- What does sustainability mean to you, and how has it shaped your personal and professional life?
Sustainability to me means caring for the planet in such a way that I use the resources it has to offer respectfully, with a conscience (mindfully) and selflessly. It has shaped my personal life in a way that my awareness is heightened to the waste around me, as well as the resources.
Some eco-friendly swaps I made are:
- Silicon lids instead of Cling wrap
- Wooden spatulas instead of Teflon ones
- Glass spray bottles instead of plastic ones
- Reusable storage bags instead of plastic sandwich bags
- My own reusable supermarket bags
- Check the box for “No cutlery” when I order food delivery
- Metal water bottle instead of plastic
- Wooden toothbrush instead of plastic
It has made me more appreciative of what I have. I have never been one to take things for granted anyway, whether it’s the people in my life, the material things I have, the opportunities that come my way or the surroundings I live in.
It has shaped my professional life in a way that I want to work for enterprises that mean what they say and walk the talk. Hence, I freelance with Eedama, a social enterprise that delivers and promotes sustainable development. They impact on young minds the basic tenets of sustainability and that’s who we need to focus on – the younger generation.
So, sustainability has shaped my professional life by helping me seek out the right company to offer my services to…if that makes sense.
- Do you understand where your highest emissions come from? How do you calculate your individual emissions?
I believe my highest emissions come from my transport albeit I do drive a Tesla, at the end of the day it still has a battery that needs charging and that does take energy.
I don’t calculate my individual emissions. I’m rather stay focussed on cutting down wherever necessary and making the right choices as a consumer. I don’t want to feel guilty or helpless. I feel it could lead to eco-anxiety and sometimes it’s hard to take certain conscious choices although one would love to. For eg. I’d love to walk to places like supermarkets or restaurants and cafes, but one can’t do that during the summer and sometimes it’s not even a walkable path (in the city for instance)
- Which Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) do you resonate with the most, and why?
SDG2 (Zero hunger) and SDG12 (Responsible consumption and production)
Why? – Because it’s heartbreaking to witness the stark contrast between abundance and the lack of access to such a fundamental human right and because it’s (food) something that is totally in your control (you can decide how much to buy, cook, serve, waste, and what happens to that waste), you don’t need to rely on an external company to make that decision and take that step. You can choose to start composting at home (more conveniently if you have your own garden, of course)
- How do you feel about the role of individuals versus businesses or governments in driving sustainability?
It needs to be a mindset in the individual. It stems from upbringing as well as one’s surroundings. If someone is always surrounded by abundance or without having to work for what they want, the mindset will be different. Their perspective on value and consumption will be different. Individuals must learn to value more than material wealth. There needs to be a deep understanding of being a part of a larger system with shared responsibilities.
Businesses and governments also play a crucial role in promoting sustainable behaviour. Just as the home environment helps shape the individual, businesses and govts can further boost these values on a larger scale.
- What would you say are the biggest challenges when trying to shift to a more sustainable lifestyle, and how have you overcome them?
My biggest challenge would be transport. I have not fully overcome it, as although I drive a Tesla (no doubt there’s no generation of emissions) it still requires energy.
Ideally, I would’ve liked to walk. Besides the infrastructure of the city, climate plays a big role in restricting my sustainable choice when it comes to transport.
Another challenge would be my ability to find stores that have the refilling station option (whether it be for consumable items or hygiene products). I believe in Dubai this exists (not sure how many outlets) but in AD, alas there is none I know of.
- What are some misconceptions about sustainable living that you’d like to challenge or change?
Misconception: An individual’s actions don’t matter. (These actions drive change in demand and policy making. One can be a conscious consumer)
Misconception: Sustainable living is expensive. (Infact, buying a sustainable product comes after one has first adopted the refuse, reduce, reuse and recycle options)
- Your book, “Calvin and the Magic Formula,” introduces young readers to composting in a fun and engaging way. What inspired you to write this book, and what impact do you hope it will have on children and their understanding of sustainability?
I had a food business that didn’t last very long. Luckily, I shut it just before Covid. While I had this business, I witnessed how food can go to waste and so much gets thrown out. It stirred my curiosity about what happens at big weddings and brunches etc. I then came across Lara (from The Waste Lab), she had posted on FB something related to composting and soil health. That was my watershed moment. One thing led to another and the idea of writing this book came up as I wanted to touch the minds of the younger generation, as its good to sow the seeds (no pun intended) when they are still young.
I see “Calvin and the Magic formula” a helpful way to foster environmental responsibility and encourage children to play a role in caring for the planet by reducing waste and reusing resources. Through this book I hope to promote sustainable habits that they can carry with them into adulthood
- With the UAE’s goal to reduce food loss and waste by 50% by 2030, and Ramadan being a time of reflection and mindful consumption, how do you see your book contributing to raising awareness about food waste and sustainability during this period?
My book, Calvin and the Magic Formula, aligns perfectly with the UAE’s goal of reducing food loss and waste by 50% by 2030, especially during Ramadan—a time that emphasizes mindfulness, gratitude, and responsible consumption.
During Ramadan, when food waste tends to increase due to large iftar gatherings, this book introduces children to the concept of composting in a fun and accessible way. It serves as an engaging tool to educate young readers and their families about a simple yet impactful way to minimize waste.
It also encourages a shift in mindset—helping families see food scraps not as waste, but as a valuable resource that can be returned to the earth.
Additionally, the book encourages meaningful conversations about sustainability at home, while also instilling life skills such as – responsibility, teamwork and problem solving.