In line with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and its goal to reduce carbon footprint and plastic use, making small gradual changes to our daily routine can have a significant impact on the environment. As such, we’ve partnered with The Galleria Al Maryah Island to give you these top tips to help you make eco-friendly choices, specifically when shopping.
BYOR: Bring Your Own Reusables!
Bringing your own reusable items, such as bottles, cups, and bags, when you go out shopping can have a significant impact on reducing plastic waste. By using reusable items, you are not only reducing the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills and oceans but also conserving resources that would otherwise be used to create new single-use items. In addition to being environmentally friendly, bringing your own reusable items can also save you money in the long run by eliminating the need to purchase disposable items repeatedly. By making this small change in your daily routine, you can make a big difference in reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future.
The Galleria encourages shoppers to be more eco-friendly and bring their own reusable items. When you bring a used bottle to L’Occitane en Provence you can enjoy a 10% discount on your purchase as well as contribute to a good cause – a part of the earnings is donated to women in Burkina Faso when you buy shea butter. Kiehl’s is also offering a great incentive for recycling – you can receive one free conditioner bottle for every 10 recycled bottles.
Choose sustainably produced items
Making a conscious effort to use sustainable products in our daily lives is a small yet impactful step towards a more sustainable future. Look for products made from sustainable materials, such as bamboo, organic cotton, or recycled materials and choose organic produce whenever possible. The Galleria offers a wide range of stores that prioritise sustainability in their products including West Elm’s sustainably sourced items for home décor, high-street fashion stores such as H&M Conscious, Zara Join Life and Mango Committed for sustainable fashion options.
Give your unwanted items new life
Sustainable living involves making conscious choices that not only benefit us but the environment as well. One of the easiest ways to do so is through recycling. Instead of throwing away clothes that you no longer need, give them new life by donating them. Dedicated drop points are available at The Galleria inside Bershka, Massimo Dutti, Oysho, Pull & Bear and Zara. Additionally, Zara Home at The Galleria offers a similar recycling programme but for home items.
Choose plant-based dining options
As we become more aware of the impact our choices have on the planet, it's important to consider the environmental impact of our diets. Making a conscious choice to opt for plant-based meals when dining is healthier and contributes to a lower carbon footprint compared to meat-based meals. The Galleria offers a wide range of restaurants that cater to plant-based diets, including L’ETO, LPM Restaurant & Bar, Almayass, COYA, 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant and Grand Beirut to name a few.
Shop Local
A major source of pollution is international shipping and transportation. While much of this cannot be avoided, making smart choices and shopping local helps reduce its impact. The Galleria is a growth hub for entrepreneurs who are establishing their presence in the UAE, which makes it the ideal place to shop locally from fashion and beauty to art. Next time you visit check out Dar Al Hazar, Shaira, Sesame, Le Cadeau, Le Kaftans, Cuple, Classy YM, F.N. Lounge, Imagea Beauty Bar, Hair Principles, La Elegancia, The Robes and Zeina Art. Not only will you be getting great service and quality products, but you will be supporting local and locally-based entrepreneurs who are following their passion and doing a little bit for the planet too.
Making small sustainable choices when shopping can help make a big difference in reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices.
