Green projects extended to unite UAE in recycling

Efforts of volunteers will be recognised on national clean-up day.

The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) has extended three projects designed to inform people about the importance of recycling.

Volunteers who take part in the initiatives - the Neighbourhood Recycling Project, One Root, One Communi-tree, and Your Can for a Tree - will be recognised for their efforts in the Clean Up UAE campaign to be held on December 12.

"We want to unite all sectors of the society," said Habiba Al Marashi, chairwoman of the group.

"In a multinational, transient society you want to build some sort of affinity, a sense of patriotism.

"Some people are here for a short period, but we can belong and have an affinity to the land."

The Neighbourhood Recycling Project was particularly good for young people, Mrs Al Marasahi said.

"It really builds on communication and organisational skills," she said.

"He or she has to engage with 20 families [encouraging them to recycle], design a flyer, get people's details and be responsible for collecting materials."

Volunteers have until the end of next month to collect one of seven types of materials, including mobile phones and plastic.

They have targets in each category and a tree will be planted for each target met.

"Our aim is to get the community to be actively engaged in environmental issues, to be proactive rather than reactive, and to encourage the culture of recycling," said Mrs Al Marashi.