MECA launches initiative to minimize use of plastic bags in the sultanate

Speaking to Muscat Daily
, an official in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs (MECA) mentioned, “The national initiative will be for two years. More than 100 participants competed for the initiative’s slogan design contest. Nada Mohammed’s entry ‘The Sustainable Lifestyle’ was chosen to be the slogan of the campaign. It focuses on recycling and minimising the use of plastic bags. We will organise the campaign under #Reduce and Replace.”

The official mentioned that the ministry aims to unite efforts amongst governmental institutions, the private sector and civil society to preserve the atmosphere, accomplish sustainable life-style and attain the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

“We aim at spreading awareness among all segments of society and various institutions in achieving environmental sustainability. This can be achieved through reduced usage of plastic bags to protect the environment. Bags made from local materials should be promoted and there should be more support for manufacturing units which support recycling.”

The official mentioned that the two-year lengthy initiative will see a number of activities such as advertising the culture of reusing eco-friendly bags, spreading environmental consciousness and sustainability values amongst kids, and encouraging innovation to use recycled components to add worth to a item. “MECA will organise events in schools, colleges, universities and shopping centres and spread awareness through local media, social media channels and educational programmes.”

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The MECA campaign will be carried out across the sultanate as it aims to cooperate with numerous governmental institutions such as the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Tourism, Muscat Municipality, the Public Authority for Radio and Television and private sector organizations to market environmental awareness.

Information Source: Muscat Daily