"Glass Recycling- A clear vision of the future"

Mr. Abdul Elah Al Hasso emphasized that with the growing concern about climate change and global warming, it is everyone's responsibility to follow the principles of the 3R's - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

He mentioned that in a country like the UAE that faces the daily challenge of mounting wastes and managing its impact on health and the environment; Recycling holds significant benefits such as conservation of raw materials, and natural resources, as well as reducing the burden on landfills.

The growth of a recycling industry in the Gulf would open up new market opportunities, generate employment and contribute to economic diversification in the oil producing countries.

EEG, through a long standing campaign on this issue, has worked hard to reach the message to the public and promote understanding of wastes as a potential source of wealth creation.

The speaker outlined the process of Glass recycling in brief, explaining JACGF's new technology to recycle glass in an environmentally friendly manner.

Recycled glass is used to make new bottles and jars, and the energy requirement in the furnace for this process is greatly reduced. Taking into account the logistics and processing, a net saving of 315kg of CO2 per tonne of glass melted is achieved. Also for every tonne of recycled glass used, 1.2 tonnes of precious raw material is preserved.

Mr. Al Hasso, described how his company is working with the Emirates Environmental Group to launch new campaigns and programs that will promote environment friendly practices across all people and sectors.

He congratulated EEG for its constant support to the pressing issues in the region and urged the authorities to adopt a more proactive approach to recycling of glass in the UAE.

Mrs. Habiba Al Marashi, the Chairperson of EEG said,

"Environmental responsibility is no longer a matter of choice. It's a logical step towards saving and making the most of our resources, which are in short supply. Nearly 7 % of household waste consists of glass and if we can divert this 7 % away from our bins the pressure on the landfill sites and our natural resources will be greatly reduced." She added, "Glass can be recycled indefinitely as part of a simple but hugely beneficial process, hence it is our duty as a region that pioneered the art of glass making in 4000 BC; to take up a more responsible role".

She further informed that EEG has successfully introduced the Glass recycling initiative among its members including a number of hotels, schools and members of the community since October 2005. Till date EEG has managed to collect 75,054 kgs but this is very less compared to what can be achieved with the cooperation of more participants. She requested everyone present to take up the cause and educate their colleagues, families, friends and acquaintances to take up recycling as a habitual practice and to contact EEG if they require any information on the entire process.

EEG also announced some of its upcoming activities including the Teachers workshop on 30th March on Green Living and an Interschool Public Speaking competition on 21st and 22nd April. Both programs stem from EEG's mission to educate students and teachers about their broader responsibilities as global citizens.

Mrs. Al Marashi informed that EEG is undertaking to launch, for the first time in this Region, a local network of the United Nations Global Compact for the GCC region ; - the world's biggest voluntary corporate citizenship initiative.

A grand event to mark this development will take place on April 7th, where key leaders from governments, business and other actors in the Region will take part.

Colourful posters and publications on environment and related subjects were distributed during the event to the participants. A couple of new members of the EEG were felicitated as well.

Finally, Mrs. Al Marashi recognized the support of sponsors Abela for the catering and The Emarat Atrium for hosting the Lecture. Mr. Abdul Elah Al Hasso was presented with a crystal for his contribution to community awareness on the environment.