell gift items made of recycled paper and this is a fast growing market.
There are times when I am conscious about recycling, especially in office wherein most throw piles of paper away.
I avoid using plastic, as I dislike the toxic nature of the material. Let's encourage and reuse paper bags - they are people and environment friendly.
From Ms Maria Agnes Yrasga
UAE
No matter
Some of the advertisements for jobs are appalling due to their discriminatory nature. They are condescending and equally patronising.
How does an individual's ethnicity or skin tone qualify as a mark of productivity in the work place?
I fail to understand the logic behind it, except in established circumstances. A progressive society should be intolerant of such pettiness.
From Ms Naazneen Nasser
Abu Dhabi
Spread the word
Working in both the private sector as well as with schools, it is very common to see outbreaks of chicken pox.
Although considered a mild illness by many parents, it still can cause infections, lost school time, work time, danger to pregnant mothers, and continues to spread to all that are exposed to the illness.
Vaccination is the only way to prevent illness and it's important to get the word out.
From Dr Alya Ahmad
Dubai
Focus more
In the recent past, a lot of school children have been killed because of the driver's negligence. I don't agree with people who say that the drivers need more training.
Drivers need to focus more on their jobs. Another area that needs attention is private buses used by people for transport.
Anyone who has ever commuted by a private bus knows what I am talking about!
From Ms Huda Abdullah A.
Abu Dhabi
Stricter laws
As a university student, I want stricter laws on air pollution caused by cars. With the recent growth in traffic and vehicles, UAE is facing a dangerous threat of pollution.
Many vehicles that have old engines produce carbon dioxide as a result. The municipality needs to be supported.
They should be encouraged to ban old cars to reduce pollution.
From Ms Aisha Ebrahim A.
Abu Dhabi
Bypass required
Converting the Al Wahda Street in Sharjah into a double decker roadwork is not a viable solution and would prove to be expensive in the long run.
Instead, a new bypass road consisting of 12 lanes should be built alongside the corniche, connecting Ajman and the Al Nahda interchange.
This would help reduce the traffic pressure on both Rolla and Al Wahda streets.
From Mr Abdul Khadar
Dubai
