Greenpeace Calls for Enduring ramadan too tackle Plastic Crisis in Middle East and North Africa
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Published: march 13, 2025
As Ramadan approaches, Greenpeace Middle East and North Africa is intensifying its efforts to promote environmentally conscious practices. The organization is urging individuals to reduce food waste and combat plastic pollution throughout the holy month. With the Middle East and North Africa region facing a significant plastic waste challenge, this initiative aims to align spiritual reflection with practical environmental action, fostering a more sustainable Ramadan.
Nihad Awad, from the Coalition for Global Campaign and Dialog in the “nation for land” coalition of “Greenpeace,” emphasizes the unique opportunity Ramadan presents. According to Awad, Ramadan “is not just a month for fasting and spiritual meditation, but also, an opportunity to renew our commitment to our environmental issues for sustainability.” Greenpeace plans to ramp up its awareness campaigns, focusing on simple yet impactful changes individuals can make to protect the environment.
The Pervasive Problem of Single-Use Plastics
A key area of focus for Greenpeace is the reduction of single-use plastics. awad highlights the widespread use of plastic during Ramadan, stating, “The use of plastic tools with the onyl use, especially during the month of fasting, is an easy option while eating or when filling and packaging the products, but the plastic waste ends up after using it in the ocean and in our food and bodies.” This alarming statement underscores the urgent need to address plastic consumption habits.
The problem extends beyond visible litter,according to Awad.”The issue is deeper than just a plastic cup that is thrown on the beach or at the bottom of the ocean, as this material and its accurate parts are contaminated by our food, our water, our air and threatens our health and environmental systems,” she warned. the long-term consequences of plastic contamination are notably concerning in a region that “records the highest plastic footprint globally.”
Simple Solutions for a Sustainable Ramadan
To combat plastic pollution, Greenpeace is advocating for simple yet effective alternatives. Awad suggests, “A small step with a great influence, protecting the surroundings and inspiring others.” The organization encourages individuals to adopt reusable or environmentally pleasant table tools, such as glass or pottery dishes, bamboo utensils, and refillable water bottles. Additionally, switching to fabric bags for shopping can considerably reduce the reliance on single-use plastic bags.
Beyond plastics, greenpeace is also addressing food consumption habits.Awad calls for reducing meat consumption during Ramadan meals, suggesting the exploration of new plant-based dishes. She notes that “the meat occupies an advanced rank within the food chain and the more we eat it, the more damage, which we inflict on the environment.” A diet consisting of grains, dates, water, milk, honey, fruits, and vegetables is recommended as a more sustainable alternative.
Effective waste management is another crucial aspect of Greenpeace’s Ramadan campaign. Awad recommends reducing and recycling waste, using fresh food residue as fertilizer, and conserving water, consumption of which tends to increase during the month.
Expanding the Initiative
To further promote these practices, Greenpeace plans to organize environmentally friendly breakfasts in Egypt and Jordan over the next two weeks, with the possibility of expanding the initiative to other countries in the region. Nihad Awad stated that the organization “seeks to organize environmentally friendly breakfasts during the next two weeks in Egypt and Jordan,and drew attention to the possibility of circulating the experiment to other countries in the region.”
The Economic Impact of Plastic Pollution
The urgency of addressing plastic pollution in the Middle East and North Africa is underscored by World Bank statistics from 2023. These statistics indicate that “the spread of plastic materials with the only use besides poor waste collection and management in the middle East and North Africa region is one of the main engines of marine and coastal pollution with plastic waste.”
The World Bank also reports that the region has “the highest mark in the individual’s level of leakage of plastic waste to the marine environment,” with the average citizen discarding more than 6 kilograms of plastic into the oceans each year. This pollution has significant economic consequences, costing the countries of the region approximately 0.8 percent of their GDP annually, impacting tourism, fishing, maritime transport, and overall livelihoods.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
By embracing sustainable practices during Ramadan,individuals can contribute to a healthier environment and inspire others to do the same. Greenpeace’s call to action serves as a reminder that even small changes can have a significant impact on the planet. As Ramadan approaches,consider adopting these practices to make a positive difference for the environment and future generations.
Ramadan and the Plastic Plague: Can Conscious consumption Save the Middle East and North Africa?
Is it possible to reconcile the spiritual observance of Ramadan with the urgent need to tackle the escalating plastic pollution crisis sweeping across the Middle East and North Africa? The answer, according to our expert, may surprise you.
Interviewer (Senior Editor, world-today-news.com): dr. Amina Khalil, a leading environmental scientist specializing in waste management and sustainable practices in the MENA region, welcome to world-today-news.com. Greenpeace’s recent call for a more environmentally conscious Ramadan has sparked a vital debate. What are the most significant environmental challenges posed by the traditional celebrations of Ramadan in the Middle East and North africa?
Dr. Khalil: Thank you for having me. The environmental challenges posed by ramadan in the MENA region are multifaceted, but the most pressing concern is undoubtedly the exponential rise in single-use plastic waste. Ramadan, a time of increased consumption and gatherings, leads to a dramatic surge in packaging, disposable tableware, and plastic bags. This, coupled with often inadequate waste management infrastructure across many parts of the region, results in significant plastic pollution, impacting both terrestrial and marine environments.The sheer volume of plastic waste generated during this period exacerbates an already critical situation, as the MENA region is grappling with alarming levels of plastic leakage into the ocean.
Interviewer: The World Bank’s 2023 statistics highlighted the region’s high per capita plastic waste footprint, impacting various economic sectors. Can you elaborate on the far-reaching economic consequences of this plastic pollution?
Dr. Khalil: Absolutely. The economic burden of plastic pollution is significant and often overlooked. The World Bank’s findings accurately illustrate the tremendous cost to the MENA region, impacting key economic pillars. The pollution substantially damages tourism, a vital sector for many countries, due to unsightly beaches and polluted coastal waters. It also severely affects the fishing industry, reducing catches and harming aquatic ecosystems. Further damage is caused to maritime transport and coastal infrastructure.The overall consequence is a considerable loss of GDP, impacting livelihoods and long-term economic stability in ways that are likely to cascade and deepen unless tackled effectively.
Interviewer: Greenpeace is advocating for a reduction in meat consumption during Ramadan. How does this seemingly minor dietary adjustment contribute to broader environmental sustainability goals?
Dr. Khalil: Reducing meat consumption, particularly red meat, during Ramadan or any time of the year is indeed a significant step towards environmental sustainability. Livestock farming, especially intensive methods, is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and deforestation. Switching to plant-based alternatives even for a portion of Ramadan meals reduces the environmental footprint of individual celebrations. Exploring traditional plant-based recipes or adopting new vegetarian and vegan options that are suited to the Middle Eastern palate is a practical choice that directly benefits the environment.Sustainable dietary shifts should not be seen as restrictive measures but as opportunities to enhance health while promoting environmental consciousness. A diet that emphasizes grains,dates,fruits,vegetables,and legumes offers considerable health and environmental advantages.
Interviewer: Beyond reducing meat consumption, what concrete, actionable steps can individuals take to make their Ramadan celebrations more environmentally friendly?
Dr. Khalil: There are several simple yet highly impactful changes individuals can make:
Embrace reusable alternatives: Opt for reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and tableware (glass, bamboo, etc.) instead of single-use plastics.
Reduce food waste: Plan meals carefully, store food properly, and compost food scraps to transform household waste into beneficial fertilizers that are in line with sustainable practices and support a circular economy.
Support ethical consumerism: Choose products with minimal packaging and from companies committed to sustainable practices, supporting a larger circular economy movement.
Advocate for improved waste management: Encourage better waste collection and recycling infrastructure in your community at a local level, urging local council members to implement more sustainable infrastructure solutions. Engage with local authorities to demand better waste management solutions and advocate for policies that incentivize responsible consumption and waste reduction, thus influencing large-scale practices.
Interviewer: How can communities and governments in the MENA region collectively address this growing problem? What are the key points to consider?
Dr. Khalil: Collective action is crucial.Governments need to invest in improved waste management systems, implement policies that penalize excessive plastic use & irresponsible disposal, and encourage the growth of sustainable alternatives. Communities can play a vital role through educational programs that promote responsible consumption and waste reduction, such as environmental education for children, which can aid long term change. Furthermore, community engagement activities, like communal cleanups, can foster a sense of shared responsibility and collective action, inspiring greater participation that can lead to lasting impact.
Interviewer: Dr. Khalil, thank you for your insightful and comprehensive answers. Your expertise offers invaluable guidance on how we can celebrate Ramadan responsibly while safeguarding the environment.
Closing: This Ramadan, let’s reflect not only on our spiritual growth but also on our impact on the planet.Small, conscious choices can collectively create a significant positive change. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below – how are you making your Ramadan more sustainable? Let’s use this critical moment to spur positive change together.