April 22 across the world marks an important day. It's the day which since 1970 has been instrumental in raising awareness and support for Earth's environment. More than 193 countries celebrate it every year and UAE has been the strongest proponent of it. From making sure the sand desert is converted into a green one to introducing sustainable methods in the workplace, the land of UAE has always led the way. Let's see what they did  this year for Earth Day.

 

Recycle Old Tech -Free electronics disposal (for Recycling) offered in Dubai for Earth Day

To mark Earth Day, Uber teamed up with Averda (a waste management company) in Dubai for a recycling drive to  make sure all tech objects we don't use such us: old mobiles, discarded computers, video games don't reach the landfills but are instead recycled.

Dubai residents were able to safely dispose of old phones, laptops and other gadgets for free on Thursday ahead of Earth Day.Uber and Averda, teamed up to collect the items from 11am to 3pm on April 21.

Those interested could request a special recycling "ride" with Uber through its smartphone app and dispose of small electronic items such as mobile phones, video game systems, CD or DVD players, laptops, chargers, hair dryers and MP3 players. A driver then met those who hde requested the service to collect the items. People were asked to remove personal data from electronic items before they were donated.

How it worked:

Open or download the Uber app

Request an 'UberRECYCLE' from 11AM – 3PM on April 21

If an 'UberRECYCLE' is available, a partner-driver will head your way to pick up your items

Your driver will meet you outside to collect your items

 

 

Going Wild for Earth Day

A special documentary titled The Conservationists premiered exclusively on Arabic channel Quest Arabiya on Earth Day(Friday 22nd April-8pm). The film commissioned by Abu Dhabi based the Mohammed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, followed conservationists and their protection projects on endangered species like the mugger crocodiles of Sri Lanka, scalloped hammerhead sharks of Costa Rica, the rare flora and fauna of Hawaii and more. Quest Arabiya's Earth Day programme continued with acclaimed Discovery shows about wildlife, environment and green practices from 3 pm.

 

Sapling plantation:

I am so happy and excited to see this small activity of mine listed in UAE's Earth Day events . (refer to the link : UAE's Earth Day Events    )  It says as below about my initiative:

Sharjah saw its young ones take the lead for Earth Day when young kids from Kids Paradise Nursery decided to plant saplings. The brains behind the idea belong to Arushi Madan. A young pioneer in envronment, she was UAE's representative to the Global Youth Eco Leadership Summit. The 16 -year old wanted to teach the young kids the importance of nature. She couldn't have picked a better day. It's quite a simple and yet so vital deed for without plants we wouldn't exist.

 

The Paris Agreement:

UAE has always been committed to making this world a better place to live without harming the environment. Keeping the principles of Earth Day in mind, UAE signed the historic Paris Agreement on April 22nd . It was a historic moment because it will make sure all signing countries will work to keep Earth's temperature below 2 degree Celsius. UAE today is a major player with its investment prowess and smart usage of resources, it can become a leading example for the world when it comes to upholding the principles of The Paris Agreement.

 

Apple Turned Green:

The leaf of the famous red bitten apple turned green at its Yas all outlet in Dubai. The employees wore  green t-shirts and Apple released special curated content and apps to promote Earth Day. The tech giant  partnered with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and launched 27 apps (Apps for Earth Day) to help promote the protection of Earth. All funds of from the apps purchase and any in house purchases will be donated to the WWF.

 

Solar powered Abayas: 

Earth Day may be on 22nd April, but that doesn't mean we should only celebrate it on that one day. We should take inspiration from that one day to do things which can help the environment for a long time. Take a look at Manaal Al Hammadi, a Dubai-based fashion designer who has developed and designed solar powered abayas. Al Hammadi uses nanotechnology to integrate solar panels into them making charging electronic devices so easy and plus it reduces the use of excessive chargers and other electronic devices.

Social Media hashtag campaign  #PlanToPlant 

This hashtag campaign was conducted in 3 different platforms:  Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Method to support or join this campaign was simple. You need to click picture with plant (preferably you planted) and post on social media using hashtag #PlanToPlant.

This was initiated by my friend Harshith Belagur and soon many youth groups like our group "Students for the Earth" supported him by joining this hashtag campaign #PlanToPlant.

The count of various social media platform posts for this campaign is :

Instagram - 5521

Twitter - 592

Facebook - about 6,000

So it was a huge success as we've reached out to a total of 10,000 people across 5 countries through over 150 posts. This campaign was a way to spread awareness about need to plant to protect our planet. This was in line with this year's Earth Day Theme 'Trees for the Earth'.

 

The world has been doing a great lot of things to make the world we live in a better place. From the hallways of United Nations to making sure electronic devices aren't dumped but recycled too. Everyone is putting their hand up to help protect planet Earth. You can do it too. It doesn't have to be big, small steps first. If each one us takes small steps, then the world will truly be safe. Go green, do your bit, for it is your world too!

 

Sources:

7 days

The National

questarabiya.com

http://ae.bookmyshow.com/entertainment/whats-uae-doing-this-earth-day/