Khaleej Times

DFC inspires residents to go green with reusable bottles

- SM Ayaz Zakir ayaz@khaleejtim­es.com

The ongoing Dubai Fitness Challenge has not only instilled a love for fitness and exercise among people in the city, but also a keen sense of responsibi­lity towards the environmen­t.

Many residents participat­ing in the fitness challenge have nearly stopped using single-use plastics.

“As I registered for the fitness challenge on Day-1 at the Kite Beach Fitness Village, I was given an attractive fluorescen­t temperatur­e-controlled reusable water bottle,” said Andy Cliff, fitness enthusiast and a resident of Dubai's JVC area.

Before registerin­g for the chal- lenge, Cliff was trying hard to stop the usage of plastic. “Since the first day of the challenge, I can proudly say that I have reduced it to a very large extent,” he said, adding that he has decided to cut single-use plastic from his life, and convince his friends and family to do so as well.

Another fitness enthusiast who was a regular at the Kite Beach Fitness Village believes the fitness challenge has encouraged him to switch to reusable containers. Alif, a Kenyan expat in Dubai, said: “It began with carrying the reusable bottles to Kite Beach. I filled up my bottle while entering and exiting from the water taps installed at the venue. (Using the reusable bottle) made me feel proud.”

“It gradually became a habit, and I will try to continue with this noble habit of mine by starting with the water bottle and then moving on to other single-use plastics.”

Filipino expat Ion Gonzaga is among many who believe that DFC has encouraged his own ecofriendl­y lifestyle. “I have been following a strict routine of not using plastics and have been following it for a long time, and DFC has had a very big contributi­on towards it,” said Gonzaga.

“I'm concerned about the unmindful use of plastic bottles. Especially as a runner, I see these bottles every week I run. I hope people will carry refillable bottles and refill stations in the city will increase soon.”

 ?? — supplied photos ?? DFC participan­ts at Kite Beach have eschewed single-use plastic bottles.
— supplied photos DFC participan­ts at Kite Beach have eschewed single-use plastic bottles.
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 ?? ?? Ion Gonzaga (above) and Alif (below) have switched to using refillable bottles.
Ion Gonzaga (above) and Alif (below) have switched to using refillable bottles.

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