Green group sets out to cut waste in holy month
AIM TO INSPIRE
WITH TARGETS AND ADVICE TO LIVE ETHICALLY
ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners have used Ramadan to seek to inspire people to reduce waste.
The Green Guardians’ WasteFreeRamadan challenge has offered a daily task for followers to take on.
These have included:
Save energy by walking instead of driving;
Reduce plastic by using reusable shopping bag;
Stop food waste by purchasing food they would actually finish;
Completing wudhu (cleansing before prayer) with the least amount of water;
Refuse fast fashion by borrowing an Eid outfit rather than buying a new one.
Green Guardians founder Aamenah Patel said: “Ramadan is a very spiritual and holy month for all of us.
“Waste is seen as something displeasing to God.
“Unfortunately, in Ramadan, there is an increase in food waste and general waste, so we wanted people to tap into their green side by reducing waste, doing the usual stuff like giving to charity as well as worshipping God.
“My passion is climate change and the effects our lives have on the planet. My aim through Green Guardians is to educate the Muslim community about how we can step up and live the values of our religion which are often forgotten about – ultimately, living ethically.
“Although founded by Muslims, we are for everyone and there is no exclusivity to who can join us.
“While we do rely on our religious principles to drive what we do, ultimately we all live in the world and we can all do our bit to help the community and each other.”
The group has held litter picks and is organising a Big Green Swap of clothing that will take place next month.
Future plans include registering as a charity, as well as working with mosques and madrassas to educate young people about climate change and getting them involved in helping the planet.