RCSI BAHRAIN TRANSLATING WASTE INTO CHARITY

Despite the growing public awareness of global warming and the need to conserve the earth’s precious resources people worldwide continue to live as if there is no limit to our space and to our resources. In 2008, Bahrain produced 1.7 million tonnes of rubbish. That’s nearly 4,700 tonnes each day and approximately two tonnes per person, annually. Recycling, though a massive industry in many countries, is almost non-existent in the country.
The university was directed towards Bahrain Environment Services Association by Ms Danah Smith, an RCSI Bahrain academic. This provided an opportunity to develop and establish a system in the college through which any monies received would be donated to charity. . The money raised from the waste collected is directed towards a Bahrain based charity: The Mother & Child Welfare Society.

Already having a “limited” photocopy and printing policy in place, a decision was made to supply receptacles at each copier and special bins in Stephens Green, to collect alumni cans and plastic bottles. All newspapers and magazines are regularly collected from the offices by the Estates Department and any shredding is bagged into the company’s hessian bags that they provide. Speaking on behalf of the RCSI Bahrain Club: Friends of the Environment, Medical student Ali Abdulnabi Mohamed commented, “The recycling project at RCSI Bahrain was one of the most significant initiatives stared this year in the college. It does not only raise the awareness of resource recycling importance, but it also allows and encourages students and staff to participate actively in conserving and protecting the environment. Through this successful recycling initiative, medical and nursing students have the opportunity to fulfil their responsibility towards their planet and feel they are part of the efforts to preserve it. It also reflects our universities commitment to be positively involved in adding value to society, environment and ecosystem.”
The first collection of recyclable materials was collected this month, totally 40 bags of shredded paper, cans and plastic bottles, 10 large stacks of bound magazines and newspapers. This will be followed by an “RCSI Bahrain Green Campaign” which will involve further education of both staff and students.