Happy Ramadan!
The blessed month in the Islamic calendar is here again, but things are far from usual. As most of us know already, we will be going through this year’s Ramadan (fasting month) while the Movement Control Order (MCO) is still in effect, until 12 May 2020. That leaves 2 weeks of non-MCO period before Aidilfitri comes along, but as our Prime Minister advised, things could not go back to business-as-usual even if the MCO is lifted. As such, we should be prepared for a different kind of Ramadan experience this year. Different, but not any less special if I must say.
To kick-start, here are a few tips on how to be eco-conscious during this holy month, while still being safe in this pandemic time.
1. Plan your meals in advanced
While some of us are on the frontlines and sacrificing time and putting lives on the line to stop this pandemic from spreading, most of us are at home, either working from home or not. This is a great time to sit down and plan your sahur and buka puasa meals (and anything in between) in advance to save time and save yourselves the headache of thinking on the spot. You could better plan portions, to utilise fully the food in your fridge and pantry and to line up what your next grocery run will look like too! Not all of us are lucky enough to know when our next meal is coming during this pandemic, so let’s work to be grateful and reduce our food waste as much as we can during this time of need. Adjust portions accordingly day to day, and once you get a better sense of the household consumption you can start to minimise any food waste. You can also put the kitchen waste to good use!
2. Share with neighbours
Hey, if you made too much food, why not share it with your neighbours? It would avoid the food being wasted, and show your love to your neighbours too! You can send the food in reusable containers (while keeping a safe distance), that way you can also check-in on each other. Being neighbourly is cool, and checking up on each other is our way to #kitajagakita . These are stressful days, weeks and months ahead, and it is so easy to be nice to each other, so why not? Just don’t forget to wash your hands, take necessary precautions while cooking, and sanitise the containers 😛
3. Drink plenty of water (in reusable containers)
Drink plenty of plain water, it is good for your health and also for hydration (duh!). Drink it for buka puasa, sahur and throughout the night. We still need the same amount of water (about 3 litres per person) even during fasting. Drink a little at a time, but consistently throughout the night so that we can keep healthy. Boil the water at home and keep them in reusable containers instead of buying plastic water bottles every time. It would lessen our contribution to plastic pollution, as not enough plastic waste is being recycled, and save money too! Be safe and keep hydrated 🙂
4. Use own reusable containers for tapau
If you plan to tapau some delicious food, bring your own reusable containers. Reusable containers can be sanitised (with either alcohol based sanitisers or by just simply washing it with soap) so hygiene isn’t a problem and it keeps us safe while saving the planet at the same time! Who knows where those single-use plastics containers have been? I sure don’t!
In the spirit of Ramadan, we have to reflect on our own lives; from our consumption habits to our actions throughout the past year. If you’re one of the fortunate ones, the easiest way to honour the month is by not wasting food. There are vulnerable members of our society who have trouble putting food on the table, especially during this global pandemic. Let’s be the better versions of ourselves this Ramadan. And if you’re able to, donate or assist NGOs working to provide food for the less fortunate.
Always remember to take care of both your physical and mental health.
Happy Ramadan to all the muslims and may all our prayers and good deeds be blessed.
Fatihah is a Greenpeace Malaysia volunteer, and Nur Sakeenah Omar is the Public Engagement Campaigner for Greenpeace Malaysia.