HOW KIDS CAN SAVE OUR PLANET FROM LITTERBUGS
The youth can play a ‘very important role’ in keeping the UAE clean, a top environmentalist has said. Habiba Al Marashi, co-founder and chairperson of the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), told Khaleej Times that littering can be combatted if youngsters get more involved in creating solutions.
She believes ambitious children and teens often “grab the attention” of adults, which then inspires decision-makers to take action against problems such as littering.
Al Marashi made the comments on the sidelines of an Earth Day celebration event held by the EEG, where over 400 students in 60 teams carried out presentations on food wastage; artificial intelligence and the environment; healthcare; and climate change.
Speaking on littering, she said: “Awareness is very important. We can have as many laws and regulations in the country, but if we don’t simultaneously work on raising awareness and publicising these kinds of issues, we will not get the desired results.
“Education institutions play a big role because these students can be your rangers (ones who fine litterbugs on the spot). They can create much more impact than any adult can in one time. I really believe the student community should be engaged on an individ
ual level, on a school level and overall.”
Schools from all over the UAE are taking part in the twoday event, which continues today. Star International School, JSS International School, Cambridge International School, New Academy School and GEMS Our Own Indian High School are some of the academic institutions that participated.
Al Marashi said one of the EEG’s main missions is focused on building the capacities of future generations. On Monday, the students carried out presentations on preventing food wastage to reach ‘zero hunger’. Some students also touched on points that shed light on how people litter with plastic wrappers after eating their meals.
“It’s very important that the right message is disseminated to them so they can make right decisions. When you engage them in research, you’re opening their eyes and minds to issues that are critical and overlooked by their generation.
“So, how can the issue go mainstream? By involving the youth in research, and when they start doing it, they start seeing the size of this global problem,” she said.
“We engage the teachers, faculty and principals — everyone is involved. We want the youth to see the problems, look into them in their own perspectives, and produce solutions.”
We can have as many laws and regulations in the country, but if we don’t simultaneously work on raising awareness and publicising these kinds of issues, we will not get the desired results.”
Habiba Al Marashi, co-founder and chairperson, Emirates Environmental Group