Today (6th July) marks the start of Muslim Climate Action Week 2026 – an initiative launched and led by Islamic Relief UK, encouraging Muslim communities across the country to take collective action against climate change.
This year’s theme is “Custodians of Creation”: a reminder of the significant role Allah (SWT) assigned to humanity, to act as guardians (khalifah), and to protect the Earth and all of its creatures.
“The world is sweet and green, and Allah has made you successors in it, so He will see how you act.”
~ Sahih Muslim
While Islamic Relief has a number of structured events taking place over the course of the week, there is also plenty that you can do independently to take action against climate change. And we’re here to provide you with a few fun, sustainable project ideas to get you started!
1 - Litter Picking Walk
Head out for a walk in your local neighbourhood or nearby nature spot, and collect any litter you find along the way.
If you're going solo, stick on your favourite podcast or audiobook. Or, use the walk as an opportunity to catch up with friends, and grab a coffee as a reward when you’re done (in a reusable cup of course!)
This is a great way to stay active and refresh your mind, while also helping the local wildlife. All you’ll need is a bin bag and gloves. Just make sure all litter is properly disposed of at the end of your walk.
2 - Learn Basic Sewing Skills
If you have a day off this week, why not spend a couple of hours learning the basics of sewing from YouTube tutorials or guide books? By learning how to mend your clothes, instead of throwing them away and buying new ones, you’ll be helping the planet by extending each item's life cycle. That means less clothes being sent to landfill.
For those of you who are already adept with a needle and thread, have a go at upcycling an item of clothing you never wear anymore into something new.
And for the clothes that are beyond repair: cut the fabric up into small squares or strips and store them in your kitchen to use as recycled cleaning cloths.
3 - Community Swaps
Community swaps are a great way to acquire second hand items without breaking the bank, or the planet.
Check your local Facebook groups for official swaps, or organise a swap party with your friends and family. Everyone brings a few items they no longer use for everyone else to “shop” from.
Popular items for swaps include books, clothes, houseplants, toys, and crafting materials.
4 - Propagate Your Houseplants
Propagation is the process of growing new plants from the seeds or cuttings of your existing plants. This process is a great way to brighten up your home without spending money, or feeding the market demand for new houseplants.
You do not need to be an expert gardener to propagate, and houseplants are often the easiest way to start.
To learn how to propagate, follow an easy online tutorial, such as this article by the Royal Horticultural Society:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/types/houseplants/how-to-take-cuttings-from-houseplants
As an added bonus, the new plants you grow can make perfect, sustainable gifts for friends and family!
5 - DIY Rainwater Barrel
Make a DIY barrel for collecting rainwater using an old plastic bin or large container. Simply cover the top of the bin with any recycled mesh material to prevent dirt and bugs collecting in the water, and cut a hole near the top for overflow.
The water you collect can be used for watering your plants and garden during the summer, reducing waste of clean water from taps and garden hoses.
6 - Start a Nature Journal
Learning more about nature, particularly the wildlife right on your doorstep, is one of the best ways to develop a personal passion for sustainability.
Your journal could contain:
Sketches or etchings of different plants in your garden or local park
Notes about wildlife species you have learnt about
Goals for how to be more sustainable
Personal reflections whilst sat in nature
You could also become a citizen scientist by keeping tallies of the wildlife that visits your garden. Many wildlife charities and organisations – such as the RSPB, British Trust for Ornithology, and The Woodland Trust – rely on wildlife sightings and reports from the public to keep track of species populations and habits.
Which of these six sustainable projects will you be trying out during Muslim Climate Action Week 2026? Or has this article given you inspiration to try out some ideas of your own?
Written by Melissa Dent
Photo by Noah Buscher on Unsplash