Recycling: the why, how and where in Bahrain
Info page on the environment and recycling resources in Bahrain
We don't deserve our beaches!
We don't deserve our beaches!
Well to tell you all the truth; We really don't deserve any beaches.
Why?
Simple! Have you ever visited the only public beach? During an event or the weekend
There are no waste containers, but that is no problem for the hundreds of visitors.
They will drop it where they stand. Because in Bahrain there are many societies, clubs and schools putting in time and effort to clean op after them as part of continuing community projects. For volunteering check out the bahrain beachcombers on Facebook.
During one such clean op more than 300 kilo's was collected from a 1mile stretch of beach (1.6 km).
Want to make a difference?
Start with your own habits.
Many people are unaware how their daily activities, from driving a car, to not properly disposing of their garbage, or even throwing a cigarette butt on the ground, can impact the plants and animals on our shores and in the sea.
Jannusan Beach on April 13, 2016
University College of Bahrain in cooperation with the Northern Municipality
The British School of Bahrain’s Eco Week celebrations culminated on Earth Day with a Clean-up of Nurana Beach, north-west of the island Friday, April 22nd 2016
A keen group of students, staff and parents collected over 200 garbage bags full of beach litter.
This debris can harm or kill beach organisms. Pollution also makes using the beach less enjoyable for humans. Solving our water pollution problems requires everyone's involvement
It is estimated that there is over 46,000 pieces of plastic debris floating on every square mile of ocean today. Roughly 60 to 80 percent of that debris comes from land-based sources.
And debris in the marine environment means hazards for animals and humans
Environmental damage caused by plastic :
What can we do
Environmental damage caused by plastic :
What can we do
The millions of free plastic bags that are given out every day by the Island's retailers are flying about freely.
Just look around and you can see many carelessly thrown plastic bags sticking to bushes and fences.
Clogging up gutters and stormdrains. There is no part in Bahrain where you don't see them flying about.
Birds, fish and mammals often mistake plastic for food. Some birds even feed it to their young.
With plastic filling their stomachs, animals have a false feeling of being full, and may die of starvation.
Sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, one of their favorite foods
Benefits of plastics
Benefits of plastics
Benefits of plastics
The considerable growth in plastic use is due to the beneficial properties of plastics. These include:
- Extreme versatility and ability to be tailored to meet very specific technical needs.
- Lighter weight than competing materials, reducing fuel consumption during transportation.
- Extreme durability.
- Resistance to chemicals, water and impact.
- Good safety and hygiene properties for food packaging.
- Excellent thermal and electrical insulation properties.
- Relatively inexpensive to produce.
There are many product that are made from recycled plastic; Recycled plastic products%26nbsp%3B<%2Fspan>" target="_blank">Recycled plastic products
I personally only use reusable bag when we go shopping
Recycling Facts
Recycling Facts
- One ton of recycled plastic saves 5,774 kWh of energy, 16.3 barrels (2,604 liters) of oil, 98 million Btu's of energy, and 22 cubic meters of landfill .
- There is an 80 to 90% reduction in energy consumption by producing recycled plastic compared to producing plastic from virgin materials (oil and gas).
- Recycling a single plastic bottle can conserve enough energy to light a 60-watt bulb for up to six hours.
- Recycling 5 PET plastic bottles produces enough fibre for one t-shirt.
- Recycling 100 million cell phones saves enough energy to power more than 194,000 US households for one year.
- Worldwide trade of recyclable plastics represents is valued at $5 billion per year and is estimated to represent a total of 12 million tons.
- EUROPE recycled 21.3% of plastic waste during 2008 representing about 5.3 million tons.
- A recent study shows that if all landfilled plastics waste are recycled or recovered into energy, then 7% of EU quota of CARBON GAS REDUCTION will be fulfilled
What we do with plastic rubbish now…
What we do with plastic rubbish now…
Landfill -<%2Fspan><%2Fspan>" target="_blank">Landfill - plastic in landfill is a big problem - because it doesn’t rot, it is there for ever. Consequently the landfill is filling up. Plastic buried deep in landfills can leach harmful chemicals that spread into groundwater.
Plastic litter - as individually dropped, wind borne or deliberately tipped into rivers and the sea
( boats apparently are allowed to dump their rubbish into the oceans)
Burning plastic - in small fires or incinerators either way its a hot debate with very wildly opposing opinions expressed strongly by all involved. Incineration results in the release of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and of other air pollutants, including carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dioxins.”
Recycling - melting down plastic rubbish to make new plastic products is a better way of dealing with our plastic rubbish and needs to be promoted more
Degradable Plastic -the industries solution - it needs a special facility that uses an additive that causes plastic to degrade faster, this plastic is unusable for recycling when mixed with recyclable plastics degenerates the quality.
Plastic eating microbes - can they eat all that plastic rubbish?
Crafty Plastic = use old throwaway plastic rubbish to make something new and beautiful
OR ….just stop creating plastic rubbish
****What YOU Can DO****
We're all responsible for this mess, and it will take all of us to stop it from getting worse. It's time to completely rethink how we as a society use (or abuse) plastic. Here are some things that you can do right now:
- Every time you see litter, pick it up and dispose of it properly.
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle — you've heard it before, but now you know what happens when you don't. Be conscious of all that you buy, and be sure to avoid products with excessive packaging, especially in disposable products.
- Demand more and better recycling facilities in your area.
- Take part in local stream, river and beach cleanups - or organize one yourself. Though these don't solve the problem, they are very effective at drawing attention to the greater problem offshore.
- If you live near the ocean, or a river that drains into it, your storm drains are probably washing garbage right out to sea. Be conscious of potential sources of marine litter in your area. Demand that these are eliminated.
- Be very conscious of your ecological footprint. Encourage change though your decisions and do no accept the current paradigm of use and waste
Arabian Gulf Pollution
Arabian Gulf Pollution
Most of Bahrain is low-lying and barren. Its surface is limestone rock covered with varying densities of saline sand which supports only the hardiest desert vegetation.
Along the northern coast is a wide fertile strip of land. It was known for many years as “the island of a million palm trees” which flourished because of the abundant fresh water springs, particularly in the northern areas.
Underground aquifers originate from Saudi Arabia and bring sweet water to Bahrain under the sea.
There are three aquifers, the high, medium and the low.
Out of these only the medium aquifer contains water usable without treatment. Once there were 220 natural springs, almost all are dried up and now water has to be pumped from artificial wells. The salinity 34.8 and 34.9 ‰ (2014) of even the best ground water is high, barely suitable for irrigation and unsuitable for drinking. The quantity is limited and sufficient for the irrigation of less than half the agricultural land.
According to the World Research Institute, Bahrain tops the list of the 167 countries studied to become the most water-stressed country by 2040
Around 1972, the MENA region "ran out of water" as the consumption surpassed the rate of resource renewal. Since then, MENA has relied heavily on desalinization, and is poised to remain for the foreseeable future the largest desalinization market in the world.
The most important users of desalinated water are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain, which use about 70% of worldwide capacity.
Most of this desalinated water comes from the Arabian (Persian) Gulf, one of the busiest and most important tanker shipping lanes in the world; one ship passes the strait approximately every 6 minutes, another statistic indicates that more than 40 % of the world’s total oil transportation passes through the region.
About 15.5 million barrels of oil per day is transported through the Strait of Hormuz. Contamination influx is mainly from tankers releasing ballast, tank cleaning, and leakage from drilling rigs and production platforms, and maritime accidents.
And we get to drink that!
Unique benefit for coral reefs in the Arabian Gulf
Local adaptation to high salinity levels in the southern Arabian Gulf may prevent coral escaping their fate, as they lose their superior heat tolerance in waters with normal salinity levels - however still the coral is dying due to reclamation work around the coastal areas
Who knows what else gets released into the gulf by warships and coastal nuclear facilities in Iran.
Depleted Uranium used in weapons in Iraq and Afghanistan has polluted water and food resources
Lately about everybody I know seems to be coming down with thyroid problems, and no-one looks strange when you hear this or the other person has cancer.
"According to Zainal et al (2012) the total cumulative loss of the major maritime habitats, due to dredging in Bahrain, was roughly 160 square kilometers.
According to findings in a report by the United Nations Development Program roughly 80 per cent of Bahrain’s coastline has been subjected to land reclamation (Fuller, 2006), resulting in a loss of a fertile coral reef between Qatar and Bahrain."
Massive Oil Slicks Bahrain from the NASA Space Shuttle 2010
Putting maps of Principal natural springs and waterpollution due to industrial effluents next to each other one can see that they are in the same geographical area.
Natural
Ain (watersprings) Bahrain
Bahrain
Industrial
Effluents
Bahrain Pollution levels perception source
Bahrain Pollution levels perception source
Public Beaches in Bahrain
Public Beaches in Bahrain
Bahrain has quite a few public beaches. Although Bahrain is very liberal, on the public beaches you are advised to dress appropriately. For men that means long swimming shorts, speedo’s are discouraged. For women that means covering shoulders and knees.
Since 2008 a debate has been raging about Al Jazair Beach and its development- why can't beaches remain in its natural state, with necessary services - but no hotels etc.
GDN 20/12/2016
BAHRAIN’S largest public beach, Al Jazair, could be closed off to make way for investment projects worth millions of dinars.
Following an eight-month battle to veto private projects on a stretch of coastline in Zallaq, the Southern Municipal Council has referred the issue to the Cabinet for a final decision.
Despite councilors imposing a development ban on the beach last month they were informed that private investment would go ahead because the government’s real-estate arm, Edamah, did not answer to municipal authorities.
Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf told council chairman Ahmed Al Ansari, in writing, that the private sector’s involvement in the beach would provide necessary services, which the government could no longer afford due to austerity measures.
However, councilors have asked Mr Al Ansari to refer the matter to the Cabinet and if it sides with them then a six-month development ban will be introduced that could be renewed.
“The minister’s letter is clear and it basically says hands-off and development will go ahead with or without our consent,” said Mr Al Ansari during the council’s weekly majlis.
“I have been a councillor for six years and we stopped several development projects, which have been submitted by the private sector, since licensing for all projects regardless of ownership is a municipal matter that comes under councils.
“(Such developments) would be robbing people of their only public beach.”
*****************
This sorry saga about the beach started in January 1st 2008 when the GDN reported:
Bahrain's only public beach may be lost to developers
By MOHAMMED AL A'ALI
MANAMA
EIGHTY per cent of Al Jazair Beach - Bahrain's only public beach - is being handed over to private investors, Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs Minister Mansoor bin Rajab told MPs yesterday.
He said only half-a-kilometre remained registered as municipal land, while 1.9km were now with the Economic Development Board (EDB), which has earmarked it for private development projects
Fish Island on Zellaq coastal area (2015)
Fish Island on Zellaq coastal area (2015)
Now 8 years later we have "semi"-public and private beaches
Now 8 years later we have "semi"-public and private beaches
Al Jazair Beach - Bahrain (Largest public beach)
(under threat from being developed by private investors)
The beach gets really busy on Fridays and is very popular with families and it is child friendly. The beach can get quite dirty due to people leaving their rubbish. The beach is located near the F1 circuit passed the endurance village (horses).
Abu Subh Beach Diraz - Bahrain (Public Beach)
It is right opposite of the New Northern Town in block 544 Diraz and has a public garden
Amwaj Bahrain has several beaches
Not strictly a public beach but the reclaimed islands certainly seem to attract lots of people at the weekends.
it's very popular with Jet Ski lovers so can get quite noisy sometimes
One of the most popular spots for Bahrainis and expats alike is at the front of Floating City but there are lots and lots of Jet Skis so if you’re not a fan of the manic mosquito buzz, maybe not the place for you.
The surfer dudes take to the water at the front of Tala and there are various other small open beach areas around the islands.
Amwaj Art Rotana Beach - Bahrain
Free for hotel guests and those holding an Beach Club membership which allows you to explore 150 meters of pristine beach front.
Day pass: BD15 (adult), BD10 (child) on weekdays, BD25 and BD10 on weekends. Activities start from BD10 (30 mins). Art Rotana, Amwaj Islands, www.rotana.com/artrotana (16 000 111) (image tripadvisor)
Arad Beach - Bahrain (public beach)
Located in the Arad Area. Opened to mark National Day in 2008, this small stretch of beach to the side of the old fort is a great place for a picknic and a swim but it’s more of a beach park, with a paved area for walking and games, rather than an actual swimming beach. Great to have a walk at sunset and offers great spots for barbeques with your family.
Budaiya Beach - Bahrain (Public Beach)
Bordering Budaiya beach are several new private projects like lagoon and water mania that have water-based activities
Marine Mania waterpark Bahrain (Private Beach)
Provides numerous water sport activities such as paddling, kayaking, Jet Ski rentals, boat charters, and much more can be enjoyed.
Additionally, a one of a kind inflatable water park provides endless fun while also delivery a healthy dose of exercise for both children and adults.
Located on Budaiya Beach
973-13371717
Water city and entrance: under six years 2BD 6-10 years 3BD 10+ years 5BD
Busaiteen Beach - Bahrain (Public beach)
block 229
Huge area past the King Hamad University Hospital with very soft sand which is not suited to drive on with a car. It is a reclaimed area.
Hawar Islands - Bahrain (Public and private beaches)
Hawar Resort Hotel +973 1764 1666
45-minute boat ride from Durrat al Bahrain and Al Dur Jetty by easy scheduled public sea transport it takes you in a breathtaking sea trip to the island in one hour. Or by private boat.
Spent the weekend there - and The price includes the ferry from Durrat marina to Hawar and back, dinner, breakfast and lunch.
They offer a couple of short tours, a free one to see the main island villages which is a good opportunity to spot Arabian Oryx, deer and falcons. The other tour is by boat to spot dugongs, this has an extra cost of 6BD p/p.
Hidd Beach - Bahrain (Public Beach)
Hidd Beach is another one that is more popular for picnicking than swimming, this small area of sand opposite Prince Khalifa bin Salman Park attracts barbecue fans and offers great views of Juffair and Manama at sunset.
To get there take the Hidd Bridge towards the refinery and turn back on yourself at the end.
Karbabad Beach - Bahrain (Public Beach)
by Neil (Seef Beach)
Viewed from Qalat Al Bahrain
Head for Bahrain Fort, past the Bapco petrol station at Seef.
This beach is a great place for an evening walk or a picnic, there are many locals around.
Malkiya Beach (Public Beach) by Neil
The beach is one of the few sandy ones in Bahrain and is maybe 2km long. The beach is shallow and the sea laps gently onto the sand so it’s ideal for a barefoot paddle.
There are shaded areas for your picnic or barbecue, benches, and a rarity in Bahrain, waste bins the length of the in the evening, as the sun goes down, particularly at the weekend, the whole beach comes alive with donkey rides, popcorn vendors and barbecues.
to reach it take the Sh Khalifa Highway to the F1, take the exit 14th roundabout (Hamad Town) on the roundabout go straight too on 13th roundabout straight all the way to the beach. You will pass the Reef Mall on your left side.
Zallaq Beach- Bahrain (Public Beach)
The coastal road from Zallaq Village takes you to the natural beach that runs the length to the Bahrain Sailing club and Al Jazair Beach it is more scenic than the Gulf of Bahrain route passed the Bahrain Circuit .
In the weekend and holidays they rent out 4 quads to drive around the desert area
Marassi Al Bahrain (semi-public Beach)
The 300 meter beachfront area at Marassi Al Bahrain has been opened to the public it is located in Diyar Al Muharraq off Muharraq
open daily: 9am - 7pm there is a entry fee of 2BD for adults and 1BD for children
Al Bander Resort - Bahrain (Private Beach)
It includes a marina, where elite yachts are moored, as well as a beautiful beach, pool areas and crystal waters. As for the watersports selection – take your pick. Firstly, they have a dedicated Dive Centre, where you can earn your PADI certification to explore the ocean deep.
With a whole host of other activities such as knee boarding, row boating, canoeing, fishing, snorkeling and banana boating are available.
Day pass BD20. Al Bander Hotel & Resort, Sitra, www.albander.com (17 701 201).
Bahrain Sailing Club - Zallaq (Private Beach)
For a mere BD3 you can go and hang out on the soft sandy shores and enjoy the clear waters here, and for an extra BD3 you can also rent a kayak for an hour.
This is also a great place for amateur sailors to train on a laser dinghy.
Lessons are available at a variety of prices (call for more information).
Entrance BD3. Bahrain Sailing Club, Zallaq, (17 836 078).
Bahrain Yacht Club - Bahrain (Private Beach)
Located in Sitra since 1977, the Bahrain Yacht Club today is host to the many people who share a common passion for the varied forms of sailing and water sports.
They offer a great range of training facilities and services to meet your requirements.
Cost: Need to be accompanied by a member for BD2.
Coral Bay Beach Club -Bahrain (Private Beach)
Opening hours: 9am to 7pm
Has restaurants, nightlife spots, a spa and even a dive centre, where you can train for your PADI certification in scuba diving, jet skiing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, knee boarding, banana rides and pedal boating, as well as kayaking (single and double).
Rent a boat from here for BD60 in the first hour, BD40 for every additional hour, for up to 14 people.
From BD10 per hour (non-members). Coral Bay, Al Fateh Corniche, www.coral-bay.net (17 312 700).
Durrat Al Bahrain (Public and Private Beaches)
15 Islands (11 fully developed)
It has six atolls, five fish-shaped islands, two crescent-shaped islands, and two more small islands related to the Marina area
Clean beautiful beaches
Lagoona Beach Resort -Bahrain (Private Beach)
New Budaiya-based resort has launched a range of activities. Scuba dive in the clear blue waters, fish in the shallow waters, watch our dolphin pals frolic in the sea, jet-ski, water-ski, wakeboard, kayak, parasail, also find the X-Jetpack, flyboards and hoverboards here.
Packages and prices vary. Lagoon Beach Resort, Budaiya, www.lagoonabeachbahrain.com (16 630 000)
Novotel Beach - Bahrain (Private Beach)
This hotel's beach is open to the public on weekdays only, the weekend is strictly reserved for in house guests.
A beach day pass also allows the purchaser access to all of the hotel's facilities, not just the pool.
Cost: BD 20 - Single
BD 25 - Couple
BD 35 - Family (2 adults, 2 children under 12)
Location: 121 Sheikh Hamad Causeway, Manama
Tel: +97317 298 008
The Ritz-Carlton Beach - Bahrain (private beach)
You have to be a member or have a day pass For both kids and grown-ups, the activities here are endless with kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and pedal boating.
They have recently launched a dedicated watersports activity counter, which is open every day from 9am to 5pm, prices start from BD5 per hour.
Day passes: BD20 (weekdays), BD45 (weekends). The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Seef, www.ritzcarlton.com (17 586 612).
Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Beach (Private Beach)
Located in the heart of a natural resort, Sofitel offer you access to one of the most beautiful beaches you'll see. This is only available for couples and families.
Cost: BD20 weekdays, BD25 weekends.
Location, Zallaq, Manama
Tel: +973 1763 6363