Ramadan in 2023 is March 22 – April 21 (exact dates may vary slightly). At community Iftars (the evening meal with which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset), sustainabilityexternal link can be practiced many ways.

For example, you can bring your own reusable plates, cups, water bottles and utensils. This helps reduce and eliminate waste from single-use plastic and Styrofoam. Plan out your meals to know how many people are coming, and save extra food for future meals. Islamic principles teach sustainability, moderation and discipline.

Many of the tips on this page were featured in a King County EcoConsumer program Green Ramadan segment on Fox 13 TV on April 8, 2022 Youtube , with anchor Liz Dueweke and local healthcare and Muslim advocate Janice Tufte.

Although many Iftars include heaps of meat, consider plant-based foodsexternal link  and healthy Ramadan fastingexternal link . Meat and dairy make up 15 percent of global carbon emissions.

Even Iftar dessertsexternal link can be relatively sustainable and simple, such as this Carrot Polaexternal link .

Use salvaged and scrap materials! Find many creative ideas online, including paper bag mosquesexternal link , a Ramadan lanternexternal link  from a paper towel tube, and Ramadan salt dough ornamentsexternal link  reusable year after year.