Arab Environment Watch : Campaign for recycling of used Mobiles in the UAE

Another smart idea for an environmental campaign from the UAE. Public figures are putting efforts together to encourage youth to get involved in a campaign for the collection and recycling of used mobile phones. With the exponential increase of mobile phone use and penetartion in the Arab world and the short life span of a mobile this idea can well be replicated in many other countries. This is new item from Mena Report.

Arab racing driver Basil Shaaban believes a nationwide environmental drive to gather old and damaged mobile phones for recycling can accelerate the growth of all-round environmental awareness in the UAE.

Shaaban, who is bidding to become the first Arab to compete in Formula One, added his support to the EnviroFone campaign today when he dropped off an unwanted handset in Dubai. “I’d like to see many more people, particularly young Arabs, supporting this campaign and doing more to protect the environment they live and work in,” said Shaaban, who is back in action in the F3 Euro Series in Barcelona at the weekend.

“We’ve lagged behind in environmental responsibility for too long in this part of the world. This campaign can do a lot to raise awareness and accelerate the process by which people generally take better care of the environment.”

Shaaban, who was born in Beirut and raised in Abu Dhabi, added: “Changing attitudes to the environment, and building a greater sense of responsibility, is a long-term challenge for the UAE and the rest of the region. The EnviroFone campaign is a good start, and by preventing thousands of mobile phones from being dumped, with the risk of harmful chemicals polluting water supplies and damaging the environment, it can only help towards achieving the long-term environmental goals.”

More than 75,000 unused mobiles have been collected since mid-June. Earning instant prizes and a chance to win more rewards, the public also help charity when handing in unwanted mobiles at drop box locations across the UAE.

or every phone collected five Dirhams is donated to Gulf for Good, the UAE-based charity that organises adventure challenges to raise funds for carefully selected needy causes. Drop boxes are located at ENOC petrol stations in Dubai, all ADNOC petrol stations in Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates, Etisalat and du business centres, Al Rostamani currency exchange houses, Spinneys supermarkets, Magrudy’s Book Stores, Lamcy Plaza in Dubai and FedEx locations in the UAE.

Those disposing of unwanted phones in the EnviroFone drop boxes earn instant rewards such as a money off Etisalat and du bills and pre-paid cards, discounts at Japan Furniture Store and Magrudy’s book stores, and free transactions at Al Rostamani exchange houses.

They also go into a raffle for monthly prizes such as Virgin Atlantic return tickets to London, and thousands of Air Miles which can be redeemed for a wide range of rewards.