Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi urges residents to cut down on use of plastic bags
Hazards of using plastic bags highlighted
Abu Dhabi: An estimated 11 billion plastic bags are used annually in the UAE, which is three times the global average, the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) has said.
Abu Dhabi emirate’s environment regulator is therefore urging residents to minimise the use of these bags, which are harmful for the environment. In a social media post, the EAD highlighted these hazards:
-Most plastic bags are used only one time for an average of 20 minutes before being thrown away
-Plastic bags that aren’t thrown away responsibly end up in the marine or terrestrial environment. Scientists estimate it can take up to 1,000 years for a plastic bag to disintegrate completely, releasing toxins and damaging the environment as they decay.
-Each year, more than 1 million seabirds and 100,000 animals including whales, dolphins and turtles are killed because of plastic bags.
How to avoid the use of single-use plastic bags:
-Avoid using them in the first place: Do you really need a bag for this product?
-Use your own reusable bag when grocery shopping.
-If you procure plastic bags, find ways to reuse them as garbage bags, replacement for bubble wrap, household projects and more.