The Sustainable City – Dubai has taken a significant step towards promoting environmental awareness and community engagement by unveiling a communal art mural made entirely from recycled plastic. This initiative, in celebration of Plastic Free July, was a collaborative effort involving residents and students from Fairgreen International School and Sanad Village. The mural, now proudly displayed on a central community wall in The Sustainable City Plaza, stands as a symbol of creativity, community spirit, and the ongoing battle against plastic pollution.
The creation of the mural was more than just an art project; it was a communal, inclusive activity that brought together diverse groups within the community to foster creativity and promote sustainability. The recycled plastic used for the mural was collected by Tadweer Waste Management, demonstrating the practical application of recycling efforts in an artistic and meaningful way.
The Sustainable City is committed to fostering an educational culture that empowers residents and visitors to engage deeply with environmental issues. Since 2019, the Plaza shops have successfully adopted a single-use plastic-free strategy, significantly reducing the community’s plastic footprint. This initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader environmental strategy, which includes a recently introduced city-wide ban on single-use bags. This ban encompasses plastic, paper, and biodegradable bags, with plans to gradually eliminate other single-use plastic items such as straws, cups, cutlery, and food containers by 2026.
Beyond the mural, The Sustainable City has consistently championed the repurposing of materials. Playgrounds and the animal sanctuary within the community, for instance, have been constructed using repurposed construction waste. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to reduce waste, avoid single-use plastics, and encourage the recycling and reuse of materials.
The unveiling of the communal art mural serves as a powerful reminder of the collective efforts needed to combat plastic pollution. It stands as a testament to the creativity and community spirit of The Sustainable City’s residents and serves as an educational tool to inspire others to think creatively about sustainability.
As Plastic Free July continues, The Sustainable City invites everyone to visit the mural and participate in the ongoing initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting a sustainable lifestyle. This project not only highlights the importance of environmental stewardship but also showcases the power of community collaboration in creating a greener, more sustainable future.