Lebanon: kids and parents learn a new way of recycling

An elegant two meter high Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) caught the attention of the people walking by in Sodeco Street (Beirut) on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Riwa one of the residents of Achrafieh neighborhood, stops in front of the machine and asks: "What’s this machine used for?". One of the event organizers standing next to the machine briefed her on the subject and asked her kids to insert the plastic bottles they have in the machine. In return, Aline - 18 year old - and her younger brother Elie - 7 year old - received a coupon to be exchanged with gifts.

The story of Riwa, Aline and Elie is one of many on Sunday October 26th during the Car Free Day held in Sodeco Street, Beirut. The event gathered 7,000 people and presented a well-located occasion for the GMI project team to introduce its Reverse Vending Machine to a large audience. Many kids learned how to use the RVM - competing to collect as many plastic bottles and cans as possible – and they were also introduced to the concept of 3R’s (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) and up-cycling through games and interactive activities.

"All children were thrilled by the rewards when inserting used containers into the RVM. Parents on the other hand shared their appreciation for the GMI project, which will motivate their children to recycle repeatedly in a safe and efficient way, and respect the environment" said Diana Kobayter, manager of GMI project.

The event was organized by Achrafieh 2020, with Sukleen - a waste management company involved in GMI project as associate - being as one of its main sponsors.

For any further information, please contact Ms. Diana Kobayter (projects@ccib.org) or Mr. Malek Chalak (gmi@ccib.org.lb). To keep up-to-date with GMI, please visit its website and follow the project on Twitter and Facebook.