International Women’s Day is a day dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women across the globe. It is a day to recognize the role of women in shaping our world and to appreciate their tireless efforts in promoting sustainability. As I sit down to write this blog and when I think of women in sustainability, I cannot help but think of the women in my life who have played an integral role in shaping my values and beliefs towards sustainability. Although the list is unlimited, in this blog, I would like to pay tribute to the three most important women of my life; my mother, my wife, and my daughter, who have inspired me in more ways than one.
My Mother – The Pioneer of Sustainable Living
Growing up, my mother was a pioneer of sustainable living, long before it became a buzzword. She would always be mindful of the amount of water she used, she would often reuse and repurpose items. It was not just about saving money; it was about reducing our impact on the environment. My mother’s influence on me was profound, and it is something that has stayed with me throughout my life. She taught me the importance of conserving resources and minimizing waste. Her frugal and sustainable practices were not just environmentally friendly but also economically sound.
When I think of my mother, one of the first memories that comes to mind is her tending to her beautiful Rose garden. She would spend hours every week, carefully nurturing each plant, ensuring they received the perfect amount of sunlight, water, and love. As a child, I would watch in awe as the roses bloomed into a colorful array of pinks, yellows, and of course, her favorite, deep red.
But my mother’s love for her garden extended beyond just the aesthetics. Her love for nature inspired her to adopt eco-friendly practices that made her garden thrive without harming the environment. 35 years ago, very few people knew the concept of sustainability. But somehow, she not only knew what she was doing but practiced it as well.
It’s quite evident to me that my mom was ahead of her time when it came to sustainability. She was thinking about the impact of her actions on the environment long before it was perhaps even coined. In fact, she used many trending concepts that have only recently gained mainstream popularity.
One of her daily practices was composting, although she never called it that! A popular concept now, but back in the day she would collect waste fruits and vegetables from her cooking, along with eggshells, and turn them into a nutrient-rich compost that she used to nourish her plants. By doing so, she not only reduced waste but also reduced her reliance on chemical fertilizers that can harm the environment. My mom would cook daily for us and many who knew her always remembered her as an amazing cook. Which only meant that she re-used all the food waste for her rose garden.
Recycling was another sustainable practice that my mother followed religiously. She would reuse old containers and jars as planters and repurpose old household items like broken cups and saucers as decorative elements for her garden or even around the house.
My mother’s sustainable practices were more than just a hobby; they were an expression of her love for the planet and her desire to leave a better world for us and future generations. As a child, I didn’t fully understand the impact of her actions, but as I grew older and learned more about sustainability, I realized just how much her small but meaningful efforts mattered.
My mom is no more, but her sustainable practices were not just a passing trend, but a way of life that will now pass on from me to my kids and to hopefully future generations. Miss you, mom!
My Wife – The Sustainability Warrior
Right then, moving on to the second lady who has made an impact, My wife! She is another strong influence in my life when it comes to women in sustainability. She may not know it but she is instrumental in promoting many aspects of sustainability within the family. When it comes to women in sustainability in my life, she is right up there.
One of the main ways my wife practices sustainability is through her use of fresh food. She is also an excellent cook who loves experimenting with new recipes and flavors. But more importantly, she never cooks more than what is required, so we never waste food. Which in today’s world ties in seamlessly with Zero Waste Living. She always ensures that our meals are not only nutritious but also environmentally friendly. Her unique approach to life was rooted in the understanding that the small things we do every day can have a big impact on the world around us.
My wife’s efforts to live sustainably began with small actions that we all took for granted. For instance, she insists on placing a doormat and cleaning it when it gets dirty. By using a doormat, she removes her shoes as soon as she enters our home. She constantly teaches our kids to do the same. Now that I think of it, using a doormat is a simple but effective way to prevent dirt from entering our homes. It’s estimated that up to 80% of dirt and dust in our homes comes from outside, so placing a doormat at every entryway can significantly reduce the amount.
She also made it a habit to remove her shoes and keep them in a designated cabinet near the entrance of our home. She constantly emphasizes us doing it as well everyday. Do we have endless arguments? Sure we do!
At first, I didn’t understand the reasoning behind it, but through her actions, she patiently explained how it reduced the amount of dirt and contaminants we brought inside, Covid or no Covid! This not only meant a cleaner home but also saved us from buying and using excessive cleaning products and not to mention reducing the use of water dramatically. This of course contributes towards the environment, not to mention savings in my water bills.
My wife’s approach to sustainability is summed up by a quote from Jane Goodall, “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” She has decided to make a positive difference in the world, one small action at a time and the best place to start is home!
I’m grateful for all she is doing to make our home and the environment a better place. For me, she is another sustainability warrior!
My Daughter – The Future of Sustainability
As I write this blog, I cannot help but think of my daughter, who is the future of sustainability. She is still young, but her passion for the environment is already evident. She loves spending time outdoors, exploring nature, and learning about different species. Her love for nature has inspired her to make changes in her life, such as reducing plastic use and conserving resources, and advises me everyday after her school.
Recently she spent her Saturday and Sunday preparing and contributing as a youth SDG ambassador at the World Government Summit along with 16 other like-minded kids. Now, let’s remember, this was her weekend and she could have spent doing a million other things that other kids do, but she chose this! And above all, she loved it. A big thanks goes out to the leadership of the UAE and the UAE SDG’s Council for making this happen and giving young members a chance to express themselves.
Watching my daughter grow up has given me hope for the future. It is reassuring to know that the next generation is aware of the challenges we face and is eager to make a difference. As parents, it is our responsibility to nurture this passion and provide them with the tools they need to make a positive impact on the world.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, women have played an essential role in promoting sustainability, and their contributions should be celebrated and recognized. The women in my life have inspired me to embrace sustainable practices and promote them in my community. From my mother’s frugal and sustainable practices to my wife’s dedication to promoting eco-friendly practices at home, and my daughter’s small but growing passion for the environment, these women have left an indelible mark on my life.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us take a moment to appreciate the role of women in sustainability. Let us recognize and celebrate the women in our lives who have inspired us to adopt sustainable practices and make a positive impact on the environment. Together, we can work towards a more sustainable future, where we leave behind a healthy planet for generations to come.
NOTE: The image with three women is only a reference image.
Join #SustainaWorld initiative and share your stories. For those who missed what #SustainaWorld is all about and want to catch up, click here to learn more from Day 1.
Don’t be left out in the cold. Join our inner circle of like-minded individuals and get exclusive access to our latest content by subscribing with your email address.