The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced a new policy to reduce single-use plastic materials in Abu Dhabi, mitigating its harmful effects.
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Abu Dhabi to be free of single-use plastic bags by 2021
Abu Dhabi
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 single-use plastic by 2021 through fostering a culture of recycling and re-use.
One of the key aspects of the 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. The policy is part of the Abu Dhabi Government’s efforts to increase sustainability and improve the environment through the ‘Ghadan 21’ programme.
Developed in line with international standards, the policy will be implemented over the next two years (2020-21) in co-ordination with government and private stakeholders. Six major outlets and many private sector entities 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 incentives to target consumption of single use plastic bags through fees and bans, introducing sustainable alternatives where relevant.
Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, said: "The launch of the single-use plastics policy reflects our steadfast commitment towards transitioning to a more sustainable economy that seeks to minimise waste and protect vital ecosystems in our environment … Our policy is aligned with international standards in order to make Abu Dhabi a pioneer in reducing the use of avoidable single use plastic and non-plastic materials by 2021.”
In the UAE, 11 billion plastic bags are consumed annually (according to a report presented in The World Government Summit in February 2019), which is the equivalent of 1,184 plastic bags per person per year compared to a global average of 307 plastic bags per person per year.