Billions of followers of the Muslim faith are currently fasting during the day in observance of Ramadan, part of a month-long commemoration of the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad. For many, the evening meal that breaks the day’s fast, Iftar, is an occasion to gather with friends, family, and their community to feast. Some mosques are looking for ways to gather and break their fast in a more sustainable way.
In serving iftars, mosques can distribute 800-1,000 plastic bottles of water nightly, as well as single-use plates and utensils. As reported by Metro, many mosques across the UK are changing that, from encouraging congregants to be more ecologically conscious of replacing single-use plastic utensils for reusable ones, and replacing plastic bottles with refillable bottles.
Green Lane Mosque in Birmingham, for example, decided to purchase refillable bottles to be sold at a subsidized cost to members, in addition to installing refilling stations and no longer offering plastic water bottles.
Efforts to make Ramadan more sustainable isn’t just happening in the UK. Last year in Pleasanton, CA, young people from the Muslim Community center of East Bay ordered compostable dinnerware and cutlery to replace plastic ones and sought out caterers that only use recyclable meal packaging.
Harun Khan, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, hopes more mosques join the campaign for plastic-free Ramadan, saying in Metro, “As Muslims fast in Ramadan to be closer to God, it is important to be mindful of his creation and care for the environment.”
“We hope many more will get involved and ensure their congregations opt for an eco-friendly approach. We all must play our part in protecting the Earth,” Khan adds.
