Tips for a Green Ramadan

Ramadan is quite different from other months in terms of activities, praying and eating habits. During this month, Muslims should abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset to boost physical and mental endurance and to understand the hardships faced by the poor and needy who do not have enough resources to satisfy their basic necessities. The true meaning of Ramadan is purifying ourselves, taking care of our body, soul, people, surrounding and ecosystems which is supporting us.

The month of Ramadan is a golden opportunity to consider making a shift towards a ‘green lifestyle’ that is environmental-friendly, non-polluting, non-wasteful and aim toward saving of natural resources. The green lifestyle means improving the quality of life and achieving sustainable development.

Like celebrating so many environmental days, Earth Day, World Environment Day etc., why not celebrate the Ramadan as a greening month. Let us create awareness on the subject, think and act positively towards our environment and change our unfriendly habits which are impacting our ecosystem.

Let us seize this opportunity provided by Ramadan and offer a model for a green and responsible behavior that addresses the urgent environmental issues.

Go Green in Ramadan

Ramadan witness an overconsumption of meat, vegetables and fruits together with drinks, juices and syrups. We become more extravagant in terms of using food and resources. So, let us exercise moderation on these consumption, eat healthy and organic food in manageable quantities. Let us grow vegetables and fruits at our available land. Use food items judiciously and avoid any food wastage during Ramadan.

• Let us be away from sins and habits that pollute our air, soil and water resources.
• Let us be aware of our wasteful habits which are affecting the environmental and our future generations. Any mismanagement of our precious resources will be having irreversible impacts on our ecology.
• Let us make concerted effort to encourage and embrace “green” and ecofriendly practices, especially during Ramadan.

Ramadan presents the perfect opportunity to recharge our spiritual batteries for the year. It is a time to seek forgiveness for our misgivings and to reflect upon the signs of creation from Allah. As Muslims, we have a duty as stewards over this planet, and it is our responsibility to ensure that the resources and environment are used in a sustainable manner.

Tips for a Green Ramadan

Let the holy month of Ramadan not only harness our mental and physical ability but also be a turning point for respecting our resources and environment.

Some basic tips for a green Ramadan are:

• Support and utilize local produce.
• Plan food intake with proper nutrition and at suitable timings.
• Cut down and eliminate intake of fast food.
• Reducing the water usage, especially during making ‘wudoo’/ ablution. Be vigilant that the tap is closed. Any dripping should be eliminated to conserve precious water.
• Reducing our energy and carbon footprint.
• Generating less quantity of waste.
• Emphasizing on recycling and reuse.
• No littering at any places especially common areas, commercial and religious places and shopping areas.
• Minimum or no use of plastic bags. Using less paper and stationery.
• Switching off appliances after use like lights, ACs, fans, heaters, iron etc.
• Using electrical appliances like washing machines, iron, vacuum cleaner and dishwashers in off peak hours.
• Planting a tree and taking care of plants and trees.
• Replacing lights blubs from incandescent to CFLs or LEDs and turning off lights when they are not in use.
• Similarly, at the mosque, keeping outside doors closed when the air conditioning is on and dimming the lights also reduces energy consumption as well.
• Eliminate disposables plates, cutlery, cups, containers etc.
• Avoid using styrofoam containers and plastic cutlery.

Don’t forget to check out our interesting infographic on how to reduce food wastage in Ramadan

Rehan Ahmad

Rehan Ahmed is currently working as Head of Waste Disposal Unit at Supreme Council for Environment, Kingdom of Bahrain. He has over thirty four years of professional experience on projects related to waste management, recycling, reuse and recovery & environmental impacts assessments. Rehan has been instrumental in construction, development, operation and management of Hafira industrial landfill site and establishment of healthcare waste treatment facility in Bahrain.

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