https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zve70VxJ6lXe2Tv6FluCsr1w6whfdCp1FWlxtWNVsFI/edit?usp=drivesdk

Advising the sharjah goverment to ban single-use plastic and support alternative delivery systems based on reuse and refill.

Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, as rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products overwhelms the world’s ability to deal with them. Plastic pollution is most visible in developing Asian and African nations, where garbage collection systems are often inefficient or nonexistent. But the developed world, especially in countries with low recycling rates, also has trouble properly collecting discarded plastics. Plastic trash has become so ubiquitous it has prompted efforts to write a global treaty negotiated by the United Nations.

Microplastics are breaking down further into smaller and smaller pieces. Plastic microfibers, meanwhile, have been found in municipal drinking water systems and drifting through the air.

Millions of animals are killed by plastics every year, from birds to fish to other marine organisms. Nearly 700 species, including endangered ones, are known to have been affected by plastics. Nearly every species of seabird eats plastics.

Letter to decision maker copy:

Dear Sharjah government,

I am sure that you are aware that plastic waste is a big problem across the world, mostly because of single-use plastic.

A plastic bag ban would be a big relief on the pressure landfills are experiencing at the moment. A ban would not only reduce plastic bag waste but plastic waste in general. Most of the trash on the streets comprises of plastic bags. Banning them would keep the streets and the environment cleaner.

As a voting citizen, I want to see some changes, most urgently Sharjah government laws that lay down:

Ban and recycle plastic bags

Since there is already a price when we purchase something and need a plastic bag(25fils). Another thing is that Many thrift stores will re-use plastic bags for their merchandise. Some department stores and grocery stores will also often have a location where you can drop off clean and dry your plastic bags to be recycled.

Ban plastic straws

We can use metal straws as an alternative To plastic straws and also, These straws are not recyclable so they end up in landfills and incinerators as well as littering our streets, parks and roadsides, clogging our gutters, rivers, lakes, streams, and polluting our environment where they may persist for more than 200 years.

Keep a Tab

In order to be successful in this mission, we must keep reminding ourselves about the harmful effects of the plastic bags on our nature and keep a tab on their use. Gradually, we will become habitual to doing without these bags.

Seek Alternatives

There are many eco-friendly alternatives to plastic bags like reusable jute or cloth bag.

Reuse

We must reuse the plastic bags we already have at home as many times as we can before throwing them away.

Spread Awareness

While the government is spreading awareness about the harmful effects of plastic bags, we can also spread awareness through word of mouth.

Your actions as a local decision maker are crucial. You will not only help the environment but will also strengthen the local economy by promoting more local jobs and relieving the pressure on the waste management infrastructure.