As the second week of Ramadan comes to a close, we continue to be tested with spiritual and physical hardships due to fasting. Fasting and abstaining from food, water, and other pleasures allows us to self-reflect on the privileges that we are blessed with within our own lives. We are reminded of those in poverty who may not be as fortunate and those who do not possess any basic necessities. As Muslims, it is our responsibility to live sustainably and to act as caretakers toward our planet. Ramadan provides us with the perfect opportunity to shift towards a more eco-friendly mindset and lifestyle. Though this is a feasible goal during the month, the greater challenge lies in continuing these sustainable habits after Ramadan.
Come time to break fast, meat-based dishes are one of the most common dishes that you can find during iftar. Meat consumption is one of the biggest negative impacts that we humans have on the environment, and as Muslims we can unintentionally exacerbate environmental harm during Ramadan. There are many strategies to mitigate your own impact on the environment. Firstly, you don't necessarily have to eliminate meat out of all your meals for iftar. By going one meatless iftar a week, you can help reduce your carbon footprint as a result of the decreased meat production.
Incorporating more fruits and vegetables into iftar meals are the healthiest substitution for meat-based dishes. "It is He who sends down rain from the sky, and with it We bring forth vegetation of all kinds, and out of it We bring forth thick clustered grain. And out of the date palm and its spate come clusters of dates hanging low and near, and gardens of grapes, olives and pomegranates each similar (in kind) yet different (in variety and taste)." (Surah Al-An'am 6:99)
This is equivalent to about 1.3 billion tonnes of waste, which is a reflection of the sheer degree of unsustainable eating habits. During Ramadan, food waste is significantly much higher than other months, reaching up to 25% of generated waste.
Allah advises us to eat and drink in moderation as otherwise it suggests a life of extravagance: "Eat and drink: But waste not by excess, for Allah loveth not the wasters" (Surat Al-A'raf 7:31)
With a global estimation of around 800 million people who remain hungry, and the issue of food availability and shortages in developing countries, it is important to tackle this issue at an individual level during Ramadan where leftovers after iftar are a given.
Portion control is a good strategy in minimizing food waste as you can simply advise others to come back for seconds if they wish to do so after their first plate.
In connection to Surah 7:31, it is important to additionally be mindful of your water usage during Ramadan. There are many different tips that you can utilize to minimize water wastage within your own life. Shift away from plastic water bottles and make the switch to tap water if you can. You can use a filter and store your water in the fridge. Try to minimize any type of wastage when preparing for iftar. There are many different uses for scraps that result from cooking. For example, reusing boiled water is a classic example of preserving and reusing ingredients. If you've used the boiled water to cook vegetables, you can preserve it as vegetable stock for later use. If bottles of water must go to waste, you can use the remainder of them to water the plants and grass of your home.