Latest news with #CleanEnvironment
Zawya
31-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: N. Sharqiyah introduces 'plastic-free market' initiative to promote environmental sustainability
N. Sharqiyah – The Environment Authority in North Sharqiyah governorate has launched a new initiative titled 'Plastic-Free Market' under the slogan 'Towards a Clean and Sustainable Environment in North Sharqiyah Markets.' The campaign aims to reduce plastic consumption and raise environmental awareness in cooperation with various government and private entities. Mohammed bin Amer al Hajri, Director of the Environment Authority in North Sharqiyah, stated that the initiative is part of the authority's ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability and reduce reliance on plastic bags. It seeks to instill a culture of using environmentally friendly alternatives by focusing on commercial markets and shopping centers. As part of the campaign, the authority distributed 250 reusable bags, 45 awareness brochures, and 200 multilingual leaflets in Arabic, English, and Urdu to ensure broad community engagement. Al Hajri emphasized that the initiative not only supports the implementation of the ministerial decision to ban plastic bags but also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The campaign activities will continue through the end of the year, aiming to encourage behavioral change among both businesses and consumers in support of environmental protection. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
30-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
North Al Sharqiyah launches "Plastic-Free Market" initiative
Muscat: The Environment Authority in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate today launched the "Plastic-Free Market" initiative, operating under the slogan "Towards a Clean and Sustainable Environment in North Al Sharqiyah Markets." This initiative is a collaborative effort involving several government and private entities. Mohammed bin Amer Al Hajri, Director of the Environment Authority North Al Sharqiyah, stated that the initiative is part of the authority's broader efforts to promote environmental sustainability and reduce plastic consumption. It also aims to raise community awareness about the dangers of plastic bags and encourage the use of environmentally friendly alternatives. Al Hajri emphasized that the initiative specifically targets commercial markets and shopping centers to reduce plastic waste and drive behavioural change. This will be achieved through the active participation of both the public and local businesses in environmental protection efforts. As part of the launch, the initiative included the distribution of 250 reusable bags, 45 awareness brochures, and 200 multilingual publications in Arabic, English, and Urdu to ensure the awareness message reaches a wide audience. Al Hajri added that these activities are planned to continue until the end of the year, coinciding with the implementation of the ministerial decision to ban plastic bags. This ongoing effort is expected to significantly contribute to achieving the Sultanate's Sustainable Development Goals.
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Thembisa NPO turns dumping sites into community spaces
The local environmental NPO Clean Environment has been on a mission to tackle illegal dumping across Thembisa since 2017, transforming more than 100 dumping sites into sustainable spaces like mini gardens, car washes and small parks. The Tsenelong Section NPO has built a reputation for reclaiming neglected areas, turning them into clean, functional community spaces. The NPO aims to remove waste and create environments that discourage future dumping. 'This started in our section,' said Tshepang Motaung, the co-founder of Clean Environment. ALSO READ: Illegal dumping now criminal offence in Ekurhuleni 'We noticed many tenants dumping plastic and rubbish in open spaces. What motivated us to keep going is that many communities supported us, and after we cleaned, they maintained the spaces. Not all areas do, but most of them.' The group, comprising five dedicated volunteers with the NPO since the beginning, also runs weekly educational campaigns in communities to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal dumping and promote a cleaner environment. One of the NPO's milestones was launching its recycling business, now in its second year. 'When cleaning, we noticed many recyclables. That's when the idea for a recycling business started,' Motaung said. The income supports their clean-up efforts, although financial challenges persist. 'We don't always have PPE or the tools we need, so we bring what we can from home to keep going.' While community members often respond positively during clean-ups, maintaining the cleaned spaces remains challenging. 'Some areas go back to being dumping grounds shortly after we clean,' Motaung explained. ALSO READ: Illegal dumping on Modderfontein Road remains an eyesore The NPO tries to involve local ward councillors in their campaigns, but often ends up working alone. However, the CoE's Thembisa Waste Office was a consistent supporter, helping with rubbish collection, tractor loader backhoes and tipper trucks for rubble removal. One of their most impactful recent projects was cleaning a bridge that had become a health hazard and an obstacle for pedestrians. 'The waste blocked the bridge, so crossing it was unsafe. We couldn't just walk past, so we organised a clean-up,' said Motaung. The team restored the bridge with support from the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), the Dipalesa Foundation and two community members. Looking ahead, Clean Environment plans to launch a campaign called #KeGame in partnership with the WESSA. This initiative will combine clean-ups with educational awareness drives in Thembisa, running weekly or biweekly. An upcoming focus area will be Winnie Mandela Zone 4. 'We randomly select some of the worst dumping sites and clean them to benefit the community. We're committed to keeping Thembisa clean, one spot at a time,' Motaung said. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
