Category Archives: Environmental Sub Group

Celebrating a Powerful Fourth Annual Faith and Peace Walk in New and East Barnet – 19 June 2025

Posted on by

On one of the hottest days of the year, residents and friends of all faiths and none came together for the fourth annual New and East Barnet Faith and Peace Walk, co-organised by Barnet Multi Faith Forum (BMFF) and Middlesex University Inter Faith Network. Mayor Cllr Danny Rich and Deputy Lord Lieutenant Martin Russell MBE, plus Councillors of all parties and officers were also in attendance.

The walk began at 4 pm at the beautiful Christ Church, Cockfosters, and from there participants journeyed through the diverse and historically rich neighbourhoods of New and East Barnet, visiting a range of sacred spaces, community hubs and open-air heritage sites. The route highlighted the diversity and depth of New and East Barnet’s faith communities and open spaces, many of which are also being featured in this year’s London Festival of Architecture.

The event offered a unique opportunity to explore the area's rich heritage while connecting with neighbours from diverse backgrounds. Participants visited a variety of places of worship and community spaces, such as St James Church, Barnet Subud Hall, Victoria Recreation Ground and passing the picturesque Tibetan Yungdrung Study Centre, engaging in meaningful dialogue and reflection throughout the journey.

“This walk is about more than buildings,” said Monna Rizvi, Co-Chair Middlesex University Inter Faith Network. “It is about the people who use them, the values they carry, and the communities they build. Today’s walk was a testament to the power of inclusion and togetherness.”

BMFF President Es Rosen added, “Despite the blazing sunshine, we saw an incredible turnout. This annual walk continues to grow, and today, it truly reflects the vibrant, multi-faith heart of Barnet. We are proud to stand together with Middlesex University in creating a space where people of all faiths and none feel welcomed and connected.”

The warm hospitality and openness of staff at JCoSS, the Jewish school rooted in pluralistic values, truly reflected the spirit of the day and this generosity was echoed by all the places of worship we visited along the route, including Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses and Lyonsdown Hall. The final stop was at the deeply welcoming Brookside Methodist Church, where we heard from community leaders about interfaith initiatives, and many volunteer organisations exhibited their amazing work in the community, including the Community Quilts, which were on display to mark Refugee Week.

The Faith and Peace Walk is a key annual event for Barnet Multi Faith Forum, which works year-round to foster understanding and build bridges across religious and cultural divides. Events like this bring to life BMFF’s belief in an inclusive Barnet where everyone feels they belong - regardless of belief, background or identity.

Despite the heat, the turnout exceeded expectations, and the walk was a true celebration of what it means to live together in harmony. Organisers would like to thank all the faith organisations, volunteers, and participants who helped make this year’s event such a vibrant success.

To experience highlights of the event, watch this short video.

 

A booklet featuring the history of all the places on the walk was distributed to participants, created in partnership with Creative Sensemaking CIC.

Faith and Peace Walk 2025 booklet

 

London Central Mosque Hosts ‘Islam & The Environment’ Event

Posted on by

The London Central Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre hosted a landmark event this week, “Islam & The Environment,” bringing together faith representatives, community leaders, environmental advocates, and local government to explore shared commitments to sustainability and climate action.

The evening was marked by the launch of the Mosque’s first-ever Environmental Policy. This milestone reflects both ethical and religious responsibility to protect the environment, care for the natural world, and support communities.

Faith and Stewardship

Opening the event, Dr Ahmad Al Dubayan, Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre, spoke about the spiritual and religious dimensions of caring for the environment in Islam. He reminded the audience that safeguarding creation is not only an ethical duty but also a central teaching of the faith. He emphasised the Mosque’s vision for faith centres in the UK and beyond to become examples of environmental leadership.

Partnership with Local Government

The event also highlighted the vital partnership between community institutions and local authorities. Rachel Blake, MP for the Cities of London and Westminster, praised the collective work across different communities, expressing hope that this spirit of collaboration will help deliver progress on both climate and social justice.

Barnet Multi Faith Forum was among those represented at the gathering, with the organisers acknowledging and appreciating its attendance as part of the broader interfaith commitment to environmental action.

This message was reinforced by Cllr Ryan Jude, Westminster Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecology. He outlined the Council’s ambition to achieve net-zero by 2040, explaining that success requires broad collaboration, as 98% of Westminster’s emissions are outside the Council’s direct control.

He highlighted the Sustainable City Charter, a voluntary initiative enabling organisations—including businesses, institutions, and faith centres—to commit to reducing emissions across areas such as energy, waste, and transport. Cllr Jude commended the London Central Mosque’s active role in this partnership, including its contribution as part of the city’s Cool Spaces network.

The Mosque’s Environmental Action Plan

The evening also saw the formal launch of the Mosque’s Environmental Policy by Omar Al Dubayan, who leads its Environment & Sustainability work. The policy commits the Mosque to embedding sustainability across all areas of its operations, including:

  • Energy and Water Management
  • Waste Reduction and Recycling
  • Sustainable Procurement
  • Education and Community Engagement
  • Food and Hospitality

Early steps are already underway: phasing out single-use plastics, improving waste procedures, and completing a full energy audit. Looking forward, the Mosque plans initiatives such as solar panel installation and biodiversity gardens.

“We will document and share our process, our data, and our challenges,” Omar said. “Our hope is to create a network of environmentally responsible faith institutions, learning from one another and building a movement together.”

A Shared Commitment

The event concluded with a strong sense of unity and resolve. It marked not only the beginning of a new chapter for the London Central Mosque but also a call for collective action—faith-driven, community-led, and rooted in shared responsibility for a sustainable future.

London Yellow Heat-Health Alert and Yellow Wildfire Alert

Posted on by

Heat-Health Alert

The UK Health Security Agency have extensive guidance and materials for supporting communities, including:

You can find a map of Cool Spaces across London here, and register your own too.

The Met Office’s #WeatherReady campaign also has lots of advice and guidance.

Wildfire Alert

London Fire Brigade provide guidance and support around wildfire risk on this webpage.

Social Channels

Do follow London Resilience on either BlueSky or X (Twitter) where we will be sharing content.

Stop Food Waste Day – 30th April 2025

Posted on by

Today is Stop Food Waste Day, a global day of action to raise awareness of food wastage and what we can do to reduce and prevent it.

Please see the presentation below. It is 17 pages long and can be scrolled through using the arrows on the bottom left of the PDF window. This forms part of a book display in the library on campus.

MDX IFN has been working with the Student Union (specifically the newly formed Sustainability Society) and North London Waste Authority. There is also the Bin Less Save More workshop, which is fully booked.

 

Stop Food Waste Day presentation 300425

12 Tips for a Greener Ramadan

Posted on by

– Caring for People and Planet

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

The holy month of Ramadan presents an opportunity to embrace more sustainable practices. By committing to net-zero goals, we can create a greener, healthier world and build a sustainable future for generations to come. Together, we can create real change through small, impactful steps.

Updated from 2024

 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.