Environmental Officials Push for Greener Muharram

Tehran's office of the Department of Environment is cooperating with the provincial Islamic Propagation Organization to encourage the use of biodegradable disposable dishes during the month of Muharram that commemorates the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (PBUH), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Distribution of votive food is a common practice during this month and plastic disposable dishes are widely used for the purpose.

Speaking to ISNA, Mohammad Hussein Bazgir, the head of Tehran's DOE office, stressed that plastic dishes are harmful for health and pose threats to the environment as they take a long time to degrade.

"We held meetings with the provincial IPO and it has pledged to help raise awareness among mourners to use fewer plastic dishes and replace them with more eco-friendly ones," he said.  

Mohammad Darvish, the director of Public Participation Office at DOE, also called on the public to opt for environment-friendly dishes in spite of their higher prices and avoid leaving the garbage across the city.

"Those who serve food and drinks could place a bin nearby so people can drop their litter," he said.

Obviously, raising awareness is not sufficient and other incentives such as discounts for biodegradable utensils during the period are required to tackle the issue.

Plastic wastes take up to 1,000 years to degrade. These materials break down into tiny bits, contaminating the soil and water. They also pose risks for animals once disposed of in the nature, as they are often mistaken for food.