Consumers speak

“I shop on a weekly basis, usually online. I’ll buy several items, maybe two shirts and a lot of cosmetics. I don’t usually donate my clothes [to charities], but I give them to relatives and people I know. There is an increasing number of bloggers in Dubai, and that only promotes fashion. I don’t think I would be willing to buy fewer clothes and wear what I have more often. If I am convinced it is good for the planet, I might buy different fabrics if that helps. Kholoud Kotait | 23, Egyptian

Angie Arumugam | American Business Council official

“I go shopping every weekend, usually to highend shops, and I always end up buying something. It can be anything from a top to a bag or even jewellery. I don’t shop because I like to, I actually hate shopping — but I have to dress a certain way at work and at the events we hold, so that kind of drives my shopping habits.

However, I do recycle every two weeks to a month.”

Jem Lee | Philippines, works in tourism, Dubai

“I shop twice a month, and that’s usually because I really enjoy it.

I do go through my closet every six months and take out clothes I don’t use anymore for recycling.

I am not too aware about the negatives of the fashion industry on the environment, but if I were to read more, perhaps I will change my shopping habits.”

Dura Shabaka, Iraq, Student

“When it comes to shopping, I buy one item every two weeks or sometimes every week.

I donate clothes every year, but I am not aware of how resource hungry the fashion industry is. I think even if I were to find out more, I wouldn’t change my shopping habits because I love shopping way too much.

In today’s consumerist age, I think people are defiantly trying to keep up with new trends just to fit in.”

Wasif Mahnudoz, Azerbaijan

“I go shopping weekly, usually on weekends. Shopping malls are big in Dubai, so I find my self-spending time at the mall every week. I like to recycle my clothes every few weeks. I usually place them in the green boxes [placed in locations around the city].”