Abu dhabi: The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) has revealed the results of a public opinion survey on the emirate's single-use plastics policy, launched by EAD in 2020 as a strategic step to promote environmental sustainability and reduce the negative effects of excessive plastic consumption.
According to Emirates News Agency, the policy set an example that contributed to the national ban and regulation of plastic products at the federal level. The agency reported significant achievements since the policy's launch, including preventing the consumption of over 470 million single-use plastic bags and reducing the number of bags at major retail outlets by up to 95 per cent. Additionally, approximately 267 million plastic bottles were collected either directly from homes or through more than 170 smart recycling machines located throughout the emirate. This initiative helped prevent 7,386 tonnes of plastic from being diverted to landfill, with the emissions avoided estimated to be equivalent to removing 185,000 fuel-powered vehicles from the road for one year.
Continuing this approach, in line with the national plastic ban implemented at the beginning of this year, the agency conducted a survey showing a significant increase in public awareness of the negative environmental impact of plastics. Over 5,000 people from 126 nationalities participated in the survey, with 96 per cent of respondents acknowledging the risks plastic poses to the environment. Furthermore, 96 per cent indicated their personal commitment to reducing plastic product use by adopting simple, sustainable daily practices, reflecting a shift in societal behaviour towards more responsible consumption patterns.
This shift was not limited to the environmental aspect alone; it extended to the health dimension as well. 95 per cent of respondents confirmed their awareness of the health risks associated with using plastic products. Participants also praised the clarity of the agency's awareness messages, with 89 per cent expressing satisfaction with the campaigns and their effectiveness in raising public awareness.
Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the EAD, stated that these survey results reflect the success of the agency's efforts to raise environmental awareness among the community and confirm their commitment to sustainable consumption habits. The community's knowledge of the associated risks and its positive response to adopted policies motivate the agency to continue developing environmental programmes and initiatives in line with Abu Dhabi's sustainability goals. These results serve as a basis for reviewing policies, developing future plans, and supporting innovation in environmentally friendly alternatives.
On both the economic and governance fronts, the survey revealed public support for environmentally friendly alternatives. 89 per cent of respondents considered the prices of alternative bags reasonable, while 88 per cent expressed support for directing revenue from bag fees towards environmental protection projects. Furthermore, 95 per cent of those surveyed indicated that current procedures and laws are effective, affirming their confidence in the agency's decisions and policies.
These results reinforce national efforts, notably the federal government's decision to ban single-use plastics, embodying the country's commitment to sustainability. The survey findings indicate positive public response to this decision and to the adoption of consumer behaviours aligned with national goals to reduce plastic pollution. 93 per cent of participants expressed overall satisfaction with the survey. EAD confirmed that the findings reflect the community's commitment to the goals of the federal ban and enhance Abu Dhabi's leading position in reducing plastic use and protecting the environment, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.