Do your bit for the environment…

Sustainability is one of the most-talked about topics of 2019 and, let’s face it, we all know we could do a little more to reduce our plastic useage.

But if you’re not sure where to start, we’ve round up 8 simple – and sometimes wallet-friendly ways to start, here’s 8 simple ways you can reduce your plastic waste in Dubai.

Get discounts on your coffee when you bring a reusable cup

Many of Dubai’s coffee shops sell reusable cups, and incentivize their consumers to bring them when they return by offering discounted coffee when you bring your own cup. Both Flow, the cute cafe in Jumeirah Emirates Towers, and Mokha 1450 do this, and the same at larger chains like Pret A Manger where you’ll get Dhs3 off your coffee, or Costa Coffee who offer a Dhs2 discount every time you bring a reusable cup. Wallet and eco friendly? Count us in.

Replace plastic straws with glass or steel versions

Single-use straws can definitely add up to a lot of wasted plastic, especially when you’re taking full advantage of one of Dubai’s legendary ladies’ nights. Whilst we’re not suggesting you take them on every night out, conscious lifestyle brand The Goodness Company have a fantastic array of eco-friendly alternatives to buy for the home, including glass and stainless steel straws, which also come with a cleaning brush.

Switch to a water cooler at home

Been thinking about switching to a water cooler for some time now? It’s so easy to order one and one big way you can reduce your plastic waste in Dubai. You can order one from Nestle Waters. The cooler will set you back around Dhs650, but you’ll get two 5 gallon bottles free, along with a voucher book for 50 more bottles. All you need to do is order a new one and leave the old one outside for collection, which will then be recycled.

Stick to reusable cups and containers

It might sound obvious, but taking your work lunch and drinks in reusable cups and containers is an easy way to reduce your plastic consumption. Whether its for your morning coffee or water, reusable cups are big way of reducing your single-use plastic waste. There’s some super cute varieties out there that you can buy from any local homeware store, and some of them will keep your water cold or your coffee hot for up to 24 hours. Result.

Opt for no cutlery when ordering in

Ordering in is a staple part of a Dubai diet, but have you ever ended up with tons of plastic cutlery building up in your desk or cutlery? If you look a little closer when ordering your favourite food, more often than not, there’s a check box that you can tick that says not to bring any cutlery with your food order. Spare a second to grab a fork from home in the morning and you’re good to go.

Go retro with your toothbrush

Okay this one sounds a little over the top, but every little helps, right? Switching from your usual plastic toothbrush to a wooden one is great for the environment – plus it’ll look super-cute with that boho-chic look you were going for in your bathroom. Loads of Dubai’s supermarkets sell them, and whilst they may be a little pricier than your average toothbrush, it’s worth that little extra skip when walking out of the supermarket. We love these bamboo and natural bristle ones too.

Take part in a beach clean

Want to do your bit for the environment? There are a number of beach cleans organised throughout the year in Dubai. Zero Gravity conducts one on the first Sunday of every month, along JBR beach. It starts from 7.30am to 9am, followed by breakfast and coffee. If you want to get involved, just email them at weloveourbeach@0-gravity.ae.

Recycle, recycle, recycle…

Keen to recycle but don’t know where your closest recycling point is? There’s loads of them dotted around Dubai, with recycling bins found at all the below locations:

  • Nad Al Sheba
  • The Beach, The Walk, JBR
  • Al Barsha Citymax Hotel
  • Arabian Ranches Retail Centre
  • Dubai Festival City, Toys R Us
  • Safa Park
  • Dubai Marina (promenade)
  • Al Manara Centre
  • Sustainable City
  • Al Qusais Emirates Driving Institute
  • Dubai Studio City Tower
  • Bur Dubai Citibank, Burjuman Metro Station
  • Emirates Hills Meadows
  • Jumeirah Beach Residence, The Beach, The Walk
  • Jumeirah Lake Clusters
  • Nad Al Sheba
  • Rashidiya Shopping Centre
  • The Greens
  • Silicon Oasis Spinneys
  • Springs
  • Al Quoz Oasis Centre Mall
  • Jebel Ali Recycling bin

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