Sustainability and environmental consciousness are key in Islam. As the holy month of Ramadan is upon us, I wanted to share some quick ways that you can try to be more eco friendly. Here are 10 ways that you can have a more sustainable Ramadan, aka Eco-Ramadan!

1. Plan your meals in advance

When you plan what you’ll have for suhoor and iftar, you’re not only going to save time, but reduce your waste too. You don’t need to think a week ahead, if that’s too much, try thinking about the next two or three days as a start. When you plan what you’ll eat, you’ll also end up eating less unhealthy, impulsive food. We tend to have more fried food or order takeout in the evenings because we’re too tired to cook a meal – that’s fine in moderation! But, if you plan ahead, you’ll have everything ready to go when it’s time to wake up early to eat, and at maghrib to open your fast.

2. Make a list of what you need

This is so important when you go shopping – especially on an empty stomach when you think you can eat more than you can. When you’ve figured out what you want to eat, make a list of the things you’ll need and take it with you! I tend to write groceries on my phone because I never forget it. This helps us avoid more journeys to the shops when we forget an ingredient, and it prevents us from wandering around and buying random things that we may not need or use!

3. Check use-by dates

Many shops in the UK have stopped writing use-by dates on their produce, which is a great way to prevent waste (use-by dates are not expiry dates). Fruit and vegetables tend to last a long time after use-by dates, but meat and dairy less so. So when you do go to shops, and there are use-by dates, remember your meal plan and look for the items that will stay fresh until you plan to use them!

4. Take advantage of your freezer

If you have a freezer, keep it organised and make it part of your meal plans. Otherwise it ends up being a magical corner of the house that we only think about when we want ice cream! Use wipeable labels or put things away in different coloured boxes so you know what’s what. If you end up with leftovers, put them in the freezer, rather than the fridge if you know you won’t eat it the next day. Regularly go in and look at what’s there so you can use things before buying more.

5. Organise your fridge

If you’ve seen those organisation videos on TikTok then you probably know where this is going…kind of! No, please don’t think you need to buy lots of new plastic containers to organise your fridge! In fact, all you need to do is designate shelves and drawers to different things – one for fruit and veg, one for dairy, one for meat, one for leftovers, etc – whatever works for you! The most important thing is to avoid packing it all at random because you’ll forget what you have and end up with excess waste. When you can see what you have, you’ll remember to use it.

6. Batch cook and meal prep

Planning your meals is a great way to save time, but you’ve also got to actually prepare the food! A good rule of thumb is to prepare food for the next three days if you’re not freezing it. Cook enough of everything so that there’s plenty for the coming days. You can also batch cook some meals that you know will go in the freezer. Soup, meat balls, samosas, burger patties etc, are all easy to batch cook and pop into the freezer. It saves time in the long run and will help make sure you’re using up all the ingredients.

7. Recycle food waste

Composting is a really effective way to reduce your waste and help the planet. Rather than throwing away peels and rotten food into the general waste, try to put them into a compost bin or collection box. If you don’t have your own garden, or the space to create a compost bin/station, find out if your local council will collect food waste. Most of them will, but if not, you should be able to find local charities, allotments or communities that will – there are lots out there that might be near you!

8. Share what you don’t use

If there’s something in your cupboard or fridge, that you know you’re not going to use, then see if any nearby friends, family or neighbours have a use for it. You can also use food waste apps like Olio to share and swap food with people nearby, for free. You could also offer leftover food or items to a local shelter or food bank – a lot of supermarkets also collect canned goods so ask next time you’re there. There are many people who may need the food that you don’t, so share and ask; it’ll help the planet and someone else’s livelihood.

9. Don’t waste water

Water is the source of all life within Islam; it’s a valuable resource that must be used with care. Whilst we don’t drink water during our fasts in Ramadan, we do tend to use it more. When doing wudhu, preparing food, making tea and drinks, don’t leave the taps running. Try to use as much as you need and no more. It might be helpful to keep a cup or jug in the bathroom so you can use water more sparingly. This is especially helpful if the water is really cold, before it’s really warm – let the cold water into a cup and pour that into plants! When you’re cooking, use measuring jugs or cups to avoid wasting excess water.

10. Shop local

Of course, if you’re in the UK like me, it’s going to be impossible to get UK grown dates! But for other fruit, veggies, dairy and baked goods, try to see if you can find a farm or shop that supports local businesses and communities. The carbon footprint of fruit, vegetables, and most produce in grocery shops is generally huge due to transport. So the more we can reduce our emissions, the better. But where this isn’t possible, try to buy from businesses and brands that support vulnerable communities, which have a social and charitable impact for example, buying dates in the UK from brands that are from/support Palestine.

What are some ways you’re reducing your waste for a more Eco-Ramadan? Let us know in the comments!

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