Photo: Aaron Burden
As the world reflects upon the legacy of World Environment Day on its 50th anniversary, and looks toward a more robust future plan of action, it is important to remember that every individual contribution matters, no matter how small it may seem. This year, the United Nations may have chosen to focus on reducing plastic pollution but June 5 is all about raising awareness and taking action in whatever way you can.
Vogue Arabia has rounded up five ways in which you can help protect the environment or simply honor this occasion while living in the UAE.
Visit the Museum of the Future
Photo: Instagram.com/museumofthefuture
This World Environment Day the Museum of the Future has partnered with Dubai Municipality to present a showcase that not only marks the UAE’s continued commitment towards sustainability but also encourages visitors to incorporate environmentally friendly practices into their daily lives. While The Tomorrow Today exhibition presents a future where innovation and technology allow for sustainable urban development through groundbreaking concepts such as biodegradable plastic made from seaweed the museum also focuses on the individual – visitors can explore eco-friendly souvenirs and packaging while raising their own awareness about environmental affairs.
Dine at a Michelin Green Star Restaurant
Photo: Courtesy of Boca
With Michelin revealing its highly anticipated selection for the Michelin Guide Dubai 2023 last month, now is the perfect time to visit the two restaurants awarded a Green Star this year. The Michelin Green Star highlights restaurants leading the way in sustainable practices, offering delectable dining experiences while adopting an environmentally inspiring approach. Boca in DIFC not only presents flavorsome Mediterranean cuisine but also uses local produce, consciously manages waste, and uses renewable energy. At Jaddaf Waterfront inside the Jameel Arts Centre Teible presents a similar commitment to sustainability by serving a menu focused on seasonality and integrity.
Shop Preloved Clothing at Digg It
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Fast fashion is now a mainstay within the global fashion industry which is why shopping for pre-loved items can be a revolutionary act when it comes to protecting the environment against overproduction and overconsumption. A visit to Digg It, a thrift store in Al Qouz, will not only have you helping the planet but you are bound to find a treasure trove of hip-hop-inspired fashion for your wardrobe. The store carries preloved, vintage, and reworked clothing ranging from the late 70s to the last decade and also doubles as a collective for the youth. Expect to find everything from oversized NASCAR tees to retro Air Jordans.
Recycle with Washmen
Photo: Pexels
Online laundry service Washmen offers the UAE’s only free home recycling program which presents the perfect chance to combat plastic pollution in honor of World Environment Day and its theme for this year. After booking a collection with the service you can leave your recyclables such as plastic bottles, paper waste, and unused packaging along with your laundry for Washmen to pick it up. All recycling is handed over to the company’s suitability partner Beeah, a major waste management and sustainability company in the UAE. Since the initiative started in July 2020 Washmen has collected more than 11,250 KGs of recyclables.
Book an Eco-Friendly Stay at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Photo: Instagram.com/mo_emiratespalace
Earlier this year Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi unveiled its vegan rooms for those looking for an environmentally conscious but opulent stay. All aspects of the rooms from fixtures to amenities are not only eco-friendly but the property commits that nothing has been made using animal products or materials. From a vegan in-room dining menu and vegan products in the mini-bar to toilet paper, bathrobes, and pool towels made from sustainable materials everything about this accommodation is about protecting the environment. This eco-conscious ideology even extends to laundry detergents and cleaning products along with key cards crafted from wood.
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