For the third year in a row, SABIC launched Waste-Free Environment Campaign at the Dareen Beach in Jubail on Sunday as part of an initiative of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA). After a two-day stint in Jubail, it moves to Wadi Hanifa, Riyadh today (February 24) and then to Yanbu on February 25-27.

 

SABIC marks February as Environment Protection Month under the theme “Waste-Free Environment.” Utilizing its experience over the past two years, SABIC has launched its campaign this year with renewed fervor. Coinciding with this year’s campaign, SABIC has initiated a unique environmental competition for school students in Riyadh, Jubail and Yanbu under the title, “The 3 Rs” (recycle, reuse and reduce). The competition aims at encouraging eco-friendly behavior among students.

 

This year, the Waste-Free Environment Campaign has seen a rise in the number of volunteers, mainly from governmental agencies, schools and private organizations interested in environmental affairs.

 

An exhibition is also being held as part of the campaign, besides a lecture series and entertainment shows aimed at enriching knowledge on how to preserve the environment and raising community awareness on waste-related issues. The campaign also seeks to instill a sense of environmental responsibility among individuals and companies and create awareness on dealing with waste, especially discarded plastics, and even utilizing it for economic benefits.

 

According to recent studies, the solid waste per capita in the Gulf region is among the highest globally, with an annual growth rate of 10 percent. The Kingdom's share of the solid waste in the Gulf region is the highest, representing 60 percent of the total solid waste in the region.