Green Hajj takes roots in Mecca: How devouts are working to reduce carbon footprints

August 24, 2018
Diligent Media Corporation

Thousands of cleaners are busy separating plastic from other rubbish as more than two million Muslims wrap up a pilgrimage to Mecca that presents a huge environmental challenge for Saudi Arabia.

The Mamuniya camp in Mina near the holy city is dotted with colour-coded barrels – black for organic waste and blue for cans and plastics for recycling.

It’s all part of an initiative to reduce the environmental footprint of the hajj, one of the world’s largest annual gatherings.