Photo dates in a bowl

8 tips for a green Ramadan at home

Kamran Shezad, sustainability lead for the Bahu Trust and climate change advisor to the Mosques & Imams National Advisory Board, offers some inspiring ideas for an environmentally-friendly Ramadan.
Kamran Shezad
By Kamran Shezad    |      Published:  05 May 2020    |      1 minute read

1. Plant a tree or flower pot

Plant a tree in your garden or plant some flowers. Plants are a source of continuous rewards, and help attract all sorts of wildlife to your patch.

2. Keep the environment in mind

Keep biodiversity, nature and everyone affected by the impact of climate breakdown in your prayers. 

3. Eat less meat

Meat is one of the leading causes of climate breakdown. There are many religious references warning against the over-consumption of meat, so try to reduce your meat intake this month.

Find out how to eat less, but better, meat.

4. Buy only what you need

Only buy what you need in order to reduce food waste – don't buy extravagant meals requiring lots of different ingredients for the pre-dawn and opening of the fast meal. There are plenty of online recipes for simple, cheap, veggie meals, so give them a go. 

5. (Nearly) plastic-free dates

It's traditional to close and break the fast with delicious, nutritious dates. These are almost impossible to buy without being wrapped in plastic film. So buy in bulk to reduce plastic waste – and share the sweetness with family.

Photo of dried fruit in bulk
Credit: CC0 Pixabay

6. Cut your waste

Apply the principles of "reduce, reuse and recycle" with your waste. The emphasis should be on reduce and reuse. 

There are many ways you can reduce your impact on the planet. Find out how to become a more conscious consumer, or try to reduce single-use plastic in your home.

7. Spend time outside

Pray, meditate or study with your family in the garden whilst listening to the birdsong. If you don’t have a garden, then sit in front of an open window taking in fresh air.

8. Increase and spread knowledge

Many Imams are now online and delivering sermons, call up your Imam and ask him to dedicate one of his talks to environmental issues.