Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
In a move to make sustainability a hands-on family practice, the Environment Friends Society (EFS) reaches out to households to collect used cooking oil so this everyday kitchen waste can be recycled into clean energy.
The EFS has launched its BioZaiti (Bio Oil) initiative, aiming to reduce carbon emissions while promoting responsible environmental practices. The campaign also tackles the environmental risks associated with the improper disposal of used oils, which can lead to water pollution and sewage blockages.
Speaking to Aletihad, Dr Ibrahim Ali Mohamed, Chairman of the Board of EFS, said the organisation envisions all family members taking part in this "shared environmental journey that begins in the kitchen and culminates in a positive impact on the community".
As part of the initiative, EFS provides a guide outlining simple steps families can follow to safely collect used cooking oil - particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, when cooking activity typically increases.
Used oil should be allowed to cool completely before being stored in sealed containers, without mixing it with water or food waste. It should then be kept in a designated container at home until disposal, the Society said.
Families can deliver the used oil to BioZaiti collection points or request a pickup through the initiative's digital platform.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to involve children in the process, teach them how to handle the oil safely, and explain why proper disposal is important for protecting the environment, Dr Mohamed said.
"In this way, sustainability becomes an educational value practised within the home, not just an external campaign," he added.
Beyond the volume of oil collected, EFS will measure the initiative's success by tracking long-term behavioural change within households.
Dr Mohamed said awareness levels will be assessed through surveys conducted before and after participation, while sustained engagement will be monitored through repeat participation rates and activity on the digital platform.
The initiative will also examine children's involvement in educational activities and whether families adopt additional environmentally responsible habits after joining the drive.
For EFS, the goal is to transform environmental challenges into sustainable development opportunities, Dr Mohamed said.
"We strive to empower the community to contribute directly to environmental protection by recycling used oils and converting them into clean energy. This supports the UAE's goals for sustainability and climate neutrality and reinforces our shared responsibility towards future generations," he said.
The Society is also expanding partnerships with government entities, private-sector organisations, and educational institutions to widen participation and maximise both environmental and economic impact.
Sustainability reports will document reductions in emissions as well as the volume of waste converted into productive resources.
