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Reusable vs. Disposable: The Real Cost of Menstrual Products

Summary

  • One person can use up to 11,000 disposable menstrual products in a lifetime
  • Disposable pads and tampons generate tons of plastic waste each year
  • Embrace Relief’s H.E.R. program trains women to create reusable pads and supports menstrual education

Each month, around 1.8 billion people across the globe menstruate. That means every day, millions must manage their period, yet for many, the basic products they need to do so safely and hygienically are either unaffordable, inaccessible, or environmentally harmful. Menstrual products are essential. But the cost of convenience comes at a steep price.

Disposable pads, tampons, and pantyliners dominate the global market. They are wrapped in plastic, made for single use, and advertised as modern hygiene. But the average menstruating person will use more than 11,000 disposable products over the course of their lifetime, most of which end up in landfills, sewers, or scattered across natural landscapes.

In the United States alone, more than 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are thrown away every year. These items can take 500 to 800 years to fully decompose due to the plastic they contain. Much of this waste finds its way into oceans and waterways, contributing to the 8 million metric tons of plastic pollution entering the ocean annually. Menstrual waste is rarely discussed, but it is a significant contributor to the global plastic crisis.

This environmental toll is only one side of the story. Disposable menstrual products are also a financial burden. On average, a person will spend $150 to $300 per year on menstrual hygiene supplies; a cost that can push low-income families into tough decisions each month. In some regions, a pack of pads costs more than a day’s wages. As a result, many girls resort to unsafe alternatives like rags, cotton, or even ash and corn husks, increasing the risk of infection, reproductive issues, and long-term health complications.

This situation is so dire that it has a name: period poverty, defined as the lack of access to safe, hygienic, and affordable menstrual care. According to UNICEF, 1 in 10 girls in Sub-Saharan Africa misses school during her period due to lack of access to menstrual products and sanitation. This amounts to up to 20 percent of their academic year lost.

When girls drop out of school, they face less opportunities for employment and independence later in life. Period poverty isn’t just a health issue. It is a barrier to gender equality, education, and empowerment.

How Embrace Relief Is Making Menstrual Hygiene Sustainable

How Embrace Relief Is Making Menstrual Hygiene Sustainable

At Embrace Relief, we believe that menstrual health should never be a source of shame or hardship. Through our H.E.R. program (Health, Empowerment, Resilience) we are breaking the cycle of period poverty by providing sustainable menstrual products, education, and community empowerment.

In partnership with Time to Help UK, Time to Help Germany, and other global allies, H.E.R. trains women in underserved communities to sew reusable menstrual pads. These locally produced kits offer a hygienic, cost-effective solution that lasts up to two years. By equipping women with sewing skills and business knowledge, we are creating jobs and building stronger, more self-reliant communities.

Our approach is threefold:

  • Train women to produce high quality reusable pads
  • Distribute menstrual kits to girls who lack access to hygiene supplies
  • Provide education to break stigmas and promote menstrual health in schools and communities

Since 2022, H.E.R. has reached over 5,000 girls with reusable kits and trained dozens of women in pad production. By producing pads locally, we lower manufacturing costs by 30 percent and eliminate the plastic waste associated with disposable alternatives. A single donation can provide dignity, opportunity, and lasting impact.

Every dollar you give supports a girl’s right to stay in school and maintain hygiene and health.

For more information on Embrace Relief’s women’s empowerment programs, click here.

Fast Fashion’s Hidden Water Footprint: The Dirty Truth Behind Your Clothes

Summary

  • Producing one cotton t-shirt uses over 700 gallons of water
  • Fast fashion is one of the biggest industrial polluters of freshwater
  • Embrace Relief is bringing sustainable clean water access to communities in Africa

The price tag might be small, but the environmental cost of your clothing is enormous. In today’s world of fast fashion, where clothing is produced rapidly and sold cheaply, millions of consumers unknowingly fuel one of the most water-intensive and wasteful industries on Earth.

Every stage of clothing production, from growing cotton to dyeing fabrics, consumes massive amounts of water. This hidden water footprint is not visible on store shelves, but its damage is felt worldwide. In regions already struggling with drought and poverty, the fast fashion industry drains precious resources and contaminates local water supplies.

Let’s pull back the curtain on the clothes we wear every day and explore the role fast fashion plays in the global water crisis.

One cotton t-shirt. That is all it takes to consume over 700 gallons of water; the equivalent of what one person drinks in nearly three years. If that sounds hard to believe, consider how cotton is grown.

Cotton is a notoriously thirsty crop. It requires large-scale irrigation, especially in arid regions like Central Asia and parts of Africa. When you add in the water needed for processing, dyeing, and finishing fabrics, the numbers skyrocket.

A single pair of jeans? More than 1,800 gallons of water.

Multiply that by the billions of garments produced annually, and fast fashion becomes one of the largest industrial users and polluters of freshwater globally.

Beyond the quantity of water used, the quality of water discharged back into rivers and lakes is deeply concerning. In many developing countries where fast fashion factories operate, wastewater from dyeing and chemical treatments is dumped untreated into local waterways.

This wastewater contains heavy metals, carcinogenic dyes, and toxic chemicals that poison ecosystems and endanger the health of nearby communities. Children grow up drinking water contaminated by our fashion choices. Farmers irrigate their crops with water that harms instead of nourishes.

The fashion industry is responsible for up to 20 percent of global industrial water pollution. And with fast fashion pushing constant new trends and faster production cycles, the damage only continues to grow.

While Western consumers benefit from cheap and trendy clothes, communities across Asia and Africa pay the hidden cost. Rivers are drying up. Groundwater is becoming undrinkable. Public health is deteriorating. And the people working in textile factories often face poor conditions, low wages, and no access to clean water themselves.

The global water crisis is not a distant issue. It is deeply connected to our everyday decisions, especially what we choose to buy and wear.

How Embrace Relief Is Restoring Water Access Across Africa

How Embrace Relief Is Restoring Water Access Across Africa

At Embrace Relief, we are fighting back against the global water crisis by bringing safe, sustainable, and clean drinking water to communities in need across sub-Saharan Africa. Our Clean Water Program has funded the construction and repair of hundreds of water wells in countries like Chad, Nigeria, and Cameroon, providing lifesaving water access to thousands of families.

Each well is built to last and comes with:

  • A five year warranty
  • Annual maintenance checkups
  • A custom nameplate honoring your impact
  • A full impact report with photos and updates

You can help us provide a long term solution to water scarcity in regions where fashion and industry have taken too much. A one time donation of $3,500 builds a brand new well. You can also choose to fund a well over time with full support from our team.

Clean water should not be a luxury. It should be a basic right. As we reconsider our consumer habits, let’s also take action that restores hope and dignity. By building a well through Embrace Relief, you are not only addressing the harm caused by fast fashion but offering a future filled with health and opportunity.

Are you ready to make a lasting difference?

For more information on Embrace Relief’s Clean Water Initiative, click here!

Qurbani Eid in the USA: How Eid al-Adha Is Celebrated Across America

Photo credit by “Courtesy Mohammed Samir/Unsplash”

Eid al-Adha, known as Qurbani Eid, is one of the most significant Islamic holidays observed by Muslims in the United States. While rooted in a shared religious tradition, the way Eid al-Adha is celebrated in the USA reflects the country’s rich cultural diversity, regional customs, and emphasis on community involvement.

With over 3.5 million Muslims living across the U.S., Eid al-Adha in 2025 is expected to bring together families, congregations, and charitable organizations—united by faith and the spirit of sacrifice.

What Is Qurbani Eid?

Qurbani Eid, or Eid al-Adha, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. Muslims honor this devotion by performing Qurbani (sacrifice) and distributing the meat to family, neighbors, and people in need. It takes place annually on the 10th of Dhal-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, following the Hajj pilgrimage.

In 2025, Eid al-Adha is expected to begin on Friday, June 6, depending on moon sighting.

How Muslims Celebrate Qurbani Eid in the USA

1. Community Eid Prayers

Large gatherings for Eid prayer are a hallmark of Eid al-Adha in the USA. Mosques, Islamic centers, and even open parks or rented convention halls host congregational Eid prayers in the morning, often accommodating hundreds or thousands of attendees. These prayers are typically followed by short sermons and social greetings.

2. Qurbani Sacrifice and Meat Distribution

Due to local regulations and urban living, many American Muslims choose to perform Qurbani by donating to trusted charitable organizations such as Embrace Relief. These organizations carry out the sacrifice on behalf of donors, ensuring Shariah-compliant practices while delivering meat to underprivileged communities worldwide.

Others may coordinate with local halal butchers or farms where the sacrifice is performed directly. In all cases, the meat is divided into three portions: one for the family, one for relatives or friends, and one for the poor.

Donate your Qurbani with Embrace Relief: https://www.embracerelief.org/charitable-donation-for-hunger-relief/qurbani/

3. Family and Cultural Traditions

Eid al-Adha in the U.S. is also a time for families to come together, share meals, dress in traditional clothing, and exchange Eid greetings. Homes are decorated, special dishes are prepared, and gifts may be exchanged, especially for children.

In multicultural households, Eid celebrations often blend traditions from South Asian, Arab, African, and Southeast Asian cultures, creating a rich and festive atmosphere that reflects the diversity of the American Muslim community.

4. Charity and Community Service

In the spirit of sacrifice and compassion, many Muslims in the USA use Eid as a time to increase charitable efforts. Alongside Qurbani donations, families participate in food drives, clothing distributions, and fundraising campaigns to support global and local causes.

Organizations like Embrace Relief enable Muslims in the U.S. to extend their impact beyond their immediate communities—helping families in need across continents.

Final Thoughts

Qurbani Eid in the USA is a vibrant celebration of faith, family, and giving. While American Muslims face logistical differences from other parts of the world, their devotion to honoring the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) remains steadfast.

Celebrate Eid al-Adha in 2025 with purpose. Donate your Qurbani through Embrace Relief and help bring the blessings of Eid to families around the world.

Trusted Qurbani Donation 2025: Where and How to Give with Confidence

Each year, millions of Muslims around the world prepare to fulfill the sacred duty of Qurbani during Eid ul-Adha. In 2025, more people than ever are turning to online platforms to give their sacrifice securely, ethically, and in full accordance with Islamic principles. But in the search for trusted donation options, many simply look up terms like “Islamic relief Qurbani” to find a reliable way to perform their obligation.

The goal, however, isn’t just to click the first result. It’s to ensure your Qurbani donation is Shariah-compliant, transparent, and impactful—so your worship reaches those in need and earns maximum reward.

What to Look for in a Reliable Qurbani Program

Choosing the right Qurbani donation service means more than picking a familiar name. Here’s what you should prioritize:

  • Shariah compliance: The sacrifice must be performed after Eid prayer, during the valid days of Eid (10th–12th Dhul-Hijjah), and follow proper Islamic rules.
  • Transparency: A trustworthy program shares where and how your donation is carried out, including distribution reports and process updates.
  • Reach: The organization should deliver meat to regions where it makes a real difference—such as refugee communities, impoverished villages, and disaster zones.

Online Qurbani Donations in 2025: Growing, But Not Equal

Online Qurbani giving continues to grow as Muslims around the world seek convenience and confidence in their worship. But not every platform offers the same level of integrity. Many users search for general terms like “Islamic relief Qurbani donation” or “best Qurbani organization”—but what matters is who actually delivers on the promise.

That means finding a charity that shows how your Qurbani is processed, confirms when it’s done, and provides access to help where it’s needed most.

Embrace Relief: Qurbani Done Right

Embrace Relief provides a Qurbani program that stands out for its transparency, speed, and impact. With operations in over 20 countries, and with plans to provide fresh meat to more than 250,000 people in 2025, the organization sources healthy livestock, performs sacrifices during the proper days of Eid, and ensures meat reaches families who would otherwise go without.

Whether you’re donating a full goat or a cow share, Embrace Relief’s Qurbani service provides real-time assurance that your sacrifice meets both Islamic law and humanitarian urgency.

Your donation supports:

  • Food relief for orphans and widows
  • Meat delivery to remote, underserved areas
  • Ethical sacrifice practices monitored by local teams

Donate your Qurbani with Embrace Relief: https://www.embracerelief.org/charitable-donation-for-hunger-relief/qurbani/

Final Thoughts

As you prepare your Qurbani for 2025, choose a path that reflects the values of sincerity, responsibility, and trust. Many search for terms like “Islamic relief Qurbani” hoping to find a trustworthy place to give. What truly matters is that your Qurbani is performed properly, benefits the most vulnerable, and fulfills your duty to Allah.

Make your Qurbani count. Give through Embrace Relief and bring nourishment and dignity to families in need this Eid ul-Adha.

Who Can Receive Qurbani Meat?

Qurbani, or Udhiyah, is the sacred act of animal sacrifice during Eid ul-Adha, symbolizing devotion to Allah and compassion for humanity. A key aspect of Qurbani is how the meat is shared. But who can actually receive Qurbani meat according to Islamic guidelines?

Whether you’re preparing to perform Qurbani yourself or donating through a trusted organization like Embrace Relief, understanding the rules of meat distribution ensures your sacrifice is spiritually accepted and ethically impactful.

The Three-Part Division of Qurbani Meat

Islam encourages Muslims to divide the Qurbani meat into three equal parts:

  1. One-third for your household – This portion is for personal and family consumption.
  2. One-third for relatives and friends – You may give this to neighbors, colleagues, or anyone you wish to include in the joy of Eid.
  3. One-third for the poor and needy – This is the most crucial portion, directed toward those who cannot afford meat or proper meals.

This three-part model ensures that Qurbani remains both an act of personal worship and communal generosity.

Who Is Eligible to Receive Qurbani Meat?

According to Islamic law, anyone in need can receive Qurbani meat, including:

  • The poor (those who do not meet the nisab threshold)
  • The needy (those who struggle to meet daily expenses)
  • Orphans and widows
  • Refugees and displaced families
  • Disaster-affected communities
  • Low-income households

Recipients do not need to be Muslim, although priority is often given to Muslims in Islamic-majority programs. The overarching rule is that the recipient should not be wealthy and should be someone who genuinely needs support.

Who Cannot Receive Qurbani Meat?

Islamic guidelines prohibit giving Qurbani meat to:

  • The donor themselves as charity (you can eat and share, but not donate your own portion as zakat)
  • Non-needy individuals who exceed the nisab
  • Non-beneficiary slaughterhouse workers as compensation (unless they are also needy and it’s a gift, not payment)

The distribution should be made with the intention of charity, and not as a means to pay for services.

Embrace Relief’s Global Qurbani Distribution

Embrace Relief ensures that your Qurbani meat reaches those who need it most. The organization:

  • Performs sacrifice according to Shariah
  • Distributes meat to impoverished communities in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East
  • Prioritizes vulnerable groups such as orphans, widows, and refugees
  • Operates with full transparency and ethical sourcing

Donate your Qurbani through Embrace Relief: https://www.embracerelief.org/charitable-donation-for-hunger-relief/qurbani/

Final Thoughts

Qurbani is more than a ritual—it’s a moment of mercy. By understanding who can receive Qurbani meat, Muslims fulfill their duty to spread compassion and nourishment to those most in need. Whether you distribute meat personally or through a humanitarian organization, your Qurbani should be a reflection of sincerity, care, and generosity.

Make your Qurbani count. Donate through Embrace Relief and help feed families in need this Eid ul-Adha.

How to Say Happy Eid in Different Languages Around the World

Eid is a time of joy, prayer, reflection, and togetherness. Whether it’s Eid ul-Fitr or Eid ul-Adha, Muslims across the world greet each other with warm wishes of peace and happiness. While the sentiment remains the same, the words used to say “Happy Eid” vary from country to country.

This guide explores how Muslims express Eid greetings in different languages, giving you a global view of how this beautiful celebration unites diverse communities with one universal message: peace, gratitude, and joy.

Common Eid Greeting in Arabic

Arabic: Eid Mubarak (عيد مبارك)

  • Meaning: Blessed Eid
  • Widely used across the Middle East, North Africa, and by Muslims globally.

Arabic: Eid Sa’id (عيد سعيد)

  • Meaning: Happy Eid
  • Often used interchangeably with Eid Mubarak.

South Asia: Urdu, Hindi, Bengali

Urdu (Pakistan): Eid Mubarak (عید مبارک)

  • Common in Pakistan and spoken by Urdu-speaking communities worldwide.

Hindi (India): Eid Mubarak (ईद मुबारक)

  • Used by Indian Muslims and Hindi speakers.

Bengali (Bangladesh): ঈদ মোবারক (Eid Mubarak)

  • Slight variation in script but retains the Arabic origin and pronunciation.

Southeast Asia: Malay and Indonesian

Malay (Malaysia): Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri / Aidiladha

  • Meaning: Happy Eid celebration (Eid ul-Fitr or Eid ul-Adha)

Indonesian: Selamat Idul Fitri / Idul Adha

  • Common greeting in the world’s most populous Muslim country.

Turkey and Central Asia

Turkish: Bayramınız Mübarek Olsun

  • Meaning: May your Eid be blessed
  • Used during both Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha

Kazakh: Qurban Ait Qutty Bolsyn

  • Meaning: Blessed Qurbani Eid (used during Eid ul-Adha)

Uzbek: Qurbon Hayiti Muborak Bo‘lsin

  • Traditional greeting for Eid ul-Adha in Uzbekistan

Africa

Swahili (East Africa): Iddi Njema

  • Used in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and parts of the Swahili Coast

Hausa (West Africa): Barka da Sallah

  • Popular in Nigeria, Niger, and surrounding countries

Somali: Ciid Wanaagsan

  • Common in Somalia and among Somali communities globally

Western Countries

In the United States, Canada, the UK, and Europe, Muslims often use “Eid Mubarak” in English-speaking settings. In multicultural gatherings, you may hear multiple versions depending on the ethnic diversity of the Muslim community.

Celebrate Globally, Give Locally

Eid greetings are more than just words—they represent unity, joy, and faith shared across borders. Whether you say “Eid Mubarak,” “Bayramınız Mübarek Olsun,” or “Selamat Hari Raya,” you are part of a global celebration.

This Eid, share more than greetings. Support a cause that brings joy to others. Through Embrace Relief, your donation can help deliver food, clean water, and vital support to those in need.

Make your Eid meaningful. Donate through Embrace Relief: https://www.embracerelief.org/charitable-donation-for-hunger-relief/qurbani/

Final Thoughts

Language may differ, but the spirit of Eid is universal. Use these greetings to connect with Muslims worldwide and spread the joy of Eid. No matter how you say it—Happy Eid, Eid Mubarak, Selamat Hari Raya—your words have the power to unite hearts.

From all of us: Eid Mubarak!

Students Take the Lead: Hill Academy Hosts a Day of Service, Solutions, and Inspiration

BETHLEHEM, PA–On Saturday, May 17, Embrace Relief was proud to participate in the Hill Academy High School Convention at Moravian Academy’s Merle Smith Campus in Bethlehem. The day-long event brought together a remarkable group of high school students, educators, and nonprofit partners to tackle two of the most pressing challenges of our time: food security and education equality.

During the afternoon program, a representative from Embrace Relief took the stage to speak directly to the students about the reality of food insecurity in underserved communities, and more importantly, what young people can do to make a difference.

One of the key solutions discussed was Embrace Relief’s Mobile Farmers’ Market, a pop-up grocery store designed to serve families in food deserts. The Mobile Market travels directly into neighborhoods where access to healthy, affordable food is limited. Through partnerships with schools, religious centers, and local leaders, the program provides fresh produce to families in need, always at no cost.

This isn’t a handout. It’s a community-based solution powered by donations and supported by volunteers; many of whom are students. By bringing nutritious food directly to people who need it most, the Mobile Market is helping to close the hunger gap, one stop at a time.

But the conversation didn’t stop at food insecurity. Embrace Relief also introduced students to Group FUNdraising, an initiative that puts power directly in their hands. Group FUNdraising gives students and youth groups the chance to:

  • Choose a humanitarian cause that matters to them, like clean water, food security, or education access.
  • Raise funds through peer-to-peer support, creative events, and community engagement.
  • Travel abroad (optional) to witness the impact firsthand, whether that’s distributing food packages, building water wells, or supporting orphanages.

The message was simple: You don’t have to wait to graduate to be a changemaker. You can start right now.

This message resonated strongly with Hill Academy students, who have already shown deep commitment to service. Their past efforts include:

  • Building water wells and supporting orphanages in Kenya and Tanzania
  • Fundraising for earthquake relief in Turkey
  • Organizing food drives for families of the incarcerated in Philadelphia
  • Mentoring and tutoring fellow students
  • Hosting seasonal retreats focused on growth and leadership

As these young leaders gathered to share ideas and forge new partnerships, the energy in the room was undeniable. The day was a celebration of youth-led activism—and a powerful reminder that meaningful change can start in any classroom, community center, or club meeting.

Want to join the movement?

Whether you’re part of a school club, youth group, or simply passionate about making a difference, Group FUNdraising gives you the platform to lead with purpose.

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Supporting Orphaned Children in Africa: 5 Facts That Will Inspire You to Act

Summary

  • Most orphaned children in Africa live with extended families or in unsafe conditions, not orphanages.
  • Diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria are leading causes of orphanhood.
  • Without support, orphaned children face risks like exploitation and poverty.
  • Learn how you can support Embrace Relief’s efforts to empower orphans with education, healthcare, food, and safe shelter.

When we think about orphaned children, it’s easy to focus on the obvious — a lack of parents and a need for shelter. But behind these basic needs lies a deeper, more complex reality, especially for orphans in Africa. Every day, millions of vulnerable children across the continent face challenges most of us could never imagine, yet they also show incredible strength and hope.

At Embrace Relief, we are committed to helping these children not just survive — but thrive. Today, we’re uncovering five powerful facts about orphaned children in Africa that every compassionate donor should know.

1. Most Orphans Are Not Living in Orphanages

It’s a common misconception that orphaned children are always cared for in official institutions. In reality, most live with extended families or in precarious, unstable conditions without consistent support.

Without structured care, these children in need often miss out on basic essentials like education, nutrition, and healthcare — leading to a cycle of poverty and lost opportunities.

2. Disease Is a Leading Cause of Orphanhood

While conflict and war grab headlines, diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and COVID-19 have quietly devastated families, leaving millions of children orphaned.

Lack of healthcare access in many African regions means preventable illnesses continue to separate children from their parents. Understanding this reality reminds us how urgent it is to help orphaned children by improving their living conditions and medical care.

3. Orphaned Children Face Higher Risks of Exploitation

Without the security of a stable home, orphaned children are at heightened risk of human trafficking, child labor, and other forms of abuse.

Strong, well-supported orphan care programs are critical to providing safe environments where children can heal, grow, and stay protected from harm.

4. Education Is Their Best Hope But It’s Often Unattainable

Education is the most powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty. Yet for millions of orphaned children in Africa, access to education remains out of reach due to school fees, lack of supplies, and other barriers.

Without your help, these bright young minds lose their chance at a future full of possibilities. By supporting child sponsorship programs, you can directly fund their education and change their destiny.

5. Small Contributions Create Big Impact

One of the most inspiring facts? It doesn’t take much to change a life.Even small monthly donations to a trusted charity for orphan children can provide nutritious meals, school supplies, healthcare services, and a safe home. In many African countries, where resources go further, your generosity can truly be life-changing.

How Embrace Relief Is Reimagining Orphan Care in Africa

At Embrace Relief, we believe that caring for orphaned children means more than just meeting their basic needs — it’s about helping them heal, empowering them to dream, and equipping them to succeed.

Across Africa, we partner with trusted local orphanages to create nurturing environments where children don’t just survive — they flourish. Here’s how your support transforms lives:

Through your donations to Embrace Relief’s child sponsorship and orphan care initiatives, we are helping thousands of children recover from trauma, rebuild confidence, and chase their dreams.

Be the Hope They Are Waiting For

Every child deserves a chance to dream. Every child deserves a future.

Today, you have the opportunity to be a part of something powerful — a global movement of compassion.

Your gift to Embrace Relief’s Orphan Care Program will provide an orphaned child with the essentials they need to survive today — and the education they need to succeed tomorrow.

Donate today and be the reason a child smiles, grows, and reaches for the stars.

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