Meet HABIBA AL MARASHI, the woman who is trying to get Emiratis to recycle. Started in the early 1990s -  before anyone really knew what recycling was about – EEG or the Emirates Envrionmental Group, started as a grassroot project with a dozen volunteers working from their homes. Today, it’s the leading green NGO in the UAE, and one of the rare to receive international accreditation. Habiba al Marashi is also on the board of UN Global Compact (UN GC), the Women Leaders Intercultural Forum (WLIF), and one of the Founding Members of the Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC). Find out from the first Emirarti eco warrior what you can do.

How did you become one of the UAE’s most active figures with regards to environmental issues?

I am thankful if that is the public perception. My inspiration came when I was a small child looking after our garden  in our backyard, as well as my upbringing on solid Islamic teachings. This inspiration grew into a great affection for the country’s environment. We started EEG in 1991. I eventually resigned from my job in 2000 and devoted my full time to EEG. Our programs and campaigns became full blown as we respond to the challenges brought about by fast paced growth. We have to push for environmental protection in order for the gains of this growth to be sustainable.

In a few words can you describe the environmental situation in the UAE today?

There are many environmental issues that need to be addressed in the country today as a result of rapid growth. These include high energy consumption, high water consumption and a constant threat of water scarcity; high carbon emission and high solid waste output. These factors contribute to the high ecological footprint of the country. Over and above these challenges there is high level of apathy among the people due to several reasons.

How can an individual in the UAE make things better?

Our day to day choices of needs and wants dictate the size of our demand for resources. There is a strong need for environmental pro-action among the people. Business is merely meeting the demand of the market composed of ordinary people. Since our taste becomes more and more sophisticated and we consume more and more due to increasing wealth, we require more from resources and produce waste more than nature could absorb. People should lead in lowering the footprint by checking their own lifestyle choice. If we balance our needs and wants we will not require more resources from nature than we actually need to live comfortably.

How was EEG created and what has been its reach?

EEG started in September 1991 and has since grown considerably in numbers. EEG membership is composed of students, individuals, corporate members, federal and local government agencies, universities, colleges and schools as well as reputed regional and international institutions.

You are also part of the Emirates Green Building Council, tell us something about this?

I am one of the founders of the Emirates Green Building Council and EEG, a founding member of the council, is the only civil society organization in this group till date. The EGBC is a result of our campaign which started several years ago to educate people about the green buildings and the possibility of adopting its principles in the construction industry. This is a major contribution to the country’s growth and development.

Lastly, can you tell us what you carry in your handbag on an ordinary day?

I carry a wallet, ID Cards, a small mirror, a couple of pens, an eye liner, my driving license, the remote control for the house and office doors, a pair of glasses and a  small perfume bottle of Chanel which I change depending on the occasion!

Illustration by Gabriela Mot