Muscat: BankMuscat, the leading financial institution in the Sultanate of Oman, has joined hands with the Environment Society of Oman (ESO), in giving a fillip to the ‘Say No to Plastic Bags’ campaign launched by ESO as part of efforts aimed at the conservation of Oman's environment. The BankMuscat participation in the national campaign stems from its stated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to contribute towards sustainable development, according balanced consideration to environmental, social and economic issues when pursuing development and improving living standards.
A convoy of BankMuscat vehicles are traversing the length and breadth of the Sultanate, propagating the ‘Say No to Plastic Bags’ campaign through a series of road shows, competitions and marketing initiatives. With visits to Sur, Sohar, Nizwa, Ibra, Salalah and Muscat over the next six months, BankMuscat along with ESO hopes to focus on educating citizens and residents on environmental conservation, stressing that everyone ought to take responsibility for preserving their environment. By distributing reusable jute bags, the campaign seeks to promote environment friendly, biodegradable material for various use.
BankMuscat is committed to contribute towards sustainable development by maintaining conformity and consistency between the Bank's different economic, social and environmental policies. Correlation between development and environment for the purpose of protecting ecosystems and management of natural resources is considered as basic and fundamental for fulfilling the needs of human beings and enhancing living conditions for society.
Using less plastic bags, using a reusable bag, or re-using plastic bags is the main message of the ‘Say No to Plastic Bag’ campaign. The campaign highlights that using fewer plastic bags and carrying reusable bags will give a strong impetus to Oman’s green credentials.
Plastic bags end up in landfill sites, spoiling the landscape and oceans and taking up to 1000 years to break down. Plastic bags do not biodegrade, they photo degrade (break down into smaller and smaller bits) contaminating soil and oceans and entering the food chain when ingested by animals.
The campaign aimed at generating strong support of the general public, the government and retail outlets highlights that everyone needs to join hands in the cause and do their part to protect the environment.
The non-governmental ESO endorses as a mandate the conservation of Oman's environment through its wide array of activities and projects. ESO strives to raise environmental awareness by bringing about positive behavioural change geared towards environmental protection.
ESO seeks to foster public awareness and participation in conservation projects by launching educational and media campaigns throughout the country. Furthermore, ESO actively engages in conservation-based research to ensure that all education and awareness activities are founded on sound scientific information.