NU Care-LAZISNU Consistently Uses Eco-Friendly Containers to Distribute Kurban Meat

NU Care-LAZISNU consistently distributes kurban meat using eco-friendly containers such as bamboo besek lined with banana or jati leaves, demonstrating environmental concern.

Executive Director Riri Khariroh stated that the use of bamboo besek and natural leaves for distributing kurban meat has been in place since 2019, with these containers being easily recyclable.

‘We utilise natural elements like besek and leaves. This is an eco-friendly kurban, or green kurban,’ Riri said in Jakarta on Thursday.

She explained that the bamboo besek tradition has been ongoing for about seven years as part of efforts to build ecological awareness among the public.

‘We have been using bamboo besek for approximately seven years because we believe social and religious programs must also consider environmental protection,’ she added.

Riri noted that NU Care-LAZISNU branches across Indonesia also adopt natural materials for meat distribution.

‘These practices are followed by NU Care-LAZISNU in various regions, using bamboo besek, jati leaves, or banana leaves which are readily available locally,’ she said.

She added that using bamboo and leaves better preserves meat quality and freshness compared to plastic containers, which can release microplastics.

‘Meat placed in banana or jati leaves stays fresher than in plastic containers, which may contain harmful microplastics,’ she explained.

Beyond reducing plastic use, Riri highlighted the economic benefits for local besek artisans.

‘The use of bamboo besek boosts the livelihoods of basket makers, which has been widely appreciated,’ she said.

To ensure commitment to an eco-friendly kurban program, NU Care-LAZISNU has instructed all regional branches, mosques, and majelis taklim to minimise plastic use during meat distribution.

‘We have directed all NU Care-LAZISNU branches, majelis taklim, and mosques to ensure kurban programmes are environmentally friendly and reduce waste,’ she stated.