The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) has today announced a new policy to reduce single-use plastic materials in Abu Dhabi, mitigating its harmful effects. The comprehensive policy, which is the first-of-its-kind in the region, aims to keep plastics out of the environment and eliminate the use of avoidable single-use plastic and non-plastic materials by 2021 through fostering a culture of recycling and re-use and encouraging more sustainable practices in the community. One of the key aspects of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD)'s policy is focused on making Abu Dhabi free of single-use plastic bags by 2021. The policy continues the legacy of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed, who had a deep passion for preserving the environment and achieving sustainability. Under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), the policy is part of the Abu Dhabi Government's efforts to increase sustainability and improve the environment through the 'Ghadan 21' programme that is accelerating the development of the Abu Dhabi economy and investing in the community. Developed in line with international standards, the policy will be implemented over the next two years (2020-21) in coordination with government and private stakeholders and has been prepared with the support of Emirates Nature WWF and 12 other government entities, including the Department of Economic Development and Borouge. Six major outlets and many private sector entities producing plastic materials in Abu Dhabi were also involved. The scope of the policy includes developing regulations to limit the use of targeted single-use plastics in Abu Dhabi gradually with a phased approach with incentives to target consumption of single-use plastic bags through fees and then banning them, introduce fees on single-use plastics with available sustainable alternatives and prevent the free distribution of such items to the end-user. To realize Abu Dhabi's vision for an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable waste management system, the policy identifies the 16 most common single-use plastics that cause the largest amount of marine waste (according to global studies) and will be targeted to varying degrees during the new policy implementation. These include plastic bags, beverage cups and lids, plastic cutlery, straws and stirrers that are going to be subject to fees. Plastic bottles will be targeted through the introduction of a plastic bottle return scheme supported by incentives. Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, said
This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
