Environment – Together can achieve NetZero

12 Tips for a Greener Ramadan
– Caring for People and Planet

 Prepared by Barnet Multi Faith Forum, Environment and Sustainability Sub-Group

Updated for 2025

 1 Reduce Plastic Use

  • Bring your own bags when shopping to reduce plastic waste.
  • Switch to plastic-free alternatives like soap bars and refillable containers.
  • Choose minimally packaged foods.
  • Use reusable cups, bottles, plates, and utensils for social gatherings.
  • Encourage children to embrace sustainability with non-plastic, recyclable toys. Books from local charities or library exchange stations also make excellent eco-friendly gifts.

2 Get Active and Stay Healthy

  • Walk or cycle whenever possible to reduce car use and pollution.
  • Use public transport at least once a week to cut carbon emissions and improve air quality.
  • Suggest the installation of cycle racks at places of worship and community centres to encourage eco-friendly transportation.

3 Reduce Food Waste 

  • Set your fridge temperature between 0-5°C to keep food fresh longer.
  • Get creative with leftovers—freeze or share them with those in need.
  • Donate unused food to collection points for food banks or use apps like OLIO or Too Good To Go.
  • Plan shopping trips with a list and check use-by dates.
  • Keep your fridge organized with clear storage containers to reduce forgotten food.
  • Try going meat-free or vegan occasionally to lower your environmental impact.

4 Compost & Recycle

  • Compost organic waste to reduce landfill waste—try a wormery!
  • Check local services for food waste collection and recycling programs.
  • If you have dry biomass or green waste, consider making biochar or donating it to biochar facilities.
  • Collect fallen leaves and use a green waste bin or make leaf mould for garden enrichment.
  • Recycle candle wax for reuse and clean candle jars thoroughly before recycling.

5 Dairy Alternatives to Reduce Carbon Footprint

  • Adopt a plant-based diet and grow your own food as much as possible to reduce environmental impact.
  • Participate in the “Eat More Beans” campaign and explore various bean recipes as a meat alternative.
  • Try vegan or plant-based cheese alternatives, or make your own using ingredients like cashew nuts.
  • Try oat, coconut, or hazelnut milk in tea, coffee, and cereal.
  • Choose natural sweeteners like honey, dates, or raisins instead of processed sugar.
  • Swap ice cream for fresh fruit and butter for veggie spreads or olive oil.
  • Experiment with herbs, spices, and rose water for flavorful, sustainable seasoning.

6 Conserve Water

  • Use tap water or, if necessary, opt for a water filter (if tap water quality is poor) instead of purchasing plastic bottled water.
  • Take shorter showers and be mindful of water usage when washing or cleaning.
  • Report leaks or blockages in public spaces to local authorities.
  • Implement rainwater harvesting systems for garden use.

7 Save Energy & Protect the Environment

  • Use natural light and ventilation whenever possible.
  • Turn off and unplug electronics when not in use.
  • Participate in local clean-up events or pick up litter during walks.
  • Report faulty street lights and lamp posts for repair.
  • Improve home sustainability by enhancing insulation, installing solar panels, and switching to LED light bulbs for energy savings.

8 Welcome Wildlife

  • Support local conservation efforts.
  • Set up bird feeders and leave nuts for squirrels.
  • Feed ducks with peas and sweetcorn instead of bread.
  • Plant trees, shrubs, and create wildlife habitats using native plant species to support and enhance local ecosystems.
  • Join or start a local “friends of the park” group to engage in conservation efforts.
  • Add a pond or water bowl to attract birds, insects, and amphibians.

9 Eco-Friendly Home & Gifts

  • Choose sustainable materials for decorations.
  • Make handmade gifts and use minimal wrapping.
  • Buy from eco-conscious suppliers.
  • Use wood in construction to sequester carbon within buildings while integrating green roofs or vertical gardens in urban areas to promote sustainability and enhance biodiversity.
  • Give unused gifts to charity, helping to reduce waste and support those in need.

10 Sustainability Personal Choices

  • Limit air travel and opt for low-carbon alternatives.
  • Invest responsibly by considering greener and more ethical options for stocks, shares, and insurance.
  • Participate in the Big Bank Switch campaign, moving to banks committed to positive social and environmental impact.
  • Extend your smartphone’s lifespan instead of upgrading for trends.
  • Set personal reduction goals and calculate your carbon footprint using free apps.
  • Use the EarthHero climate app to learn about achieving net-zero personally and embracing low-carbon living.
  • Offset your carbon emissions by voluntarily purchasing verified greenhouse gas removal credits.
  • When calculating emissions, consider Scope 3 emissions, which include indirect emissions from supply chains, travel, and product use.

11 Support Local Produce

  • Follow the LOAF principle when shopping:
    • Locally produced: Reduce carbon miles from transportation.Organically grown: Minimize toxicity and protect pollinators.Animal friendly: Support ethical treatment of animals.Fairly Traded: Promote fair pay, humane working conditions, and the prevention of child labour, exploitation, and human trafficking.
  • Support small businesses and local artisans.
  • Grow your own food in community gardens and share knowledge with others.

12 Engage with Your Community

  • Promote a culture of sustainability by example, sharing your efforts, and inspiring others.
  • Organise sustainability-focused events, including clothing and appliance swap events, upcycling workshops, and local repair cafes or tool libraries.
  • Encourage and support sustainability policies at local, industrial, national, and global levels.
  • Raise awareness about emission reduction, carbon removal, and sustainable practices.
  • Track and share waste bin usage at community gatherings to encourage waste reduction.
  • Join local walking groups to promote health and reduce carbon emissions.
  • Rewild community gardens or centre yards with plants that attract pollinators.

These are just suggestions—view sustainability as an opportunity, not a sacrifice, and
implement as many tips as possible. Every action matters for a meaningful impact.
Please share and spread the tips. Thank you.