Jeddah: The Scientific Endowment at King Abdulaziz University (KAU), in collaboration with the Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research and partners from the public and private sectors, has launched the pioneering 'Green Spots' initiative under the slogan 'Sort It, Recycle It.' This voluntary community initiative is the first of its kind aimed at advancing environmental sustainability during the 1446 AH Hajj season.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the initiative focuses on effective and sustainable waste management at the holy sites through collection, sorting, and, in some cases, source-level waste separation. By doing so, the program seeks to enhance the urban environment, strengthen community commitment to environmental responsibility, and promote proper waste-handling behaviors among pilgrims and service providers alike.
Beyond environmental cleanliness, the Green Spots initiative aspires to tap into intellectual and human capital to transform recyclable materials into resources for local industries. This supports national production, stimulates the circular economy, and promotes healthy, environmentally conscious behaviors, laying the foundation for a more civilized, sustainable, and investment-friendly environment.
Notably, Green Spots is part of the broader 'Let's Go Recycling!' campaign launched by the Scientific Endowment at KAU in 2012. The Endowment was the first entity in the Kingdom to initiate a recycling program and has played a leading role in integrating sustainability into national development. Through wide-ranging partnerships across governmental, private, and non-profit sectors, the initiative has already contributed to the recycling of hundreds of tons of consumer waste.
This year's Hajj will serve as a key milestone in expanding public engagement with sustainability, aligning with national goals for environmental conservation and improved quality of life.