dubizzle, the UAEs largest online classifieds platform, reveals that 70% of its users consider themselves to be eco-friendly.
In a poll conducted of over 1,369 respondents in May 2019, 959 users claimed that they are environmentally friendly. The results which have been revealed ahead of World Environment Day that falls on June 5th of each year, share insight into sustainable consumer habits, as well as the most popular measures that will be taken by users to reduce their carbon footprint moving forward.
When those surveyed were asked about what actions they took to reduce their carbon footprint in the last year, 42% stated that they recycled and sorted their waste, followed by 38% who reused or repaired items.
Other actions included being mindful of DEWA consumption (36%), being aware of what they purchase (35%) and refusing to buy single-use plastic and paper products by opting for reusable products instead (32%). The results also revealed that 33% and 32% sold and bought second-hand items respectively, giving them a longer life.
When asked what second-hand items were bought or sold in the last year, electronics took the majority share (40%), followed by home & garden appliances (28%), sports & outdoor items (17%), child and baby items (14%) and fashion and beauty items (11%).
“The core business model of dubizzle naturally encourages sustainable behaviors by providing a platform for the community to trade second-hand goods. Through this simple act of buying and selling used items, users are ultimately contributing to reducing waste and lowering their ecological impact in the UAE,” commented Salma Anabtawi, Head of Customer Experience at dubizzle.
While most respondents highlighted that they are ‘environmentally friendly’, 7% consider themselves not to be, and almost a quarter (23%) stated that they are neutral. However, when asked what measures they will take in the next year to become more environmentally conscious, all survey participants responded positively.
The most popular measure was recycling and taking part in waste sorting, with 44% of respondents aiming to do more of this in the coming year. Refusing to buy single-use plastic and paper products was the second most popular (38%), followed by being more mindful of items purchased (37%). Other measures selected included reusing an item for more than its primary purpose (37%), monitoring DEWA consumption more closely (35%), selling used items (36%) and buying second-hand items (31%).
With over 2 million monthly active users, dubizzle is the biggest second-hand online marketplace in the UAE, providing users with a platform to trade and exchange used items. This contributes to reducing waste and promotes sustainability among UAE residents, which is in line with the national agenda of creating and maintaining a sustainable environment, outlined in Vision 2021.