Dubai:Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) has once again rallied the nation for its 23rd Cycle of the Can Collection Day. The drive brought together more than 200 entities from all the Emirates to participate in the event. The combined effort of various hotels, families, academic institutions and corporations reeled in 5,267 kg of Aluminium Cans for recycling. EEG achieved 77.8 % of the target and therefore urges all sectors of the society to achieve the set target of 20,000 Kgs till December.
Mrs. Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group greatly appreciated the fact that over the last 23 years, the Can Collection Campaign has seen a tremendous growth and participation from the people of UAE socity. Since its inception in 1997, EEG has managed to collect 328,674 kg of Aluminium Cans which has resulted in the mitigation of 4,933 MTCO2e, saving of 7,978 m3 of landfill space and the conservation of 74,801 million BTU of energy.
EEG has always strived to educate and raise awareness of the community on conservation issues through active and action oriented programmes. Besides Aluminium Cans, EEG also facilitates the collection of Paper, Plastic, Glass Bottles, Toners and Mobile phones for recycling. By conducting such campaigns, EEG is constantly adding on to the aim of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Particularly Goal No.12 which calls on the importance of Sustainable Consumption and production.
The campaign’s success was due to the collaboration and commitment of various government, corporate and academic institutions, once again highlighting EEG’s attempt to implement UN SDG no 17: Effective Partnerships for Sustainable Development.  Mrs. Al Mar’ashi expressed her gratitude to Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA) for coming on board as a co-sponsor for the Can Collection Campaign 2019. EEG also appreciates the support of Dubai Municipality, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA), Ajman Tourism Development Department, Abela & Co, AF Constructions LLC, American International School of Abu Dhabi, Tristar, McDonald’s UAE, and Lucky Recycling for helping make this campaign a success.
Despite the tremendous support and active participation from various entities across the UAE, EEG still faced an uphill challenge in engaging the majority of hospitality sector, construction sector and the retailers. The Can collection Drive is an effective way to embrace goal number 17 of the United Nations Sustinable Developmetn Goals, by effectively collaborating with differenct sectors of society for a sustainable tomorrow. We hope more hotels, restaurants, companies, schools, familes will be engaged with us in the campaign in 2020.

The dedication of the people living in UAE and their conscience to protect the environment reflected through this campaign. The top collectors of the Can Collection Campaign in 2019 will be awarded on the World Environment Day in 2020 at the prestigious Emirates Recycling Awards. EEG urges all the sectors of the society in the UAE to continue their proactive work by joining hands to eliminate pollution of all kinds and its effects on the country and planet.