The Environmental Ethics Platform, operating within Üsküdar University, prepared a special information file for June 5, 2025 World Environment Day, aiming to increase social awareness and strengthen environmental responsibility. In the file, which reminds that this year's World Environment Day's main theme is "Ending Plastic Pollution," attention is drawn to environmental awareness as well as moral and theological responsibilities.
In the comprehensive report prepared under the leadership of Üsküdar University Environmental Ethics Platform President Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir; topics such as plastic waste, environmentally friendly "green mosque" examples, the importance of recycling, environmental policies, and plastic waste imports, which are an increasing problem especially in the Islamic world, are examined in depth.
Plastic pollution is a global threat
The report emphasizes that the reduction of plastic use worldwide is targeted, stating that approximately 11 million tons of plastic waste enter water ecosystems annually and microplastics accumulate in agricultural soils. The annual social and environmental cost of plastic pollution is estimated to be between 300 and 600 billion dollars.
Plastic problem in Muslim countries
In the report, the increasing use of plastic in Muslim countries, the lack of recycling infrastructure, and low environmental awareness are listed among the prominent problems, drawing attention to the fact that river and marine pollution poses a major threat, especially in countries like Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan. According to TÜBİTAK data, the pollution rate in the Sakarya, Gediz, Ergene, and Menderes rivers in Turkey is at a high level.
Legal restrictions should be imposed on single-use plastics!
The report also gives extensive space to Islamic teachings on the environment: It is emphasized that waste (excessive and unnecessary consumption) is haram, that harming the environment is defined as "fesad" (mischief/corruption) in the Quran, and that the Prophet's simple lifestyle and respect for nature should be emulated. Proposed solutions include incorporating environmental awareness into Friday sermons in mosques, Islamic foundations and non-governmental organizations developing recycling projects, increasing awareness through education and media campaigns, and imposing legal restrictions on single-use plastics.
Plastic waste import
Following China's ban on plastic waste imports in 2018, the report states that many Western countries redirected their plastic waste to Muslim countries such as Turkey, Malaysia, and Indonesia, revealing the fact that only 9% of the 370 million tons of plastic waste produced annually can be recycled. It is stated that Turkey is among the main countries importing plastic under the guise of recycling from countries like Germany and the UK, and according to experts, this situation constitutes an environmental vulnerability and an ethical problem.
The report presents detailed data on the problems caused by plastic waste imports and insufficient recycling capacities specifically in Turkey, Malaysia, and Indonesia. According to Greenpeace's research, imported waste is illegally dumped around the Seyhan River and the Mediterranean in Turkey, with information shared that 241 truckloads of plastic waste entered Turkey from Europe every day in 2021. Similarly, in Malaysia and Indonesia, non-recyclable waste is uncontrollably released into nature, and this situation is exacerbated by illegal trade, political vulnerabilities, and a system of bribery. As solutions, more effective controls against plastic imports, the widespread adoption of environmental activities by non-governmental organizations, and bringing Islamic environmental ethics to the agenda are proposed.
“Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth” is being made available to the public
Üsküdar University is taking a meaningful step within the scope of June 5, 2025 World Environment Day.
It is making the international environmental document titled "Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth," in which it is among the contributors, available to the public in digital format and free of charge.
The work, a powerful text prepared under the leadership of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and bringing together the principles of Islamic environmental ethics with today's ecological crises, serves as a guide not only for Muslims but for everyone who wishes to live in harmony with nature.
Üsküdar University offers the work in PDF format for free access. Those interested can access the book via the link https://uuyayinlari.com/mizan-dunya-ile-bir-sozlesme.
"Zero Plastic" target
Üsküdar University took a significant step in its "Green University" vision three years ago by ending the use of single-use plastic cups in line with its "Zero Plastic" target.
“Green Mosque Project” launched
The university also launched the "Green Mosque Project" with the Islamic Community Milli Görüş (IGMG), aiming for a mosque-centered social transformation. The project, led by Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir, aims for mosques to become not only centers of worship but also centers for education and solidarity where environmental awareness is spread, and it targets increasing the energy efficiency of mosque buildings with carbon-neutral living guides.
