DITCH THOSE DISPOSABLES
EATERIES AROUND THE GLOBE ARE TURNING TO ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY OPTIONS THEREBY INSTILLING A POSITIVE GESTURE IN THE LIVES OF THEIR CONSUMERS
Eateries and supermarkets carry the serious responsibility of reducing plastic waste across the country as the quantity of plastic production continue to rise worldwide.
With a culture that relies heavily on takeaway food and deliveries, the concern of transporting singleuse plastic products on a daily basis continues to grow in the UAE. Last year, Dubai alone produced one million tonnes of plastic waste.
However, there has been a major shift among several restaurants and hotels in the country that recently ditched plastic straws and water bottles, with many food delivery platforms providing consumers with the option to order food in environment-friendly packaging and utensils. However, environmentalists stress that the responsibility lies on both sides — the provider and consumer.
Habiba Al Marashi, founder and chairperson of the Emirates Environmental Group, said consumers must have the option of avoiding plastic cutleries, utensils and unnecessary plastic-packed dipping sauces. “If they aren’t presented with this option, they must demand it from the restaurant,” said Al Marashi.
“Reducing plastic solution is everyone’s responsibility,” she added.
How harmful would small-sized straws or utensils be?
The European Union as a whole, for example, throws away 82,000 tonnes of plastic straws every 12 months. Other than its inability to decompose, between 5 million and 13 million tonnes of plastic leaks into the world’s oceans each year to be ingested by sea birds, fish and other organisms. Experts estimate that by 2050, the ocean will contain more plastic by weight than fish.
Al Marashi said the core of the problem lies in the single-use plastic products used on a daily basis. She said small actions from people can bring an end to the problem. “Instead of taking plastic cups from cafes every morning, carry your own re-usable mug or coffee/tea container and ask waiters to fill it up for you. Take your own container when ordering takeaway from a restaurant,” said Al Marashi.
She noted that restaurants must apply a discounted system for people who take up environmentfriendly habits or place recyclable containers that customers can use. “Eateries that have plastic products are also encouraged to contact environment agencies to pick it up for recycling,” she said.
Admitting to such a role is Nemir Hourani, founder and managing director of Just Salad in Dubai, who managed to save 75,000kg of plastic annually through introducing re-usable bowls for consumers to use. Customers can purchase a re-usable bowl for Dh10 and get a free premium topping or two essential toppings every time they come back to refill their bowl.
“We implemented this system when we noticed the huge number of plastic we are using as we expand in business and open new branches. We decided to wage a war on plastic,” said Hourani.
Two months ago, the restaurant ditched its plastic disposable bowls in favour of paper containers for customers who choose to go for it. The management is currently exploring fibre bowls as a safer option to the environment.
“It’s the duty of the management to make it a culture among their employees to be sustainable and this culture will slowly move to customers. Restaurants are the movers and influencers who should bring people’s attention to the small sustainable acts,” said Hourani.
He noted the huge support from people when it came to going for environment-friendly options. “With the increased awareness
about the negative impact of plastic on the environment and people’s health, you find that many customers stopped ordering cutleries. People are ready; you just need to present them with options.”
Earlier this year, Freedom Pizza launched its #StopSucking campaign, announcing it would stop providing plastic straws and cutlery, and instead provide biodegradable cutlery to consumers. Several restaurants under Gates Hospitality in Dubai, including Bistro Des Arts, Folly by Nick & Scott, Publique, Reform Social & Grill, The Black Lion, Ultra Brasserie and Via Veneto joined the movement.
Popular food ordering services, like Deliveroo and Zomato, now give users the opportunity to deselect being given plastic cutlery with their meals.
Meanwhile, McDonald’s in the UK became the latest big company that is starting to use paper straws after estimates showed 8.5 billion straws are used in Britain every year — or more than 23 million a
day —contributing to the death of marine animals.
The fast-food giant joined a list of nightclubs and restaurant venues — including Pizza Express, pub chain Wetherspoons, and supermarket Waitrose — which have pledged to dump plastic straws for bio-degradable alternatives.
Roshan Miranda, assistant FOH manager at Paperfig Desserts in Sharjah, said the shop achieved 2030 per cent plastic waste reduction since its delivery app presented customers with the option of packing eco-friendly cutleries with their takeaways just three months ago.
Ever since the shop opened in 2015, it has been serving paper straws and glass water bottles. “People’s attitude towards plastic use is changing positively. We will be able to make a difference only when we take care of the small things that pile up with time,” said Miranda. The shop is planning to organise awareness campaigns on plastic reduction over the coming months, he said.