Author Archives: Salman Zafar

About Salman Zafar

Salman Zafar is the Founder of EcoMENA, and an international consultant, advisor, ecopreneur and journalist with expertise in waste management, waste-to-energy, renewable energy, environment protection and sustainable development. His geographical areas of focus include Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe. 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. Salman is the Editor-in-Chief of EcoMENA, and is a professional environmental writer with more than 300 popular articles to his credit. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management and environmental sustainability in different parts of the world. Salman Zafar can be reached at salman@ecomena.org or salman@bioenergyconsult.com

8 Indoor Plants That Improve Air Quality And Health

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Indoor plants are wonderful for beautifying homes, offices, and other indoor settings. Furthermore, many can enhance air quality by removing harmful chemicals. In turn, people’s health can be improved. In this article, we’ll look at eight plants that can turn your indoor space into a haven of cleaner air and optimal well-being. But first, let’s briefly explore the impact of poor air quality on health. The Impact of Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality on Health Indoor and outdoor air quality significantly affects health. Poor indoor air, often from dust, mold, toxins, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can lead to respiratory … Continue reading →

4 Myths About Solar Power, Debunked

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Solar power is more than just a trend—with the rising cost of living and climate change being two very real problems in today’s world, affordable, sustainable energy solutions are only becoming more popular. As with anything in life, solar power has its advantages and its disadvantages. But it’s important to separate the genuine setbacks of solar power from the false myths about this form of energy. This article debunks 4 of the most common myths you might hear about solar power. 1. Solar Panels Don’t Work in Winter This comes from black-or-white thinking: believing that solar panels will do a … Continue reading →

The Wisest Green Decisions You Can Make For Your Home

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When you own a home, it’s up to you to make decisions about everything from maintenance to furniture. With so many competing issues, it can be difficult to figure out how where to focus your energy — not to mention your dollars. By making thoughtful and wise green decisions for your home, you can keep it in top shape for decades besides protecting the environment and conserving natural resources. Environmental psychology may also play a key role in strengthening the relationship between between you and your surroundings. Read on for the wisest green decision you can make for your home: … Continue reading →

Working Towards a Greener Eid Al-Adha Qurbani

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In Islam, there are many basic acts that are expected by devout Muslims, also known as the Five Pillars of Islam. These include declaring your faith (Shahadah), performing daily ritual prayers (Salat), paying forward charity to those in need (Zakat), fasting during the month of Ramadan (Sawm) and undertaking the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj). With each of these responsibilities, Muslims can feel closer to Allah and feel satisfied that they are living a responsible and good life according to the expectations of Islam. By taking part in these acts and showing their generosity, there are certain special occasions that Muslims … Continue reading →

أهم 7 فوائد لإعادة تدوير بقايا القهوة

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نحن كعشاق للقهوة نقوم باستخدام أجهزة ووسائل متعددة حتى نحصل على القهوة التي نرغب و نستلذ بها، هذه الأجهزة والأدوات مثل آلة صنع القهوة أو وعاء الموكا وصولاً للكوب أو حتى ماكينة الباريستا، كلها تؤدي بالمحصلة إلى إنتاج كميات كبيرة من بقايا القهوة والتي بالعادة تكون نهايتها القمامة. وبالرغم من ذلك، يمكننا الاستفادة من بقايا القهوة المطحونة بطرق متعددة، مثلاً كاستخدامها كسماد طبيعي أو مُنّظف، وهنالك عدة خيارات أخرى أيضاً. لذلك، فيمايلي وددنا أن نشارك بعض الطرق الرائعة والسهلة لإعادة تدوير بقايا القهوة لنحافظ على البيئة. سماد ذو نوعية جيدة للحديقة للعلم فإن القهوة المطحونة تعتبر من مصادر النيتروجين المفيد … Continue reading →

Algae-Powered Buildings: A Futuristic Invention

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In an environment where the carbon footprint is becoming increasingly large, we need to start developing sustainable solutions which can keep greenhouse gases at bay. It is estimated that the building industry contributes to almost 40% of all of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions! To put this into perspective, this consists to a whopping 90 megatons of emissions that are emitted annually in constructing new buildings and maintaining the infrastructure of pre-developed ones. It is time for us to take action! At EcoMENA, we believe in creating a sustainable future so that the building industry can thrive and support our future … Continue reading →

Paper Bag Boy’s Message to the World

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Abdul Muqeet, also known as the Paper Bag Boy, has risen from being just another ordinary student to an extra-ordinary environmentalist. Ten-year old Abdul Muqeet has demonstrated remarkable commitment to saving the environment in the United Arab Emirates and elsewhere, and has been a poster-boy for environmental campaigns in the Middle East. Here he shares his views on environment, recycling and public awareness. It is said that you should break your goals down into small steps which you can accomplish each day. Set a goal, and approach it in a simple and basic manner. When I started my environmental campaign couple of years … Continue reading →

5 Simple Ways You Can Help Stop Wildlife Poaching

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Poaching is defined as the unlawful capture, shooting, and killing of wildlife. It has already been performed for a variety of purposes, including seizing the territory for human benefit, but more frequently, this has been done for a variety of ludicrous reasons, such as the desire for rare species items like ivory, wool, body parts, leather, skeleton, or teeth. However, many wildlife organizations around the globe are creating Anti poaching laws and techniques, to help to save rare species. Many creatures are added to the brink of extinction list each year as a result of poaching and international wildlife violations. … Continue reading →

What is the Best Temperature for an Air Conditioner During Summer?

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Finding the ideal air conditioner temperature during summer can be challenging, yet it significantly impacts comfort and energy efficiency. The most cost-effective setting for your thermostat in summer is often 78 degrees Fahrenheit, according to recommendations by ENERGY STAR, a division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Setting your thermostat to this temperature can help balance comfort and efficiency, ensuring your home stays cool without causing a spike in your energy bills. Depending on personal preferences or specific conditions, slight adjustments can be made to find the perfect balance. The experts at https://www.housepro.net/ac-repair/ also tell us that by utilizing fans … Continue reading →

Health Monitoring With a Vegetarian Diet: Key Blood Tests

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A vegan diet can become a great contributor to your overall health condition. Eating too much meat can raise your cholesterol and lead to obesity. While a vegan diet can have a lot of health benefits. Studies show that a plant-based diet full of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals can lower your risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and some cancers. This type of diet usually has less saturated fat and cholesterol, and more fiber, which helps with healthy digestion and weight management. However, there are some risks associated with a vegan diet. Humans are used to … Continue reading →

Rationale for Solar Energy in MENA

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The world is rife with news snippets concerning the development of solar power. The sun provides an infinite source of energy that takes off the burden on the renewable sources for power generation. In doing so, there are increased chances of conserving the limited energy reserves. Already about 50% of the earth’s natural resources are in use. If this usage rate continues, we will run out of finite sources in no time. For instance, there is only enough oil left for the coming 46.2 years. Luckily, the development of solar energy serves as the light at the end of the tunnel. … Continue reading →

Switching Energy Suppliers When Moving Into a New Home

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There’s an endless to-do list when moving into a new home. For many homeowners going through this process, switching energy suppliers often gets put on the backburner. However, this is a prime opportunity to re-evaluate your usage and choose a new energy supplier that better meets your needs. Don’t know where to start? Here’s everything you need to know about switching energy suppliers when moving into a new home. 1. Understand Your Consumption Before you make a change, it’s essential to understand your current consumption. This information will help you make informed assumptions about finding the best plan for your … Continue reading →