Blog Archives

What if one small daily habit could make a big difference for the planet? Every year, billions of plastic toothbrushes are thrown away, many of which end up polluting the environment. With plastic taking hundreds of years to break down, the impact adds up quickly. But long before modern toothbrushes existed, ancient civilizations had already found a natural solution. The Miswak is a traditional oral hygiene tool made from the twigs of the Salvadora persica. Used for thousands of years, it remains a powerful example of how nature can provide sustainable alternatives. The use of Miswak is especially encouraged in Islam, following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, who emphasized cleanliness as an important part of spiritual well-being. This connection between physical care and inner purity continues to inspire many people today. Beyond its spiritual significance, Miswak is also practical. It naturally helps clean teeth, reduce bacteria, and freshen breath—often without…

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What if taking a break from technology in the form of a “digital detox” could help both your well-being and the planet? For thousands of years, the practice of Shabbat in Judaism has offered exactly that. Rooted in the teachings of the Bible, Shabbat is observed as a day of rest each week. It reflects the belief that God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. From sunset on Friday to nightfall on Saturday, many Jews step away from work, screens, and electronic devices. In today’s fast-paced, always-connected world, this tradition feels surprisingly modern. By unplugging from phones, computers, and other technology, people create space to reconnect—with family, community, and themselves. It’s a powerful reminder to slow down and focus on what truly matters. This weekly “digital detox” also has an environmental benefit. Reducing the use of electricity, even for a short period, can lower energy…

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Eco friendly living doesn’t always look conventional—but it can make a real difference. Small, everyday choices can have a powerful impact on the planet, even if they seem unusual at first. From composting food scraps to avoiding single-use products, mindful habits help reduce waste and conserve resources. Simple actions like carrying a reusable handkerchief instead of tissues, taking shorter showers, or reusing water where possible can all contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. Reducing digital clutter is another often-overlooked step. Deleting unnecessary emails and limiting online storage can help lower energy use from data servers, showing that even our virtual habits have an environmental footprint. Choosing secondhand clothing and avoiding plastic are practical ways to cut down on waste and support a circular economy. Diet also plays a major role—adopting a plant-based diet is widely considered one of the most effective ways to reduce environmental impact, lowering emissions and conserving…

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What does it mean to live in harmony with the world around us? In Hinduism, one of the central teachings that guides this idea is the concept of Dharma. In the ancient epic Mahabharata, figures such as Yudhishthira explain Dharma as the force that upholds and sustains the natural order of the universe. It represents balance, responsibility, and the duty to protect and respect all forms of life. Living a “dharmic” life means acting in ways that maintain harmony—within ourselves, with others, and with nature. It encourages people to care for the Earth and all living beings, recognizing that everything is interconnected. For many, this principle is not just philosophical but practical. It influences daily decisions, inspiring actions that support environmental balance and ethical living. From how we treat others to how we use resources, Dharma reminds us that our choices matter. In a time when the planet faces growing…

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In today’s world, we are constantly surrounded by messages telling us to want more, buy more, and consume more. From global brands like Nestlé and PepsiCo to fashion labels such as True Religion, advertising often appeals to our deepest desires—promising happiness, fulfillment, and identity through products. Some estimates suggest that the average person sees thousands of ads every day. These messages are carefully designed to tap into natural human desires, such as the desire for pleasure, status, and satisfaction. This idea is not entirely new. In the Book of Genesis, the story of Adam and Eve describes how desire first entered human experience. Temptation, symbolized by the serpent, shifted desire from something external into something deeply internal—becoming part of human nature. Today, advertisers often build on this internal desire, encouraging continuous consumption in pursuit of happiness or fulfillment. But this raises an important question: when is enough truly enough? Spiritual…

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Is there a better way to enjoy takeaway without creating unnecessary waste? A growing movement suggests there is—and it starts with rethinking our habits. Welcome to the concept of the zero waste takeaway. We often hear the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle,” but the order matters. Recycling is important, yet it should be the last option. The most effective approach is to reduce what we use and reuse what we already have. This shift can significantly cut down on the waste generated every day. One simple but powerful change is bringing your own containers when ordering takeaway. Instead of relying on single-use packaging, durable containers can be used again and again. It’s a small action, but when practiced consistently, it can make a meaningful difference. For some, reducing waste goes beyond environmental concern—it becomes a deeper reflection of values and responsibility. The amount of waste we produce can be seen as…

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A webinar on Faith action for better human, animal, and planetary health. Speakers included: Vandana Shiva, Activist, Academic and Campaigner Azmaira Alibhai, Faith & Ecosystems Coordinator, Faith for Earth (UNEP) Martin Palmer, Founding President, FaithInvest David Clough, Chair of Theology and Applied Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Co-founder and Strategist, Creature Kind Thomas Legrand, Lead Technical Advisor, Conscious Food Systems Alliance (UNDP) Marium Husain, Lead Author, Islam and Food Systems (UNEP) Joyce D’Silva, Ambassador Emeritus, Compassion in World Farming Rabbi Yonatan Neril, Founder, The Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development The webinar was introduced by Philip Lymbery, Global CEO, Compassion in World Farming and chaired by Susie Weldon, Director of Communications, FaithInvest.

Bishop Andreas of the Church of Sweden addresses the issue of climate change, urging stronger and more immediate action to tackle the climate crisis. He also highlights the Church of Sweden’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and the steps being taken to reach that goal.

Many faith leaders today share a common message: our choices must be guided by a responsibility to heal both the Earth and humanity. Bhai Mohinder Singh highlights how different religions connect people to the Divine and how that spiritual foundation can inspire meaningful climate action and lasting peace. He also encourages governments to work alongside faith communities, moving beyond national borders to address global challenges together.

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