Joshua Becker once said that the most eco-friendly product is the one that you didn’t buy. This is an eye-opening statement as Becker advocates that making better environmental choices isn’t just constituted by buying items that have an eco-friendly label. Still, it is also about redefining our shopping habits and choosing the way of sustainability and reusability.
Considering the effects of plastic and the threats it poses to the prosperity of the future generation, the city of Dubai has finally decided to make the sustainability call that is the need of the hour. Being well-known for its most remarkable events and trends, the city is also deeply rooted in its commitment to environmental protection. Dubai has decided to take the first step to an avalanche of revolution as the city is planning to charge for single-use plastic bags. Dubai, the City of Dreams, has conceived this dream and aims to achieve it within two years. Single-use plastic bags will be charged 25 fils ($0.07) at all stores, including restaurants, pharmacies, and e-commerce delivery, from July 2022.
The renovations are intended to improve the environment and improve residents’ quality of life, as studies have directly linked the two factors. The new policy will be examined in stages until single-use bags are totally phased out within two years, based on the assessment of behavioural changes in the community. Major shops have stated that they are committed to supporting the latest sustainability initiative.
This choice contributes to environmental sustainability. There will be a positive environmental impact. Because sustainability is becoming a global priority, Dubai’s government is trying to establish programs to improve environmental preservation and resource conservation. These include the Emirate’s integrated waste management methods, the elimination of damaging fishing techniques such as the usage of nets, and the enforcement of garbage disposal fees, which began earlier this year. The government of Dubai has also invested in several waste-to-resources projects.
Dubai plans to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030 to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The UAE will host the United Nations Climate Change Conference next year. Hence, the decision to ban single-use plastic bags will positively impact other countries. A dream becomes a reality when one commits to it. In the same way, the pursuit of a city will become a reality only if its people believe in it and stay committed to achieving it. Thus, let us all join together in translating the vision of Dubai into reality. Let us be the change we want to see in our City of Dreams!
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