Souk El Tayeb in Beirut has always been more than a farmers’ market. It is a small miracle in the heart of Lebanon—a community place where farmers, cooks, refugees, artisans, and city dwellers gather around the simple idea that food can heal a country.

Founded in Beirut during a time of deep political strains, Souk El Tayeb became a meeting place where sect, class, and region dissolve into the shared pleasure of tasting ripe tomatoes, kneaded manousheh, or warm kebbeh made by someone whose village you may have only heard about.

What makes Souk El Tayeb remarkable is not only its insistence on local, seasonal produce, but its belief that dignity and sustainability must go hand in hand. Farmers are paid fairly. Villages are uplifted. Traditional recipes are kept alive not as nostalgia but as knowledge systems: real food is carbon-light, waste-free, and is adapted to the land.

In a region where instability and terror threatens the smallest things, Souk El Tayeb remains defiantly hopeful, stitching Lebanon back together one shared meal at a time.(Related: The Pope was just visiting Lebanon uplifting the spirits even more).

And now Lebanon prepared for Eid el-Barbara, a celebration as rooted in the soil as in faith, it’s like a kind of Halloween, but gentler. As Souk El Tayeb writers described it: “It tells the story of Barbara (Saint Barbara), a pious Christian in Roman times, whose father, the pagan ruler of Baalbek, wanted to kill her for her forbidden Christian beliefs. It’s celebrated December 5 in the Middle East, and December 17 in Europe.

“To escape him, she disguised herself (hello costumes!) and ran through bare fields that miraculously grew into tall wheat to hide her as she fled.”

To remember the miracle of the wheat, families cook amhiyeh and atayef, and children plant soaked wheat, beans, or lentils on beds of cotton.

By Christmas, the sprouts become a soft green carpet for the nativity scene, the مغارة الميلاد.

This ritual also exists in Provence, where wheat is planted on Sainte-Barbe’s Day. Lebanon, France, and a shared tradition of sprouting hope in the darkest month of the year.

Another tradition is eating qatayef, a stuffed cookie, which is also eaten at Ramadan.

Eid il-Burbara or Saint Barbara’s Day, and also called the Feast of Saint Barbara, is a holiday annually celebrated on 17 December or 4 December amongst Middle Eastern Christians in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine and Turkey. It is also celebrated as Barbaroba amongst Christians in Georgia.

The post Slow food market Souk el Tayeb in Lebanon celebrates food and Eid El Barbara appeared first on Green Prophet.

Fossil Fuels in Modern Day America

“The inflation crisis was caused by massive overspending and escalating energy prices, and that is why today I will also declare a national energy emergency. We will drill, baby, drill. America will be a manufacturing nation once again, and we have something that no other manufacturing nation will ever have — the largest amount of oil and gas of any country on earth — and we are going to use it.” 

This excerpt from Donald Trump’s Inaugural Address on January 20, 2025, amplified the fire already lit in me to double down on my company’s commitment to hemp and the natural fiber industry. Anact, a premier producer of hemp and cotton towels, is putting the brakes on fossil fuels in the textile industry and is, instead, fueling the growth of renewable supply chains.

While human consumption of fossil fuels for expendable energy—whether in the form of oil and gas, natural gas, or coal—constitutes the largest category of fossil fuel products in the US, there is one category that often slips under the radar of public consciousness: the use of petroleum-derived synthetic fibers in textiles.

Reimagining the Textile Industry 

Despite this cognitive dissociation, there is no beating around the math (or hemp stalk) any longer. The textile industry is one of the biggest contributors to the climate crisis, and is largely driven by the petroleum industry, as synthetic petroleum-derived textiles are cheap to produce as a byproduct of fossil fuel extraction. The fossil fuel industry’s depletion and contamination of natural resources like water, and the increased incidents of climate-driven, supply chain-disrupting, catastrophic weather incidents has created a critical problem that we need to collectively address.

However, there is a positive path forward. Currently, the global hemp fiber market is experiencing remarkable expansion, expected to reach more than $30 billion in less than 10 years. The textile industry is the main driver of this market expansion, according to a recent global market research report, presenting consumers and businesses a viable sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived fiber.

From financial investors to climate activists, we need all hands on deck, while not letting perfection be the enemy of good. The textile industry is one in which 80 percent of textile workers are women and where the buying power is made up mostly of women. By redirecting the capital, energy, and conviction that is needed to usher in industries like hemp textiles, instead of bending over backwards for the oil industry, we have the opportunity to reduce harm and generate value, today and for future generations. 

Hemp Offers A Solution: Decarbonizing the Textile Supply Chain

Hemp is an industrial fiber crop better compared to flax (grown for food and linen), that can grow up to ten feet tall and uses little water to cultivate. It was grown by the Romans, used by Henry Ford to create automobile prototypes, and was the textile fiber of choice for Betsy Ross to sew the American flag, to name just a few of hemp’s applications. At Anact, we love hemp because it’s incredibly durable, resists the growth of bacteria, and is very breathable. Hemp is also one of the fastest growing biomasses in the world: when you grow one acre of hemp compared to one acre of conventional cotton, you get two-to-three times the yield at a fraction of the cost, which saves money and resources while increasing profit margins.  

Hemp was made illegal in 1937 in the US under the Marijuana Tax Act and re-legalized for commercial use in 2018 under the Farm Act. Hemp is more sustainable than popularized bamboo textiles because bamboo fiber requires a chemical solvent to turn it into a yarn, thereby making it synthetic.  

Our focus on re-introducing hemp as a major economic contributor to the food, fiber, and fuel industries is not only because of its fantastic performance features and increased profit margins, but also because hemp sequesters carbon at rates similar to a young forest, but with a far shorter growth cycle. Hemp offers a solution rather than a compromise. 

* Please note that I do think there is value in the recycled synthetic industry but due to the increasing temperatures and rising sea levels, the prioritization of investment in regenerative agriculture industries takes precedence at Anact.  

By investing in alternative textile crops like hemp, we can have the following impact: 

• Hemp needs 90 percent less water than conventional crops and doesn’t require pesticides 
• Hemp restores our soil while it grows, improves water retention, biodiversity, and organic carbon, and pulls out pollution
• Hemp sequesters carbon in soil, whereas petroleum-derived synthetic fibers release carbon into the atmosphere

Anact’s Vision 

We have the opportunity at Anact, as a nimble and emerging brand, to set the standard for how things should be. This is the beauty of being a start-up in an industry that has great potential to impact sustainability with hemp and regenerative practices. We are creating an ecosystem that is value-added for farmers, employees, customers, banks, and more, which will only be made possible with capital investment and supportive policy. 

Anact has successfully helped pass legislation to grow hemp in Florida, pitched the opportunity that hemp presents to various investment partners, and built a small but mighty group of angel investors, employees, customers, and advisors who believe in the vision and opportunity in front of us. 

In addition to the harmful lessons we’ve learned from fossil fuels, Trump’s current tariff war is providing consumers a baseline education on supply chains and the global product manufacturing landscape. It’s spotlighting how underpriced many products have been for too long. It’s finally catching the attention of the investment communities, whose hyper-fixation on investing in AI and tech-based startups have prevented them from paying attention to other industries and solving real world problems like the textile industry, which is valued at $2 trillion and is a space ripe for disruption. As the Founder and CEO of Anact, I believe that there has never been a better time (especially for women) to lead and reimagine the textile industry. It’s our only option.

::Anact

Brianna Kilcullen is the founder and CEO of Anact, a producer of sustainable towels made from hemp and organic cotton. Brianna is a symbol of how small choices can spark systemic change, and is a leading voice advocating for regenerative, localized manufacturing and the opportunity of hemp to revolutionize the textile supply chain. Her mission is to challenge the outdated systems of the industry and inspire others to act by creating products, policies, and partnerships that prioritize people and the planet. Prior to starting Anact, Brianna worked in the apparel industry for prAna, a subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear and Under Armour. She is a proud citizen in the US and Ireland, and has traveled to more than 40 countries, working in factories on almost every continent. Brianna has appeared on numerous podcasts and in online publications like Politico. Brianna has authored opinion pieces and writes her own blog.

The post Hemp Textiles Pave the Way for a Regenerative Economy  appeared first on Green Prophet.

Green Prophet has covered the topic of alcohol—and specifically beer—from several angles over the years. Here’s a concise roundup of those articles, all grounded in Islamic teachings, cultural context, and contemporary nuances.

1. The Religious Foundation: Beer Is Prohibited

The core reason Muslims abstain from beer stems from explicit Quranic and hadith teachings. The Quran denounces intoxicants, stating: “Intoxicants … are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:90)

Additionally, Prophet Muhammad is quoted in hadiths saying, “Every intoxicant is khamr (wine) and every khamr is haram (forbidden),” emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance—even if a substance doesn’t intoxicate in small amounts.

Green Prophet’s article further explains that alcohol—including wine or anything fermented from grapes or dates—is considered impure (najis) and forbidden (haram), regardless of its form or concentration.

2. How Islam Separated From Pre-Islamic Drinking Culture

Alcohol was common in pre-Islamic Arabia, but with the emergence of Islam and its ethical reforms, usage significantly declined. Islamic scholars and historical records highlight how early teachings shifted the norm from daily intoxication to deliberate abstinence.

3. Variations in Practice—Not All Muslims Abstain

Green Prophet recognizes that real-world practices vary. In some regions—depending on legal systems, personal beliefs, and societal norms—some Muslims may still choose to consume alcohol. A Pew Research Survey (2013) found that in certain countries up to 10% of respondents considered alcohol morally acceptable. For example, Jordan, with a predominantly Muslim population, has seen Christian-owned craft breweries operate—such as Carakale Brewery in Amman—highlighting complexity in regional brewing traditions and religious contexts. The same is true in Israel where Arab Christians are a thriving part of society.

4. Negotiating Social Settings—Mocktails and Alcohol-Free Trends

While alcohol is forbidden, Muslims still participate in social gatherings—and often choose creative alternatives. Mocktails—or “virgin” versions of popular cocktails—are widely accepted as long as they contain no alcohol or derivatives.

Green Prophet’s “10 Alcohol-Free Mocktails for Summer” article presents a variety of flavorful, alcohol-free options perfect for parties or summer gatherings, underscoring that abstaining doesn’t mean missing the fun.

5. Fermented Yet Halal? The Case of Kombucha

Kombucha introduces an interesting caveat: a popular probiotic drink produced by fermentation, typically containing trace amounts of alcohol. Is it halal?

• For: Some scholars and halal certification bodies consider commercially produced kombucha with less than 0.5% ABV to be halal, as the alcohol is minimal and a byproduct—not the purpose of consumption.
• Against: Others argue that any amount of alcohol—even if from fermentation—is impermissible, placing the decision in personal or local scholarly jurisdiction.:

As Green Prophet advises: when in doubt, look for halal certification, especially if fermenting at home, where alcohol levels are harder to control.

6. Exceptions in Practice: Alcohol in Muslim-Majority Countries

Green Prophet reported that—despite strict Islamic laws—some Muslim-majority countries allow limited alcohol access to non-Muslims or foreign residents. For instance, Saudi Arabia recently opened its first alcohol shop in 70 years, servicing diplomats under tight regulation. However, these exceptions don’t change the religious ruling that for observant Muslims, alcohol remains strictly forbidden.

Want to know more? Explore the Green Prophet eco-Muslim archives:

• Why Muslims don’t drink alcohol
• Why Muslims don’t drink alcohol (2011)
• Islam’s ban on alcohol and how it’s applied
• Saudi Arabia opens first alcohol shop in 70 years
• 10 alcohol-free mocktails for summer
• Can Muslims drink mocktails?
• Can Muslims drink kombucha?
• Jordan gets its first craft brewery, causing ire among religious clerics

The post Why Muslims don’t drink beer appeared first on Green Prophet.

In a world where screens dominate our time and digital experiences often replace tangible ones, there’s something profoundly refreshing about using your hands to create. Imagine stepping away from the virtual world for a week and immersing yourself in the craft of boat building—transforming raw materials into something both beautiful and functional. If you’re looking for a vacation that’s as rewarding as it is unique, consider spending a week on the Isle of Mull, Scotland, where you can build your own boat and take home not just a masterpiece, but memories to last a lifetime.

A Hands-On Experience in a Stunning Location

Nestled on a croft overlooking the rugged beauty of Mull, this boat-building experience offers more than just a workshop—it’s an opportunity to reconnect with nature, craftsmanship, and yourself. Whether you’re a complete novice or have some experience with woodworking, this week-long course will take you through the entire process of crafting your own boat.

In just seven days, you’ll go from a beginner to the proud owner of a stunning canoe or kayak, built with marine plywood, solid Douglas fir, and fiberglass for strength and durability. Under expert guidance, you’ll learn essential woodworking skills, problem-solving techniques, and the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands.

A Challenge Worth Taking

Building a boat in a week is no small task. This is a fully immersive experience, with long but rewarding days in the workshop. Starting on a Saturday and working through to Friday, you’ll be on your feet, shaping, assembling, and fine-tuning your boat. But don’t let that intimidate you—people of all ages, from families with young children to retirees in their 80s, have successfully completed the course and launched their boats with pride.

Come solo or bring a partner—while solo builders are welcome, having an extra set of hands is especially helpful when constructing a canoe. At the end of the week, your boat will be ready to float, though an additional 40 hours of work at home will be needed to finish painting or varnishing.

More Than Just Boatbuilding

This experience isn’t just about constructing a vessel; it’s about community, connection, and adventure. You’ll share the workshop with fellow builders, forging friendships as you work toward a common goal. At the end of each day, unwind with breathtaking island views, explore nearby beaches, or simply enjoy the quiet of Mull’s natural beauty. A shared welcome meal on the first night sets the tone for a week of camaraderie.

For accommodations, you can camp on-site for free, with access to a self-catering kitchen, showers, and toilets. For those looking for extra comfort, a cozy yurt with a wood stove is available to rent.

2025 Course Dates and Pricing

• May 17th – 24th
• June 21st – 28th
• July 19th – 26th
• August 16th – 23rd

Pricing varies based on boat choice, but is charged per boat, whether built solo or with a partner:

• Peterborough Canoe – £2200
• Prospector Canoe – £2450
• Shrike Kayak – £2100

Why Choose a Folk School Experience?

This boat-building school follows the tradition of Folk Schools, a Scandinavian concept that focuses on hands-on, communal learning. Unlike traditional education, folk schools emphasize practical skills, creativity, and personal enrichment. This is learning in its purest form—immersive, engaging, and deeply satisfying.

If you’ve ever dreamed of crafting something truly special, of feeling the grain of wood beneath your hands and seeing your efforts take shape before your eyes, this is the perfect opportunity. Escape the digital world, embrace the art of making, and set sail in a boat you built yourself.

Ready to build and explore? Book your 2025 spot now and embark on a journey of craftsmanship, adventure, and lifelong memories.

::Achipelagofolkschool 

This article is about: boat building, Isle of Mull, Scotland, hands-on experience, woodworking, canoe, kayak, folk school, craftsmanship, adventure vacation, unplugged travel, nature retreat, DIY boat, marine plywood, handcrafted, sailing, outdoor skills, creative getaway, unique holiday, sustainable travel, community learning

The post Unplug, Create, and Sail: Build Your Own Boat on the Isle of Mull appeared first on Green Prophet.