Cloth bags are the best alternative to plastic bags, says Ahmed Molham. Plastic bags harm the environment and are linked to many diseases such as cancer. This was Molham’s motivation for this project. “My project is concerned with the preservation of the environment and to creating a healthy and clean environment, especially in areas such as the Sayoun Palace, and Dar al-Hajr and Belqis throne,” Molham said.
“I want to help preserve Yemen’s unique natural beauty, and taking care of the environment is part of that. I just want to make people aware of what they have to do for the environment and why.” He began the project in November 2006 and began by sewing the bags and prints with slogans about the environment. He has now begun a campaign to promote his venture for the next four months. He received much support from Yemeni businessmen who are encouraging him to continue.
“I started to sell the bags for and have now sold $400 worth. I sewed the cloth bags in a workshop in Haifan and printed them at the Al-Khaled office,” he said. Molham hopes that his ambitious plan will come to fruition and provide a practical solution to a serious problem. “I want to expand my project and make new designs for the bags in various shapes and sizes,” he said. “I will hopefully be able to employ staff and maybe even get a workshop.”