I believe most of the expats have experiences about recycling, and facing the fact that unfortunately here in the UAE it’s still not a VIP issue. A country where consumption is extremely high, and a city where the population generates more than 325 million kg of waste/year (based on this interesting article) should emphasize this issue a bit more.
Recycling points and special bins are provided in several areas (mostly at petrol stations, bus stops, grocery stores etc.), and also you can ask for a pick up of the separately collected waste from your home . The main problem is the lack of awareness, and the bad thinking “I’m only one person, I can’t change the world with this.” YES YOU CAN! And there are also doubts about that the carefully collected recyclable waste will really reach the right place, or just simply lands at the same garbage heap where everything else?
As one of my readers, Kathryn said on Facebook : the main focus shouldn’t be on the consumers only. The whole thing has to start with the manufacturers and the retailers. Did you ever think about how unnecessary to have a huge box as a package for a mascara, (okay it looks great but…) or why to put the items at the cashier into six plastic bags it they can fit into only one without any problem?
As I said above, even one person, even a small step can change the world. If you collect your general waste, paper, plastic and glass items separately, and then -like once a week- take them to the recycling point, it’s already a huge thing. You really do something for your environment, and also became a good example for your neighbors, colleagues and -the most important- for the next generation: your kids.
Just a few tips how can you be more effective on this field:
-Use reusable textile bags for shopping! More durable, stronger, and definitely more fashionable than the plastic ones.
-Have your own lunch box! How many times you ask for take away at the restaurants? These days there is a huge selection of plastic -or even ceramic or glass- lunch boxes , why don’t you invest in one, and then forget about the disposable ones. Yes, you have to get used to it to keep it with yourself, or at your office, and then you have to clean it too, but don’t be lazy!
-Save what you can! With a little imagination you can reuse a lot of things. My favorites are my glass bowls from the different scented candles. When the candle is over, I keep the holders, clean them and use for something else (details soon in a post!). But it’s the same with the jars of the jams, or if I get something in a nice box, and I can continue until sunrise…Be a little crafty!
-Plastic bags as garbage bags. Sometimes you can’t avoid plastic bags, and after a while you will have a huge amount of them in your kitchen drawer. We don’t have a lot, but it’s still more than what it should be. What to do? We using them as garbage bags for our smaller bin in the bathroom. So we never invest “proper” trash bags.
I’m so excited to add your tips to this list, so please do not hesitate to share your ideas on this topic. Also all opinions are welcome at the comment section, regarding recycling and being a bit more green here in Dubai.
with an empty purse in Dubai 