The Muslim community is striving for a green Ramadan

Muslim communities continue to rally around themes of social change, embracing the link between Ramadan and eco consciousness. The latest, is limiting plastic waste.

Muslims around the globe are currently observing Ramadan: a holy month in which members of the faith endeavour to purify themselves against excess and materialism.

In keeping with these intrinsic values, mosques internationally are striving to combat arguably the worst ecological scourge of consumerism over the last century, plastic waste.

As Muslims break fast for Iftar — the after-sunset meal each evening to observe Ramadan — many large communal gatherings which used to necessitate the use of single-use plastic items like forks, knives, and bottled water are now turning to sustainable alternatives.

Other mosques and community centres are discouraging large evening meals altogether, owing to the generation of food waste and use of nonbiodegradable materials being contrary to the key value of preventing wastefulness.