RIYADH — For the third year in a row, SABIC launched Waste-Free Environment Campaign at the Dareen Beach in Jubail on Sunday as part of an initiative of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA). After a two-day stint in Jubail, it moves to Wadi Hanifa, Riyadh today (Feb. 24) and then to Yanbu on Feb. 25-27. SABIC marks February as Environment Protection Month under the theme “Waste-Free Environment.” Utilizing its experience over the past two years, SABIC has launched its campaign this year with renewed fervor. Coinciding with this year's campaign, SABIC has initiated a unique environmental competition for school students in Riyadh, Jubail and Yanbu under the title, “The 3 Rs” (recycle, reuse and reduce). The competition aims at encouraging eco-friendly behavior among students.
This year, the Waste-Free Environment Campaign has seen a rise in the number of volunteers, mainly from governmental agencies, schools and private organizations interested in environmental affairs.
An exhibition is also being held as part of the campaign, besides a lecture series and entertainment shows aimed at enriching knowledge on how to preserve the environment and raising community awareness on waste-related issues. The campaign also seeks to instill a sense of environmental responsibility among individuals and companies and create awareness on dealing with waste, especially discarded plastics, and even utilizing it for economic benefits.
Musaed Al-Ohali, SABIC Executive Vice President, Polymers Strategic Business Unit, said “the Waste-Free Environment Campaign reflects SABIC's commitment to provide sustainable products, including plastic material, in line with international practices. It further demonstrates SABIC's determination, as a leading plastics producer, to promote best practices among consumers and help them get rid of waste such that it can be recycled for future use.” Al-Ohali moreover said recycling is an important process to preserve the environment. Recycling of a ton of plastic, amounts to reducing 1.5 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
According to recent studies, the solid waste per capita in the Gulf region is among the highest globally, with an annual growth rate of 10 percent. The Kingdom's share of the solid waste in the Gulf region is the highest, representing 60 percent of the total solid waste in the region.
Samir Al-Abdrubouh, SABIC Vice President, Corporate Communications, said the company's initiative demonstrates its keenness to interact with the GPCA to achieve sustainable development in Saudi Arabia, consistent with SABIC's social responsibility strategy. Preserving the environment is important for SABIC to achieve its sustainable development goals. Proper waste disposal is the responsibility of every citizen, he said, adding that SABIC considers itself playing a key role in building team spirit within communities to preserve the environment. — SG
