Marie Casalme, a partner in Ecofriendly KAIA
Describe yourself in 3-5 words
Licensed Physiotherapist & Personal Trainer
How has your sustainable journey started?
I am an expat who grew up in huge farmland in a town where being eco-friendly is not even discussed because it’s what we grew up with, it is the norm there even now. My childhood was founded with a love for the outdoors as we were surrounded by fertile plains, clean rivers, and untouched woodlands.
What is your vision and how do you think you add value to the community?
My vision remains true in our company’s mission to introduce ‘Simple Sustainable Swaps’ to chemical-laden products in plastic packaging. As someone who grew up using and reusing natural resources, I am aware on how we can slowly change our ways without being judged and just by starting with the small, small things.
Can you share a couple of practical examples on your sustainable living that would be useful to others?
A lot of people think, you have to go hard core when it comes to sustainable living, but what we should all do is start with small things every month or every week. For example, look for ways to re-use items that you already have. We also fail to take care of our things so we had to buy a new one again. In our household back home, we had this fan that we have been using for 20+ years because my father will repair it instead of buying a new one.
Since when have you lived in the UAE?
Since 2005
Why do you love this place?
I got the chance to meet a lot of beautiful souls from all over the world.
If you would get a magic stick, what would you improve?
I would penalize households for throwing things that are still usable.
Where do you like to do your grocery and why?
Carrefour. They are the most active in terms of promoting zero waste grocery shopping.
What is your favourite eco-brand?
Ecofriendly KAIA of course 🙂
What is your favourite eco-friendly restaurant or cafe?
Hanok Korean Restaurant. They have good food, mostly organic and never did they offer plastic utensils in their restaurant.
The best way to spend time with family and friends?
We stay in nowadays because of the pandemic but we love travelling to the outdoors when it’s safe.
How do you spend your free time?
Gardening. I grow my own vegetables and I also compost.
The best recent discovery in the UAE?
Warsan Nursery 🙂
Do you recycle and how?
I compost.
What is the best way to learn about sustainability and green living?
It’s by joining a community and following accounts about composting, recycling and by attending workshops on sustainability
GreenFootprint.ae is collaborating with ecofriendlykaia in spreading the awareness and providing sustainable solutions.
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