Emirates Environmental Group aims to rid UAE of whopping 20,000 kilograms of aluminum cans during its yearly drive
The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), in a show of environmental consciousness, was successful in collecting 5,415 kg of aluminum cans as part of the Can Collection Day on the 25th of February 2010.
Participants enthusiastically brought their collections of cans to the various collection points in the UAE, adhering to time slots provided to them between 9 a.m. and 12:30 noon. More than 200 participants representing educational institutions, corporate organizations and individuals participated in the Can Collection Day as part of the ongoing 2009-2010 season of the “Can Collection Campaign,” which began in September 2009 and will culminate in May 2010.
Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson, EEG, said:
“We have organized a Can Collection Day this month in response to popular demand by supporters of the activity to hold a special collection day during one of the cooler months. EEG truly appreciates the proactive involvement of the public, which is why we are always eager to entertain their suggestions. Moreover, by holding a special collection day, we hope to further increase our collection and exceed our targets. This brings our total collections over the course of the campaign to an excess of 10,000 kgs, which is already more than half of the target for this year! I would personally ask EEG supporters, environmentalists and anyone interested in ‘doing their bit’ to continue the ongoing effort and help us reach the target and beyond. This activity likewise serves as an important part of our ongoing environmental awareness campaign across all seven emirates of the UAE.”
Launched in 1997, the Can Collection Campaign has been one of the most successful recycling campaigns initiated by EEG. As of 2009, EEG has successfully diverted 89 tons or 6.7 million pieces of aluminum cans from UAE landfills for recycling.
EEG has partnered with various government entities, business organizations as well as individuals and families all over the country for the campaign. Schools, restaurants, shopping malls and entire neighborhoods have already signed up to participate in the campaign, while several volunteers have likewise committed to support the various activities of the campaign.
EEG also revealed that it will present crystal trophies to the groups or individuals who will be able to present the largest collection of Aluminum Cans during a prize giving ceremony in June this year in line with the celebration of World Environment Day. EEG collected a total of 18,000 kilograms in the previous year, which the Group intends to exceed during the current season.
Waseem Halabi, Country Manager, Al Safi Danone Co. Ltd, said, “The Can Collection Campaign is a simple yet very effective way to generate awareness about the importance of recycling and other eco-friendly initiatives in the UAE. We are strongly committed to help EEG ensure the success of this project and make ordinary members of the society become an integral part of the green movement in the country.”
“Protecting the environment is one of EMAL’s core values, and one of the ways EMAL practices its core values is by spreading awareness and encouraging our employees and community members to start doing their part to preserve the environment,” said Saeed Al Mazrooei, CEO of EMAL.
“PepsiCo is pleased to partner with the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) in its Annual Can Collection Drive. It is through such events and through our partnership with organizations like the EEG that we are able to give back to the communities in which we operate, which is central to our vision of achieving business success while leaving a positive imprint on society — what we call ‘Performance with Purpose'” said Tarek Kabil, President Middle East & Africa Region, PepsiCo.
The Main Sponsors of the campaign are Emal, PepsiCo and Al Safi Danone. Providing logistical support for the campaign are Dubai Municipality, Radisson Blu, Lucky Recycling Co., ETA, Sai Group, Abela, Al Ain English Speaking School, Our Own English High School Fujairah, American International School – Abu Dhabi, Preston University, Al Futtaim Carillion and Dubal. The media supporters are Khaleej Times, Gulf News and 7Days.
