Our FAQs are here for you

Our FAQs page is here to help you answer your questions: as the Nielsen Norman Group explained, people don’t search for their solutions, they search for their problem.

So we have compiled a series of questions that we’ were asked for the past 10 years and we tried to answer in a simple and accessible language, hoping you be able to find quickly what you need…

If you didn’t find what you were looking for, please email us at Ask@goumbook.com

The United Nations defines sustainability as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”

It contains three interlinked pillars: Planet (Environment), People (Society) and Profit (economy).

The SDGs are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. These were defined in 2015 by all the members of the United Nations.

There are 17 SDGS. In 2010, Goumbook promoted 7/17; in 2019, Goumbook promoted 11/17 SDGs and we aim to have covered all 17 by 2030.

For many physical, logistical and economic reasons, only 9 percent of plastic is recycled globally and only 6 percent in the UAE. Given these statistics, it becomes apparent that to tackle the plastic pollution problem it is more efficient to instead follow these guidelines in regards to recycling: the Rs

1)    Rethink – have awareness of what you consume, and what you waste is the first step on deciding how to tackle it and make a difference

2)    Refuse – if you don’t need it, don’t use it.

3)    Reduce – to cut down on your carbon footprint reduce your consumption to need rather than convenience

4)    Re-use – your everyday necessities: bottles, straws, utensils, containers etc. Part of Re-thinking is to Remember to bring them along with you

5)    Recycle – send to a reliable recycler everything you cannot refuse, reduce or reuse. Check locally for facilities.

6)    Repurpose – where possible, chose the products that are made out of partially made out of recycled materials

Investopedia summarises Greenwashing as the process of conveying a false impression or providing misleading information about how a company’s products are more environmentally sound. It is an unsubstantiated claim to deceive consumers into believing that a company’s products are environmentally friendly. It is a major problem as sustainability” has become a business opportunity at a time when it is not regulated. The consumer is easily deceived in their desire to do good.

The Ghaf is an indigenous species to the UAE and has been name the National Tree of the United Arab Emirates. It can survive on as little as 4 litres of water a day – as opposed to Palm Trees for example which need approximately 300 litres a day. It also benefits from the following characteristics: It provides an ecosystem for the desert fauna and flora, food for desert animals, shade for nomadic populations, provides cultural ornaments? and has numerous medicinal properties.

SEEDS                                                                 TREES

15-500             10.00     36.70                           10-1m                         10.90     40.00

500-1000          9.50      34.87                           1m                                13.62     50.00

1000-2000        9.00      33.03                           1.5m                             29.97     110.00

3000-4000        8.50      31.20                           2m                                81.74     300.00

4000-5000        7.50      27.53                           3 m – 12 mm trunk         108.99  400.00

5000-more       7.00     25.69                            3 m – 25 mm trunk         177.11  650.00

The Ghaf Tree enjoys from the following characteristics: It provides an ecosystem for the desert fauna and flora, food for desert animals, shade for nomadic populations, provides cultural ornaments and has numerous medicinal properties. This is written above.

Indirectly, planting a Ghaf tree connects you to the earth and nature, which has been shown to be beneficial to our wellbeing.

Every step counts. By becoming aware of what you do in your daily lives and spreading the word, you are contributing to the fight against climate change. Some of the steps are:

  • Consume locally produced foods
  • Reduce waste
  • Refuse single-use plastics
  • Consider your CO2 footprint
  • Recycle what you can
  • Use energy wisely
  • Contact us
  • How can I find sustainable companies offering sustainable products and services?

Visit Sustainable Mena, our Green Directory.

Goumbook can become your sustainable partner through annual Corporate Memberships. This offers a range of sustainable services and provides access to others. Please contact us at ask@goumbook,com

Goumbook is a Social Enterprise and as such cannot accept donations. However, you can participate in different extents through our many initiatives. Please visit www.goumbook.com/initiatives/ or contact us at ask@goumbook.com

Yes, our activities fit within the definition of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability

Sustainability positively affects all aspects of a company’s operations; from development, manufacturing, sales, culture and image. It creates value over the short and long term. Sustainability has become desirable for customers, business partners and employees. It is increasingly within some boundaries of guidelines and regulations.

Goumbook regularly organises community events open to volunteers. We sometimes need extra hands for our sustainable initiatives. Please contact ask@goumbook.com to sign up as a volunteer or to ask more questions,