I READ with interest the article about Al Majid Recycling Factory (‘Recyling factory seeks government’s support’, GDN, September 17), and I sincerely hope that it receives the assistance needed.
I have lived in Bahrain for many years, and marvel at various innovative ideas generated here, but one that seems woefully inadequate is a serious initiative to protect the environment.
I virtuously save up every bit of paper and plastic to put in the recycling bins, but these bins are few and far between in Bahrain. Even those that existed previously seem to vanish regularly, and I find myself on an eternal quest of locating new ones.
There are, of course, those magical ‘recycling’ bins in some malls that have designated openings but everything goes into one receptacle – they obviously work on magic, or some esoteric technology unknown to the rest of the world!
If I am not mistaken, per capita, Bahrain is one of the biggest garbage producers, and there is an urgent need for awareness drives, not only about recycling, but to try and nip the problem in the bud by actually mindfully reducing consumption by making choices that don’t create unnecessary waste.
To quote an environmentalist: “There is no ‘away’, it just gets relocated!”
The pictures from the International Ocean Photography Awards of the seahorse trailing a mask stuck in its tail (GDN, September 20), the turtle ensnared by fishing gear, and a fish trying to swallow a cigarette butt were just heartbreaking.
On a positive note, it was heartening to read about the clean-up drive. How does one join and how often do they happen?
It would be great if GDN can dedicate a weekly space for all the various environmental groups to post their activities and initiatives, so more of us can join the ‘Green Brigade’!
&uuid=(email))