Ramadan is a time of reconfiguring ourselves, our households and our communities towards God. As we come together every evening to realign our intentions of devotion to Allah SWT, let’s remind ourselves of the expansive purpose of fasting—saying no to food waste.
Our team has put together a guide in which we share tips on how your Ramadan can truly embody the lessons of less is more by embracing an ethical zero-waste Iftar spread every evening—whether you’re eating alone or with your community.
Steps for Hosting an Ethical Zero-Waste Iftar at Your Masjid
- Plan Ahead:
- Determine the number of attendees to prepare appropriate portions and minimize food waste.
- Design a menu focusing on local, seasonal, and plant-based ingredients, which have a lower environmental footprint.
- Sustainable Invitations:
- Utilize electronic invitations to reduce paper usage.
- Inform guests about the zero-waste theme and encourage them to participate by bringing reusable items if possible.
- Eco-Friendly Tableware:
- Opt for reusable washable plates, utensils, and cups. If reusable options aren’t feasible, choose compostable products certified by reputable organizations.
- Use fabric napkins instead of disposable ones to reduce waste.
- Mindful Food Preparation:
- Prepare and serve adequate food portions to satisfy guests without leading to excess.
- Have a strategy for distributing leftovers, such as providing guests with containers to take food home or donating to local shelters.
- Waste Management Stations:
- Set up clearly labelled bins for compost, recycling, and landfill waste, ensuring they are co-located to make sorting convenient.
- Use visual aids above each bin to guide guests on proper disposal practices.
- Educate and Engage:
- At the event’s start, explain the zero-waste goals and how guests can contribute.
- Encourage guests to share their sustainable practices and ideas.
- Decorations:
- Decorate with reusable items or natural elements like potted plants, which can be kept or gifted afterward.
- Steer clear of disposable decorations that contribute to waste.
- Beverage or Water Choices:
- Serve drinks or water in large dispensers to minimize individual packaging.
- Provide guests with reusable cups or encourage them to bring their own.
- Post-Event Reflection:
- Review the amount and types of waste generated to identify areas for improvement.
- Ask guests for input on the zero-waste initiatives to enhance future iftar events.
By thoughtfully implementing these steps, your Iftar can embody the spirit of Ramadan while promoting environmental responsibility.
Read more: Eco-Conscious Ramadan Infographic: 28 Tips for Sustainable Living
