Dubai is committed to change: The overarching goal of the initiative is to significantly reduce the consumption of – and reliance on – wasteful single-use plastic water bottles.

After all, plastic has devastating effects on the environment, as well as on an individual’s health and living costs over time.

Here are some startling facts about plastic waste:

• It can take around 500 years for some plastics to decompose (WWF)
• Approximately 100,000 marine mammals are killed by ocean plastic every year (WWF)
• The average UAE resident uses around 450 plastic water bottles annually (Bee'ah)
• By 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans (Ellen MacArthur Foundation/World Economic Forum)

While the city is making great strides towards the no-single-use plastics objective, it is the actions of individuals – including residents and visitors – as well as organisations that will ensure the campaign has a wider and lasting impact. We’ve listed five easy ways to become more sustainable.

At home or work: install reusable filtered water solutions

There are many suppliers that provide cost-effective water purifiers for your home or office. Select from a range of products that best suit your needs – from faucets and dispensers to smart stations with customisable options such as sparkling water, botanical-infused varieties, and more.

For a personal incentive, keep track of how many plastic bottles you are saving each month thanks to the switch. It’ll keep you motivated to stay eco-conscious and encourage others to do the same. If you are a business, sign up to Dubai Can and send in regular reports of your conservation efforts.

On your own: cut back on single-use plastic bottles

Single-use plastic water bottles is one of the areas where everyone can make a positive change. By consciously avoiding them, circulation of single-use plastic water bottles will decrease, and thereby reduce plastic waste in the city.

If you're a fan of mineral water, make sure to choose recyclable alternatives. Look for canned water options from brands like Aquafina – not only are the cans quite affordable, but the materials can be easily recycled afterwards. Alternatively, opt for water in glass bottles like those by Evian or Voss. 

When out and about: take advantage of free drinking fountains

As part of the Dubai Can initiative, you will notice that several drinking water fountains are springing up all over the city. This gives everyone the chance to stay refreshed while on-the-go by refilling water bottles for free. Use the handy map at the end of this article to find a fountain near you.

In your community: support local causes that are driving change

Whether under the mantle of Dubai Can or as part of existing corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes, many organisations are transforming their operations to meet revamped sustainability targets. This includes installing water filters and smart water dispensers, and even offering complimentary refillable water bottles to employees.

Every day: be the change you want to see

Not everyone is aware of the damage single-use plastics can have on the environment, so go a step further and be a voice for the cause. Encourage family, friends and co-workers to adopt eco-friendly alternatives and create a culture of conscious living in the city. Together, we can make a difference.

Dubai Can is a sustainability initiative by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

The initiative aims to reduce single-use plastic water bottle waste in the city by:

• Encouraging individuals to use refillable water bottles
• Enabling access to free and safe drinking water through the installation and use of water stations across Dubai
• Creating a culture of conscious living by driving awareness on plastic alternatives and sustainability issues