Nancy Juárez, Economist and a passionate environmentalist
Describe yourself in 3-5 words?
Mexican Economist & CFA, 27 years old and a passionate environmentalist
How has your sustainable journey started?
It started from my health journey trying to avoid toxins entering my body. Then I realized it is all connected, its circular, whatever damages the environment will damage the human body in away. We are part of nature, so something that hurts nature cannot be good for our health.
What is your vision and how do you think you add value to the community?
I try to connect the dots and communicate to everybody interested, showing that our health (physical and mental) is directly correlated with the environment. Always science-based and using trusted sources, focusing on daily habits.
Can you share a couple of practical examples of your sustainable living that would be useful to others?
Every day small actions count the most: having a compact zero waste kit it’s a bamboo roll that was gifted to me. I saw similar ones in the store of The Good Karma and straw kits from Q’umir. That I can carry everywhere has been the biggest change in my life. There are lots of unexpected things that can happen, so being prepared is key. Mine consists of a water flask, collapsible mug, cutlery, cloth napkin, reusable straw, and a bees wrap. The idea is to use what we already have at home, we all have some spare fork and spoon, an old t-shirt can be repurposed as a cloth napkin. And a travel mug. If everybody carries this small things, tons of plastic can be saved. And it also depends on everybody’s habits, if someone uses a lot of disposable chopsticks, it’s a good idea to include them on the kit. Or maybe if you usually buy lots of take outs, a reusable container is also a good idea. I tend to be more on the simplistic line and focus on easy things to incorporate, so that it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
Since when do you live in the UAE?
Since November 2019 in DIFC
Why do you love this place?
I love that all the buildings in DIFC are connected making it easy to walk around. There are also great options for food, grocery shopping, and even some sustainable fashion stores.
If you would get a magic stick what would you improve and make better?
I would just make people realize how their individual actions have a great impact when done consistently, either good or bad.
Where do you like doing your grocery and why?
A have a few:
- Greenheart organic farms: Local and organic produce with package free deliveries available.
- Carrefour MOE: because it has a huge refill station for so many things, from pulses to oils, even a dish and laundry soap refill is available there.
- Grandiose: Great refill options also. I like the one at Zabeel in Dubai Mall because it has lots of package free superfoods that are hard to find, and the staff is super friendly. They also have a loyalty program for when you bring your own containers, once you complete 8-10 visits bringing your own containers, they’ll give you 50% off on your whole refill section purchase of the day.
What is your favorite eco-brand?
The Good Karma, they source everyday products that are essential in a zero-waste journey, many of which I haven’t been able to find in any other place in UAE like loofah and Swedish dishcloths.
What is your favorite eco-friendly restaurant or cafe?
Life n’One, I think it’s now named Seva Table. The place is beautiful and peaceful, it has the best vegan food I have tried in Dubai and they only served filtered water.
The best way to spend time with family and friends?
At the ripe market or having a picnic when it’s not summer. Home-cooking and sharing food all year round.
How do you spend your free time?
Cooking and learning new cooking techniques, I love to cook. At the beach, doing grounding and getting vitamin D.
The best recent discovery in the UAE?
Blanco Care for local toothpaste tabs.
Do you recycle and how?
All the time and even rescue recyclables that are not mine. I collect at home, clean and separate the residues, every now and then I take them to an Aveda Smart Recycling Centre near my home.
What is the best way to learn about sustainability and green living?
With the internet and social media, there are so many ways, you just need to be curious enough. Google and research whatever interests you, follow people that are ahead in the journey, and inspire you, there are lots of books. Also, follow your ancient instinct, many sustainable living practices are just about returning to how it was made before.
