War against Waste in Dubaiby Aaditya Singh | 27-11-2017 04:17 |
|---|
 UAE has been progressively and systematically taking giant steps towards environmental protection and a greener future. In this direction and with respect to reduction and management of waste, I am happy to share two positive steps taken in the recent past in the emirate of Dubai. Dubai works towards Zero Food Waste Dubai initiated a war against food waste through various events and programs, to mark the World Food Day on 16th October 2017, to promote and implement zero tolerance on food wastage. The programs, organised by the Food Safety Department of Dubai Municipality, included a social media campaign with the hashtag, #ZeroFoodWaste, a food donation drive and competitions focused on the Zero Food Waste theme. Public was encouraged to use the hashtag, #ZeroFoodWaste, on social media to promote the theme. The municipality also invited food establishments and individuals including students, to present innovative ideas, tools and methodologies for identifying food losses, their causes and potential solutions along the entire food value chain — from production, storage and processing to distribution and consumption. The UAE Food Bank aims to collect surplus food from food establishments to be donated to the needy through registered charities and thereby cut down food wastage. Dubai plans five more Food Bank branches, thanks to a Dh5 million sponsorship from Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB). According to news report, the food bank will include hotels, food factories, farms, hospitality foundations, giant supermarkets and philanthropists. The bank will also deal with surplus fresh and canned food in a professional manner under the supervision of relevant bodies. The food bank will also forge partnerships with leading hotel chains, food manufacturers and farms. to support the needy in the UAE and beyond, in collaboration with local and international humanitarian and charitable organisations 'Fill up the fridges' campaign was organised through volunteers to ensure that all charity fridges are full with foods that can be donated to someone else without being wasted. The fridges, across the emirate support those living in hardship. By reducing loss and waste along the food value chain, healthy food systems can contribute to promoting climate adaptation and mitigation, preserving natural resources, and reinforcing rural livelihoods. References, Sources & More Information: http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/society/dubai-islamic-bank-sponsors-5-uae-food-bank-branches-1.2091973 http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/health/are-you-ready-for-zerofoodwaste-in-dubai-1.2101889 New 'Pay as you throw' waste fee in Dubai The UAE, currently has one of the highest waste generation rates, with each person in the country estimated to produce from 1.9kg to 2.5kg of waste every day. Dubai generates 8,200 tonnes of municipal solid waste per day, according to figures released in 2016. A new 'pay as you throw' waste fee is going to be imposed for Dubai buildings, according to a report in the local daily Gulf News today. The move is part of the emirate?s integrated waste management plan and strategy to reduce the generation of waste going to its landfills. All buildings in Dubai will soon be charged for waste collection as Dubai Municipality has decided to outsource the service to the private sector. The civic body intends to stop the waste collection and transportation services. Building owners or property management companies will liase with private companies for collecting and transporting waste to landfills. Dubai Municipality has also been investing on recycling services and is working on a waste-to-energy plant which is expected to start operation in the second quarter of 2020. Dubai government is committed to reduce the per capita solid waste generation per day to 900 gram as per the UAE?s National Agenda 2021. Dubai has also set its target to reduce 75% of waste going to landfills, by 2021. References, Sources & More Information:
My personal efforts I strive to involve with and initiate action to promote 'reduce, reuse and recycle' efforts, a simple thumb rule to minimise waste generation. As I had mentioned in my previous reports, about my project (with four of my schoolmates) on small scale upcycling of household organic waste, I am giving below the links to my earlier report (in 6 parts) for benefit of new members and to promote the importance and avenues of recycling kitchen waste. |
