Ramadhan is here, and with it, the highly anticipated Ramadhan bazaars are back in full swing. If you’re anything like most of us, you’ve already found yourself walking through the streets, trying to decide between satay, kebabs, or a mountain of fried snacks (because who can resist?).
With so many choices, it’s easy to over-order, and before you know it, you’re left with food you can’t finish and mountains of plastic packaging. We’ve all been there.
This year, why not try something a little different? Alongside fasting and reflection, let’s make a conscious effort to reduce food waste and cut down on the plastic piling up as we feast.
Reducing waste doesn’t have to be boring, and it doesn’t mean you have to pass up on all the delicious food at the bazaar either.
Here are some fun and easy tips to make your Ramadhan bazaar experience a little more sustainable (and a lot less wasteful).
BRING YOUR OWN CONTAINERS: A SMALL CHANGE, BIG IMPACT
Let’s be honest, we’ve all been guilty of accepting food packed in plastic bags or styrofoam containers when we could’ve brought our own reusable ones. This Ramadhan, it’s time to kick that habit.
Some local bazaars are starting to encourage customers to bring their own containers. Not only are you helping the environment, but you’re also avoiding the dreaded “plastic soup” that tends to collect in our homes after a bazaar run.
You don’t have to go all out with fancy containers (though if you want to, by all means, go ahead). A simple reusable plastic container or even a stainless-steel box can do wonders.
SILICONE BAGS: THE SWISS ARMY KNIFE OF CONTAINERS
If you haven’t jumped on the silicone bag bandwagon yet, now’s the time. These flexible, foldable little wonders are perfect for carrying everything from crispy spring rolls to decadent sweets without spilling anything.
They’re lightweight, easy to clean, and can hold just about anything you want to take home (or eat on the spot, if you’re that type of person).
Plus, they come in fun colours and are often dishwasher safe.
If you’re tired of struggling with flimsy plastic bags that tear the second you load them up with food, silicone bags are your new best friend.
BENTO BOXES: BECAUSE FOOD DESERVES TO BE ORGANISED
If you’re someone who loves everything neat and tidy (or just likes pretending to be), bento boxes are a must-try.
Originally designed for Japanese lunches, these compartmentalised containers are perfect for packing multiple types of food from the bazaar in an organised way.
Whether you’re picking up some chicken satay, sambal goreng, or a sweet treat, each food item gets its own little compartment – no risk of sauces mingling with rice. It’s like your food is having its own little VIP section.
SAY NO TO PLASTIC CUTLERY AND STRAWS
There’s nothing worse than trying to eat something like fried noodles with a flimsy plastic fork, right?
This Ramadhan, invest in a small, portable cutlery set you can bring along with you.
Stainless steel, bamboo, and even reusable plastic sets are lightweight and easy to carry.
For drinks, bring along a reusable straw. There’s no reason to add more plastic straws to the pile when you can carry your own.
PORTION CONTROL: DON’T BUY WHAT YOU CAN’T FINISH
You’ve been fasting all day, so naturally, when you hit the bazaar, your eyes are bigger than your stomach. It’s easy to get carried away and order way too much, but let’s be real – leftovers are rarely as exciting the next day, and food waste is never fun. The trick here is simple: start with smaller portions. It’s better to try a few things and go back for seconds if you’re still hungry.
REPURPOSE LEFTOVERS: GET CREATIVE WITH WHAT’S LEFT
Speaking of leftovers, don’t just throw that extra food away! If you find yourself with food you can’t finish (it happens to the best of us), take a minute to think about how you can use it.
Leftover nasi lemak? Perfect for a quick fried rice the next day. Extra ayam percik? Use it in a sandwich or wrap. That extra portion of beef rendang can be repurposed into a delicious filling for your sahur.
The beauty of leftovers is that they can be transformed into something just as tasty the next day. A little creativity goes a long way.
THE SPIRIT OF RAMADHAN: MINDFULNESS IN EVERY MOMENT
Ramadhan is a time for reflection, discipline, and of course, mindfulness. It’s about slowing down and taking a step back, not just in terms of our spiritual practices, but also in how we interact with the world around us.
When we choose to reduce waste, we’re practising mindfulness in a tangible way – it’s a small but powerful act of caring for the environment, the people around us, and ourselves.
At the end of the day, Ramadhan is about being more intentional in everything we do.
Mindful eating, mindful shopping, and mindful living.
And who knows? Maybe this time next year, we’ll all be experts at reducing waste without even thinking about it.
After all, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. – Features Desk
