Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
As the circular economy gains traction in the UAE, communities are increasingly seeing discarded materials not as waste, but as resources that offer new opportunities.
This shift is becoming evident on the ground, particularly through the work of the Environment Friends Society (EFS), which has observed growing engagement among its volunteers and its expanding circle of eco-conscious citizens and residents.
“The society’s initiatives have successfully shifted the traditional view of waste from an environmental burden to a resource that can be invested in,” said Dr Ibrahim Ali Mohamed, Chairman of the Board of the EFS, pointing to the impact of its recycling programmes.
Across the UAE, innovative waste management strategies are transforming how emirates handle resources. From Abu Dhabi’s Tadweer and Dubai’s waste-to-energy projects to Sharjah’s Bee’ah, efforts are focused on boosting recycling, cutting landfill use, and promoting sustainable energy.
Momentum around these efforts is amplified on Global Recycling Day, marked annually on March 18. This year, it carried the theme “Don’t Think Waste. Think Opportunity”, underscoring the role of recycling in advancing sustainability and protecting the environment.
Dr Mohamed said lasting behavioural change can be achieved by directly linking collection efforts to tangible reuse and recycling outcomes.
“For example, used oil is converted into clean energy, and clothing is repurposed to support community work. This promotes the concept of a circular economy, creating both environmental and economic value, and encouraging the community to actively participate in sustainable solutions,” he told Aletihad.
EFS has adopted several initiatives focused on reuse and recycling, including “Mlabsy” (My Clothes), which redistributes donated clothing to those in need, and “BioZait” (Bio Oil), which converts used cooking oil into biodiesel.
It also supports the Environmental and Sustainability Passport programme, encouraging institutions to adopt sustainable practices, alongside field campaigns that promote recycling and waste sorting at the source.
Dr Mohamed highlighted the society’s growing impact in raising environmental awareness through campaigns, workshops, and educational programmes targeting schools, universities, and public and private entities. These efforts have engaged thousands in recycling initiatives, encouraged waste reduction and reuse, and helped build a strong volunteer base, contributing to a more environmentally conscious community, he said.
Dr Mohamed also underscored the importance of empowering younger generations, noting that the society actively involves the youth in field initiatives and volunteer opportunities while equipping them with practical tools to apply sustainability in their daily lives.
“Interactive methods such as environmental challenges, applied activities, and incentive programmes contribute to building a conscious and responsible generation capable of creating positive and sustainable change,” he said.
Collaborations, he added, remain central to the society’s work, enabling broader outreach and stronger implementation of initiatives.
“These partnerships contribute to providing logistical and technical support and enhance integration between different sectors to achieve sustainability goals,” Dr Mohamed said.
Reflecting on the broader impact, he said the EFS’ efforts support the circular economy by turning waste into reusable resources and improving efficiency: “These initiatives also open up new economic opportunities in recycling and sustainable energy, while supporting the country’s long-term development goals.”
