How can we lead a greener life in Dubai?
How can we reduce our carbon footprint and move towards a greener life in Dubai? This is one of the most commonly asked questions these days. As the hazards of climate change become more apparent with every passing day, many residents of Dubai are trying to adapt to a greener lifestyle. We look at the different lifestyle changes that can help reduce your carbon footprint.
STEPS TO LEAD A GREENER LIFE IN DUBAI
The good news is that you can make small and often inexpensive changes to move towards a greener life in Dubai. So, how exactly can you switch to eco-friendly living in Dubai? Let’s find out.
RECYCLING
Recycling has a direct and positive impact on your carbon footprint. By opting to recycle, you ensure that your waste is not dumped in the sea, causing damage to the marine line or adding pollution to the ocean.
There are public and private initiatives that you can benefit from. Take My Junk is a waste collection service in Dubai which recycles items. Similarly, you can also make use of the recycling centres in Dubai. One can also follow the steps suggested by the Dubai Can Initiative.
SAVE ELECTRICITY
A lot of electricity is produced by burning fossil fuels. Hence, saving electricity will reduce your bill and help combat climate change. Please read our detailed guide on how to reduce electricity bill in Dubai for more ideas. Also, go for using energy-efficient products, dry clothes in the sun rather than putting your dryer to use, and select a green computer on your next upgrade. These are just some simple steps you can take.
BE EFFICIENT IN YOUR WATER USE
Water scarcity is increasingly becoming a problem in many parts of the world. But there are effective ways to save water at home.
For instance, always close the tap during washing dishes or shaving, check for any leaks, and at times you can even reuse water to wash your car.
SAY NO TO PLASTIC BAGS
Carry your paper or zipper bags for shopping. By doing so, you can say no to the plastic bags offered at the store. Plastic bags may seem innocuous, but they do a lot of damage to the environment. Also, remember that soon there will be a charge on single-use plastic bags in Dubai!
BUY RECYCLED PRODUCTS
As consumers, we make lots of choices each day. And these decisions make some companies go under, and others thrive. If collectively we move from plastic products to recycled goods, it will push more companies to change their product offerings. For instance, always use steel water bottles instead of disposable bottles. Reusable coffee cups are another big waste. So, try your best to avoid disposable goods as much as possible.
A sure way to move towards a greener life in Dubai is to check if the product you are purchasing is recycled and made of biodegradable material. Similarly, if a product has excessive packaging, it’s good to look for an alternative. It is estimated that a large portion of municipal waste is product packaging.
SHOP LOCAL AND ORGANIC
Imports via ships or planes also cause a lot of pollution. So, if you are buying imported items, you become, in some ways, contribute to the problem. The solution? Well, buy local products as much as possible.
FOOD HABITS
It may come as a surprise, but agriculture and meat farming are major sources of carbon dioxide emissions. If you can switch to a plant-based diet occasionally or eat chicken instead of beef, it will help reduce your carbon footprint. Buying organic fresh produce is also advisable.
BUYING HABITS
Another good idea is to buy the things you need strictly. Retail therapies are sometimes needed, but we tend to buy extra items that go to waste. This has direct and indirect consequences on the environment.
As consumers, we have to make wise decisions. There are some top eco-friendly stores in Dubai that you can shop from regularly. Many people also buy second-hand clothes from thrift stores in Dubai. This is one of the best ways to reduce carbon footprint.
You can also visit these shops to buy economy friendly gifts on special occasions.
DONATE GOODS
Rather than letting things rot in that chair or cupboard of yours, donate! Someone will make use of it, and by doing so, you will help yourself move towards a greener life in Dubai.
GO PAPERLESS
This is one of the easier tips for eco-friendly living in Dubai. We live in a digitalised world, so you can opt for paperless banking, receive receipts via email, and make notes on your phone instead of paper. These simple steps for a greener life in Dubai make a huge difference.
NO CHEMICAL CLEANERS
We have to move away from using toxic chemical cleaners. By buying safe to use cleaners from the market, you can help reduce your carbon footprint.
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNTING
The Dubai government is constantly incentivising sustainable commuting. You can rent electric scooter Dubai to easily get around and contribute to a cleaner city. Similarly, you can buy electric cars in Dubai. Hybrid cars are also an excellent alternative.
Driving slowly can reduce your carbon dioxide emissions. If you are accelerating and applying brakes repeatedly, more energy is consumed. This, ultimately, adds to greenhouse emissions.
Moreover, the public transport system in Dubai is perhaps one of the best things about the emirate. When possible, taking the bus or Dubai Metro should be preferred.
FLY AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE
Everyone loves an excellent foreign holiday. But have you explored all the local spots? Similarly, can you attend that office meeting virtually rather than flying to another country? It’s about making smart choices if you want to reduce your carbon footprint.
BE CREATIVE
Awaken the artist in you and reuse items creatively. One of the common uses of plastic bottles is converting them into plant containers. You can use cartons to store stuff rather than buying new plastic boxes. Clothes can be recycled and used for different purposes too.
ENCOURAGE OTHERS ABOUT LEADING A GREENER LIFE IN DUBAI
In your friends, family circle, and work, educate others to be more careful about their choices. Moving towards greener living in Dubai will take a collective effort. You can play your part by being an example and suggesting simple ways to make progress.
FAQS ABOUT LEADING A GREENER LIFE IN DUBAI
HOW CAN I MAKE MY HOME ECO-FRIENDLY?
We can all do a lot to reduce our carbon footprint at home. Here are our top tips to make your home eco-friendly.
WHICH ARE THE MOST POPULAR ECO-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES IN DUBAI?
Are you looking for a new home? Check out these eco-friendly areas in Dubai. Living in any of those areas will help you take a big step towards a greener life in Dubai.
This concludes our list of things to do for a greener life in Dubai. Many countries are facing the devasting impact of climate change already. It is our collective responsibility to do everything we can to improve the situation. Living a green lifestyle in Dubai can safeguard the future of our children.
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