Ministry of Foreign Affairs has joined the President’s Office in its efforts to minimize single-use plastic.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih launched the campaign at the President’s Office on Sunday morning.

The foreign ministry joined the nationwide campaign initiated by the president later on Sunday.

At a ceremony held at the ministry, Minister Abdulla Shahid presented reusable glass water bottles to the staff, to be used as a replacement for single-use plastic bottles.

Speaking at the ceremony, the minister praised the incumbent president “for leading by example” by launching the campaign in the President’s Office.

He further encouraged the staff “to use natural light at work during the day, to conserve electricity,” said the foreign ministry.

“By replacing single-use plastic water bottles, the Ministry will be able to eliminate the use of 27,840 plastic bottles per year and reduce the Ministry’s plastic-footprint,” added the ministry.

Launching the campaign on Sunday morning, President Solih expressed hope that the same will be done in all ministries and government offices within the first 100 days of the administration.