Thursday 31 / July / 2025
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.
