Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Since implementing a landmark ban on single-use plastic bags on June 1, 2022, Abu Dhabi has achieved a significant milestone: saving 364 million bags. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) announced the figures, highlighting the initiative’s profound environmental impact and its role as a model for sustainability in the region. The reduction equates to saving approximately 2,400 tonnes of plastic and preventing the emission of 547,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases—comparable to taking 130,000 gasoline-powered cars off the road for an entire year. These achievements align with Abu Dhabi's commitment to mitigating climate change and fostering environmental conservation. Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, celebrated the success, stating, “When we launched the Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastic Policy in 2020, followed by the ban in 2022, we aimed to set ambitious targets to protect the environment. Our community has shown remarkable collaboration and commitment, reducing single-use plastic bag consumption by 95 percent.” Prior to the ban, the average shopper used three plastic bags per trip. Today, that figure has dropped to 0.4 bags per trip. This behavioral shift has led to a 2,000 percent increase in the adoption of reusable bags, with one major retail outlet reporting a rise from 603 reusable bags in 2022 to over 26,000 in 2023. In addition to curbing plastic bag use, EAD reported the recovery of 130 million plastic bottles and an increase in recycling efforts. The number of recycling companies in the emirate grew by 57 in 2023, offsetting a decline in manufacturers of single-use plastic products from 110 in 2022 to 88 in 2023. EAD's ban on Styrofoam products, implemented on June 1, 2024, also achieved a 97 percent compliance rate among retailers, with further improvements expected by year-end. The ban serves as a precursor to the UAE's federal restrictions on Styrofoam and plastic products, set to take effect in 2026. “This policy doesn’t just protect the environment; it enhances quality of life and supports a circular economy,” Dr. Al Dhaheri emphasized. “By enforcing these measures, we are contributing to global sustainability goals while improving the health and well-being of our residents.” EAD predicts that by the end of 2024, the emirate will have saved over 400 million single-use plastic bags and collected an additional 90 million plastic bottles. Consumption in the past nine months alone decreased by 121.5 million bags, underscoring the policy’s ongoing impact. ICA/Expat Media
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