The Dubai Airports, DXB, early this week made an historic announcement, pledging to ban single-use plastics from consumer spaces. Effective 1st January 2020, this new move by the world's busiest international airport would get effective.
Every year, the Dubai Airports recycles more than 43,000 tonnes of paper, glass and other wastage to minimize its impact on the environment. Over the past six months, Dubai Airports collected and disposed over 16 tonnes of single-use plastic bottles and bottle caps.
At an airport which hosts about 90 million people annually, the airport authorities have expressed confidence that there could be considerable difference if they eliminate single-use plastics in consumer spaces.
According to Eugene Barry, Executive Vice President, Commercial at Dubai Airports, once the commitment has been made, it is necessary to work with all hospitality partners to achieve that goal.
Last week, being the World Environment Day, the Dubai Airports collaborated with over 106 businesses operating at DXB to highlight the positive impact that can be made by eliminating practices and materials that harm the environment.
Several measures have been put in place, including banning of plastic utensils, bags and paper receipts. Straws are one of the most overused single-use plastic, and in just about a day distribution of over 150,000 straws were prevented, which is equivalent to 30,000 metres of plastic.
By banning single-use plastics at the airport, the nation is able to send a strong message to over 90 million people who pass through the Dubai airports, while also acting as pioneers in the global fight against plastic pollution, said Habiba Al Mar'ashi, Chairperson, Emirates Environment Group.
