Dubai: A young Dubai couple is planning a road-trip around the world to help fight plastic pollution.
Germans David and Theresa Wernery will drive their Ford pick-up in 50 countries to boost awareness and report on plastic waste, starting in 2012 in the UAE. The 160,000km trip will last around 18 months and cover 10 protected areas the United Nations (UN) calls biospheres, including one in Abu Dhabi.
Their Plastic Not So Fantastic Expedition will involve visits to government departments, firms and schools. The couple plan to bring back reports on "best practices and technologies" in waste management. The trip has been endorsed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
David, 34, said plastic contamination can be fatal and littering has become "endemic" to the UAE. The nation tops the list of the world's biggest plastic users, with 11.6 billion plastic bags used per year and an average count of 275 plastic water bottles per head each year.
"Hundreds of animals are dying after eating plastic rubbish. Some plastics in your car, drinking cups or baby bottles release toxins when hot," said David, a legal adviser.
"You have to substitute plastic with paper or glass," added Theresa, 28, who works for an investment bank. "Introducing biodegradable plastics won't make a big difference, it's still plastic. You have to start charging shoppers if you want to bring down the use of plastics."
Theresa was born and raised in the UAE, while David has been a UAE resident since he was nine. "The UAE's home, we're just trying to give back to the community," he said.
