The Naameh landfill is still closed, Sukleen stopped working, garbage is invading our streets and some idiots have started burning trash not knowing that it’s very dangerous for their health and the environment. The government failed today to reach a decision which is not surprising because the solutions offered are not feasible and Minister Mashnouq should have thought of a contingency plan before reaching this stage.
Everyone is blaming the government for the garbage crisis but I will not waste my time pointing fingers because 1) our officials are all useless and 2) we don’t need more waste. Of course tweeting and nagging online about garbage is also sort of useless, but what we can do is spread awareness and help people take action by reducing waste and not make things worse.
To begin with, I advise everyone NOT to burn trash and REPORT anyone who does that to the police because it adds to air pollution, create an unpleasant smell especially when burning plastic, rubber or painted material and can produce a range of poisonous compounds. Moreover, fire can spread to buildings and trees and damage public properties. Yesterday, several Ogero units got damaged because of these fires and Beirut’s Fire Departments stated that it “doused more 140 fires set on dumpsters across Beirut since Monday”.
How to reduce waste?
I know Lebanese will not start recycling all of a sudden but there are ways to reduce waste, so please read them carefully and try to apply them as of tomorrow morning.
1- Bring home less stuff, Buy only what you need and buy in bulk
Next time you head to the supermarket, think about what you need and how you plan to use it before you buy. Avoid buying unnecessary products or stuff that you know you will end up throwing away. Avoid individually wrapped items and buy in bulk the items (preferably recyclable) that you use regularly to save money and reduce waste.
2- Stop ordering food:
I know this will upset many restaurants but avoid ordering food for now. Cook your own meal, prepare your own sandwiches or ask your mother to cook for you. You will end pleasing your mom, eating healthier food and reducing waste.
3- Use clothes instead of paper towels in the kitchen, go paperless at work:
Whenever you’re cooking in the kitchen or cleaning, avoid using paper towels and use instead cloth rags. As for work, try to reduce the amount of papers you’re printing and use every side of a notebook. Reduce the amount of unwanted mail you get and choose to have your statements and bills sent to you by email.
4- Avoid plastic cups, bottles and bags.
You’d be surprised by how many plastic cups you throw away every day. Get your own mug to work and avoid using plastic cups. Also whenever you are shopping for stuff, try to buy a recyclable bag and avoid using plastic grocery bags. It won’t cost you a thing and some supermarkets offer them for free. As far as water is concerned, try to buy reusable water bottles instead of the plastic ones you throw away.
5- Give away or sell the stuff you don’t need
Don’t just throw stuff in the garbage. Check to see if anyone is interested in buying things you don’t need and seek NGOs and organizations that collect trash and recyclable stuff. I will post on all the companies that recycle in Lebanon to help you out.
The above steps don’t require a government decision but individual efforts from each and every one of us. I will start implementing these tips and I hope you do the same to help reduce waste, encourage recycling and protect the environment and Lebanon for the generations to come. Recycling can be achievable and I’m asking around to see how we can help municipalities start recycling the soonest.
Update: Here are the companies in Lebanon that recycle with all the information you need. Please make good use of this list and share it with all your friends.
Most of you are already familiar with Ziad Abi Chaker’s Cedar Environmental Initiative. You can read more about it [here] and contact him at the below numbers:
Office Phone: +961 1 389404
Mobile: +961 3 293222
e-mail: info@cedarenv.com(contact person Ziad Abichaker)
Address: Cedar Eco-Industrial Park, Abou Mizane, Bickfaya – Lebanon.
Here’s the full list that is being shared online:
Paper:
Earth organization – Baabda Lebanon
05/923060
Arc En Ciel – Sin el Fil
01/495561/5
Al Isgha2 Organization – Beirut
70/391908 – 03/655386
Lebanese Cardboard Corporation – Wadi Chahrour
05/940248 – 05/940403
Sipco – Kfarshima
05/433553
Sicomo – Kab Elias Bekaa
08/500550
Mimosa – Zahle/ Ka3 el Rim
06/401876/7 – 08/823600
Unipack Tissue Mill – Halat
09/478911
Glass
Soliver – Choueifat
05/803903
United Glass – Tripoli
06/389107
Al Zoujaj Al Yadawi – Sarafand/Saida
03/906091
Plastic
Arc En Ciel – Sin el Fil
01/495561/5
Al Isgha2 Organization – Beirut
70/391908 – 03/655386
Plast Wood – Sin el Fil
01/491152
Lebanese Recycling Works – Roumieh
01/890383
Kilzi – Jdeideh Fanar
01/872133/4/5
Alpha Plast Bur el Brajneh
03/750290
Lefico – Sar3een Bekaa
08/921222
Mazar Plast – Kab Elias
08/500683
Yaza Plast – Ain Baal Tyre
03/282780
Asia Plast – Tyr
03/745000
Yehya el Hariri – Saida
07/190732
Plastic South – Zahrani Saida
03/433310
Plastic Chim – Zahrani Saida
07/223535 – 03/337788
Publitex – Chouf
03/607678
Raw Materials
Runwaste – Jnah
03/901251
Charmtal – Chatilla Beirut
01/823675
Mohammad Tawil – Choueifat
05/482090
Abu Ahmad Al Achhab & Haneen – Ta3adod Riyak Baalbeck
03/201324
Ahmad Khalife – Saida
07/222106 – 03/234514
Aluxal – Choueifat
05/480406/7/8
Al Araibi – Taanayel Zahle
08/510194
Lebanese Company for Raw Materials – Baddawi Tripoli
03/281434
Electronic waste
Al Isgha2 Organization – Beirut
70/391908 – 03/655386
Be2itna – Dora Beirut
01/249653 – 71974751
Tires
MEPS – Beirut
70/391908 – 03/655386
OLA 3R – Nabatieh
03/977041
Via Paul Abi Rached. Thank you Mounia!