Every year, millions of Muslims embark on the spiritual journey Hajj. In a world where climate change is quickly becoming a global crisis, many pilgrims are now being encouraged to take a more environmentally-conscious approach to their journey. Enter Green Hajj is a sustainable way to perform the pilgrimage. It helps focus on reducing environmental harm and promoting eco-friendly habits. But how does going green on Hajj benefit the pilgrims, and what steps can they take to ensure their pilgrimage is as eco-conscious as possible? Let’s dive in.
What Is Green Hajj And How Is Climate Change Affecting The Journey?
While Hajj has always been a time for spiritual reflection, it’s now also become an opportunity to reflect on the state of the planet. With the growing effects of climate change, heatwaves and extreme temperatures are becoming more frequent and intense, posing serious risks to human health. A glaring example occurred during the 2024 Hajj season, when a brutal heatwave in Saudi Arabia led to the deaths of 1,300 people. According to scientists, this heatwave would have been 2.5°C cooler if it hadn’t been aggravated by climate change.
As temperatures in the region soared past 47°C (117°F) and even hit 51.8°C at Makkah’s Great Mosque, the impact of global warming became painfully clear. For many pilgrims, this reality served as a reminder that the effects of climate change are real, and it’s time to adopt sustainable practices.
How To Be A Sustainable Pilgrim To Reap The Benefits?
The concept of a Green Hajj focuses on eco-friendly practices, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of the pilgrimage. Here’s a list of practical tips on how pilgrims can make their Hajj journey more sustainable:
- Bring Reusable Items: Avoid single-use plastics by packing a reusable water bottle, cutlery, and shopping bags.
- Choose Sustainable Accommodation: Check if your accommodation or travel agency is committed to sustainability. Many hotels now offer eco-friendly options that align with your values.
- Travel Smart: Reduce your carbon footprint by travelling in groups when visiting different pilgrimage sites. The Al Haramain high-speed train between Makkah and Medina is an effective and sustainable way to travel.
- Go Electric: If you need to travel by car, opt for electric vehicles (EVS), which are cleaner and more eco-friendly than traditional petrol or diesel-powered cars.
- Ethical Ihram: Instead of buying a new Ihram, consider using one passed down from a previous pilgrim or buying a fair-trade Ihram.
- Eat Locally and Seasonally: Choose seasonal, organic, or locally grown food to reduce the environmental impact of pre-packaged meals.
- Conserve Water: Reduce water wastage during ablution, washing, and other personal uses.
- Proper Waste Disposal: Always dispose of your trash properly. Avoid littering and use the appropriate waste disposal bins provided at the pilgrimage sites.
- Animal Sacrifice: When performing the animal sacrifice ritual, consider sacrificing only one animal for the whole family, reducing the overall number of animals needed.
- Minimise Electricity Use: Use energy-efficient appliances, such as solar-powered lamps and mobile chargers to reduce your energy consumption.
- Plant a Tree: After completing your pilgrimage, plant a tree either at the pilgrimage site or when you return home.
- Sustainable Shopping: Make conscious purchasing decisions. Avoid impulsive shopping and opt for biodegradable shopping bags and clothes made from natural fibres like cotton or wool.
Also Read: 7 Hajj Rules & Updates You Need To Know This Year
And really, what could be a more fitting way to mark such a profound journey? Let’s make every step of Hajj count for both the soul and the Earth!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Stock Images
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