Being intentionally eco-friendly is in line with the Islamic principles of not wasting resources, and being good stewards as Allah has intended for us.
Following a Green Deen means knowing that we are entrusted by Allah to act as stewards of the Earth. This trust is a conviction to protect the planet and it comes with gifts of speech, knowledge and the freedom to make decisions. We can choose to cooperate with nature or not or be inspired or burdened by this trust from Allah. Either way, we are all accountable for our actions. At the same time, we must accept our role as the protectors of the planet, especially to a planet that has come under the assault from the actions of humankind in pursuit of economic gain.
The following is a list from Simplemom.net, with some changes. It is a list of really small steps that you can start to take in order to greenify your home. It would also be great if you could share these activities with your children so that they do not grow up with the “overconsumption”, “wastage” and selfish mindset that so plagues mankind these days.
- Switch your lightbulbs to CFLs (compact fluorescent light) also known as energy-saving light.
- Switch one appliance to an energy efficient model (look for the “energy star” label).
- Stop using disposable bags
- Buy an inexpensive reusable water bottle, and stop buying plastic disposable bottles. Then watch The Story of Bottled Water, a short movie about the bottled water phenomena.
- Wash laundry in cold water instead of hot.
- Turn off lights when you leave the room.
- Don’t turn on lights at all for as long as you can — open your curtains and enjoy natural light.
- Drive the speed limit, and combine all your errands for the week in one trip.
- Better yet, walk or ride a bike to your errands that are two miles or closer.
- Turn off your computer completely at night.
- Pay as many bills as possible online.
- Reuse scrap paper. Print on two sides, or let your kids color on the back side of used paper.
- Fix leaky faucets.
- Lower the temperature on your hot water heater.
- Unplug unused chargers and appliances.
- Repurpose something – turn one of your well-worn t-shirts into basic play pants for your baby. Or save egg cartons for paint wells, seed starters, treasure boxes, or a myriad of other crafts.
- Collect rainwater, and use it to water your houseplants and garden.
- Use cloth instead of paper to clean your kitchen. Be frugal, and make these rags out of old towels and t-shirts.
- Use cloth napkins daily instead of paper.
- Read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, and open your eyes to the way conventional food is processed. Watch Food, Inc. while you’re at it.
- Repurpose glass jars as leftover containers and bulk storage, especially in the kitchen.
- Five-minute showers – make it a goal for yourself.
