Sunday 06 / October / 2024
Recycling has emerged as a key solution to two pressing environmental issues: reducing the strain on landfills and repurposing waste into valuable resources. Al Assalah Towers, a residential complex in Ghubra, Muscat is leading by example with a comprehensive recycling program that has been fully embraced by its residents.
The community has installed designated recycling bins and follows a stringent waste segregation system. With an efficient weekly door-to-door collection in place, over 10 tons of recyclable materials have been diverted from landfills in the past two years. This initiative has also helped reduce an estimated 28 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, demonstrating the residents’ dedication to sustainability. This has been highlighted by the recycling partner, Recycling Services LLC.
In addition to the environmental benefits, the recycling program has fostered a strong sense of social responsibility within the community. Recently, a group of young residents gave the recycling bin a colourful new look. Under the leadership of young artist Pritisha Bhatnagar and supported by fellow youth artists Reeti Sharma, Anushka Singhal, Nidhi Roshan, Mehal Sharma, and Ekshith, the project was a creative collaboration. With guidance from resident professional artists Pragya Bhatnagar and Geetha Arul, the team transformed the bin into an artistic symbol of sustainability.
The redesigned bin not only enhances the aesthetic of the community but also serves as a reminder of the importance of recycling. The young artists' work has inspired others in the neighbourhood to actively engage in waste segregation, further embedding recycling as a daily practice at Al Assalah Towers.
Sweatha, Swapna, Sindhu, Fairose and Ritu have been working for this initiative for the last 5 years. Ritu Kalpesh, spokesperson of the Go Green Team at Al Assalah Towers, shared her enthusiasm about the project: “Our community’s dedication to recycling has not only made a significant environmental impact but has also brought us closer together."
The community encourages other neighbourhoods to launch similar initiatives. Those interested in starting their own recycling programs can contact [email protected] for guidance.
