ABU DHABI // Fujairah students have invented a machine that takes a fun approach to the serious business of recycling.
The "Recycle Bin" project won Khawla Al Mur and Aisha Al Shehhi, from Khor Fakkan, third place in the HCT-Wharton Innovation Tournament this week.
"Our idea was to create a machine with four slots that would recycle plastic bottles," said Ms Al Mur. "Each slot has a colour - green, yellow, red and blue - and people have to throw the bottle in every slot that lights up. It's meant to be like a game to get more people involved."
The business students at HCT Fujairah Women's College, both aged 21, came up with the idea to promote eco-friendly habits.
There is a reward system in their machine. "People get more motivated if they get rewarded," Ms Al Mur said. "Every 15 recycled bottles, the machine prints out a coupon for toys, cafes or for room bookings in hotels.
"There is a need for more eco-friendly appliances here because we don't have any. This is our town and we recognise that it is polluted and everyone should be aware of the problem.
"Sharjah and Fujairah really need to step it up and do more for the environment. It's our environment and our economy, so it's really important for us."
The students hope the municipality will install six machines in Khor Fakkan to get things going.