Post by : Badri Ariffin

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has unveiled findings from a recent public survey that demonstrate the success of its policy aimed at reducing single-use plastics, initiated in 2020 to foster sustainability.

This initiative has yielded impressive environmental outcomes. Since its inception, over 470 million single-use plastic bags have been diverted from use, and major retail outlets have seen a staggering 95 percent decrease in plastic bag consumption. Additionally, approximately 267 million plastic bottles have been gathered via home collection systems and through the deployment of more than 170 smart recycling machines throughout the emirate.

These initiatives have successfully prevented 7,386 tonnes of plastic waste from entering landfills. The environmental benefits are considerable, equating to emissions reduction akin to removing 185,000 fuel-powered vehicles from the roads for an entire year.

To gauge public awareness and attitudes, EAD conducted a survey engaging over 5,000 individuals from 126 nationalities. The survey results revealed a strong level of understanding and endorsement among residents, with 96 percent affirming their awareness of the environmental risks posed by plastic and the same percentage indicating their commitment to minimizing plastic usage in daily life.

Health awareness has risen, with 95 percent of participants recognizing the health hazards associated with plastic products. Furthermore, 89 percent praised EAD’s awareness campaigns for their clarity and effectiveness.

The survey also revealed robust public support for sustainable alternatives. About 89 percent of respondents rated eco-friendly bag prices as reasonable, with 88 percent expressing support for utilizing collected fees for environmental conservation initiatives. Moreover, 95 percent deemed the current policies and regulations effective, reflecting strong trust in EAD's efforts.

EAD noted that these results align with the UAE's larger environmental objectives, particularly the recent federal ban on single-use plastics. The findings signify a favorable shift in public conduct, with 93 percent of participants expressing overall approval of the survey.

The agency reiterated the importance of community awareness and engagement in bolstering sustainability endeavors and mitigating plastic pollution across the UAE.

#Global News #UAE News #Abu Dhabi News #Abu Dhabi