Advancing sustainability: UAE’s bold steps towards plastic waste recycling and hosting COP28
In recent years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a dynamic player in the global sustainability arena. Combining innovation, ambition, and strategic planning, the UAE is taking significant strides towards a greener future. One notable aspect of this commitment is the nation’s dedication to plastic waste recycling and removing the need for single-use plastic. Moreover, the world’s attention is turning to the UAE as it prepares to host the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), a pivotal event in the fight against climate change.
In this article we’ll go through just some of the strategies the UAE are developing to advance their sustainability credentials and how drinking water dispensers, which eliminate the need for single use plastic, can play a pivotal role in driving change.
Plastic Waste Recycling: A Paradigm Shift
Plastic pollution is an issue that has captured international attention due to its detrimental effects on the environment and marine life.
The UAE has acknowledged the urgency of addressing this problem and has embarked on an ambitious journey towards plastic waste recycling and reduction.
Through a combination of cutting-edge technologies, policy initiatives, and public awareness campaigns, the country is reshaping its approach to plastic consumption and disposal.
Dubai Can is an initiative which has been introduced by Dubai, to reduce single-use plastic water bottle waste and create a culture of conscious living by driving awareness on plastic alternatives and sustainability issues. It works by encouraging individuals to use re-fillable water bottles, part of the initiative is also installing water stations across Dubai to give access to free and safe drinking water. Using point of use water dispensers is key to making this initiative work.
Another initiative is the “National Programme for Sustainable Production and Consumption Patterns” launched by the UAE government, emphasising the need for a circular economy, whereby plastic products are recycled, repurposed, or responsibly disposed of instead of ending up as waste. In collaboration with various industries, the UAE has set up state-of-the-art recycling facilities that can process a significant portion of the nation’s plastic waste. From single-use plastics to industrial waste, these facilities play a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of plastic materials.
These initiatives help to support one of the UAE’s sustainable development goals; that by 2030, there will be an improvement to water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally. Point of use water dispensers can also help with filtration and removing any microplastics from the drinking water, making it safe to consume.
- Distributor stories: Introducing the E6 Chilled-only to Kings College Hospital, London with FreshGround
- The evolution of hospitality: From bottled water to sustainable solutions
- Designing for an energy-efficient workplace: top 5 implementations
- Supporting water stewardship, one drinking water dispenser at a time
- The sparkling evolution: Growing trend of carbonated water
