Disposable plastic is a myth and hence it’s imperative that anti-pollution campaigns are able to get more people to stop using it altogether

Next time you go shopping and carry your purchases home in a plastic bag, think and realise that you are contributing to toxic plastic pollution. The type of pollution caused by plastic has irreversible ill-effects that will affect many generations to come.

Plastic is one of the major toxic pollutants of our time. Its repercussions are expanding at a catastrophic rate.

Composed of toxic chemicals and, most importantly, being a non-biodegradable substance, plastic causes pollution at every stage of its existence: manufacture, use and disposal. Disposable plastic is a myth. It is a material that the Earth cannot digest. Once plastic is produced, the harm introduced is almost permanent. When you recycle one hazard, you pave the way for another, which makes it necessary to add another magic word, ‘refuse’, to the three green activists swear by — reduce, recycle and reuse.

Efforts to work towards a world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impact on humans, animals and the environment seem to be a distant dream because plastic products are durable, easy and cheap to make. The only way to overcome the deadly and lasting danger of plastic pollution is to cut down its use, or possibly avoid it altogether. Say no to plastics whenever and wherever you can.

Dubai, UAE; February 21, 2012: Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC), an independent forum aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices in the UAE, is inviting volunteers from its membership base to serve on various task forces that are aligned to promote the UAE’s vision of a ‘Green Economy for Sustainable Development,’ and the Council’s goals for 2012.

EmiratesGBC has set up ten task forces to attain various objectives during the year including the setting up of a green financing scheme and technical guidelines to make existing buildings more environmentally sustainable; developing a comprehensive programme of events with emphasis on efficiency of existing buildings; improving an e-forum and e-library to offer prompt information to various stakeholders; providing value-added research for members and establishing an annual award that promotes green practices.

EmiratesGBC already has over 260 members including leading organisations from across the building sector supply chain. The Council is offering the opportunity for staff at the various member companies and other individual members to partner with the task forces.

Adnan Sharafi, Chairman of EmiratesGBC, said: “Promoting a culture of sustainability based development involves the concerted efforts of all stakeholders. As an independent organisation promoting green building practices, we are looking forward to the active involvement of all members in our various activities to ensure that we are fully aligned with the UAE’s vision of a ‘Green Economy for Sustainable Development,’ announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.”

He added: “We have developed strategic goals for 2012, which are in line with increasing awareness on the need to implement green practices both in new and existing buildings. By volunteering on the task forces members can contribute to driving the sustainable developmental initiatives of the country.”

Members interested to volunteer should email info@emiratesgbc.org by February 29, 2012 stating the task force you would like to volunteer for and your availability for meetings. The different task forces are: Devise and implement green financing scheme for existing buildings;  Prepare technical guidelines for greening existing buildings; Manage relationships with key stakeholders; Improve offering to members by understanding their needs (through comprehensive survey) and respond to needs; Develop comprehensive programme of clear and focused events with emphasis on existing buildings; Improve E-Forum / E-library to achieve goal of being a focal point linking stakeholders; Target the right sponsors for each opportunity; Hold Annual Award; Increase market presence; and Provide valued research and data to members and the market to support EmiratesGBC’s vision.

EmiratesGBC is also inviting corporates and individuals, who are dedicated to sustainable solutions and practices.  Members gain significant benefits that include taking part in networking events and comprehensive programmes led by industry leaders. To become a member, please log on to: http://www.emiratesgbc.org/egbc/becomemember.htm

First New Vito Shuttle Bus to Run on Biodiesel

Dubai, UAE, 20thFebruary 2012: Gargash Enterprises has pledged support to HH Shaikh Mohammed’s ‘UAE Strategy for Green Development’ campaign  with the introduction of the first new commercial vehicle in the UAE running on biodiesel to reduce carbon emissions. It will serve as a shuttle bus service, transporting service customers from the Gargash Enterprises workshop in Al Qouz to various locations across Dubai.

Following the introduction of the Vito Shuttle Bus, Gargash Enterprises has plans to adapt its internal fleet of 11 commercial vehicles to biodiesel within the next few weeks, which primarily consist of staff transportation crew buses and recovery trucks.

“Going Green is a collective effort and responsibility and with His Highness propelling the cause we at Gargash Enterprises are very confident and pleased about being a part of this critical campaign. We are working towards reducing carbon footprints and conserving natural resources while encouraging and inculcating the same values in our employees too. Gargash Enterprises is proud to be following our leader’s footsteps and will continue to pledge our support to this drive,” said Mr. Abdul Jabbar Gargash, Executive Director, Gargash Enterprises.

Biodiesel is a clean burning, sustainable alternative fuel produced from domestic renewable resources. The biodiesel Gargash Enterprises will be using is converted in Dubai from local used cooking oil which would otherwise be a waste product. Diesel engines do not need to be adapted. The transition from fossil diesel to biodiesel is painless. 

A dedicated focus on reducing carbon leads to reducing operating costs and improvements in the efficiency of asset utilisation. These benefits can have a significant positive effect on the bottom line. In making this transition to biodiesel for its internal fleet, Gargash Enterprises will maintain its commercial viability while becoming increasingly environmentally viable.

In addition to being tightly aligned with the ethical, environmental and economic values which form the core of corporate sustainability strategies, biodiesel has a great many advantages over fossil fuels.
EXTENDED ENGINE LIFE
Enhanced lubricity
Biodiesel has excellent lubricating properties which help prevent premature engine wear and failure. The use of fuel with low lubricity increases the rates of wear due to metal-to-metal contact in these components, whereas high lubricity biodiesel reduces wear and thus prolongs engine life.
Engine cleaning
Biodiesel acts as a cleaning detergent in fuel systems, removing sludge deposits over time, thus improving efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.

REDUCED EMISSIONS
Reduced smog-forming potential
The ozone forming potential of biodiesel combustion is approximately 50% less than that of fossil diesel (US Environmental Protection Agency). In cities where smog is a growing problem, this characteristic is directly beneficial.
Elimination of sulfur emissions
Compared to fossil diesel, biodiesel exhaust emissions of sulfur oxides and sulfates are virtually non-existent. These compounds are principal contributors to the formation of acid rain.
Reduction of CO2 emissions
The “well-to-wheel” lifecycle analysis of used cooking oil-to-biodiesel typically shows that the amount of CO2 (and equivalents) emitted is reduced by nearly 80% compared to fossil diesel. The rollout of biodiesel thus represents a significant opportunity to reduce transport carbon footprints.
Other pollutants reduced
Biodiesel use has been found to substantially reduce levels of unburnt hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and soot (particulates) in exhaust emissions.

IMPROVED HEALTH AND SAFETY
High flashpoint (160oC)
Biodiesel has a higher flashpoint than fossil diesel and is thus safer to store and poses less of a fire risk in the event of accidents.
Completely non-toxic
Biodiesel is non-toxic so exposure to it poses very little risk to staff and the environment.

Events Aims to Encourage Healthier Lifestyles for UAE Community

Oasis Centre, Dubai’s friendliest mall, today announced the launch of its Wellness Festival to help UAE residents identify key health issues and promote balanced lifestyles. The event includes a plethora of wellness related special offers, giveaways, workshops and activities.

Running from 15 - 29 February, the Oasis Wellness Festival will offer tips on a comprehensive range of topics. Each day will host focused efforts on themes such as ‘Embracing Motherhood’, ‘Daily De-stress’, ‘Family Health’, ‘Heal & Balance’ and ‘Fabulous over 50’.

Neelesh Bhatnagar, Director, Oasis Centre, said: “Oasis Centre’s Wellness Festival is our way of giving back to the society. The mall’s roll out of concepts in recreation, relaxation and dining segments such as the Balance Wellness Club, Balance Cafe and Fitness First validate our status as a one-stop-destination for a holistic lifestyle experience for the entire family. The early part of the year is a time for fresh resolutions and we hope our wellness initiative will help residents get started on their goals.”

Oasis Centre’s Wellness Festival will also include pre and post natal workshops by Balance Wellness Club, ‘healthy’ cooking demonstrations by Balance Café and couple’s dancing classes by Fitness First. Healthy eating tips for the community will additionally be shared.

Oasis Centre’s expansive parking-lot and easily accessible location allow customers to browse and enjoy the mall’s wide variety of activities and health offerings in a leisurely manner. In addition, the exclusive tie-up with Shukran, Landmark Group’s loyalty scheme, extends double points at the Oasis Centre making it a must-visit destination for shoppers looking to avail further value-for-money.

A mid-sized shopping mall owned and managed by Landmark Group, Oasis Centre is located on the Sheikh Zayed Road and houses a range of brands across categories. Offering convenience of shopping and excellent value-for-money, the mall is widely regarded as the preferred mall of choice for families and visitors to the UAE.

Waste Management Department of Dubai Municipality launched the Desert Clean Up campaign under the title ‘Keep desert clean; it is for others too’ in line with the National Environmental Day celebrations, for the second consecutive year.

Various activities including cultural and entertainment programs, exhibitions and awareness sessions were organized in the event and was ended with a mass clean up drive. Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality, inaugurated the drive in the desert area of Al Warqa.

Eng. Lootah said while inaugurating the activities that the move is aimed at spreading awareness on the importance of preserving desert and getting rid of bad practice of leaving food and other wastes over desert areas which negatively affecting the environment and landscape.

“The campaign had received excellent response last year from desert visitors. The community interaction was also very clear with the huge number of participants from companies and societal groups. So we are up with the second consecutive year,” he added further.

Eng. Abdul Majeed Saifaie, Director of Waste Management Department said the campaign would shed light on one of the important environmental issues in the United Arab Emirates and intensify the efforts to raise awareness as well as publicize the efforts made by the concerned authorities in the country to encounter it.

“In spring season desert areas witness a high turnout of picnickers. Sandy hills and roadside areas experience a lot of activities such as mountain biking, camping, etc. With the level of environmental awareness of the visitors vary, some of them leave the place clean and collect the waste resulting from their activity and dispose it off safely, while some others leave large quantities of waste without thinking of others who would use the area later, in addition to distorting the area’s general appearance,” Saifaie said.

“The drive will educate young people of maintaining hygiene in all places, make public aware of appropriate ways to get rid of the waste, on where to drop waste bags, on how to reduce waste generation and on importance of using materials that are recyclable and can be reused. It will also create a positive image of the desert environment, highlight its value, and, indeed, educate them of legal procedures applicable for leaving the waste carelessly,” he added.

Representatives of various institutions and groups were present at the event. Students from Dubai Club for Special Sports contributed to the event with preparing paintings and cartoons which carried the message of environment.

Energetic children led by Ms. Abrar from Salma Al Ansari School located in Satwa, staged a drama titled “my sweaty environment” and got wider applause.

After the inaugural session schoolchildren, volunteers from private firms and municipality staff started the mass clean up drive.

Municipality staff distributed bags for waste collection ,pamphlets and promotional gifts for volunteer groups from the temporary traditional tents set in the venue. Camels and horses carrying posters reading the message and with dustbins on the back, to collect waste, also participated in the drive.

Camel and horse ride facilities for the participants which meant for spreading the message of deserts gave a festive mood to the function.

Du, famous telecommunication company has decided to send the message through 4 million SMS to its customers’ mobiles .Moreover ,it has used social networking sites for campaigns’ publicity.

Last year the campaign won the best environmental initiative award by Organization of American Ideas based in Texas.

At the meantime Municipality has conducted cleaning programmes in association with various tourism groups in Al Aveer area. Waste Management Department has issued a set of local orders and legislation for individuals in order to keep desert cleaner. In addition, field visits to desert areas to guide visitors on cleanliness is also on the cards with the civic body.

A group of students from The Modern Skills Private School visited Nad Al Hamar service station in Dubai to get a closer look at Emirates General Petroleum Corporation “Emarat’s” efforts in the field of protecting and preserving the environment and the community.

The students got to observe the Corporation’s experience in the use of wastes recycling units which are installed in select service stations.

The students were welcomed by Mr. Hussain Kazim, Manager Corporate Communications at Emarat. Mr. Kazim pointed out that organizing such field trips is in line with the Corporation’s commitment and its support to all activities related to the environment, especially when school students are involved, as Emarat seeks to enhance the concept of environment protection in the behavior of the upcoming generations who should understand that it is their responsibility too.

Mr. Kazim further added that environmental issues are now at the top of the social and economic development agendas. It is important to achieve positive social interaction between community members and the various social establishments, especially the institutions that care about environmental issues in their activities and different practices. He also emphasized that cooperation should be established in order to create a model and healthy environment that realize the ambitions aiming at making people more creative, developed and giving.

Mr. Marwan Al Marzouqi, Retail Marketing Executive, also welcomed the students at Nad Al Hummar service station, where he highlighted the importance of the recycling units, each of which can process 25 tons of wastes per year, through sorting and recycling such wastes and turning it into material that can be used, or into raw materials for other industries.

Mr. Al Marzouqi told the students that there are 16 wastes recycling units in 16 service stations in Dubai. A promotions campaign was launched to encourage customers to use these units, which will reward them for these good deeds.

The students tried out the recycling unit at Nad Al Hummar service station, using aluminum cans and empty bottles. They also got to see how the user is rewarded. They also got to know how the unit works from the inside, from the moment the recyclable material is entered and how it is sorted and classified within.

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al-Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has approved the development of a number of national reserves in the emirate as part of its environment and tourism objectives. The initiative will help drive Sharjah’s research, education and entertainment sectors.

The Ruler’s directive came as part of his commitment to conserving and developing environmentally protected areas for the benefit of future generations.

The announcements came as an outcome of a meeting chaired by His Highness with senior representatives of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA).

The meeting was attended by Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al-Qassimi, Chairperson of Shurooq, His Excellency Salah Bin Butti Al-Muhairi, Chairman, Directorate of Town Planning and Survey, Her Excellency Hana Saif Al-Suwaidi, General Manager of EPAA, His Excellency Marwan Al-Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq, as well as a number of environmental specialists.

During the meeting, a number of development projects in Sharjah related to environmental reserves were brought under review. His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan approved the Kalba reserve, one of the largest environment and tourism projects in the UAE, which is home to Al-Qarm trees and the historic Al-Ghail Fort.

This reserve will be developed as a collaborative effort between EPAA and Shurooq. The development of the projects will be launched in a phased-out manner.

The Kalba reserve is a unique and integrated environmental project encompassing a variety of flora and fauna, including wetlands (mangrove forests), environment plains (Al Ghail valley), as well as mountain and marine landscape. The importance of Khor Kalba nature reserve falls under the priorities of Sharjah’s strategic approach towards maintaining the environmental, social, and tourism distinction that the reserve is reputed for and as an important pillar in the strategic plans of EPAA.

As part of the development plans, the Kalba reserve will house rare wildlife such as Gazelle Al-Jebel, Al-Tuhr Al-Arabi, Al-Maha Al-Arabi and Reem Gazelle that will be released from the breeding centre of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA). It will also ensure the conservation of endangered species of birds such as herons and halcyon white that hatches only in Kalba. This is in addition to the rare Al Shadi bird and the green turtles that lay their eggs on the shore of the nature reserve. Moreover, the reserve is home to different breeds of marine life including rare birds and crabs that burrow quarries to protect themselves from gulls.

The Kalba reserve will particularly ensure the growth of Acacia trees. Centres of research and development will be also set up at the reserve.

Furthermore, during the meeting, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah endorsed the Wasit Nature Reserve in Sharjah, where a global learning institute will be established. This institute will encompass various types of birds, rare in the Arabian Peninsula. The park will also include distinctive areas for visitors to enjoy the appeal of the reserve. This project, which was established in 2005, will hold the status of a global environmental destination and is currently in the process of being registered as a nature reserve within the range of wetlands.

Kuwait, 15 January 2012:  Warba Bank, established by virtue of an Amiri Decree, is slated to open for business to the public during the first quarter of 2012. The bank aims to offer a range of customized Shariah compliant services and solutions which will be presented through the bank’s three divisions: Retail, Investment and Corporate Banking.

Warba Bank is  regulated by the Central Bank of Kuwait and the Ministry of Commerce while its biggest shareholder, Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), owns 24% shares of the bank whereas the balance 76% of shares, fully subscribed by the government, have been equally allocated among all Kuwaiti nationals. With quality services delivered by high competencies, Warba Bank expects to attract clients and investors to invest throughout the Kuwait financial system. The bank’s approach will combine traditional values with modernity to give the customer a range of solutions and services to their banking and investment needs.

The bank has already started working in the investment sector, in addition to launching several operations in the corporate sector through the accomplishment of major deals. It is also set to launch its retail operations in the coming stage by providing end-to-end Shariah compliant services.

Warba bank will bring personalized service to clients in Kuwait that will help manage their liquidity needs while allowing them to grow their business.  It has specially designed its operations to be client-centric and strike the right balance. The bank adopts a direct and practical approach which caters to the client’s needs with comprehensive and innovative solutions.

Coupled with its ambitious plans, Warba Bank aims to open new investment possibilities to clients interested in taking their portfolios and businesses to a new level.

Dubai, January 12, 2012: A delegation from the Emirates Post Holding Group arranged a  visit to Albarza Club for the Elderly at Mamzar, which is run by the Community Development Authority in Dubai , as part of the Group’s corporate social responsibility activities.

The delegation was headed by Mr. Ibrahim Bin Karam, Chief Commercial Officer, and included a number of officials from the Group.

Bin Karam expressed his joy on spending quality time with  the elderly members of society and said this visit would strengthen humanitarian activities and foster love for parents and recognition of their role in the social development.

The delegation was welcomed by Sheikha Al Muhairi, Director of Albarza Centre, who took them on a tour of the premises. The delegation members talked to the residents and presented them with  gifts. Sheikha Al Muhairi explained that the Albarza Club offers many services, including cultural activities, health facilities, recreational and sports activities and training them on  the use of electrical appliances, in addition to training caregivers on the right methods for handling the elderly.

January 12, 2012

Al Hilal Bank, a progressive Islamic bank, has launched a new ‘Plant a Tree’ initiative in partnership with the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG). The program forms part of the bank’s commitment to promoting a ‘greener’ Earth and preserving nature for future generations to enjoy. The Memorandum of Agreement governing the initiative was signed in the presence of Saif Al Dhahiri, Executive Vice President- EVP, Human Capital and Facilities Management, Al Hilal Bank.

Under the ‘Plant a Tree’ program, a tree will be planted under the name of every child opening a ‘Seghaar’ Savings Account at Al Hilal Bank. Children and their patents will be able to follow the growth of their particular tree either in person or through updated pictures to fully appreciate the contribution they have made to the environment.

“Our ‘Plant a Tree’ initiative is important to the Bank as it embodies our full commitment to the community and the environment. It empowers the future generations to make concrete contributions towards environmental preservation.

Moreover, it complements the admirable work of the EEG in ensuring a ‘greener’ future for the people of the UAE. We thank all of those who are supporting this initiative and assure our customers, partners and the general public that a greener Earth will continue to be a key priority for our organization,” said Mohamed Jamil Berro, CEO of Al Hilal Bank.

“We hope that more members of the private sector will follow Al Hilal Bank’s example and take more proactive steps towards preserving nature for our children and future generations,” added Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson, Emirates Environmental Group.

Al Hilal Bank is fully-owned by the Abu Dhabi Investment Council, the investment arm of the Government of Abu Dhabi. It manages 21 local branches and 112 ATMs across the UAE as well as three overseas branches in Kazakhstan.