Post by : Bianca
Haleem
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has revealed the findings of a public survey demonstrating the success of its initiative aimed at reducing single-use plastics, which was launched in 2020.
This policy has led to significant environmental benefits, with over 470 million plastic bags prevented from use and a staggering 95 percent reduction in bag consumption at major retail stores. Furthermore, approximately 267 million plastic bottles have been collected via home collection initiatives and over 170 smart recycling machines installed throughout the emirate.
EAD’s efforts have effectively prevented 7,386 tonnes of plastic waste from reaching landfills. The environmental impact mirrors the effect of removing 185,000 gasoline-powered vehicles from the roads for a year.
To assess public awareness and sentiment, EAD conducted a survey involving over 5,000 participants from 126 nationalities. Results indicated that 96 percent of residents recognize the environmental dangers posed by plastics and are dedicated to mitigating plastic consumption through everyday adjustments.
Health awareness also witnessed a boost, with 95 percent of participants acknowledging the health risks associated with plastic products. Additionally, 89 percent expressed satisfaction with the clarity and effectiveness of EAD’s awareness initiatives.
The survey revealed a strong inclination towards sustainable alternatives, with 89 percent of respondents considering the prices of eco-friendly bags reasonable and 88 percent supporting the allocation of collected fees to environmental projects. Nearly all respondents (95 percent) deemed current policies effective, showcasing robust trust in the agency's efforts.
EAD highlighted that these results bolster the UAE’s broader environmental objectives, especially in light of the recent federal ban on single-use plastics. The findings indicate a positive shift in public behavior, with 93 percent of participants conveying overall satisfaction with the survey.
The agency reiterated its commitment to ongoing community engagement and participation as essential components in bolstering sustainability initiatives and tackling plastic pollution across the UAE.
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