ABU DHABI // Experts in recycling and environmentalism say the UAE can only become a greener society when residents start to think about waste in a responsible way.
Emirates Environmental Group head, Habiba Al Marashi, said people were inclined to blame the government for not doing enough, but that they needed to meet the infrastructure in place halfway.
“It is up to us, it’s up to everybody to think about it first, and then to take action to make it work,” she said.
“All too often in this region we like to say that our governments should be doing the work, and that it wrong, that is irresponsible.
“We need to take the initiative to start working. The government of course can help and we find that they are doing more each year.”
Ms Al Marashi said a holistic approach to recycling and waste management was needed, one that borrows concepts from abroad but adapts it to the UAE lifestyle.
“Abroad you see everyone working together,” she said. “They work within the government to provide a better idea, but most of all you see them taking an interest in recycling and that is what we need.
“When people begin to recycle without thinking that there is any other way, that is when we will begin to move forward.”
Fehily Timoney, a consultant working with Tadweer, the capital’s waste management government entity, agreed that recycling only works when the public is involved.
“It effectively starts with public engagement, and we are very aware of that,” he said.
“Tadweer are responsible for the collection and updating of facilities, but we need a road map for the next 25 years.”
He said the road map, the first phase of which was implemented in May, was used to direct residents’ energy towards recycling in phases over the next two decades.
Tadweer, together with several recycling agencies, will launch an awareness campaign with schools this year aimed at pushing students into recycling.
Mr Timoney said that the next step is to look at legislation and to improve laws in the country.
“It hasn’t been decided yet but we will probably be breaking it down into five-year chunks and we will be looking at legislation and the enhancement of enforcement legislation,” he said.
Mr Timoney said that “if there isn’t public awareness and engagement then it lowers the value of your recycling. Awareness is very important”.
American Jeff Scofield said he created art out of recycled materials to show everyone that it was not an excuse but rather an opportunity.
“Making art out of used materials is about making a statement, but even more so it is about telling people that using recycling and upcycling doesn’t mean that you can’t make beautiful things,” Mr Scofield said.
He said people need to recycle as a normal part of everyday life.
Mr Scofield’s exhibition at the Abu Dhabi Art Hub opens on September 26. It will showcase his work along with three of his compatriots, exhibiting pieces made from collected or recycled materials.
nalwasmi@thenational.ae