Why the UAE is pushing residents to walk with family and friends within neighborhoods
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Eisa Alsubousi, project leader, Year of Sustainability, UAE, told Gulf News: “We encourage the public to meet friends, family and neighbors and walk around their residential communities, whether to go to the local supermarket or spend more time in nature. , have a cup of tea or coffee or exercise together. “They can also join any walking group or community, which offers a great opportunity for people to connect and be more active.”
He said Community Steps aims to help people achieve a more carbon-neutral lifestyle and a greener way of movement, while inspiring them to have meaningful shared experiences in their public spaces. There is no better time than Ramadan to begin this community-led initiative, as this is the month of mindfulness, reflection and conscious decisions, she added.
Four key areas
As sustainability initiatives progress, the UAE’s focus in 2024 will primarily focus on four key areas: green transportation, responsible consumption, water and energy reduction, and green planting.
Now, how can you achieve this on a day-to-day basis?
“In many ways,” Alsubousi said.
Car sharing is a way to reduce the carbon footprint in daily life.
Image credit: Gulf News. For illustrative purposes only.
“Carpool with friends and family, walk or use scooters and bicycles for shorter distances; use public transport and electric cars whenever possible; and even consider how our socializing and entertainment habits can be more sustainable, such as spending time in nature with friends and family instead of opting for activities that would negatively contribute to the sustainability footprint,” he explained.
“When sustainability is approached as a conscious lifestyle choice, it overall has a significant positive impact on the environment,” he reasoned.
Abu Dhabi Active Challenge
The Active Abu Dhabi Challenge, held between March 18 and 31 at Umm Al Emarat Park, encouraged people to take 6,000 steps a day. The response from both children and adults was significant, according to the Year of Sustainability initiative.
Previously, Abdulla Al Remeithi, member of the Year of Sustainability Expert Network, said: “Carbon emissions from petrol cars are the second highest source of pollution in the UAE, so initiatives like Community Steps are valuable in promoting a carbon-neutral lifestyle and encouraging the public to consider alternative forms of transport where possible, such as walking or cycling for short-distance journeys and sharing transport with friends and family.
Walking with neighbors helps foster a sense of belonging to the community, while promoting one’s physical and mental health.
Image credit: supplied
He said: “There is also the UAE Environmental Identity application which was launched in 2023 during COP28 and which helps people in the UAE monitor their carbon footprint generated in daily activities, thus helping us assess our environmental impact by making our more sustainable communities. The concept was developed as part of the National Expert Program and supported by the Ministry of Climate and Environment, the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency and Mubadala.”
Share your community steps
Community Steps encourages the public to share their Community Steps moments and their total number of steps by tagging “Year of Sustainability” in their photos and videos @uaeyearof and using the hashtags #PlanToAction #YearOfSustainability #UAE53.
Benefits of walking
According to Dr Mostafa Azab, Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon at Burjeel Day Surgery Centre, Al Reem, walking has many benefits.
Dr. Mostafa Azab
“Walking is a great way to improve your physical and mental health. Walking is a weight-burning exercise that has the benefits of improving the fitness of the heart and lungs, while reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, improving hypertension control, body balance, strengthening bones, reduces body fat and increases muscle endurance and strength. “
He said at least 30 minutes of brisk walking is needed most days of the week to reap health benefits. If you find it difficult to walk for 30 minutes at a time, walk for 10 minutes three times a day and then gradually build up to longer sessions, she advised.
Walking as a social activity
“Try to make walking a routine. You can ask someone to walk with you. That helps,” Dr. Azab said. “You can plan a family walk, or walk with a friend or pet. You can also join a walking club. Try to make walking a pleasure. You can use a pedometer while you walk to observe your movements throughout the day. This can motivate you to move more. “Walking to lose weight requires adding an activity while walking, such as walking with weights in your hands, walking uphill, walking for longer, or gradually increasing speed,” he added.
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