On November 11, the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) achieved fulfillment with their “Can Collection Drive” having the tagline “Cancel the Linear, Enable the Circular”. EEG was, fortunately, able to collect a glorious 11,987 kg of aluminium cans with the sole purpose of recycling them.
Since the origin of this environmental drive, EEG has successfully collected 375,862 kg of aluminium cans discarding almost 5,642 MTCO2e generated, safeguarding 9,124 m3 of landfill space and conserving 85,541 million BTU of energy.
The Co-Founder and Chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group, Mrs Habiba Al Mar’ashi, exemplified: “Protecting and preserving natural resources in the UAE is vital, and EEG has designed a cluster of community-based action programmes and campaigns, such as the Can Collection Campaign. Launched in 1997, this campaign was the first recycling initiative in the country. The campaign signifies the symbol of unity in the UAE society regardless of age, background or position, making it a collective effort to preserve and protect the environment. The objective of this campaign is to reduce the build-up of landfills, save energy and promote the culture of reusing material for new products. This message is instilled through these action programmes that remain a vital aspect of sustainable development in the region”.
“EEG started off this year’s Can Collection Campaign with an ambition to collect 20,000 kg of Aluminium Cans for recycling - a grand feat to achieve. After the successful collection from the Can Collection Drive, EEG has collected 23,253 kg of Cans for recycling in the year 2022. Thus reaching this year’s target goal. Such a triumph was only possible with the collective efforts from different sections of society. I am very grateful that residents of the UAE are driven and passionate about environmental sustainability. It is only through such collective efforts that we can truly improve environmental literacy, achieve a circular economy-driven society and reach the goals of Net Zero,” adding to her argument, she commented.
Mrs Habiba Al Mar’ashi also mentioned that she was not contented with this breakthrough but was going to escalate the efforts of the organisation, welcoming initiatives from every stratum of society. In the past few years, EEG has seen active participation from corporations, government bodies, hospitality industries, academic institutions, also environment enthusiasts and conscious families.
Mrs Habiba illustrated: “As goal 17 dictates, this campaign was a resounding success through the collaboration of many entities. EEG appreciates the support of Dubai Municipality and RAK Ceramics for providing the venue support and the Department of Economy & Tourism and Dubai Sustainable Tourism for helping to spread the message; Abela & Co, McDonald’s UAE, Bright Environment, ISS relocations, and Tristar for providing logistical support, Gulf News for coming on board as Media Partner and Climate Control & Al Murad Group, and Radio 4 who have come on board as Media Support partners for the campaign. In addition, EEG was also delighted to have Lucky Recycling on board to support the campaign as a recycling partner.”
Mrs Habiba concluded by mentioning, “Besides Aluminium Cans, EEG also facilitates the collection of Paper, Plastic, Glass Bottles, Toners, Mobile phones, E-Waste and Metal Scrap for recycling in their effort to spreading environmental practices to conserve the resources and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.”
Such campaigns are paramount for achieving Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The Emirates Environmental Group is an active member of UNGC, GPML and has acknowledgments from UNEP and UNCCD. With that stated, the organisation is now rigorously trying to uplift the recycling game in the country and the regional zones that follow.
The Can Collection Campaign substantially aligns with many of the UN SDGs, for example, Goal 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities, Goal 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production, Goal 13 - Climate Action, Goal 14 - Life below Water, Goal 15 - Life on Land and Goal 17 - Partnerships for the Goals.
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