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This story was originally published by 285 South, a newsroom dedicated to Metro Atlanta’s growing immigrant and refugee communities, and shared by Grist.
In early March, Nina Ansari, a mother from Stone Mountain, observed an untouched plate of rice discarded in the masjid. “Would anyone like to take this?” she inquired, but met with silence. As she collected the leftovers from her children’s meals, she lamented the waste often generated during Ramadan. “A significant amount of food goes to waste,” she remarked.
The holy month of Ramadan, marked by fasting from dawn until sunset, sees masjids serving hundreds of attendees for iftar—the sunset meal breaking the fast—and sometimes for suhoor, the pre-dawn meal. This high volume of food preparation can rapidly lead to an increase in waste.
Masjids across Atlanta face overflowing garbage bins at the end of the night, with many food containers, half-full drinks, and plates discarded carelessly. “This situation is unacceptable,” Nina stated. Her family is committed to minimizing food and water waste, emphasizing the importance of eating leftovers rather than contributing to waste.
Concern over food waste has prompted a movement among local Islamic communities. Over two dozen masjids in the Atlanta area are organizing “zero-waste iftars” this year, aiming to drastically reduce food discarded, along with single-use plastic products. Food waste is a pressing issue globally, with reports indicating that nearly 40% of the food produced in the U.S. ends up in landfills. Marium Masud from Masjid Al Furqan West Cobb Islamic Center shared a religious perspective on waste management: “We are called to be stewards of the Earth.” This aligns with teachings that emphasize the need to maintain cleanliness in both our surroundings and holy spaces.
To combat waste, Masjid Al Furqan has formed a “green team” of 17 volunteers dedicated to reducing plastic waste. Last year, the masjid disposed of around 300 plastic bottles nightly; this number has significantly decreased due to the implementation of water filling stations and the introduction of reusable water bottles. They have also provided aluminum bottles for sale and donations to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to avoid single-use plastics.
On March 19, Al Furqan will host its inaugural “zero-waste iftar” in collaboration with Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL), a nonprofit devoted to environmental justice. GIPL offers support through training, workshops, and grants for projects emphasizing reusable or compostable materials. Additionally, they facilitate the donation of surplus food to local organizations that can recycle or compost it.
Al Furqan’s initiative is part of a broader movement, with 24 masjids across Atlanta planning similar events this Ramadan. The growth of green teams—from only one GIPL-certified team last year to at least 15 this year—portrays a significant shift towards environmentally friendly practices within the community.
Monitoring Trash
Mohammed Ata Ur Rasheed at Masjid Fatimah also plays a vital role in monitoring waste during iftar meals. His duties include directing the congregation on proper disposal for recycling, compost, and trash, addressing the challenge of food waste when attendees grab more than they can eat.
Rasheed noted, “Too often people leave plates half-eaten. I’ve seen them disguise what they throw away with another plate.” He encourages smaller portions to ensure less food is wasted. Some masjids are implementing pre-portioned servings to combat this issue.
The financial implications of reduced waste are significant. Rasheed highlighted that Masjid Fatimah has saved approximately $1,000 by reducing trash pickups from five bags to one each night.
While the masjid still provides plastic water bottles, it is working to limit recycling volume through practical measures such as encouraging members to label and crush their bottles after use. Every evening, Rasheed sorts through the compost and retrieves items he can use in his personal gardening projects.
Rasheed, who has a background in gardening, actively promotes sustainable practices within the community, showing congregants how to repurpose leftover pizza boxes into efficient garden plots. His approach is gaining traction, inspiring others to adopt similar practices.
‘Khalifas’ of the Earth, or Green Teams
Ayesha Abid, working with GIPL, has been pivotal in promoting ecological awareness among Muslim organizations since joining in 2023. She described Georgia’s green teams, which include around 150 across various faith communities, highlighting an increased involvement from masjids. “Fifteen masjids having green teams is a commendable start,” she noted.
Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam has taken steps to compost its waste for the first time and received grant support for its zero-waste iftar. Recognized as the largest and oldest Islamic center in the area, it plays a significant role in this movement.
Abid underscored the cost-effectiveness of composting, while pinpointing the challenge of mobilizing volunteers for effective implementation. A community-focused approach is crucial for success, particularly in maintaining the momentum of these initiatives.
Several masjids are urging congregants to eliminate single-use plastics and bring their own containers, aiming to minimize waste. Abid reflected on personal experiences from her youth, questioning the frustrating cycle of waste observed during Ramadan, asserting that the community’s commitment to being custodians of the Earth must translate into action.
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