London Yellow Heat-Health Alert and Yellow Wildfire Alert

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

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

– Caring for People and Planet

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

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.

For the Love of Trees: An Interfaith Celebration of Nature and Tu BiShvat

On Sunday, 16 February 2025, an inspiring interfaith gathering took place at New North London Synagogue (NNLS) to celebrate Tu BiShvat, the Jewish New Year for Trees. Organized by Senior Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, For the Love of Trees brought together faith leaders and community members to reflect on the significance of trees in their religious traditions.

The evening was a profound exploration of nature’s sacred role across faiths. Rabbi Jonathan spoke about the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge from a Jewish perspective, while Revd Fr Matthew Harbage—Vicar at St Paul’s Church New Southgate, London, and a senior member of the Sustainability Committee at Barnet Multi-Faith Forum— discussed the symbolic connection between trees and the Cross of Christ, and thoughts and love.

Trees in Islam: A Quranic Perspective

When Rabbi Jonathan invited me to speak on Trees in Islam, I reflected on Quranic verses that emphasise trees as signs of divine wisdom and sustenance. The Quran repeatedly calls humanity to contemplate the wonders of creation—mountains, seas, animals, fruits, and planets—where trees play a vital role in sustaining life and symbolising spiritual growth. Several trees are particularly significant in Quran:

Date Palm (Nakhl) – A symbol of sustenance and resilience.

Fig (Tin) – Represents abundance and fertility.

Grapes (Inab, A’nab) – Mentioned over ten times as a sign of divine generosity, diversity in creation, and the rewards of Paradise.

Pomegranate (Rumman) – Described as a fruit of Paradise, its complex structure is a testament to divine design.

Olive (Zaytun) – A symbol of purity and divine blessings. In Surah An-Nur (24:35)—one of the most profound and mysterious verses of the Quran—divine light is compared to the olive tree, which is referred to as The Blessed Tree.

Quranic and Biblical Parallels on Trees

Seeking interfaith connections, I reached out to Dr. Imran Usmani, a researcher of both the Old and New Testaments as well as Quran, whom I met through the Woolf Quran and Bible Study Group. He shared fascinating parallels between the Quran and the Bible regarding the role of trees:

Trees as Divine Provision – Trees sustain life and are gifts from God/Allah (Qur’an 55:10-13 & Genesis 1:29).
Environmental Ethics & Stewardship – Both scriptures prohibit the unnecessary destruction of trees, emphasising respect for nature (Qur’an 2:205, 59:5 & Deuteronomy 20:19-20).

Paradise & Spiritual Reward – Trees symbolise heavenly blessings for the righteous (Qur’an 56:28 & Leviticus 26:4).

Faith & Growth – Trees serve as metaphors for spiritual stability and the transformative power of faith and good deeds (Qur’an 14:24 & Gospel-Matthew 13:31-32).

Honoring the Legacy of Trees and Nature

The event featured readings, poetry, and prayers, along with a special mention of The Totteridge Yew—a 2,000-year-old tree in London—by Cllr Tony Vourou, Mayor of Barnet. His reflections connected the evening’s themes to our shared responsibility for environmental action.

As faith communities, we must continue planting seeds of understanding. Nature provides a profound opportunity for interfaith engagement, as the Quran reminds us:

"O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another." (Qur’an 49:13)

Through trees and nature, we can deepen our connections, appreciate each other’s traditions, and build partnerships for a greener, more harmonious, and peaceful world.

Amir J. Ohadi,
Chair, Environment and Sustainability Committee, Barnet Multi Faith Forum

 

Religion Media Centre – Faith pavilion at Cop 29

More than 70 organisations are running a “Faith Pavilion” at the climate change summit Cop29 in Azerbaijan. A number of workshops, presentations, speeches and discussions will be held from 12 – 22 November under the title "Bringing Faith to the Climate Frontlines,"  offering insights into faith, justice, and environmental stewardship.

The programme includes aid organisations and global faith groups who will engage in  interfaith dialogue with an emphasis on spiritual and ethical values in response to the climate crisis. The Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher, and the Catholic Bishop of Salford, John Arnold, have written a joint letter urging the government to ensure large polluters contribute more towards climate finance at COP29. They are calling for higher taxes on fossil fuel companies to help support countries most affected by the climate crisis.
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Religion Media Centre

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