CAIRO: Relocating to Cairo recently, with its high levels of air pollution, spurred me to scout for environmentally-friendly products that could easily be incorporated into one's lifestyle. And I was pleasantly surprised by the plethora of products and ideas that are available to evaluate our carbon-conscious options. The “Zebaleen” women of Moqattam have perfected the art of recycling as they transform scraps donated by textile houses into rugs, bed spreads and quilts using patchwork and weaving techniques. As part of a unique “learn and earn” program initiated by the Association for the Protection of the Environment (APE), their creations of cushion covers and wall hangings can make even the most mundane of interiors look interesting. Working with their bright aprons and oven mitts in the kitchen makes a much pleasurable experience. Color-coordinating bags with my outfits is possible with the lovely selections made from left-over cloth, available at the shop on the APE premises in Moqattam. And the prices do not even burn a hole in my pocket. You can also find reusable bags for a trip to the grocers', eliminating the need to use plastic bags. I had almost decided against printing visiting cards — the thought of the number of trees that would have to be felled for my “calling card” deterred me. But then the recycled paper made as part of yet another project under the APE umbrella solved the dilemma. Vividly colored and beautifully patterned, their recycled paper makes for a unique option. Though e-cards are easier, I prefer the old-fashioned way of receiving and gifting cards. I particularly like the idea of giving embroidered gift cards made of recycled paper as it will not only make the process of gifting more environmentally-friendly, but also be something out of the ordinary. Using handmade paper stationery like envelopes, files, notepads and diaries can be the first step to reducing your carbon footprint at work. Instead of using wrapping paper for gifts, their gift bags made of recycled paper can be used time and again. Organic foods are also the need of the hour amid rising concerns of the ill effects on health resulting from the consumption of food that is grown using pesticides. “The farmers in Siwa oasis have traditionally not used any chemical fertilizers and we offer them incentives to continue farming using organic methods,” said Heba Abdella, Siwa Initiative project director with the Environment Quality Initiative. Olives and palm groves flourish in the fertile Siwa oasis and under the Siwa Initiative, the farmers are trained in harvesting and picking techniques to ensure the highest quality products. Apart from olive oil, green and black pickled olives, olive jam and semi-dried dates, a number of agri-culinary products like date syrup, sycamore jam and extra virgin olive oil are also produced and marketed under “Siwa Organics.” I have found their flavored olive oil dressings extremely handy to whip up appealing salads. Fortunately, now I will not have to stock on herbal soaps and cosmetics from back home since I have discovered the homegrown Egyptian brand of Nefertari. “All Nefertari products are made using 100 percent natural ingredients which do not include any chemicals, artificial fragrances or colors and are considered to be 100 percent environmentally friendly,” said Dr Mona Erian, who launched the company in 1998 by creating a pure olive oil soap. Since then, shampoos, bath and body care products have been added to Nefertari's stable of products. Their milk bath is styled on Cleopatra's famed use of goat milk for bathing. Attractive packaging using 100 percent natural material makes these products more endearing. Especially beautiful are the handmade baskets and containers identical to those used by the Pharoah Queens. My quest to go green has received an impetus from a number of organizations and associations that are active in the realm of environmental protection in Egypt. Local groups like Tree Lovers' Association of Maadi and Keep Egypt Clean advocate some practical ideas that can contribute towards a cleaner environment and help in reducing our carbon footprints. For example, starting a worm compost system under the sink can produce the richest of fertilizers that can be then be used in a rooftop garden. A simple cardboard box with compartments can be used to sort the garbage. With greater awareness and countless number of products and ideas, healthy living is within our grasp in Egypt. Taking a step in this direction, I am going to request my bank to send me only e-statements and discontinue hard copies and also switch to online banking to pay my bills. Siwa Organics shop: 17 Ahmed Hishmat Rd., Zamalek, Cairo Nefertari shop: For more information, call (012) 313 5256 APE shop, Mokattam: For directions, call (02) 2341 2723 Eco Options Egypt
