Dubai
I have been focusing on the environment for the past five years now and this summer, I have decided to continue the work in full force.
So far, I have managed to collect more than 14,000 kilograms of paper, nearly 3,500 kilograms of aluminum cans and more than 6,000 plastic bottles — all for the purpose of recycling. I pass them on to organisations such as the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) and Bee’ah — Sharjah’s environmental management company.
My aim is not just to recycle, but also to raise awareness amongst those living in my area about these items. People don’t think twice before throwing a plastic bottle or piece of paper in the garbage. But, they aren’t aware of the consequences their actions have on the environment and our planet.
To produce paper takes twice the energy used to produce a plastic bag, as stated on the website www.theworldcounts.com. And recycling one tonne (1,000 kilograms) of paper saves around 26,500 litres of water and 17 trees.
It took me nearly five years to reach this figure. I faced a lot of problems while collecting these items. I still remember the first day when I started collecting these recyclables in 2014, when I was just nine years old. Many people made fun of me. But, I continued my work towards the community.
Today, five years later, people call me ‘green hero’ and ‘recycling ambassador’ in my community. I feel so great and proud of my environmental work.
Last month, I was also awarded the ‘Top recycler of the UAE’ award by EEG. I felt happy and honoured by this title. Bee’ah has also awarded me thrice for giving the highest quantity of recyclables to their organisation. The old saying, ‘hard work always pays off’, has really worked in my life.
Without hard work, nothing will come to us. So, without expecting anything, just do small things that will benefit the environment.
— The reader is a student based in Sharjah.
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