Ramadan is a time of personal contemplation and public generosity. However, aside from giving generously to the less fortunate, let us also be generous toward our beautiful planet. Here are some ways to make Ramadan more sustainable.
Working towards a sustainable future is an important aspect of Saudi Vision 2030, and in order to be truly sustainable, we must consider our impact on our environment in every facet of our lives. Here are three ways on how you can be environmentally-sustainable during Ramadan.
Reduce Food Waste
Did you know that up to half of all food prepared during Ramadan is thrown away? According to a recent UN report, food waste is one of the biggest generators of greenhouse gases which harm the planet and cause global warming. So instead of throwing away any leftovers after your iftar, cover them, keep them in the fridge, and reuse them the next day. Leftover rice can simply be reheated or fried in a wok together with some whisked egg, sliced vegetables and soy sauce to create a delicious Asian stir-fry. You can also layer cooked rice, broiled chicken and roasted vegetables in a filo pastry case and bake it to create an impressive pie. Mezze dishes will keep in the fridge for a few days; cold meats can be sliced into nutritious salads, and leftover bread is just as good the next day if you sprinkle it with a little water and pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds. Ramadan is all about sharing food with friends and family – just try to avoid sharing your food with the bin too!
Go Car-Free in the DQ
As you fast from food during daylight hours, try taking on the challenge of fasting from using your car for short trips within the DQ. With its pavements, parks and covered walkways between main squares, the DQ makes it not only convenient but also very pleasant to walk from place to place. If you need to get somewhere quickly, try using one of the DQ’s new electric scooters – just download the Kiwi app. As you travel in the open air, take a moment to look around you and appreciate nature’s beauty: the scent of flowers, the sound of birdsong, the sensation of a light warm breeze on your face. This is the environment we are trying to protect. By choosing to walk, rather than drive, you are not only improving your own health, but the health of the planet, too.
Reuse Your Plastic Bags
Did you know that the man who invented the plastic bag did it to save trees being cut down to make paper bags? He intended for the durable, waterproof plastic bags to be used again and again – plastic takes thousands of years to degrade, so one bag should last a lifetime. But now, we treat plastic bags the same way people used to treat paper bags, and they’re causing huge damage to the wildlife on this planet. This Ramadan, challenge yourself to reuse plastic bags the way their inventor intended us to. Take your own bags to the supermarket when you shop for groceries or to the mall when you shop for gifts and clothes. You could even challenge your friends to do the same and set a new trend!
As we share this period of contemplation, gratitude and reflection, remember to contemplate the incredible beauty of the world we live in. Be grateful for all the gifts nature gives us. Reflect on what you can do to help keep the planet healthy and safe for you and your loved ones, far into the future.
