10 Ways You Can Live a Greener Life in Egypt
By Kenzy Fahmy
Today we kick off our Sustainability Weekend, a 2-day event that celebrates all those working towards a greener Egypt, building a bridge between our community and the businesses and organizations that can help us live a more sustainable life. CSA Sustainability Weekend is brought to you in collaboration with DAWAR App and GEIS.
We have already come a long way; our awareness of the damage we are inflicting on the environment and the ways we can reduce our carbon footprint has skyrocketed in recent years. But there is still much to be done and to be changed. We’re still learning, evolving, growing, and many of us are still at a loss as to how we can make the right adjustments in our lifestyle.
Join us today and tomorrow for some delicious food, traditional crafts and insightful discussions, and keep reading for a few tips on how you can live a greener life here in Egypt.
Eat more plant-based foods - We now know that the livestock industry is one of the greatest factors affecting our planet. The factories and farms raising the beef and chicken we consume on an almost daily basis are breeding grounds for cruelty and disease. By switching to primarily plant-based diets, we can stop supporting a destructive industry, reduce the harm inflicted on other animals, reduce our carbon footprint, and support our own health. We now have so many great vegan and vegetarian options here in Egypt, from Sincerely V right here at CSA serving ready-to-eat vegan cuisine, to a growing variety of locally made products that are now on the market.
Manage your waste properly - First of all, say no to single use anything. Ditch the plastic for a reusable tote bag and try to buy products that are sustainably packaged (go for paper and glass whenever possible). When it comes to organic waste, consider starting your own compost and turn your waste into gold; if you do it right you can even compost in a small apartment! It goes without saying that trash should be disposed of properly, but sadly our streets are still heavily littered. If you see trash accumulating around you, use the Dawar app to send in a photo and they’ll send you a picture of the area once it’s been cleaned!
Reduce your consumption - While it’s great to shop for sustainable products and recycle what you use, the best way to consume responsibly is to consume as little as possible. Producing ‘green’ products still carries an environmental cost; the best way to reduce your waste is to just consume less! So the next time you go shopping, ask yourself what you really need and what you can do without.
Buy local and fair - Mass produced products that must be shipped around the world are having a catastrophic effect on not only our planet, but they’re also part of an industry that is known to be unethical and unfair to the people and communities involved. By making the switch to local, fair products, you can support small businesses and communities in your area, reduce your environmental impact, and keep traditional crafts alive. Check out ALKEMIA, The Corner, MIM, Bulga and Khan Toloun right here in CSA for a lovely selection of locally-made products that showcase Egypt’s beautiful craftsmanship.
Invest in your home’s energy - So many of our homes here in Egypt are built in a way that leads to massive loss of energy, and of course, increased consumption. Luckily, solar energy solutions are now becoming more available and accessible to us here. Companies like GEIS now offer affordable options that allow you to convert your home to one that runs on sustainable energy. But if solar isn’t feasible for you just yet, there are alternatives. Invest in insulating your home properly, from windows to rooftops, and convert what you can from electricity to gas (like your water heater).
Plant more trees - Plants are one of the most protective elements in our environment, and with the current rate of deforestation and desertification, it is becoming more important than ever to compensate by planting more. It doesn’t have to be trees of course, any plants will do, and the more the merrier! Companies like Schaduf offer different solutions for those looking to create an urban garden, from rooftop gardens for those who have access to green walls for those who have no outdoor space available.
If you’re going to build, build green - If you’re in the market for a new home, or even some renovations to your current home, consider enlisting the help of an expert in sustainable architecture like Mohamed el Agizy. By using the right materials and implementing strategic designs, you can build a home that is not only beautiful, but also environmentally friendly. If you’d like to know more join us tomorrow at 1PM for his talk on sustainable architecture.
Change the way you move - Sustainable transportation is not always feasible in Cairo, but there are small changes we can all make that will help. Cycle or walk shorter distances, carpool for longer ones, use an electric Glide Scooter and if you’re feeling up to it, take the metro when you can. Changing the way you move is a win-win; it’s better for your health and for our planet!
Change the way you travel - Whether by sea or sand, choose businesses that share your values. We travel more than ever and this is taking a clear toll on the environment so it’s vital that we start to change our travel habits. Ditch the mega-chains and big hotels and opt instead for eco-lodges like Adrere Amellal. They have a much smaller carbon footprint, with a mission to preserve the natural environment and nurture the community and traditions around them.
Don’t do it alone! Only by working together as a community can we really make a significant impact. Reach out to family, friends, neighbors and local businesses for support and collaborations, encourage each other to make healthy changes that are good for us, our environment and generations to come.