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Moving overseas can have a huge impact on the environment but it can also offer new opportunities for you to become more environmentally friendly. Hoozing put together some advice and steps for you to take towards a more sustainable expat life, especially for green living in Saigon.

Regardless of whether you are a new or experienced expat, anytime is a good time to tweak your usual rituals and start (or continue further) your eco-friendly practices. Below are some ideas to help implementing a greener lifestyle:

1. Consider Greener Modes of Transportation: Biking, Public Transportation, Electric Car 

Relocation means new commuting opportunities, especially in Vietnam, as you are surrounded by motorbikes and traffic jams everyday.  Depending on your distance from your home to your new workplace and the environment in between the two, this might open up the opportunity to have a more active or social commute that does not require solo driving. Some methods to consider:

• Cycling or Walking

Cycling is one of the greatest forms of the commute because it is active, making it beneficial health-wise (physically and mentally), and it can also save you money on car expenses. If you are really close to your workplace, walking is also an option.

• Public Transportation

If you are living in a big city like Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi that has convenient public transportation, taking the bus may be an option. Without having to use a car or bike you will personally avoid juggling through traffic, and you can use the time to catch up on reading, listening to some music, or maybe just some people-watching.

2. Become Familiar with Waste Removal System and Trash Separation

Removal of rubbish is not the most glamorous of topics, but it is a significant practice that differs from country to country. Also important to note is the recycling protocol: what can or cannot be recycled? 

Become familiar with the rules, know where you drop off items, along with what and when it is picked up. It requires minimal effort.

3. Support Local Green Business

Even though you may have loyalty to certain chain brands you know from back home, be open to explore the local green business. See what they are offering and don’t just stick with what you are familiar with. Supporting local businesses, as it cuts down on the environmental expense caused by transportation, promotes a greener lifestyle, and also encourages local development.

4. Borrow or Buy, Sell and Trade Used Goods

Even though it can be nice to purchase a brand new product, in many cases a pre-used item or simply borrowing something from an acquaintance can sufficiently serve the purpose that we thought we needed to make a new purchase for.

In terms of buying previously owned items, often supermarkets have bulletin boards with postings of people selling used goods. Also the Facebook groups are full of people who want to regularly sell belongings. 

5. Sharing Is Caring

Share what you do have — books, household items, etc. Did you finish reading a book? Trade it or give it to another expat. Especially English books are a hot commodity with expats. Do you have leftover food, or bought too much? Share it with your friends or coworkers. Sharing food is also a great way to make new friends. Don’t just throw it out.

6. Make Small, Positive Changes to Your Regular Routine

There are many habits we undertake in the course of a day that we can be more mindful of and easily alter to be more green. Some of these common daily changes could be

• Bringing a reusable bag to pack your groceries;

• Taking a reusable, refillable mug when you are getting a takeaway coffee at a café instead of using a disposable cup;

• Taking shorter hot showers;

• Turning off the light in a room when you are not in it;

• Printing both sides when possible;

• Turning up the air conditioner

Essentially any proactive step to lead a more environmentally friendly life is a good one, whether you can adopt all of these practices and other ones not listed here, or just a few of them, every little step counts. In time all of this adds up to make you a more aware and responsible expat.

For expats who want to find safe and affordable accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City to settle down Hoozing offers a fast & professional rental process to meet your requirements. Contact Hoozing directly via 0906663265 or the main website to make a request.

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Rent with Hoozing

In need of a fast & professional rental service? Contact our partner Hoozing to find your perfect apartment. Simply call 0906663265 or visit the website to make a request.

HOOZING
119 Luong Dinh Cua, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City

Call: +84 90 666 3265

Website: https://hoozing.com/