42,000 volunteers join Clean up UAE

Each year EEG celebrates the campaign on the 12th of December, however this year it was all the more special since it coincided with the unique date.

The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm and motivation as thousands of volunteers, equipped with bio-degradable trash bags, cotton re-usable gloves, caps and t-shirts, picked up trash one by one in a massive clean up drive that collected 191 tonnes of waste nationwide.

"The massive support that we receive each year is a testament that 'Clean up UAE' has become a unifying campaign for all people of the UAE to work for environmental protection and conservation," said EEG Chairperson Habiba Al Marashi.

"This (Clean up UAE campaign) is our own way of keeping the wisdom of the 'Spirit of the Union' alive and expressing our love and loyalty to the country which we have been doing for the past decade," she added.

First held on 12 December 2002, the 'Clean up UAE' campaign has grown from strength to strength. Initially organized in four emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman), it is now held even in the far-flung deserts and small islands of the country's seven Emirates. What began as a clean-up drive today includes a range of supplementary activities, as mentioned below.

Hundreds of participants got results of their efforts in their participation in the Neighborhood Recycling Campaign, One Root One Communitree and Your Can for a Tree initiative which were all an integral part of the success of this campaign. As a result of these activities EEG managed to divert 164,222 kg of paper; 100 kg of battery; 1,867 pcs of mobile phones; 7,617 kg of plastic, 1,389 kg of beverage cartons; 1,481 toners and 7,959 kg of Aluminum Cans. A total of 274 Trees were planted in the Sheikh Zayed Scout Camp area.

"This is a community celebration. We are proud to say that we've seen how members of the entire family - mothers, fathers, daughters and sons - come together to serve as volunteers. It also gives us great satisfaction that our activity is highly anticipated by residents of various communities every year," she added.

Because of the wide support for EEG's annual clean-up drive, several campaigns have kicked off as early as 19th November in some Emirates and will extend until early next year in some parts of the western region to better suit the schedule of all participants.

Last year's 'Clean up UAE' campaign saw a collection of 97 tons of waste by 27,136 volunteers in 110 sites. A remarkable 55 % increase in participation has been recorded this year.

The event witnessed participation from all walks of life -businessmen, managers, professionals, rank-and- file employees and labourers working together with government officials, federal workers, students, teachers and academicians in keeping a cleaner and greener UAE.

Mrs. Al Marashi pointed out, "This campaign shows clearly that environmental stewardship or commitment to the environment is a common concept that cuts across all barriers like class, sector, ethnicity, nationality, gender and age. We are delighted that from governments to companies, students to householders, experts to workers; - everyone has answered the call of 12.12.12."

"Sharing the obligation of protecting and preserving our environment is an expression of our corporate social responsibility and a realization of our principle of environmental stewardship," said Mr. Ibrahim Sowaidan of Emirates NBD

According to Mr. Peter Baltussen, CEO of Commercial Bank of Dubai, "Through strategic CSR initiatives driven by focused Vision and Mission statements, the Bank commits to give back to the society and community. Being a corporate member of the EEG is an important step in that direction. I am confident events like this will help raise awareness amongst the people to contribute proactively towards a healthy and sustainable environment."

Mr. Rafic Fakih, Managing Director and Partner of McDonald's UAE commented, "We are pleased to see that this year's clean-up campaign was a success thanks to the volunteers' hard work including our staff at McDonald's. We believe unifying initiatives like these encourage people to come together and work towards a common goal of creating a cleaner and greener environment."

The Clean Up UAE was supported by government organisations that include Abu Dhabi Municipality, Al Ain Municipality, Government of Sharjah (Environment & Protected Areas Authority - EPAA), the Supreme Council of Family Affairs, Fujairah Municipality, Ajman Municipality, Ajman Free Zone Authority, RAK Free Trade Zone, Ras Al Khaimah Public Works & Services Department.

Sponsors included Commercial Bank of Dubai (Main sponsors of Abu Dhabi & Dubai), Emirates NBD (Main Sponsor of Dubai) McDonalds (co-sponsor for the Emirate of Dubai).

An interesting characteristic that is being witnessed in the last couple of years is companies sponsoring the participation of schools in the CleanUp. Thus, EEG would like to thank the following companies for being school sponsors for the Clean Up UAE 2012: Bosch & Siemens Home Appliances, Emirates Gas L.L.C., Farnek Avireal, Jotun Paints from the Emirate of Dubai; Emirates Gas L.L.C. for Umm Al Quwain.

EEG also thanked Coca-Cola (Arwa) for water, Fujariah Plastic Factory for biodegradable plastic bags, Abela & Co for snacks, Tata Global Beverages for provision of Tea, ETA Zenath for skips, Byrne Equipment Rental for the Portable Toilets and Dutco Balfour Beatty for the Traffic Cones. Media Support was graciously extended by Gulf news & 7 Days.

For the various sites, EEG had the support of the Shri Satya Sai Service Organization, Serco, Al Futtaim Carillion & TDIC, Radisson Blu Sharjah, Dubal, Dubai International Academic City, Knowledge Village, Our Own English High School Al Warqaa, DP World, Dubai Duty Free, Pakistan Education Academy.

EEG organized transportation of the Participants for the Tree Planting activity from Dubai and Sharjah to help them commute to the Main site of the activity in Carbon Neutral Buses very kindly provided by Farnek Avireal.

The Police, Ambulance and Civil Defense of each Emirate did a commendable job to ensure the overall support and safety.