SOCIAL

Recycling: A myth or reality!

If you ever get a chance to pass by a dustbin, one look at it and you could estimate the amount of empty tins, cartons, plastics, newspapers, bottles that are disposed off. To the normal public this might be nothing but ask an environmentalist and you will be lectured about the advantages of recycling, what we may call 'junk'.

No reputed company nowadays will even think of going against the saying of the environmentalist as they know the effect that would have on their business. It’s a common understanding that reputed companies should be aware of their social responsibilities. This could be in terms of charity, employment or recycling for that matter.

"We have a strict recycling policy in place, all the used papers are to go in the recycling bin that is put in the company, and no rough paper has to be seen in the dustbin, though we do not have a recycling bin to put bottles and cans but we are not allowed to use any plastic items. The plastic glasses, plates and spoons are altered by melamine plates, spoons and pure glasses so that it could be used on a daily basis." says Mrs. Sangeeta, an accountant in Emirates Speciality Company.

It is important for companies to have recycling policies in place and to follow it adamantly but what about the small little shops that the normal public deal with on the daily basis. Like groceries, laundries, tailor shops or others that are situated in the residential areas. When questioned about recycling half of them do not even know what it means or about its advantages. But if we go deeper into their business we realize that even though they are unaware of the term they still do their bit based on ethics and morality.

"Sometimes some customers, gives us clothes for stitching but do not come to collect them back then we give away these clothes to the needy when they come to ask for it as the clothes are new and its not right to throw them away. This way we earn respect from the public and also feel inner satisfaction" says Jamal Ahmed who is the tailor and the Manager of Hussain bin Yaqub tailoring.

It's not only charity that is followed but a lot more people recycle when it comes to certain other stuff like plastic bags, cartons, clothes etc.
"We use oil maximum of two times if we feel it is not spoilt" says Mr. Hyder.K.P, Manager of Muneera cafeteria. "We cannot reuse much, but then we use plastic bags in the dustbins and reuse the used paper when we have any office work for our own records, and also reuse files whose documents are of no more use." says Mr. Anub Abdullah, sales person of a typing shop.

Similarly, to my surprise many people were aware of the recycling bins that are put on the bus stops where papers, tins and other items are disposed off separately. Most of the people use it when they pass through it and many go especially just to dispose off their items. "I often use the recycling bins, and also give away cartons to anyone who needs them while going to their home country as its feasible and convenient for them." says Mr. Junaid Abu Baker, Delivery man in a grocery.

Recycling is just not a myth but an activity people do quiet often though subconsciously. But it is an act of morality for some while it is duty for the others. But even though recycling is followed still efforts should be made by the government to promote it more and spread literacy amongst these small shops. Their effort of having recycle bins on every bus stop is a good one and has not gone waste. But further measures should be taken to make the world a much better place to live in and to let our future generation lead their life in a better environment.