A group of senior executives of major retail outlets in Abu Dhabi signed a voluntary declaration supporting the implementation of Abu Dhabi’s single-use plastic policy. The ban will come into effect from 1 June, 2022.
The policy was launched by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) in March 2020 to help the emirate’s land and marine environment remain free from the scourge of single-use plastic waste. EAD is the Middle East’s largest environmental regulator committed to protecting and enhancing air quality, groundwater, and the biodiversity of Abu Dhabi’s desert and marine ecosystems.
Secretary General of EAD H.E. Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri along with Director of Control and Inspection Department of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) Ahmed Tarish Al Qubaisi witnessed the signing of the declaration at the authority’s headquarters in Al Mamoura building.
Signatories including some of the leading brands such as Abu Dhabi Co-operative Society, Carrefour, Choithrams, LuLu Hypermarket, Spinneys, and Waitrose expressed their commitment to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic bags.
The signing of the declaration supports EAD’s efforts to implement an integrated single-use plastic policy in line with the UAE government’s vision of promoting sustainable living which includes a gradual reduction in the consumption of single-use plastic products across the Emirate while at the same time promoting the use of reusable products.
The EAD however explained that the policy excludes three categories of plastic bags, such as thin bags used in supermarkets for packing meat, vegetables, and fruits; besides trash bags and pharmacy bags. The authority explained that the legislation issued does not include banning these materials. The main purpose is to encourage the sustainable use of reusable products to reduce environmental footprint and the negative impact of single-use plastic bags on the environment and biodiversity.
EAD says it was planning to implement measures to reduce demand for 16-odd single-use plastic products including cups, lids, straws, stirrers, food containers, plastic bottles, sweet wrappers, wet wipes, sanitary goods, etc.
Al Dhaheri explains, “By working with our partners, we seek to implement this policy and a number of measures to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic products and shift towards reusable products. As the near future will witness a gradual reduction of single-use and disposable plastic products, we will push to promote multi-use products.” She also feels that the new policy will promote online shopping which will reduce carbon footprint as people would limit in-person visits to shopping centres.
“The onus on protecting the environment lies on everyone. Let’s make it a habit of using reusable bags when shopping which helps in the protection of our environment,” adds Al Dhaheri.
