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More than 100,000 People and Organisations Commit to Going Paperless on June 3

More than 100,000 people and organisations have committed so far to participate in Paper-Less Day, which is being organized by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi ( EAD ) on June 3, 2010.

On Paper-Less Day, all participating organisations and individuals will stop all non-essential printing and copying of paper. This is in order to help raise awareness about the growing problem of excessive paper use and its contribution to global warming and how organisations can become more efficient by using less paper. Following this, EAD will be evaluating the amount of paper saved, in terms of trees saved.

As part of EAD preparations for that day, an orientation meeting was held today (Monday) at EAD 's headquarters at the Mamoura Auditorium. The meeting was attended by the government and non-government organisations committed to participate on that Day.

"Through Paper-Less Day, we want to show that it is possible to reduce carbon emissions without it impacting on an organisation's performance. We are also helping the government and private sector to reduce their water and energy footprint by reducing their dependence on paper," said Gayatri Raghwa, Specialist in Environmental Education, EAD .

EAD is encouraging individuals and organisations to move from 'raising awareness' to 'action' by helping to make a positive change in people's attitude and behavior towards paper consumption.

The idea of a Paper-Less Day came about in 2008 when EAD collaborated with ADGAS to commemorate World Environment Day under the theme "CO2: Kick the Habit." Following the success of that day in raising awareness, EAD decided to take things a notch higher and in 2009 managed to have 12 organisations on board for a Paper-Less day. Paper use was reduced and more awareness was generated about this issue within Abu Dhabi Emirate.

This year, EAD aims to make Paper-Less Day a global initiative in the hopes of achieving a higher target in terms of carbon emissions avoided and paper reduced.

A dedicated website has been developed to help organisations and individuals interested in knowing more about Paper-Less participating in the day (www.paperlessday.ae).

Among EAD partners in the Paper-Less Day on June 3, 2010 are BP, Shell, Masdar, Abu Dhabi Department of Transport, ADGAS , Executive Affairs Authority, Department of Economic Development, Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA), Abu Dhabi Women's College, National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), Statistic Center - Abu Dhabi, Al Ain Distribution Company, KEO International Consultants, Al Dar and Al Fara'a Group. In addition 98 organizations from all over UAE and 18 Academic institutions confirmed their participation on that day.

More About Paper and Climate Change

Since paper is so easily available at our disposal, it is usually very common for us to forget its enormous and severe environmental impact. One of the most important and possibly least understood impacts from the paper industry is climate change. Every step in the life cycle phase of a sheet of paper contributes to global warming right from cutting down trees to producing the pulp and paper to its eventual disposal. The decomposition of paper in landfills produces methane, a very potent greenhouse gas. The paper production process in addition to creating a loss of habitat for numerous plant and animal species also pollutes the air and water with toxic chemicals such as mercury and dioxin.

Facts About Paper

Source: The Daily Green, a popular bulletin on the Green revolution, has summarized the Environmental Paper Network report on "The State of the Paper Industry". http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/7447?click=main_sr

Forests store 50% of the world's terrestrial carbon. In other words, they are awfully important "carbon sinks" that hold onto pollution that would otherwise lead to global warming.

Half the world's forests have already been cleared or burned, and 80% of what's left has been seriously degraded.

-Ends-

About Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi ( EAD )
The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi ( EAD ) is a governmental agency that was established in 1996. We are committed to protecting and managing biodiversity, providing a clean environment and promoting Sustainable Development in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. We provide a direction for Government, business and the community to build environmental considerations into the way they plan and live without compromising Abu Dhabi development. Since 2008, EAD has been awarded ISO 9001 for Quality; ISO 14001 for Environment and ISO 18001 for Health and Safety.

For Further Information, Please Contact:
Mrs. Sobhia El Masri
Senior Media Relations Coordinator
Environment Awareness Sector
Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi
Tel: +9712 6934637
Mobile: +97150 4450323
Fax: +9712 4464799
Email: selmasri@ead.ae
Website: www.ead.ae

© Press Release 2010