Positive steps toward tackling plastic waste in the UAE

In the UAE, 11 billion plastic bags are consumed annually which is the equivalent of 1,184 plastic bags per person per year. The Executive Council of Dubai has approved a policy to limit single-use bags by imposing a tariff, starting from 1st July, 2022. The goal is to protect land, wildlife and marine biodiversity. It wants to ensure that its environment is kept as clean as possible to ensure a thriving future.

The policy will be evaluated over several stages until single-use carrier bags are completely banned within a span of two years! This policy is currently in effect in over 30 countries and a partial or complete ban has been implemented in more than 90 countries worldwide, highlighting the importance to reduce the consumption of single-use plastics.

A staggering 3 million tonnes of plastic enter the world’s oceans every year, destroying vital habitats, killing marine life and impacting the food chain by releasing toxic chemical compounds.

By 2050 it is expected that for every three tonnes of fish in the ocean, there will be one tonne of plastic!

The most common plastics we see polluting our land and oceans are items such as bottles & lids, disposable cutlery, straws and plastic-lined coffee cups! If we do not take bold steps to reduce the use of single-use plastics through conscious consumerism and effective waste management, there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans and seas by 2050, creating a lasting impact on not just ocean health but human health and global food security.