The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), in collaboration with public and private entities, has launched “Responsible Consumption for Sustainable Future” awareness campaign, under the theme “Preserving our Environment: Smart Use of Plastic”. Coinciding with Earth Day, the campaign is geared towards raising awareness on green practices that promote the principles of the 3 R’s; Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, when using and disposing of plastic products at both a corporate-wide or personal levels.
Running till April 26th, the campaign takes two approaches. The first approach involves coordination with federal and local government entities that are in direct interaction with consumers, particularly students, and retailers, to raise their awareness of smart plastic use and disposal methods through workshops and seminars. The second approach directly targets consumers by posting a visual series of global facts and figures in addition to eco-tips on social media.
Commenting on the campaign, His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “Plastic products are an integral part of many industries and sectors in the UAE that are important for our livelihoods. Therefore, we all have the responsibility to ensure the smart use of plastic by raising awareness on the principles of the 3 R’s; Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, which in turn will contribute to a better future for our children and the future generations.
“As the UAE’s prudent leadership realizes the importance of spreading awareness of rationalizing commodities and materials’ consumption, many initiatives have been rolled out over the years to educate the public on the smart practices and benefits of reducing, reusing and recycling plastic products. Such initiatives have positioned the UAE as a leader in the GCC in plastic waste recycling, as a survey commissioned by the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association revealed that the UAE scored the highest among other GCC states in terms of residents knowledge of which plastics could be recycled and correctly matching plastic products with the recycle code,” His Excellency noted.
Earth Day, celebrated every year on the 22nd of April, is held this year under the theme “End Plastic Pollution” to educate, inspire and mobilize communities to better manage their use and disposal of plastics.
About the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment:
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment was established in February 2006 as the Ministry of Environment and Water. The ministry acquired its new name following the UAE Cabinet reshuffle in February 2016 and the subsequent integration of the climate change function.
Under its redefined scope, the ministry has taken on a dual mandate. On the national level, the ministry aims to strengthen the UAE’s efforts in preserving the environment and promoting food diversity in accordance with the nation’s aspiration to emerge as a key benchmark for sustainable development. On the global level, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment will join international stakeholders in combating climate change and profile the UAE’s path-breaking achievements in the sector at thought leadership platforms worldwide.