My Tree in Dubai

This campaign was launched by the EEG on the 7^th of February, with an objective of increasing participation in its waste management programs and more specially, paper collection campaign. The first phase was organized on the 24^th of April, commemorating Earth Day, giving participants an opportunity to give back to Mother Earth. A total of 250 trees were planted on this day. EEG has been able to collect and divert from the landfills a whopping total of 30 tons from the launch of the campaign until today!

The ever popular social networking site Facebook was used as a medium for people to participate and record their collections. As a powerful outreach mechanism, EEG used Facebook to reach into peoples’ homes and successfully linked the popular social site with their environmental campaign. The application went down a storm and turned the tables on traditional means of environmental awareness. With every age group and nationality engaged in Facebook, EEG successfully tapped into the potential of a vast group. By visiting www.mytreeindubai.com and following the simple steps, participants were able to start recycling immediately. A minimum of 60 kilograms of paper had to be collected by them in order to get a tree exclusively in their names.

According to EEG Chairperson, Mrs. Habiba Al Marashi, “For the first time, EEG has given people the chance to recycle their paper into trees and see the results for themselves. All the planted trees will be a part of UNEP’s Billion Tree Campaign, which we are very proud to be a part of.”

The participants of the second phase of the campaign ranged from individuals, families, private establishments, corporate companies, government institutions and the media. There was a sense of excitement in the air as all participants were ecstatic to see placards with their names next to their trees.

The popularity and excitement related to the My Tree in Dubai campaign has been unprecedented. EEG, along with the constant support of Dubai Municipality, has managed to inculcate an interest in the general public towards environmentalism through this innovative campaign. EEG would like to extend its appreciation to Dubai Municipality, its volunteers and all those who participated in My Tree in Dubai, making it a huge success.