In a place of rampant development like Dubai, where the fragile desert and gulf waters ecosystem is being replaced by vast residential satellite cities one could give up on the idea of an organic lifestyle and go home. But materialism and money CAN be transcended by living a more sustainable lifestyle.

We all arrive in Dubai thinking we will stay for a short time. But the years roll on and Dubai becomes home, hopefully a healthier, cleaner, greener, living environment. We can choose chemical-free options in every aspect of our lives if we want to. Who would have thought that Dubai - whose unofficial national symbol is the blue plastic bag - could support two vast organic supermarkets and cafes where there is no blue plastic in sight? Organic food is becoming more widely available in conventional supermarkets, recycling depots are expanding and environmental awareness days are on the agenda.

How can you make a difference? With any behaviour change, it has to be fun, inspiring and the benefits need to be obvious. One obvious change I have noticed in my family is less illness since switching to organic food, more discussion about where food comes from, how it is grown and why it tastes better. It is not just that going organic is trendy. It actually feels good from every dimension, ethically, physically and spiritually. Sure it takes more effort to seek out an organic lifestyle, recycle your waste or grow a veggie garden. But commit to making just one change in each of the four areas and witness the butterfly effect; your actions and choices can influence many impacting on the planet as a whole.

Food

It's a fact. Organic food really is healthier for you, your family, the farmer and the environment. Studies have shown organic produce has higher levels of trace minerals and cancer-fighting antioxidant nutrients like Vitamin C. Chemicals in conventionally grown foods can have major short term and long term effects on health ranging from ADHD, allergies and gut problems to autoimmune and degenerative diseases like cancer and Alzheimers disease (see childhood behaviour and organic food).

Gradually replace your store cupboard staples eaten daily with organic ones like bread, cereals, flour and tea. Get on the mailing list of the Organic Foods and café (www.organicfoodsandcafe.com) and find out when new produce is arriving. Choose a couple of organic fruits and vegetables to try weekly and experiment with new ones.

Foods at the top of the food chain like meat, eggs and dairy concentrate chemical toxicity up the food chain. This is the area where eating organically is the most justified. A Soil Association spokesperson rightly states, “Because there is no such thing as intensive farming in organic farming, the organic label is the most reliable indicator of good animal welfare. Organic is one the few genuine food labels around”. To sell a one kilo chicken for Dh 12 and make a profit for the supermarket and the farmer involves appalling treatment of animals. It should be worth paying a bit extra for taste, health and animal welfare.

Buying organic not only promotes sustainability of the environment, biodiversity and working in harmony with nature it also supports small farmers. It helps to guarantee fair wages for workers, improving their health, housing and educational opportunities. Fair trade organic tea, coffee and cocoa offer win-win situations. Since these crops are amongst the most heavily sprayed employing mostly peasants, farmers, workers and consumers gain equally.

back to top

Home and garden

Create your own veggie garden and involve your children in growing organic produce. Cook what you grow, take them to the Organic Foods and Cafe so they can taste and choose their own food and be involved in packing their own snack box. Limit packaged food - use storage containers instead.

If you have a gardener prohibit him from spraying your grass with pesticides and herbicides and investigate using natural alternatives instead like neem or garlic. Be concerned about widespread use of “fogging”, spraying for insects, in new residential areas where there are stagnant pools of water creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Look for cleaning products that are kind to the environment and the user. Make a commitment that when your next bottle of cleaning product runs out, you will sample an earth-friendly one to replace it. Buy more concentrated ones so you use less, with less packaging. Use unscented laundry soaps and no fabric conditioner which contains petrochemicals. Try ENJO or other brands like Sonett or make your own from bicarbonate of soda. Refresh your house with lots of indoor plants and burn essential oils.

Filter your tap water using a multistage filtration process to remove chemicals and add minerals. Have your water tank cleaned regularly. This cuts down on the amount of plastic water bottles used and the possible health implications of chemicals leaking into the water, especially if the bottles are left in the sun.

Recycling

One of the simplest changes you can make is buying reusable shopping bags. It seems all the rage in Australia where the nifty green bag has become the latest fashion accessory.This will cut down on unwanted plastic.

Start a compost bin that is rat proof. It will reduce your household waste by a third and nourish your veggie garden. Set aside an area of your home, like a store-room for easy recycling with different containers for plastic, glass, paper and cardboard. Take your children to the factory where they recycle to show them what it means to reuse. If an electrical item breaks down in you home don't be tempted to go along with the cultural disposition to throw it out if it isn't. “Repair and reuse” is an uphill battle in the Gulf where many expat families have the latest and greatest gadgets.

back to top

Health and beauty

Yoga is a great way to experience life holistically. Linking mind, body and spirit and feeling part of the universal life force helps you to connect with your environment and cherish it. If you are finding it hard to change your eating habits and seek out organic food, start with exercise first…you will naturally crave good foods.

Find an exercise/yoga class close by. Invite a teacher to your compound and draw in your neighbours. Stay afterwards for an organic breakfast. Or team up for a group walk on the beach or around one of the parks where you can minimise car usage. This goes for your children too. Seek out activities close to home or start a music lesson or activity group at home.

Minimise use of solvents in nail polish remover, hair spray, cosmetics and dry cleaning. Think about the amount of chemicals added to nappies and feminine hygiene products. Use ones that are made from organic cotton. A fabulous new range of 100% organic Australian cosmetics and body care are available in the Organic Foods and Café. Miessence is a divine brand using predominantly organic essential oils and the prices are comparable with the upper range of branded cosmetics.

Daunted or inspired? Find out what the rest of the world is doing via these internet resources:

www.ifoam.org

www.whyorganic.org

www.greenpeace.org

www.truefoodnow.org

www.organicfood.co.uk

www.soilassociation.co.uk

www. sustainabilitystreet.org.au

www.slf.org.au

www.organicconsumers.org

back to top