Adjusting to Life in Dubai: A Reflection on Convenience and Sustainability
Carol Koech
Strategy Director, Sustainability & Thought Leadership – International Operations | Visionary | Strategic Thinker | Passionate about Energy Access and Sustainability
Moving to Dubai has been an exciting journey, and one of the most remarkable aspects of this transition has been experiencing the advanced quick commerce and e-commerce industries. Imagine getting whatever you need delivered to your doorstep in just 15 minutes! Coming from a country with a less developed industry, I initially reveled in these conveniences. However, this newfound ease has prompted me to reflect on its impact on my carbon footprint.
Consider the number of trips a delivery rider makes for each order. How often do we order online without a second thought? Does this convenience make us less inclined to plan? In my experience, knowing that a solution is just a click away often leads to impulsive decisions rather than thoughtful planning. This not only affects our spending habits but also significantly increases carbon emissions. It's time we rethink our online ordering habits.
Another pressing concern is the excessive packaging and the resulting waste. As the world grapples with plastic waste, it's clear that the battle must be fought on all fronts, including delivery packaging. There is a tremendous opportunity here! Some supermarkets offer the option to skip packaging bags, which is a step in the right direction, but many still use multiple layers of packaging.
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When I shop online, I try consolidating my orders to reduce the number of deliveries. Yet, I've noticed that platforms like Amazon often break down orders, delivering items separately, sometimes even the smallest ones. This inefficiency is troubling. For example, I recently ordered a few household items and some groceries online. Surprisingly, the items arrived in three separate deliveries over two days. One delivery was just for a single pen! This made me realize how much waste and unnecessary emissions were generated just for my convenience.
Next time you click that order button, consider the environmental impact—both in terms of emissions and waste from packaging. Let's strive to make more sustainable choices and plan our purchases better. Together, we can make a difference
Problem Solver, Relationship Builder, Communicator, Joy Seeker
2 个月Thought provoking article, Carol! Having also relocated to Dubai, I’ve reflected on my own carbon footprint and access to my normal sustainability habits. For instance, my plastic use has substantially increased in Dubai vs when I lived in the U.S. Like scope emissions, individual carbon footprint and sustainability practices are not always straightforward and I find that there are tradeoffs everywhere!
Asset Management Analyst ? Lifecycle Replacement ? Electrical & Mechanical Assets
2 个月True. It's often easy to amplify & justify the short term convenience but when you think about it, physical shopping has a whole host of ancillary benefits - exercise, fresh air, you get to actually know your surroundings. My favorite, and perhaps the most often ignored - chance meetings with people - 'bumping into' someone unexpectedly, making a new acquaintance...especially when that time would have otherwise been spent doom scrolling in front of a screen.
Global Operations Leader | Driving Process Optimization, Strategic Realignment, and Customer-Centric Excellence | Lean Six Sigma Certified | Expert in Operational Performance, Strategic Alliances & Business Development
2 个月Welcome to Dubai. This is such a big huddle to many, 'just a click away often leads to impulsive decisions rather than thoughtful planning'. Carbon emissions brings an added discussion point for sure that we rarely think of. Such an insightful thought. Thank you for sharing.
Sustainability Analyst | International Operations @Schneider Electric
2 个月Very informative and Interesting ??
I weave narratives igniting African thought leadership and fueling innovation, building bridges to connect and cultivate platforms for meaningful impact. I am particularly interested in technology and all it can unleash.
2 个月How did they package that single pen?? ????