Zarqa, Feb. 1 (Petra) - The Ministries of Environment and Youth, in cooperation with Zarqa University, on Sunday launched an environmental initiative titled "Keep Your Bag in Your Car," as part of the executive program of the National Cleanliness Strategy, aimed at reducing random littering.

The initiative was launched under the patronage of Minister of Environment Ayman Suleiman and Minister of Youth Raed Adwan, in the presence of Zarqa Governor Firas Abu Qaoud and Chairman of Zarqa Education and Investment Company Mahmoud Abu Shaeera.

The initiative seeks to promote environmental awareness and entrench a culture of social responsibility among citizens, especially youth, by encouraging drivers to keep designated bags inside their vehicles to collect waste instead of throwing it on roads and in public places, contributing to improving the urban landscape and protecting the environment.

Suleiman said the initiative reflects the Ministry of Environment’s commitment to implementing awareness and field programs that help reduce environmental pollution, stressing that changing individual behavior is the cornerstone of environmental protection and sustainable development.

Adwan highlighted the pivotal role played by youth in ensuring the success of national initiatives, noting that involving them in environmental work strengthens values of social responsibility and promotes a culture of preserving natural resources.

Zarqa University President Nidal Al-Ramahi praised the cooperation with ministries and national institutions, affirming the university’s commitment to supporting environmental and voluntary initiatives and enhancing student participation in issues that serve the local community. He said the university will continue implementing the next phases of the initiative in cooperation with partners.

Dean of Student Affairs Mekhled Al-Zoubi said the initiative represents a model of integration between official and academic institutions, contributes to raising environmental awareness among youth, and encourages them to adopt environmentally friendly practices.

The initiative is part of the executive program to reduce random littering. Zarqa University allocated 20,000 environmentally friendly bags for implementation, which were distributed to citizens’ vehicles as a practical step to curb harmful practices affecting environmental health.

//Petra// Af