Travelling Thoughts

Ever wondered how a Finnish Muslim in the happiest country on Earth approaches sustainability? Look no further! For me, living sustainably isn’t just a hobby; it’s a core part of my faith and cultural identity. We’re called to be stewards of the Earth, and that responsibility is deeply woven into my daily life. Here in Finland, we’re also fortunate to have a strong environmental consciousness woven into our culture. For instance, separating organic waste for composting is simply the norm.

In our countryside home, we take it a step further. Our compost pile isn’t just for kitchen scraps; we scatter certain vegetable peels and trimmings under our fruit trees and berry bushes, providing a nutritious snack for wild bunnies and other critters. We also add used coffee grounds to our compost, a fantastic natural fertilizer, especially for acid-loving plants like blueberries and rhododendrons. It’s also said to deter snails and slugs, acting as an extra layer of protection for our precious plants. It’s amazing how something as simple as a morning cup of coffee can contribute to a healthier garden and a thriving ecosystem. (And if you’re enjoying reading this, consider Buying Me A Cup to fuel my sustainable gardening efforts!)

In fact, we see our entire garden as a sort of mini-ecosystem. Instead of a manicured lawn, we let wildflowers flourish, providing a haven for bees and butterflies. Currently, there seems to be two schools of thought about this one, some prefer the neat gardens as it also cuts down the amount of mosquitoes hovering around, and some, like my wife and I, prefer a wilder garden as it provides sustenance to our smaller buzzing friends. Once, when the colourful flowers are gone, then it is time to take the lawnmower out, provided we can make a path to the storage hut…

Commuting is another significant aspect of my sustainable lifestyle. With a 250km one-way journey to work, taking the train isn’t just a preference – it’s a necessity for minimizing my carbon footprint and to save the mileage of my plug-in hybrid car. I’m fortunate to live quite near a train station, which makes this choice easier, much more convenient and enjoyable.

The two-hour train ride isn’t wasted time, either. It’s my dedicated writing space, where many of my stories come to life, whether they’re shared here on Havestories.com or crafted in Scrivener as a trio of upcoming books.

Together, we can make a difference, one train ride and one story at a time.

As a Muslim, I believe we are all entrusted with the responsibility of caring for the Earth, just as I mentioned earlier. The Quran reminds us, “It is He who has made you successors upon the earth” (6:165). This is a sacred duty, one that I strive to fulfill through my daily actions, whether it’s composting coffee grounds, letting wildflowers bloom, or choosing the train over a car. These may seem like small steps, but they are part of a larger journey towards a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with our planet, one that honors both my faith and the Finnish values I hold dear.

With sustainable love from Finland,

Khalil