The MCB's 6 Step Guide to Eco-Friendly Mosques
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The MCB’s 6 Step Guide to Eco-Friendly Mosques
Published 2021
London, United Kingdom. PO Box 57330, E1 2WJ, UK
T: +44 (0) 845 26 26 786
Email: admin@mcb.org.uk
Website: www.mcb.org.uk
Twitter: @MuslimCouncil
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MCB Eco Mosque Guide 2021
Contents
Summary 4
5
Understanding Climate Change
Learning the Benefits of Nature 8
Reducing Waste 10
Recycling Matters 13
Utilising Alternative Energy Sources 18
Make Your Green Pledge 22
Eco-friendly Community Initiatives: Examples of
Best Practice 24
Additonal Resources 30
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MCB Eco Mosque Guide 2021
Summary 1. Understanding Climate Change A basic understanding on key environmental concepts, including: what is climate change, the greenhouse effect, deforestation and their impact on the environment. Taking learning from the Quran and Sunnah on the importance of looking after the environment in Islam. 2. Learning the Benefits of Nature Learn about the benefits of nature and the importance of wildlife; setting up cycling, walking and gardening clubs to create green spaces in and around your Mosque. 3. Reducing Waste Learn how Mosques can reduce wastage of water, food and other items to benefit the environment. The importance of reducing waste and how important this is in Islam. 4. Recycling Matters Learn about the importance of recycling at home and at the Mosque with information on different items, how they can be recycled, or disposed of safely. 5. Utilising Alternative Energy Sources Learn how Mosques can benefit from changing to alternative energy sources and how this can protect the environment. This section will share some details of the different forms of alternative energy available to Mosques.
Make the 10-point
list of environmental
pledges for your
1 Mosque
Mosques should consider
making MCB’s 10-point
environmental pledges,
designed to help Mosques
devise a plan on how to take
small, but impactful, steps to
protect the environment.
Make the 10-point
list of environmental
2 pledges for your home
MAKE YOUR Individuals should consider
making MCB’s 10-point
GREEN PLEDGE environmental pledges for
Make a 10-point pledge at your home, designed to
your Mosque help you take small, but
impactful, steps to protect
the environment.
Follow MCB’s 6
3 step guide to better
sustainable solutions
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MCB Eco Mosque Guide 2021
1. Understanding Climate Change
“Do not pollute the Earth after it has been so wholesomely set in order”.
(Quran 7:56)
Understand the challenges of climate change
The UN Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) was launched
at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The Summit brought together
178 governments and 2400 NGO representatives to rethink the direction of
economic, social and environmental activities impacting on people and our
planet. Since 2005, it has included the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty
which sets binding obligations on industrialised countries (including the UK) to
reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Since 1995, all the countries who are signatories to the UNFCCC – also known as
the Conference of Parties (COP) - have met annually to seek long-term solutions
for a low-carbon and climate-resilient future. In 2012, 20 years after the Earth
Summit, world leaders met again in Rio for the UN Conference on
Sustainable Development.
What is climate change?
Climate change is a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly
to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and
which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable
time periods. Climate change can be a natural process where temperature,
rainfall, wind and other elements vary over decades or more. During the course
of human history, our world has been warmer and colder than it is now. At this
time, however, we are experiencing unprecedented rapid warming from human
activities, primarily due to burning fossil fuels that generate greenhouse gas
emissions. (For more information, see ‘Additional Resources’ pg. 30)
What is global warming and why does it happen?
Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxides. In
the last century or so, humans have been interfering with the planet’s energy
balance, mainly through the burning of fossil fuels that release greenhouse
gases into the atmosphere. The level of carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere
has been rising consistently for decades, for example, and traps extra heat near
the Earth’s surface, which, in turn, causes average temperatures to rise. The
greenhouse effect is the way in which heat is trapped close to Earth’s surface
by greenhouse gases. (For more information, see ‘Additional Resources’ pg. 30)
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MCB Eco Mosque Guide 2021
What is deforestation? Deforestation is the clearing of trees/forests, transforming a wooded area into cleared land. The loss of trees and other plants and forests can cause climate change, desertification (creation of drylands), soil erosion (changes to the soil leading to pollution and loss of fertile land), fewer crops, flooding, increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and a host of problems for indigenous people. (For more information, see ‘Additional Resources’ pg. 30) What do we learn from the Quran and Sunnah about the importance of looking after the environment? In the Qur’an, Muslims are instructed to look after the environment and not to damage it. Muslims have to look after the Earth because it is all Allah’s creation and it is part of a human’s duty to Allah: “Indeed, your Lord is Allah who created the heavens and the earth in six days and then established himself above the throne. He covers the night with the day, [another night] chasing it rapidly; and [He created] the sun, moon, and the stars, subjected by His command. Unquestionably, His is the creation and the command; blessed is Allah, Lord of the worlds”. (Qur’an 7:54) Eat and drink but do not be excessive for God does not love those who are excessive (in what they do)” (Quran 7:31) The above two verses emphasise the importance of the creation of Earth, for us to look after the Earth and to not eat or drink in excess. We are also told to not be wasteful. We have great examples from the Quran and Sunnah about looking after the environment and we should do our utmost to do so.
The diet of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Examples from the life of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat a few morsels to keep him alive. If he must fill it, then one-third for his food, one-third for his drink, and one-third for air.” (At-Tirmidhi) The prophet (PBUH) did not eat meat on a daily basis. This was also the case of the companions of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Anas (RA) reported that a person invited Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) to a meal. “I also went along with him. He brought soup containing pumpkin. Allah’s messenger (PBUH) ate that pumpkin with relish.” (Muslim) As Muslims it is sunnah for us to incorporate the eating habits of the Prophet (PBUH) into our daily lives. For some, this may prove a complete lifestyle change, but, ultimately, our reward may be increased by simply trying to have a more balanced diet. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not waste food or drink. The Prophet (PBUH) also encouraged cleanliness and had said cleanliness is half of your faith - yet more great examples set by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
What can Mosques do?
• Deliver a Khutbah on looking after the environment using the MCB template
– see here
• Arrange workshops/events on climate change and the importance of
sustainable living for your congregation
• Consider an environmental notice board at your Mosque to raise awareness
and provide updates on Mosque-run eco-projects; draw from the Quran and
Sunnah to create materials
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MCB Eco Mosque Guide 2021
2. Learning the Benefits of Nature
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: ‘There is none among the believers
who plants a tree, or sows a seed, and then a bird, or a person, or an
animal eats of it, but it is counted as charity for them” (Bukhari)
The benefits of planting trees
Trees are an important part of nature and play an important role in storing
carbon and as a result can lead to a reduction in the carbon dioxide (can be
a harmful gas if gathers in the atmosphere) levels in the atmosphere and as a
result reduce the greenhouse gas effect and have a positive impact against the
consequences of climate change.
The more trees that are planted the better it will be for the environment. For
Muslims the planting of trees will not only help the environment but can be a
source of charity. Looking after animals is also a good act for Muslims which
carries immense reward. Tree-planting schemes can help with planting more
trees and gaining a great reward.
Cultivating green spaces on Mosque premises
All Mosques should consider having a garden or green spaces on their premises
if they don’t have one at present. If you do have a garden, consider planting
trees, plants and flowers suited to your local area to reduce your carbon
footprint. Growing some fruits and vegetables on-site is also a useful practice.
Even a small green space can transform a space, prove useful to the local
environment. School children, or children attending the Mosque, can plant trees
or plants and can plan on how to look after these green spaces.
Benefits of bee-keeping
The 16th chapter of the Quran is named An Nahl (The Bee). This is a chapter
of the Quran named after Bees with mention of them in the Quran. Bees are
important for pollination of plants and helps maintain plant life. Mosques can
have bee hives on their premises which can be good for the environment.
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MCB Eco Mosque Guide 2021Gardening clubs These can be set up at Mosques to encourage the local community to help with gardening at the Mosque and look after the Mosque garden. The club members can help with watering plants, growing vegetables and fruit and laying out flowers which provides benefit to the community and the environment. The more trees that are planted the better it will be for the environment. For Muslims the planting of trees will not only help the environment but can be a source of charity. Looking after animals is also a good act for Muslims which carries immense reward. Tree-planting schemes can help with planting more trees and gaining a great reward. Cycling Cycling can help with improving physical health and is a good form of exercise. Along with physical benefits to your health cycling can also be beneficial to the environment. Cycling to the Mosque can lead to less pollution by not using your car and no vehicle emissions as a result. Mosques should consider installing bike stands to make it easy for attendees to safely lock their bikes when at the Mosque. Cycling clubs can encourage people to cycle as well and should be considered by Mosques. What can Mosques do? • Set up a gardening club at the Mosque and designate a small area to use for cultivating greenery. Encourage the local community to get involved. • Purchase bike stands for the Mosque and encourage local congregants to cycle to the Mosque, and/or set up a cycling club for the community • Set up walking clubs at the Mosque and encourage local congregation to walk to the Mosque • Plant greenery at the Mosque or encourage students to get involved locally in growing plants • Consider having a bee hive at your Mosque
3. Reducing Waste
“But waste not by excess: for Allah loveth not the wasters.”
(Surah al-An’am, 6:141)
It is reported that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would perform wudu
(ablution) with one mudd, or half of a kilogram, and would perform a ritual bath
with one sa’, or two kilograms or up to five mudd.
It is reported that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) passed by Sa’d (RA)
while he was performing ablution. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “What is this
extravagance?” Sa’d said, “Is there extravagance with water in ablution?” The
Prophet said, “Yes, even if you were on the banks of a flowing river.”
We learn from the above examples of the life of the greatest person to have
ever lived on how little water he used when bathing and doing wudu and his
advice even if you are on a river bank.
Reduce wastage of water when drinking water or using the toilet
Only use as much water as is needed. Mosques should limit use of single-use
plastics such as those used to make water bottles, and instead encourage use
of reusable water bottles. Plastic from water bottles can lead to pollution when
disposed, whilst the production of plastic water bottles can increase the carbon
footprint, so consider using tap water or installing water dispenser machines
instead. Water can also be saved by installing sensor dependent taps in wudu
areas at the Mosque. This is a great way to prevent people leaving taps running
when doing wudu, for example. Water wastage can be reduced by efficient
toilet water systems such as a dual flush system, which save water by offering
two different toilet flush volumes. Some older toilets can use about 14 litres of
water per flush, whilst the dual flush systems can reduce this to 2.6-6 litres per
flush.
Collect rain water for gardening
Rain water can now be collected and stored at the Mosque and used for
gardening purposes at the Mosque and help reduce the wastage of water. This
will avoid having to use fresh drinking water for watering plants. This can also
be done at home. There are different ways to collect and store water and this
can help reduce your water bills. Look at systems in wudu areas where water
used can be collected and used for watering plants.The Impact of wasting food
1.3 billion tonnes is the amount of food that is wasted globally each year.
Producing food requires significant resources including land, energy and water.
Globally, 25–30% of total food produced is lost or wasted, and food waste is
estimated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to contribute
8-10% of total man-made greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Reduce wastage of food at the Mosque during events
Only buy or order the amount of food you need and any food left over can be
distributed to support the needy or homeless in the community. Avoid wasting
of food. Throw away less food and look at ways of reducing the need to throw
away food. This could include purchasing less fruit and vegetables so used in
date and purchase more frequently if needed. Store new food items behind
older food items so food items are not wasted or go out of date. Also look
at using containers that are airtight or freeze the items. Encourage the local
community to reduce wastage of food and lead by example as above. Cook
enough food as is needed and any left over at home share with neighbours if
extra food is produced but encourage regular cooking of enough food rather
than excessive amounts.
Save electricity
Do not waste electricity and switch off lights when rooms are not in use. Pull
back blinds or curtains to ensure more natural daylight can enter reducing the
need for switching on lights. If having new building work, Mosques should look
at ways of having buildings more eco-friendly with more natural light entering
the buildings.
When Mosques do have light switches, look at having those that are sensor
based and turn themselves off when not in use.
Saving on cutlery
Using recyclable disposable cutlery if needed or use reusable cutlery instead of
polystyrene or plastic cutlery to avoid pollution and wastage of cutlery.
Dealing with traffic and road congestion
Traffic is a source of pollution. Consider reducing the carbon footprint of your
congregation by encouraging car-pooling when visiting the Mosque and/or
having a bus to collect and take home madrasah children, especially if students
are travelling some distance.
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MCB Eco Mosque Guide 2021Reusing clothes
Clothing can end up in landfills when disposed of and as a result can lead to pollution.
Clothes can be reused to benefit people in poorer countries. This can save space in
landfills and lead to less pollution and at the same time help those in need. Some
Muslim charities in the UK can arrange clothes bins outside Mosques to collect clothes
and use them for people in poorer countries.
Also encourage the community to use the amount of clothes that are needed.
Recycling clothes can save energy. Clothing in good condition can be used in
stores selling second hand clothing in this country and as a result less wastage
or dumping of clothes.
Change of light bulbs
Review bulbs at the Mosque as LED bulbs can save more energy when
compared to incandescent bulbs and consider replacement with more efficient
light bulbs to save energy.
Reuse bags for shopping
Plastic bags are commonly used even though they can damage the
environment. The major risk of plastic bags is that they can take years to
decompose. Burning of carrier bags as per some studies has shown can cause
air pollution. There has been harm caused to animals and marine life due
to plastic bags. Mosques should lead by example when buying items to use
reusable non plastic bags, if you have plastic bags then at least consider reusing
them on a regular basis. Community engagement information sessions should
provide these messages to the community on not creating more waste.
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MCB Eco Mosque Guide 2021Eat less meat and more vegetables
Eating less meat can help reduce the carbon footprint. If we look at the prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) diet it also consisted of less meat. Eating meat is not only
about eating meat but the process through which it is produced which can lead
to an increase in the carbon footprint.
What can Mosques do?
• Have a cafeteria at the Mosques or a place where people can sit and
socialise between Salah
• Arrange workshops at your Mosque around how to reduce waste
• Sell plain or customised reusable water bottles from your Mosque to
increase your income and protect the environment
• Encourage congregants and visitors to not drive to the Mosques when
possible
• Look at ways of reducing food waste by planning for events, and
distributing any food leftover to needy and homeless people
• Look at ways to collect and reuse rain water for gardens at the Mosque to
reduce water wastage
• Use the Carbon Footprint Calculator to find out the carbon footprint of your
Mosque, visit: https://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx
4. Recycling Matters
The Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) said: “The world is green and pleasant and
Allah has left you in charge of it, so be careful of how you conduct yourselves”
(Muslim)
What is recycling?
Recycling is the process of recovering material from waste and turning it into
new products. The original product is destroyed in this process, usually through
a melting process, but it used to form new products.
Recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would
otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them into new products.
Recycling can benefit your community and the environment.
For more information on recycling, visit: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/recycling-
basics
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MCB Eco Mosque Guide 2021What can be recycled?
Many waste products can be recycled and placed in certain types of bins for
collection. Recycling Bin Colours are explained below.
Black Rubbish Bins / Recycling Bins
In many parts of the UK, black wheelie bins are for general waste that cannot
be recycled or composted. If this is the case in your area, you can use these
bins for all non-recyclable household waste, including food waste, if you do not
have a separate waste food container.
However, if you have a Black Recycling Bin or Box, then you should use it to
collect plastic bottles, pots, tubs, and trays, food and drinks cans, the metal
lids from jars, tins, empty aerosols, foil containers and lids, kitchen foil, and foil
chocolate wrappings.
There are exceptions as to what you can put in your black wheelie bins and
your black recycling boxes, so ask your local council for a full list of exclusions
or check their website. Visit the GOV.UK webpage on recycling for more
information: https://www.gov.uk/recycling-bin
Blue Recycling Bins
Blue recycling bins are most commonly used in the UK to collect ‘dry’
recyclables, such as:
• Paper
• Newspapers & magazines
• Cardboard
• Junk mail
• Telephone books & catalogues
• Cereal boxes (without the plastic liner)
• Egg boxes
• Greeting cards
• Drink and food cans
• Biscuit tins
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MCB Eco Mosque Guide 2021Red Recycling Bins
As a general rule, red recycling bins are used for plastics, although many
councils will allow you to collect plastics in your ‘dry’ recycling bin, whatever
colour it may be. If you have a red recycling container, you can use it for
the following:
• Plastic bottles
• Food trays / plastic punnets
• Yoghurt pots (without the lid)
• Empty shampoo and cleaning product bottles
However, all plastics are not made equal, and this is where many people get
confused.
The following items cannot be recycled and should be disposed of in your black
wheelie bin and not your red recycling bin:
• Plastic carrier bags
• Plastic wrapping and packaging
• Hard plastics such as flowerpots and coat hangers
• Polystyrene
• Black plastic trays
Brown Recycling Bins
If you are lucky enough to have a brown recycling bin, then you are probably
wondering what all the fuss is about. Across the country, brown recycling bins
are for mixed recyclables such as:
• Plastic bottles
• Food tins
• Drinks cans
• Aerosols
• Tin foil (including trays)
• Glass bottles and jars
But, not everywhere! In certain parts of the country, brown recycling
bins are for organic garden waste and food waste only.
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MCB Eco Mosque Guide 2021Green Recycling Bins
Green recycling bins, not to be confused with green garden waste wheelie bins,
are generally used to collect glass recyclables such as glass bottles and jars,
although many councils use green recycling bins for dry recyclables too.
If you have a green food waste recycling container, then you should use it for all
general household food waste such as:
• Fruit and vegetable peelings
• Cooked food leftovers
• Meat bones
• Fish bones
• Eggshells
• Teabags
• Coffee grounds
The benefits of recycling food waste are well-documented, and by diverting
organic materials from the landfill, and converting it into energy and fertilizer,
we can reduce our CO2 footprint.
Yellow Recycling Bins
Yellow recycling bins are used to collect textiles such as clothes, bed linens,
and towels. You most likely won’t have one of these at home, but you will find
them at your local recycling bank. Textile recycling bins are sometimes orange
in colour, but they are usually clearly marked and easy to identify due to their
unique apertures.
Grey Recycling Bins
When it comes to Grey Recycling Bins, well, it’s a grey area. Some councils use
them for general household waste instead of black wheelie bins, while others
use them for ‘dry’ recyclables such as paper and food cans or mixed
recyclable waste. Check with your local authority.
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MCB Eco Mosque Guide 2021Purple Recycling Bins Purple recycling bins are popping up all over the country, but as they are still new in the world of recycling, it seems no-one can decide what to do with them. In Liverpool, for example, you’ll use your purple recycling bin for general household waste, food waste, and pet food, while up in Ayrshire, purple recycling bins are reserved for recyclables such as glass, plastics, cans, and cartons. Different bins and their use in the UK For more information on different recycling bins, visit: https://www. recyclingbins.co.uk/blog/recycling-bin-colours-in-the-uk/ To order recycling bins, visit: https://www.gov.uk/recycling-bin Day of collection To find out about the days for bin collections in your area click, visit: https:// www.gov.uk/rubbish-collection-day What can your Mosque do? • Understand about recycling and the different bins in your locality and teach others • Encourage recycling at the Mosque and for the congregation to do at home • Encourage use of recycling bins at the Mosque • Teach students about recycling and how to practically do this via assemblies • Hold workshops on recycling and encourage general public to attend • Work with the local Council to arrange visits to recycling plants as part of educational training, for example • Arrange community ‘litter picks’, recycling litter collected where possible – see MCB Visit My Mosque’s street cleaning resources here https://www. visitmymosque.org/street-clean-resources/
5. Utilising Alternative Energy Sources
Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of
the night and the day, and the [great] ships which sail through the sea with
that which benefits people, and what Allah has sent down from the heavens of
rain, giving life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness and dispersing therein
every [kind of] moving creature, and [His] directing of the winds and the
clouds controlled between the heaven and earth are signs for a people who
use reason. (Quran 2,164)
Natural lighting
Natural lighting from large skylights can reduce the dependency on use of
electricity for lighting. Making changes to allow more natural light can
save energy.
Solar power energy
Solar power can be beneficial at Mosques. This is a well-established form of
technology that generates electricity from daylight. These can come in the form
of panels which can be placed on the roof. These should be considered as part
of review of electricity usage at the Mosque. Also important to remember the
costing can take some years to pay off. Solar power energy can help reduce
your electricity bills and help reduce your carbon footprint. You can receive
payment for extra energy you generate.
Heat pumps
These are an environmentally friendly alternative to gas boilers. These can
extract heat from the environment and can produce three times the energy
they use making them more environmentally friendly. Heat pumps can also offer
financial savings.
Wind turbine
This could be considered in new building works to Mosques to help reduce their
carbon footprint and generate green energy.
Electric car points
Encouraging electric cars can have a beneficial impact on the
environment. A Mosque could consider having a charging point at
the Mosque to encourage electric cars.
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MCB Eco Mosque Guide 2021What can Mosques do?
• Set up an Green team Mosque at the Mosque to plan and look after the
environment
• Plan for reducing waste and CO2 emissions during Ramadan
• Look at purchasing solar panels for the Mosque
• Look at installing electric charge point at the Mosque to encourage
electric cars
• Consider installing electric charge points at the Mosque for electric cars6. Make Your Green Pledge
“It is he who sends down water for you from the sky, from which comes a drink
for you, and the shrubs that you feed to your animals. With it he grows for you
grain, olives, palms, vines and all kinds of other crops. There truly is a sign in
the this for those who reflects” (Quran 16:10:11)
MCB’s 10 Point Environmental Pledge List for Your Mosque. Contact the MCB
to update us on your progress: admin@mcb.org.uk
Completed (please
tick when done or
Becoming an eco-friendly Mosque: The MCB 10-Point
write the date when
Checklist for Mosques
you expect to have
this done)
Deliver Khutbahs on the importance of
Pledge 1 environmentalism in Islam - download MCB’s
template Khutbah here
Education for management, staff and volunteers on
Pledge 2 becoming an eco-friendly Mosque and looking after
the environment
Encourage more recycling at Mosques with
Pledge 3
placement of bins in key areas of access
Mosque teams to arrange a community clean-up or
Pledge 4
litter picking event once a month
Reduce use of single-use/disposable materials
for Mosque events and monitor wastage, e.g. use
Pledge 5
of plastic water bottles and food wasted during
Ramadan
Set up a Mosque ‘Green Team’ to help plan your
Pledge 6 events and initiatives on environmentalism; engage
wider community and local council too
Cultivate green spaces at the Mosque and/or in the
Pledge 7 local community - consider setting up a gardening
club at the Mosque
Hold a community engagement event once a year to
Pledge 8 invite people from the local and wider community to
learn about protecting the environment
Ensure any future building works incorporate
Pledge 9 elements of eco-friendly design and maximise
efficiency and sustainability
Install a bike stand at the Mosque and encourage
Pledge 10
people to cycle and walk to the Mosque
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MCB Eco Mosque Guide 2021MCB’s 10 point Environmental Pledge List for Home
You can pledge to develop more eco-friendly practices at home, using the checklist
below as guidance. Contact the MCB to update us on your progress:
admin@mcb.org.uk
Becoming an eco-friendly home: The MCB Completed (please
10-Point Checklist for your home tick when done)
Listen or read the text to a Khutbah on the
Pledge 1
environment
Raise awareness within your family on
Pledge 2 environmentalism and becoming a more
sustainable household
Encourage more recycling and using the
Pledge 3 correct coloured bins when disposing of
waste
Reduce usage of single-use plastics, fast
Pledge 4 fashion other and readily disposable
materials at home
Consume meat, fish, poultry and other animal
Pledge 5 derived products in moderation, as per
Prophetic tradition
Support your local Mosque Green Team, help
Pledge 6
them deliver events and initiatives
Cultivate green spaces at home and/or
Pledge 7 in the local community – from nurturing
houseplants, to gardens and allotments
Get active; incorporate walking, running and
Pledge 8
cycling into your daily routine
Get involved in local environmental initiatives
Pledge 9
and movements in the wider community
Write to your MP, encouraging them to
Pledge 10
support environmentalism in Parliament
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MCB Eco Mosque Guide 20217. Eco-friendly Community Initiatives:
Examples of Best Practice
Natural lighting Solarisation of Glasgow Central Mosque
Funded by Islamic Relief UK, Glasgow Central Mosque is to be solarised. 130
solar panels are set to be installed with the aim of reducing the Mosque’s CO2
emissions by up to 18,000kg per annum.
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MCB Eco Mosque Guide 2021Community Tree Planting in Rochdale
The Amaani Initiative partnered with the Rochdale Council of Mosques and
the Vicar of Rochdale to plant two Rowan trees on the grounds of St. Chad’s
Church earlier this year. They also gifted an olive tree to Rochdale Boroughwide
Housing (RBH), which has been planted as part of an environemntal day of
action in the Kirkholt area.
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MCB Eco Mosque Guide 2021Environmental Workshops and Conferences at
Easton Jamiah Masjid, Bristol
The Easton Jamiah Masjid in Bristol has held a series of events aimed at
increasing awareness around the importance of environmentalism and
encouraging climate action, including classes for young Madrasah students on
recycling and fly-tipping, and an inter-community conference to coordinate
local climate action initiatives.
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MCB Eco Mosque Guide 2021National Litter Pick
A department within the UK Islamic Mission, UK iCare has coordinated
community litter picking activities in several Mosque communities nationwide,
including: Hull Mosque, Khizra Mosque (Manchester), Masjid Ibrahim (Plaistow,
East London) and UKIM Neeli Mosque (Rochdale).
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MCB Eco Mosque Guide 2021Community Cycling Club, Manchester
Communities 4 All, a local community-led initiative in Manchester, run a cycling
club. They have trained mechanics to maintain their bikes and help their riders
stay active.
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MCB Eco Mosque Guide 2021Environmental Lecture at Masjid Al-Farouq, Walsall
Masjid Al-Farouq arranged a lecture on plastic pollution, promoting climate
action and planetary health. The lecture was delivered by Professor A R Gatrad.
Watch the livestream recording of the lecture: WASSUP: Save our Planet |
Professor A R Gatrad OBE
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MCB Eco Mosque Guide 2021Additional Resources
• UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (https://unfccc.int/files/
essential_background/background_publications_htmlpdf/application/
pdf/conveng.pdf)
• What are Greenhouse Gases? https://www.myclimate.org/information/
faq/faq-detail/what-are-greenhouse-gases/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9ZPY-fC
Q9AIVCu3tCh2VPQDGEAAYAiAAEgL8f_D_BwE
• The Greenhouse Effect https://www.bgs.ac.uk/discovering-geology/
climate-change/how-does-the-greenhouse-effect-work/
• Overview: Weather, Global Warming and Climate Change https://climate.
nasa.gov/resources/global-warming-vs-climate-change/
• Deforestation: Facts, Causes and Effects https://www.livescience.
com/27692-deforestation.html
• Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation https://www.eea.europa.eu/
help/faq/what-is-the-difference-between
• How Can Climate Action be More Inclusive? https://www.climatelinks.org/
blog/how-can-climate-action-be-inclusive
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