Charlene's Listings
More about Charlene
Age: 37
Gender: Female
Describe yourself in 3 to 5 words: Passionate eco-warrior making a difference!
Reason I joined Greenfootprint.ae: I joined GreenFootprint to be able to connect with like minded individuals who are also on a sustainable journey. Hopefully we will be able to build a bigger community where we can all support each other.
I've lived in the UAE: Since 2005
Why do I love it here: The UAE has provided me with sooooo many opportunities. I am definitely not the same person I am now as when I arrived over 15 years ago! Not only has the UAE provided me with a platform to start my career as a lawyer and later an environmentalist, but I also met my husband and started a family here - so it really is like "home" to us.
If I could get a magic stick, what would I improve: Tough question ... I would probably use my magic wand to reveal all the 'greenwashers' out there so people can see through their lies. There are so many large corporations out there that are spending more time and money on marketing themselves as environmentally friendly than on actually pulling up their sleeves and minimizing their environmental impact. As a result, consumers are mislead to buy goods and services from these 'environmentally conscious brands' and often pay more, when they are not getting what they are promised.
I want to leave a greener footprint for the future generations as they are the ones who will have to live with the mess we have created.
Where I like to do my groceries, and why: We shop mainly at Carrefour as I can buy almost everything package free. However when the local organic farms are open we buy most of our fresh produce direct from the farms and try to eat as much seasonal produce as possible.
My favourite eco-brand: Unwrapped artisanal soaps (totally biased yet again) but they have really changed my life! No more chemicals - just mother nature's own ingredients!
My favourite eco-friendly restaurant/cafe: Unfortunately I don't have a favorite as I don't think we have many options in Abu Dhabi. However I will update you when I find one so watch this space.
The best way to spend time with family and friends: Anything outdoors ... going to the beach, a long walk outdoors, picnics, camping, etc
How I spend my free time: If I have free time I am either in the garden getting my hands dirty or taking some time out and doing yoga. I also love reading and cooking yummy family meals.
The best recent discovery in the UAE: Our latest discovery has been going to visit all the different islands and mangroves off Abu Dhabi by boat. It is so beautiful and a whole different world that I never knew even existed.
Do I recycle, and how: We try to recycle as little as possible by buying items package free. This eliminates alot of unnecessary packaging and reduces the number of trips we need to visit our nearest recycling station.
We also compost all our food scraps which we put back into the garden to help our garden grow even more beautifully.
What is the best way to learn about sustainability and green living: If you are interested in starting a sustainable journey I would start by finding an Instagram page that you like (like @unwrappeduae - because I am biased as always) and follow them.
You will learn a few new tips along the way which you may have never even thought about. From there, you might be able to incorporate some changes into your day to day routine that can simplify your life. And once you start to see the positive impact of these changes, it becomes a little addictive and you continue to strive for new ways that you can make simple swaps or changes, big or small.
I always think back to when I started my sustainable journey and how there were so many things I just didn't know. I was not always the way I am today and have done my fair share of damage to the planet. But other fellow eco-warriors inspired and educated me so that I could make better choices for myself and my family. And now I am sharing all these with you too!
The best recent discovery in the UAE: Our latest discovery has been going to visit all the different islands and mangroves off Abu Dhabi by boat. It is so beautiful and a whole different world that I never knew even existed.
Attached images:
