Author Archives: Salman Zafar

About Salman Zafar

Salman Zafar is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of EcoMENA. He is a consultant, ecopreneur and journalist with expertise across in waste management, renewable energy, environment protection and sustainable development. Salman has successfully accomplished a wide range of projects in the areas of biomass energy, biogas, waste-to-energy, recycling and waste management. He has participated in numerous conferences and workshops as chairman, session chair, keynote speaker and panelist. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management and environmental sustainability across the globe Salman Zafar can be reached at salman@ecomena.org

Best Soil Types for Vegetable Gardens

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You’re about to dig into your backyard, but choosing the right soil can feel like deciphering a secret recipe. Loam, sandy loam, or clay loam – each sets the stage for how vibrant your tomatoes and greens will be. Before hauling bags, remember that soil depth adds up quickly; running the numbers with a simple topsoil calculator prevents over- or under-buying for raised beds and open rows. Soil Composition Essentials Before planting a single seed, grasp what makes soil thrive: balanced minerals, living organisms, air pockets, and moisture reservoirs working together to nourish dependable, vigorous vegetables. Mineral Makeup Matters Sand, … Continue reading →

سوق الطاقة المتجدد في منطقة الشرق الأوسط

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تعد منطقة الشرق الأوسط من أفضل المناطق حول العالم للإستفادة من موارد الطاقة الشمسية وطاقة الرياح. إذ وفقا لتقرير (إيرينا) الأخير، فإن منطقة الشرق الأوسط ستحظى بإستثمارات في مشاريع الطاقة المتجددة ب 35مليار دولار وذلك مع حلول عام 2020م. ومؤخرا حظي قطاع الطاقة المتجددة بأسعار تنافسية لتركيب الألواح الشمسية الكهروضوئية ومراوح الرياح. التطورات الإقليمية وعلى صعيد منطقة الشرق الأوسط، تبرز المملكة المغربية كمثل رائد يحتدى به في تطوير المشاريع الشمسية لتوليد الطاقة الكهربائية. حيث جعلت الحكومة المغرية تحقيق 2 جيجا من الطاقة الشمسية و 2 جيجا واط من طاقة الرياح هدفا لها بحلول العام 2020م. ويطلق على مشروع الطاقة الشمسية … Continue reading →

Garbage Woes in Cairo

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Cairo, being one of the largest cities in the world, is home to more than 15 million inhabitants. Like other mega-cities, solid waste management is a huge challenge for Cairo municipality and other stakeholders.  The city produces more than 15,000 tons of solid waste every day which is putting tremendous strain on city’s infrastructure. Waste collection services in Cairo are provided by formal as well as informal sectors. While local authorities, such as the Cairo Cleanliness and Beautification Authority (CCBA), form the formal public sector, the informal public sector is comprised of traditional garbage-collectors (the Zabbaleen). Around 60 percent of the … Continue reading →

A Homeowner’s Guide To Home Solar System

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As energy prices continue to rise, more homeowners are becoming more curious about solar power. If you’re thinking about going solar, it’s important to do ample research about a home solar system. To help you get started, this comprehensive guide shares the basics about the home solar system, its benefits, and things to consider when planning to install one. Understanding Solar Energy System Solar power systems are structures that capture usable energy generated from the sun. They can provide solar power to homes instead of relying on your local electricity provider. Technically speaking, solar energy is captured using a photovoltaic … Continue reading →

Managing Sudden Water Shortage Expenses in MENA Communities: Lessons From International Households

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Countries across the Middle East and North Africa live with some of the lowest freshwater availability per person. Several MENA countries receive less than 500 m³ of freshwater for one person each year. Reports from the FAO and UN Water show that climate patterns, higher temperatures, and population growth continue to put greater pressure on water systems. When supply suddenly stops, even for a short time, families face unexpected expenses. They should pay more for repairs, bottled water, filtration, or temporary storage. Usually, people should deal with immediate costs for filters, delivered water, pump repairs, or small tanks. Below are … Continue reading →

Green Ways to Increase Your Property’s Value

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Increasing a property’s value is something that everyone hopes to accomplish during their lifetime. The place in which one owns is usually the biggest asset of a person’s life. Therefore, one should treat it dearly by taking steps to improve its condition over the years. Over the past decade, there has been a huge drive towards achieving sustainability in all facets of our lives. Simply put to be sustainable or “green” means to satisfy your present needs in a way that does not compromise the needs or resources of future generations. More importantly to put this into the context of … Continue reading →

Why Community Solar Projects Are Key to Energy Equity

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When you think about clean energy, you probably picture big solar farms or shiny rooftop solar panels. But not everyone can install their own system because they either rent or live in shaded homes. Some can’t afford the upfront costs. Community solar becomes invaluable in these situations. It gives you a chance to benefit from shared clean energy, even when traditional solar installation isn’t possible. More importantly, it creates a pathway toward energy equity, helping more people access affordable and reliable electricity. Renewable energy projects aim to fill the gap by providing fairer access to clean power and reducing long-term … Continue reading →

Things You Should Know About Mattress Disposal

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When you start to live a greener, more eco-friendly lifestyle, you’ll find that you spend more time recycling and reusing items rather than simply throwing them away. The less waste you can create, the more the environment can thrive. However, there will be times in your life when you’re simply not sure what you need to do to get rid of an old item that you no longer have use for. If your old and lumpy mattress is far past its best and you can’t donate it to someone in need, then you’ll need to figure out how you’re going … Continue reading →

Managing Food Waste at a Global Scale: Technologies and Strategies Transforming Organic Waste into Resources

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One-fifth of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally, amounting to one billion meals a day and costing the global economy roughly US$1 trillion. These statistics give us valuable insight into the food waste crisis, demonstrating the importance of reducing waste to achieve greater sustainability and global food security. From turning food waste to energy to implementing circular economy frameworks, there are different approaches that businesses and governments can implement to reduce dependence on landfills. Keep reading to learn about the technologies and strategies driving this change. Key Technologies Driving Food Waste Transformation New technologies are constantly … Continue reading →

Beyond the Surface: How Sustainable Pest Control Fits into Green Home Design

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We talk a lot about energy bills, daylighting, and indoor air quality, but a truly green home should also keep uninvited creatures at bay. The chemicals we spray after an infestation undo many of the environmental wins we fought for. So the real trick is to plan, build, and keep homes in ways pests just can’t hang out. Down below, we’re going to dig into how smart, sustainable pest control works hand-in-hand with green design and keeping your home in good shape for the long haul. Why Sustainable Pest Control Belongs in the Blueprint Traditional pest management is reactive: see … Continue reading →

How Asia Pulp & Paper Adopts CDP Carbon Disclosure Standards

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The pulp and paper industry is one that has been deeply impacted by the rise of the eco-conscious consumer. Whether a business produces disposable, reusable, or repurposable paper products, many pulp and paper companies continue to be placed under further scrutiny by consumers. Issues such as resource depletion and carbon emissions are common critiques of the industry, regardless of how useful or necessary their products may be. At the same time, many pulp and paper companies such as Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) Sinar Mas have proactively moved towards comprehensively integrating sustainability outcomes into their overall operational strategy. Seeking out … Continue reading →

The Menace of Landfills in Kuwait

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Kuwait, being one of the richest countries, is among the highest per capita waste generators in the world. Each year more than 2 million tons of solid waste in generated in the tiny Arab nation. High standards of living and rapid economic growth has been a major factor behind very high per capita waste generation of 1.4 to 1.5 kg per day. The prevalent solid waste disposal method in Kuwait is landfill burial. Despite being a small country, Kuwait has astonishingly high number of landfills. There are 18 landfills, of which 14 sites are closed and 4 sites are still … Continue reading →