03 May Living Sustainably Is Not An All-Or-Nothing Proposition
If you’re thinking going green is overwhelming – you’re not alone.
It’s easy to feel like you need to overcompensate when making the switch to a greener lifestyle, but the truth is, even small changes can lead to big impacts.
We’ve put together a list of 6 simple steps to help you live a more eco-friendly lifestyle without feeling like you’re sacrificing too much, plus saving your bank account while we’re at it.
- The Single-Use Water Bottle Swap
Instead of going out and spending a few dirhams every day on those single-use water bottles, purchase a reusable water bottle that you can carry everywhere. This simple transition not only saves you money in the long run, but also significantly reduces single-use plastic trash that ends up in the oceans.
- Buying ONLY the food items that you NEED
It’s easy to get drawn to special offers in grocery stores and fall for marketing gimmicks that tell you that buying EVERYTHING is what you want, right? Fight the need vs want feeling, and purchase only the food items that you know you will use in the near future.
Why should we solely focus on needs? The impact of food waste goes beyond excessive energy and water usage. It contributes to the production of methane gas, a significant factor of rising temperatures and global warming.
- Take a Walk and Go Easy on the Fuel
It’s no secret that walking is good for both your health and reducing your carbon footprint. But, what do you do when summer arrives in the UAE? Sweat it up a little during the evenings by lacing up your sneakers instead of getting stuck in traffic to go short distances.
- Become BFFs with Eco-Friendly Businesses
Small eco-businesses don’t just go out of their way to ensure that they are doing their bit for the planet; they also give you a personalised shopping experience. Not sure where to go eco-business shopping in the UAE? Check out our
Eco-Communities page to explore more.
- Choose Ethical when it Comes to Fashion
Fast fashion is one of the biggest contributors towards pollution and waste in the fashion industry. You can begin your ethical fashion journey with brands such as The Giving Movement, only ethikal, and more in the UAE.
- Talk More About Eco-Options
Psychologically, individuals are more likely to be influenced by their peers. When you bring up your conscious choices in conversations, you inspire your friends, family, and colleagues to begin their eco-journey.
Living a conscious lifestyle does not have to be overbearing or expensive. By implementing these little steps into your lifestyle, you not only reduce your contribution to pollution today but also make a huge difference to the planet in the long run.
Reem is the content executive at plasticfreeuae and the go-to source for everything sustainable in the UAE who strongly believes that mindsets can be changed through words.
