Muscat – A group of youngsters called Gharsha, or ‘Bottle’, has launched an initiative to support needy families while creating an environment free of plastic waste.

The group has mobilised the community in Muscat to collect plastic waste, which is transported to a recycling factory with proceeds going to the needy.

Starting in May, the team launched the initiative in Muscat. Speaking to Muscat Daily, Kawthar Mujtaba al Lawati, member of Gharsha, said the team, in cooperation with Recycling Services Company, collects plastic waste from individuals, institutions and charities in Muscat.

“The idea is to recycle plastic waste and turn it into raw material that can be used by specialised companies,” she informed.

Kawthar added that the initiative aims to increase community awareness about recycling, and reduce the risks of plastic waste on wild and marine life. “By selling recycled plastic waste, the team aims to support needy families with clothing, school supplies and more,” she said.

Volunteers collect plastic bottles and inform the team via WhatsApp, who then transfer the waste to the recycling plant. “In August, we decided to establish collection points for plastic waste in each wilayat of Muscat, from where the waste is transported weekly to the factory.”

In three months, the team collected three tonnes of plastic waste. “We were pleasantly surprised by the awareness among the community and their efforts to contribute to this initiative. Some people designated an area in their homes as a collection point, while others gave suggestions that facilitated the process. Since a percentage of the financial returns go to poor families, this humanitarian aspect has increased their enthusiasm.”

As with any startup, the team is managing financial challenges to proceed with the work it has started. “Logistics is another issue we grappled with initially as providing a vehicle to collect and transport waste was not easy. Recycling Services Company came to the rescue and provided us with a truck and a driver to do the job,” said Kawthar.

About the group’s goals, she said, “The environment is our responsibility. The correct handling of plastic waste contributes greatly to its preservation. We will continue to spread environmental awareness and our voluntary work, which we hope in the near future to convert into institutional work. We also aspire to cooperate with companies and institutions in projects and programmes of social responsibility and social investment.”

The group has plans to spread the initiative in all governorates, and involve other environmental teams and the community. “We aspire to establish our own recycling plant, contribute to the advancement of the country, and support the directions of Oman Vision 2040,” Kawthar added.