Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi Urges Citizens To ’Think Before They Waste’ This Ramadan

o More than a third of the waste in the UAE is food thrown away each year, with serious negative environmental impact

o ‘Think Before You Waste’ campaign launched to raise awareness on the serious problem of food waste within Abu Dhabi

o Muslims urged to consider reducing personal food waste this Ramadan as part of their religious responsibility, as outlined in the Holy Qur’an

o Hefth Al Ne’ma, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowment (Awqaf) and the UAE Red Crescent Authority have all pledged their support

With more than a third of the waste in the UAE being food thrown away, the Environment Agency- Abu Dhabi (EAD) today launched ‘Think Before You Waste’, a new campaign designed to raise awareness about food waste and its environmental implications.

The campaign kicks off tomorrow (11 August) on the first day of the Holy month of Ramadan and aims to educate Muslims and other citizens about this important issue, with the aim of encouraging people to make wise decisions at a time of year when food purchasing and consumption is in many people’s minds.

Food waste is a serious global issue. While many food products are ultimately biodegradable, its non-consumption means that precious resources used in its cultivation and production are wasted, such as energy, water and materials used for its packaging. Carbon emissions resulting from the food’s transportation, storage and disposal also contribute to climate change.

Common reasons for throwing away food include cooking or preparing too much, not consuming it before its expiry date and piling excess food on to plates at buffets which is then not eaten and has to be disposed of. According to a report published in 2009 by the Centre for Waste Management – Abu Dhabi, 34% of the UAE’s waste is food and is disposed of each year, contributing to landfills, carbon emissions and ultimately climate change.

H.E. Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary General of EAD, comments: “The Holy month of Ramadan is a high sales period for food purchasing, in preparation for families gathering together for Iftar and Sohour. Culturally, there is much emphasis on providing bountiful meals in celebration of this special month, however the impact of the wasted food is not really considered."

H.E. continues: "A simple way to reduce food waste is to cook less in the first place, or to think twice before piling up one’s plate at the Iftar buffet. This campaign will encourage us to consider what we can do both individually and collectively to reduce our own personal impact on the environment."

The Holy Qur’an is clear on a Muslim’s responsibility towards the environment. The book states: “O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, he likes not those who commit excess.”

EAD’s ‘Think Before You Waste’ campaign has already attracted the support of three major institutions: Hefth Al Ne’ma, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowment (Awqaf), and the UAE Red Crescent Authority.

Hefth Al Ne’ma (meaning grace conservation) will work with Abu Dhabi’s major hotels, palaces and organizations hosting large gatherings to collect any leftover food, ensuring it is distributed to those in need.

Awqaf will be communicating important tips and information on food waste to all of the Emirate’s imams (leaders of the mosques) for them to disseminate to the praying community in the first Friday prayer throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan, as well as encouraging discussion on the topic among the Muslim community.

The UAE Red Crescent Authority will be promoting the campaign message to its main providers such as hotels and prominent family homes who regularly host large gatherings during Ramadan.
 

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