Making a difference
A major flaw with the eco-friendly drive in the UAE is the lack of people's participation in recycling. While most of us have tons of newspapers to give for recycling, there are hardly any recycling centres at nearby stops. Some people find it difficult to recycle due to inconveniences related to time, transport and traffic.
I suggest that the concerned authorities install recycling bins in every building, where residents could deposit papers, to be collected weekly or monthly, as required. By doing so, we can make a huge difference to the current state of the environment.
From Ms Leah Ebrahim
Abu Dhabi
Not new
Reading a recent Gulf News report on the dairy biogas project in California generated as much enthusiasm as the reinvention of the wheel. Biogas has been used in India for the past 50 years.
Farmers receive good subsidies for buying and operating biogas plants, which in turn are used to produce electricity and cooking gas. Additionally, it was appalling to read the report on global warming.
When the world today is facing a shortage of natural resources, efforts from all quarters to conserve them need to be encouraged. Global warming might create pleasant conditions in the UK, but there exist many other regions where the population would be pulverised due to a rise in temperature.
From Mr W. S. Ainapure
Dubai
Ironical
Most corporate offices function inside sky-high buildings, employing educated individuals. It is interesting to note that the toilets in these places are labelled with instructions on washroom etiquette that often request users to use the bin, avoid spilling water on the floor, flush toilets and not throw used tissue paper in the toilets.
Surprisingly, these instructions are usually with illustrations wherein one might find the picture of an arrow directing towards the flush button. For some who might forget, an instruction above the washbasin reminds users to 'wash hands'.
All this is a stark contrast when one visits the labour accommodations, where instructions are most needed to create awareness but are often scarce or nil.
From Mr Narendra Sadhwani
Dubai
Avoided
I would like to give some suggestions regarding the safety of UAE roads. After the tragic accident on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai road last week, I think it is crucial to take serious action to make sure that it doesn't happen again.
My first suggestion is not to allow heavy vehicles like buses and trucks, to drive in foggy conditions. My second suggestion is to place electronic warning signs on these dangerous roads, so people can be warned before they reach the accident area.
By doing so, I think the amount of accidents could decrease drastically.
From Ms Amal Abdullah
UAE
At disposal
My concern is about the proper disposal of empty mineral water bottles. It must be the duty of all manufacturers to educate users.
Generally, people tend to tighten the bottle cap when empty, without considering the fact that it is still the same size, what with the air trapped inside.
Ideally, the bottles must be flattened, as this way, the remains of the bottle take up lesser space. However, I would appreciate it if manufacturers could print labels providing the appropriate disposal instructions.
From Mr Syed Amjad H.
Sharjah
Reaching out
I urge Gulf News to raise an awareness campaign that could help people promote legitimate car-pooling, rather than as a moneymaking service. This is a great way to save fuel and reduce pollution.
Most major countries encourage their citizens to share car rides, which in turn put less pressure on the environment and traffic.
From Ms Samina Islam
Dubai
Slow process
It took me three days to renew my licence at an RTA office on Shaikh Zayed Road. On the first day, despite waiting for hours, I had to return due to a shortage of staff - just three on that day.
The entire process was extremely slow, with one individual juggling two systems. The next day, the situation got worse with just two people attending. A while later the system crashed. I had to return a day later.
From Mr Thamban K. P.
Dubai
Shortage of staff
I got my licence renewed last week at the RTA office on Jumeirah Beach Road. There were twenty-five people in queue. After waiting for two and a half hours, I finally left. A single individual was manning all four counters at the branch.
The problem stems from a lack of staff. If the counters had adequate personnel attending, the process would probably take much less time.
From Mr Vijay Rampal
UAE
People's sake
The Al Khan Bridge on Al Wahda Road in Sharjah from Dubai has two lanes. However, driving from Ajman, there is only one lane available. Each morning, one can witness a long line of cars manoeuvring their way to get ahead of each other, often resulting in road rage and lane jumping.
Also, if a car tries to enter the second lane, they are apparently punishable by law. I would like to highlight this issue to the traffic police department for the sake of public interest.
From Mr Abood
Sharjah
Full name withheld by request
Matter of choice
I agree that the life of the common soldier is not unimportant. However, having a 'celebrity' like UK's Prince Harry around in Afghanistan increases the risk of danger to other soldiers.
It is the same situation as in when one walks on the street with a president, king or a political person - he or she is endangering their lives.
From Mr Danny Martinez
New York, USA
