Nabiha’s work resonates especially within South Asian and Middle Eastern communities, where cultural celebrations often carry a heavy environmental toll. With a BA in Sustainability Studies from Hofstra University, her expertise is well-rounded—not only shaped by academic training but also by a lifelong commitment to promoting eco-conscious practices in spaces that often lack them.

Her parents, both business owners, provided her with early insight into the entrepreneurial mindset. Her interest in environmentalism also began early when her 8th grade science teacher would show her class nature documentaries. These interests surprisingly worked together when she was thinking of a business venture she could throw herself into. Her endeavors, though varied, all tie back into design and the arts— she did her thesis on the fashion industry, and had a stint as a social media marketing manager at a sustainable fashion company. Besides the outright positive effort from a select few companies, she noticed just how wasteful the fashion industry was as a whole. This same observation applied to the events planning industry.

“It started clicking in my head,” Nabiha says. “I’m South Asian and I noticed people from the east— like South Asians, Middle Easterners and East Asians— their parties are really wasteful… and materialistic. I was like, how do I go about this?” In going about the culmination of her small business, she knew this would be a stumbling block. Educating minorities within the Muslim community on the subject would be one her priorities, as well as addressing her own standards for her business:

Nabiha, who is Bangladeshi and based in New York, would go about this in a varied way. While a lot of event planners will travel for a fee, she rebuffs taking a flight for an event or clients. “I know it might hurt me financially, but… I don’t want to have a high carbon footprint. I also want to give business to other small businesses within that region. So I’ll just direct them to (those).” By referring people far away from her home base of Long Island, she ethically helps other sustainably-minded people.

Supporting other local businesses is the crux of her business standards. “I try not to work with vendors that get flowers shipped all the way from, for example, South America, because they’re grown with pesticides.” Shipping the flowers themselves increases the operational carbon footprint, and the events industry is already responsible for over 10% of global CO2 emissions. Day flowers grown in Colombia and flown to the U.S., for example, produced some 360,000 metric tons of CO2 in a recent estimate. “I try to educate people,” Nabiha says. “(If) you’re getting married, or you have a birthday party, graduation, wedding, whatever it is… focus on more local and seasonal items. That’s gonna cost you so much less, and you’re not gonna get exactly what you want, but it’s gonna be really close, and it’s very possible.”

Despite numerous attempts by others to influence her stance, she remains resolute in upholding her self-imposed principles. Her business is driven by a deep commitment to ethical Islamic values and moral integrity, which serve as the core foundation of her motivations and decisions.“I was doing a lot of research (on Islam) when it comes to sustainability,” she says. “I learned so many things about our religion. That was so shocking to me, in a good way.”

“I was relearning Islam…” she says, referencing her journey to making her business into an LLC. “…and reliving life in a new way, Islamically. I was also trying to find ways to be a better person, trying to help educate others to be more mindful when it comes to lifestyle and sustainability.” Avoiding extravagance as a whole is a crucial aspect of being Muslim, but is oftentimes only remembered outside of special events.

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The best marriage is one that is easiest.”
Reported by ‘Uqbah ibn ‘Amir, Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Ḥibbān 4163

An ‘easy’ marriage doesn’t just mean that the bride and groom get along— it applies to all facets of the process, including a dowry. This, and other evidence from our faith, culminate to a singular ethos in terms of how all Muslims should approach the idea of modesty and asceticism within weddings and events.

Nabiha is not hypocritical when it comes to planning her own personal events. Her own wedding’s guest count was just under 30 people total, spurred by COVID-19 restrictions. The pandemic as a whole reduced the average wedding carbon footprint by 93% due to smaller weddings and travel restrictions. “It was the most beautiful experience that I’ve had such a small wedding, especially as a South Asian,” she says. “And I realized how possible it is to have such an intimate wedding.” Years later, after the pandemic, she was able to host a larger event, but still stayed true to her ethical beliefs by doing more research on sustainability, material sourcing and local vendor selection. This would prove that it was—and is—possible to have a larger event with a low carbon footprint.

Getting the message across to people close to her was done by example. Hosting large-scale gatherings, purchasing numerous outfits over consecutive days, and investing heavily in decor were practices that ultimately felt burdensome and unsustainable to her. “But it was really important for me… to maybe inspire the aunts and uncles that you don’t have to drop all that money, and maybe listen to your kids. Listen to what they want. Because it’s really important for them too.”

Read More: A Climate Professional’s Insight on Islam & Climate

Although she works to sway the preconceived notion towards an over-consumption mindset in the older generation, her clientele of younger people also gives pause towards some sustainable habits. “What I start off with is I tell people how much money they can save,” she presses. “It’s actually really good for not only you, but the environment.”

Despite the lucrative cost-saving potential, some people are willing to throw away this factor for their dream wedding— at the cost of the environment. The average wedding event produces 400 tons of waste per event. Nabiha laments on old clients who would insist on out-of-season flowers, plastic bottles and other tiny details that go against her own business practices. In some countries, a single wedding can produce more than 40 pounds of plastic waste. Some of the biggest contributors to trash after weddings are food, single-use decorations and stationery that is often discarded after the party is over. “So with things like that, I just pitch it in baby steps. Then I start to educate them when they ask for it or they seem really interested,” she notes. “That’s the only way to go about it, because sustainability is still so new.”

Nabiha reaches a lot of clients via her instagram, @thenomadsocial. “Being a nomad is pretty much finding home anywhere you go, right? I feel like it ties in well because the Earth is your home anywhere you are. We’re supposed to be taking care of it as our home— the whole (planet,)” she says.

Through trial and error, Nabiha Rahaman-Çam has managed to fit into this particular web of her own passions as a minority and a Muslim in the over-saturated events-planning industry. While she continues to educate people on the world of sustainability, she’s also able to act ethically within her passions for photography, design, fashion and the events space, while hoping more Muslims pick up more positions in these fields. 

Nabiha Rahaman-Çam can be found at her handles below:

Business Instagram: @thenomadsocial
Personal art & sustainability Instagram: @nabsthenomad

This article included edits to clarify Rahaman-Çam’s principles as it pertains to flower usage, as well as an anecdote on the wedding events mentioned.

The post How One Muslim Event Planner Transforms Celebrations with Sustainability appeared first on Muslim Climate Watch.

Q: How has climate change affected your life or community?

Nouhad: Over the past few years, Lebanon has felt the impact of the climate crisis on its infrastructure, human health, and agricultural production. Extreme weather events have been noticeably more frequent and intense including heatwaves and droughts which directly affect the livelihoods of farmers. Wildfires have become a yearly occurrence causing damage to properties and human lives. 

However, as a Lebanese citizen, I cannot separate my struggles from the challenges faced by other countries of the MENA region. Our struggles, how we are impacted by climate change, and the challenges we face meet on so many levels. Our region has contributed less than 5% of historic global emissions, our country less than 0.07%, yet it is bearing one of the heaviest costs of the climate crisis. Vulnerable communities are suffering from the impact of climate change disproportionately in other parts of the world. People’s health is affected by the high temperatures, food security is threatened by extended droughts and social inequalities are deepened even more. Our communities are mutually facing the loss of human lives, homes, and livelihoods due to the climate crisis.

What challenges does your community face in building climate resilience?

Define climate justice and share your outlook on the climate’s future.

Nouhad: Climate justice begins with the recognition that climate change has adverse and disproportionate impacts on different countries, communities, and groups, meaning the presence of disparities in terms of challenges yet also the ability to adapt. It entails the notion that the countries of the Global South do not have equal means to recover and adapt, so it is the idea of equitable distribution of both burdens and benefits. Climate justice ensures that the global community and those historically responsible for the climate crisis support the communities that are bearing its heaviest cost.

As for the future of the climate, it is only getting worse from here unless we act NOW. We need to make daily life changes on an individual basis, adopt green initiatives on a community level, work towards a socio-economic system that puts people’s well-being and sustainability over profit, advocate for national and regional climate policies and laws and finally make sure that the promises and decisions made in global climate conferences such as COP are fairly and urgently implemented.

What casual or innovative changes would you like the Muslim community to adopt for a just climate transition?

Nouhad: Every small action makes a difference. Most Muslim communities are located in the countries of the Global South, therefore they are heavily affected by the climate crisis and their voices should matter.

Stepping towards a just climate transition can work on so many different levels, including but not limited to:

1. Personal and Individual: This can take the form of committing to an eco-friendly Ramadan, an eco-friendly Hajj, leading green initiatives in the community, conserving water and energy, and adopting sustainable habits in day-to-day life.
2. Community: This can take the form of solarizing a Mosque or for example the active engagement of Imams as faith leaders in environmental action.
3. The Inclusion of Muslim Voices in Global Climate Conversations: As they represent their unique experiences and solutions, they represent the voices of the most affected communities and provide a fresh perspective on climate-related issues. Allowing young Muslim climate champions to be part of the decision-making process paves the way toward a just climate transition. We, as Ummah for Earth, had a set of demands that were submitted to faith leaders during COP28 that are available on our website and can be adapted to different contexts.  

Our work, at Ummah for Earth, is part of enabling this just transition. Our mission, projects, and initiatives represent their voices and aim to empower them to be at the forefront and the center of global climate action, and enable them to start making a change within their communities and beyond.

What do you think is the outlook of Muslim Americans/Canadians towards climate action and environmentalism? If negative, what are some ways we can collectively work towards improvement?

Nouhad: The outlook of Muslim Americans/Canadians towards climate action and environmentalism can vary widely depending on factors such as cultural background, education, socio-economic status, and personal beliefs. We do not believe that there is a negative outlook of any community in any place in this world. Some communities need more awareness to help them serve their people and protect the environment. While some Muslim communities may actively engage in environmental activism and view climate action as a moral imperative rooted in Islamic teachings, others may not prioritize these issues due to other pressing concerns or lack of awareness.

Nouhad Awwad is Campaigner at Ummah for Earth, Global Outreach Coordinator at Greenpeace MENA, and a dedicated Environmental Activist.

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Muslim Climate Narratives

A multi-media storytelling project of Muslim Climate Watch showcasing powerful and inspiring stories from our fellow Muslims across the globe as they take us on a journey through their lives and communities, revealing their resilience and adaptability while facing the pressing challenges of climate change.

Do you have a climate story to tell?

Contact us today to be featured.

The post Climate Advocate Nouhad Awwad Urges Global Solidarity in the MENA Region appeared first on Muslim Climate Watch.

Read More: EP 1: From Creek to Crisis: Charsadda’s Battle with Submergence

Sustainability Week Pakistan is a youth-led movement committed to empowering future leaders of Pakistan. They are on a mission to equip and train the youth with the tools and skills they need to tackle climate change and contribute to sustainable development in the country. Their foundation is built on well-defined principles, shaping a path toward a brighter, sustainable future. You can support the incredible work of Sustainability Week Pakistan by donating or getting involved in their initiatives to build climate resilience on a community level.

Contact Sustainability Week Pakistan to get involved today by email: info@sustainabilityweekpakistan.org or phone: +92 333 918 4425.

Read More: Climate Change in Pakistan Amidst El Niño

About Muslim Climate Narratives

Muslim Climate Narratives is a multimedia storytelling project of Muslim Climate Watch, where we share compelling stories of Muslims around the world as they navigate life amidst climate change.

Do you have a climate story to tell?
Contact us today through email: contact@muslimclimatewatch.com

The post Sustainability Week Pakistan’s Olive Tree Initiative appeared first on Muslim Climate Watch.

In this episode of Muslim Climate Narratives, Mayssem Marzouki takes us to her homeland of Tunisia to offer sustainable solutions to farming amidst an ecological and climate crisis made worse by the harms of commercial farming. Her organization, Students for Earth, is on a mission to foster climate-rooted resilience within communities. Through their work with local seeds in Tunisia, they aim to contribute to sustainable agriculture and combat the impacts of climate change.

Founded in September 2021, Students for Earth is a dynamic youth-led initiative with a mission to cultivate environmental awareness, advocacy, and sustainable action. They firmly believe in the power of proactive youth involvement to address pressing environmental challenges. Their organization goes beyond traditional awareness campaigns, actively participating in environmental hackathons, pursuing grants, and implementing green initiatives for tangible, real-world impact. Students for Earth, led by Mayssem, is committed to a hands-on approach, encouraging youth-led solutions that emphasize practical, impactful advocacy.

Read More: EP 2: Tunisia Fights Multiple Impacts of Climate Change

In conversing with us, Students for Earth invites passionate individuals wanting to make a difference to join their mission: 

About Muslim Climate Narratives

Muslim Climate Narratives is a visual storytelling project of Muslim Climate Watch, where we share compelling stories of Muslims around the world as they navigate life amidst climate change.

Do you have a climate story to tell?
Contact us today through email: contact@muslimclimatewatch.com

The post Seeds of Resilience In Tunisia appeared first on Muslim Climate Watch.

In this episode of Muslim Climate Narratives, Islem (ig: islam.zrelli) takes us to her homeland, Tunisia, which is currently facing multiple threats from the climate crisis. She explains how these threats have a compounding effect on weather patterns in Tunisia, endangering its water and food security, as well as jeopardizing the agricultural, fishing and tourism industries.

About Muslim Climate Narratives

Muslim Climate Narratives is a visual storytelling project of Muslim Climate Watch, where we share compelling stories of Muslims around the world as they navigate life amidst climate change.

Read More: Muslim Climate Narratives: EP 1: From Creek to Crisis – Charsadda’s Battle with Submergence

Do you have a climate story to tell?
Contact us today through email: contact@muslimclimatewatch.com

The post Tunisia Fights Multiple Impacts of Climate Change appeared first on Muslim Climate Watch.

In this episode of Muslim Climate Narratives, Hassan Ahmadzai (ig: khabare_da_khyber) takes us to his rural town of Charsadda in Northern Pakistan, which experienced devastating floods in August 2022 and shares his town’s ongoing battle coping with the severe impacts of climate change.

About Muslim Climate Narratives

Muslim Climate Narratives is a visual storytelling project of Muslim Climate Watch, where we share compelling stories of Muslims around the world as they navigate life amidst climate change.

Do you have a climate story to tell?

Contact us today through email: contact@muslimclimatewatch.com

The post From Creek to Crisis – Charsadda’s Battle with Submergence appeared first on Muslim Climate Watch.