500 tonnes of food wasted in Abu Dhabi during Ramadan

Abu Dhabi: Approximately 500 tonnes of food gets thrown away during the month of Ramadan in Abu Dhabi. The alarming issue, which also has serious environmental implications, has prompted the government to launch a drive to curb food wastage.

According to official statistics, one third of the waste generated in the UAE comprise of discarded food.

The 'Think Before You Waste' campaign, which begins on Wednesday (Aug 11), hopes to raise awareness about food waste and its environmental implications.

The campaign organized by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is being backed by other government entities such as the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowment (Awqaf), UAE Red Crescent Authority and Hefth Al Ne’ma.

“34 per cent of UAE’s waste is food disposed of every year, contributing to landfills, carbon emissions and ultimately climate change. In Abu Dhabi alone, 500 tonnes of food gets wasted during the month of Ramadan,” Abdul Nasser Al Shamsi, Executive director of EAD, said at the launch of the campaign on Tuesday.

The amount of food wasted, especially during Ramadan, is totally unacceptable, Al Shamsi stressed.

Ramadan being the festival of giving and sharing, families prepare special food and gather for Iftar (breaking the fast) and Suhoor (meal before dawn). Due to the emphasis on providing bountiful meals in celebration, increased food purchasing is witnessed during the month, making way for more wastage.

“However, we might not stop to think of the impact that this might have on our environment.”

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.

“We are urging people to think twice before throwing away food. We ask that they don’t cook or prepare too much at Iftar or Sohoor. And consume food before its expiry date.”

While enjoying buffet meals, do not pile excess food on to the plate that might end up being wasted, Al Shamsi said.

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

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.

Muslims must reduce personal food waste in Ramadan

Islamic preachers have called on Muslims to consider reducing personal food waste this Ramadan as part of their religious responsibility, as outlined in the Holy Qur'an.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowment (Awqaf) has instructed preachers at mosques to deliver the message of avoiding wastage during Friday sermons in Ramadan.

Talib Al Shehhi, head of the preaching section at Awqaf said that the Quran is clear on a Muslim’s responsibility towards the environment.

The Quran 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.”

Also, according to a Hadith (Prophets words): "Eat, drink and give charity without excessiveness or arrogance".

“Important tips and information on food waste will be communicated through the Imams (leaders of the mosques) for them to spread the word to the praying community and encourage discussion”, Al Shehhi said.

Donate leftover food to charity

Worried about wasting too much food at an upcoming wedding or party? Why not choose the noble way of donating leftover food to charity by contacting the Hefth Al Ne'ma Center, part of the UAE Red Crescent Authority.

The Centers helping hands have reached out to 576,435 people including poor families, orphanages, people of low income, various humanitarian cases and factory workers since 2008.

“The centre promotes the spirit of social solidarity between the different segments of the community through its programmes which include food, clothing, furniture, and medicine”, said Khadim Al Darei, member of the UAE Red Crescent Authority Board of Directors and the founding committee of Hefth Al Ne'ma.

Last year, they distributed 24,535 hot meals to 1,000 families and 10,000 workers, Al Darei said.

“We hope to overcome extravagant and wasteful acts sometimes seen in various social events such as weddings and gatherings during Ramadan”.
Untouched meals are packed and immediately delivered to the needy, in vehicles specially equipped to keep meals at optimal temperature.

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