How Sustainable Manufacturing Practices Can Reduce Waste and Improve Efficiency

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If you are struggling with shrinking margins and operational inefficiencies, sustainable manufacturing can be a practical way to reduce waste, lower operating costs, and improve production efficiency without sacrificing output. Sustainability is not merely a parallel environmental program; it is a core operational strategy designed to lower long-term operating expenses and improve production efficiency. By using materials more carefully, avoiding unnecessary downtime, and improving product quality, you tackle process waste. Small improvements in equipment use, energy management, maintenance, and workflow planning can create measurable results.

eco-friendly manufacturing process

What are Sustainable Manufacturing Practices?

Sustainable manufacturing practices are active processes that help produce goods while reducing environmental impact, conserving natural resources, and improving operational performance. This approach does not always require expensive, capital-intensive facility upgrades. Instead, it systematically relies on uncovering process waste through practical steps:

  1. Reducing scrap materials through precise operations.
  2. Improving equipment maintenance to prevent routine breakdowns.
  3. Using facility energy more efficiently.
  4. Training employees to systematically avoid common daily mistakes.
  5. Recycling or reusing operational production waste.
  6. Choosing durable tools and machinery.
  7. Improving workflow layout to eliminate unnecessary movement.

The ultimate goal is to consistently produce efficiently while wasting fewer resources.

Why Waste Reduction Matters in Manufacturing

Manufacturing waste goes beyond simple physical scrap. Unseen facility waste includes idle electrical energy, defective final products, expensive unplanned downtime, chronic process overproduction, unused excess standing inventory, unnecessary physical movement, and repeatedly costly manual rework. For instance, the true cost of scrap is often much higher than the disposal fee because it includes wasted material, labor, machine time, energy, inspection, handling, and rework.

Reducing these hidden operational leaks helps modern facility manufacturers:

  1. Lower factory production costs.
  2. Improve product consistency.
  3. Reduce environmental impact.
  4. Make better operational use of standard raw materials.
  5. Extend equipment life through better maintenance and proper use.
  6. Improve global customer satisfaction.
  7. Support resilient long-term profitability.

Choosing the Right Equipment to Reduce Waste and Downtime

Equipment quality plays an important role in sustainable manufacturing. Poor-quality, outdated, or under-maintained tools can lead to inaccurate work, damaged materials, repeated errors, and unnecessary downtime.

Manufacturers can also reduce long-term waste by investing in reliable industrial power tools that support accurate work, consistent performance, and longer service life. When tools are durable and suited to the job, teams are less likely to deal with repeated errors, premature replacements, or avoidable downtime, all of which can contribute to a more efficient and sustainable production environment.

Improving Material Efficiency

Better material planning can reduce waste before a production run begins. By aligning inventory levels with actual demand instead of over-ordering or producing too much at once, manufacturers can avoid excess stock, reduce scrap, and make better use of raw materials. Manufacturers can improve material efficiency through practical steps such as:

  • Measuring accurately before cutting or machining.
  • Tracking inventory to avoid over-ordering.
  • Reusing leftover offcut materials where practical.
  • Standardizing common production workflows.
  • Reducing handling and transit damage.
  • Training workers on proper material use.
  • Designing products with less waste in mind.

Small improvements in measurement, cutting, storage, and handling can significantly reduce operational scrap over time.

Reducing Energy Consumption in Daily Operations

Energy use is one of the most practical areas where manufacturers can improve sustainability and reduce operating costs. Motor-driven equipment, compressed air systems, lighting, HVAC, and high-energy production processes are often major areas to review when looking for energy savings. Practical steps include:

  1. Turning off idle machines.
  2. Maintaining motors and compressed air systems.
  3. Using energy-efficient commercial lighting.
  4. Scheduling batch production more efficiently.
  5. Monitoring high-energy processes.
  6. Keeping tools and industrial machines properly calibrated.
  7. Identifying aging equipment that uses excessive electricity.

By matching energy use more closely to actual production demand, manufacturers can reduce waste while supporting both environmental and cost-saving goals.

Preventive Maintenance as a Sustainability Strategy

Preventive maintenance helps manufacturers avoid unexpected breakdowns, poor-quality output, production delays, and premature equipment replacement. Routine cleaning, inspection, lubrication, calibration, and recordkeeping allow teams to catch small problems before they become costly failures.

Basic maintenance tasks should include:

  • Regular inspections
  • Cleaning tools and machines
  • Lubricating moving parts
  • Checking calibration
  • Replacing worn parts before failure
  • Keeping organized maintenance records
  • Training operators to report early warning signs

Using Lean Manufacturing Principles

Lean manufacturing and sustainable manufacturing often work together because both focus on reducing waste and improving efficiency. Lean principles help manufacturers produce more value while using fewer resources:

  1. Avoid overproduction.
  2. Reduce waiting time.
  3. Minimize unnecessary movement.
  4. Improve workflow layout.
  5. Reduce defects.
  6. Keep inventory controlled.
  7. Standardize repeatable tasks.
  8. Improve communication across teams.

Training Employees for Sustainable Workflows

Sustainability depends on daily habits, not just management policies or equipment upgrades. Trained employees are more likely to prevent mistakes, reduce rework, and identify opportunities for improvement.

Key training areas include:

  1. Proper tool use.
  2. Accurate measurement.
  3. Safe material handling.
  4. Waste sorting and recycling.
  5. Energy-conscious habits.
  6. Reporting equipment problems early.
  7. Following standardized procedures.

Tracking Progress With Measurable Goals

Manufacturers should measure sustainability progress instead of relying on assumptions. Tracking these numbers helps companies identify what is working, where waste is still happening, and which improvements should come next.

Useful metrics include:

  1. Scrap rate.
  2. Energy use per production cycle.
  3. Machine downtime.
  4. Defect rate.
  5. Material reuse rate.
  6. Maintenance frequency.
  7. Production output per resource used.
  8. Waste disposal costs.

Next Steps for More Sustainable Manufacturing

Sustainable manufacturing is built through consistent improvements across materials, equipment, energy use, maintenance, and employee training. Manufacturers should review their current operations, identify their biggest sources of waste, and prioritize improvements that reduce costs while supporting more responsible production.

Startup Ecosystems in the Era of the Knowledge Economy: Challenges, Best Practices, and International Models

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Innovative entrepreneurship has become a major driver of economic competitiveness, industrial diversification, and the creation of skilled jobs in the contemporary global economy. In a context marked by the acceleration of digital transformation, the rapid development of AI, and the transition toward a knowledge-based economy, startup ecosystems are now recognized as strategic instruments for sustainable growth.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, historically dependent on natural resources and traditional economic models, is currently undergoing a gradual transformation toward economies increasingly driven by innovation and digital technologies. This evolution has been accompanied by the proliferation of incubators, investment funds, accelerators, and public policies aimed at supporting innovative enterprises. Nevertheless, the performance of countries across the region remains uneven and still reveals significant gaps compared with leading international models such as the United States and China.

an entrepreneur using a tablet

The concept of an entrepreneurial ecosystem refers to the set of interactions among entrepreneurs, universities, investors, large corporations, support structures, and public institutions that collectively foster innovation and business creation [1]. According to Isenberg, a successful ecosystem does not rely solely on funding, but also on a dynamic entrepreneurial culture, a favorable regulatory framework, access to international markets, and strong knowledge circulation [1,2]. Stam’s research further demonstrates that high-performing entrepreneurial ecosystems strongly depend on institutional capacities, human capital, and regional interactions among economic actors [6]. This systemic approach has now been widely adopted by countries seeking to strengthen their technological competitiveness.

The United States has historically represented the most influential model in entrepreneurial innovation. Silicon Valley remains the emblematic example of a technological cluster built upon close interactions between universities, venture capital, and industry. Institutions such as Stanford University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have played a decisive role in the emergence of global technology giants through their technology transfer capabilities and their proximity to private investors. According to the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA), venture capital investments in the United States reach extremely high levels, enabling the rapid financing of high-potential innovative companies [3]. Risk-taking culture, the valorization of innovation, and tolerance toward entrepreneurial failure are also central elements of the American model.

China, meanwhile, represents a different yet highly effective model. Since the early 2000s, the Chinese government has massively invested in digital infrastructure, technological zones, and applied research in order to strengthen its technological sovereignty [4]. Chinese incubators and technology parks have played a crucial role in the emergence of innovative ecosystems such as Shenzhen, which has become one of the world’s leading centers for electronics and digital technologies. The Chinese model relies on strong coordination between the state, universities, and private companies, as well as targeted industrial policies designed to promote national champions in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, batteries, telecommunications, and digital platforms [4]. The work of Audretsch et al. (2019) highlights that efficient entrepreneurial ecosystems generate significant economic, technological, and societal impacts when supported by coherent policies and strategic investments [5].

In the MENA region, entrepreneurial dynamics have significantly accelerated over the past decade. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Algeria are now among the countries investing most heavily in the development of the digital economy and technology startups. According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Report published by Startup Genome, the MENA region is experiencing sustained growth in the number of startups, technological investments, and public innovation programs [9]. This dynamic reflects a growing willingness to diversify national economies and reduce dependence on hydrocarbons and traditional economic sectors.

Saudi Arabia currently represents one of the most remarkable examples of entrepreneurial transformation in the region. Under the framework of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom has undertaken massive investments in innovation, digital infrastructure, and emerging technologies [10]. The city of Riyadh has progressively established itself as a regional hub for startups and technology companies. Saudi authorities have introduced several entrepreneurship support programs, notably through the Public Investment Fund and initiatives dedicated to innovative SMEs. The country is also investing heavily in artificial intelligence, fintech, climate technologies, and digital services in order to build a globally competitive post-oil economy.

The relative success of the Saudi model is based on several strategic factors: coordinated mobilization of public institutions, rapid development of digital infrastructure, gradual simplification of the regulatory framework, and the establishment of financing mechanisms tailored to startups. The Kingdom also seeks to attract international talent and foreign investors through economic openness policies and international technological partnerships. This approach is partly inspired by Asian models of technological development characterized by strong state involvement in structuring strategic sectors.

Egypt also represents a particularly interesting case within the MENA region. Owing to its large population and sizeable domestic market, the country provides a favorable environment for the development of digital platforms and technology services aimed at the mass market. Cairo is now ranked among the region’s leading entrepreneurial hubs according to international rankings [9]. The Egyptian government has developed several innovation support programs, particularly through the Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC), which supports entrepreneurs in the fields of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and financial technologies [11].

The Egyptian experience demonstrates the importance of a large domestic market in the development of technology startups. Companies are able to test their solutions on a large scale before expanding internationally. Companies such as Fawry in digital payments and MNT-Halan in fintech illustrate this capacity to build robust business models from the national market. Nevertheless, the Egyptian ecosystem still faces challenges related to macroeconomic instability, currency fluctuations, and certain regulatory constraints.

Algeria has experienced significant progress in its entrepreneurial ecosystem in recent years thanks to the emergence of an institutional framework specifically dedicated to startups and the knowledge economy. The creation of the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Start-ups and Micro-enterprises represented a pioneering initiative within both the African and Arab regions. This institution has helped structure a national innovation support policy based on the “Startup” label, the “Innovative Project” label, the “Incubator” label, and the development of dedicated financing mechanisms [12].

The national portal Startup.dz currently represents one of the main instruments for structuring the Algerian entrepreneurial ecosystem. It facilitates access to support mechanisms, tax incentives, and financing programs for innovative companies [12]. Algeria has also established dedicated structures such as Algeria Venture, which supports young entrepreneurs through acceleration programs, training, and international partnerships [13].

One of Algeria’s main strengths lies in its human and academic potential. The country has a large number of students and graduates in scientific and technological disciplines. This human capital constitutes a strategic lever for the development of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, green technologies, and innovative industrial solutions. Several Algerian startups are already beginning to emerge at the regional level, notably Yassir, which has become one of North Africa’s most recognized technology companies in mobility, delivery, and digital services [14].

However, the Algerian ecosystem still faces several structural challenges. Access to venture capital remains limited, and private financing for company growth phases is still insufficient. Entrepreneurs also emphasize the need to further simplify administrative procedures, improve the regulatory environment, and strengthen the internationalization of Algerian startups [15]. Despite these constraints, the reforms undertaken in recent years reflect a clear political commitment to promoting the knowledge economy as a driver of economic diversification.

The comparison between MENA ecosystems and the American and Chinese models highlights several major differences. The United States benefits from an extremely deep financial market and a dense network of specialized investors capable of financing all stages of startup growth. China, meanwhile, benefits from strong strategic planning capacity and massive public investments in priority technological sectors. In the MENA region, ecosystems remain relatively fragmented and heavily dependent on public policies.

Nevertheless, several best practices can be identified from international experiences. First, regulatory stability and administrative simplification are essential to attract investors and encourage innovation. Second, financing mechanisms must cover the entire startup life cycle, from seed funding to international expansion. Third, universities must play a central role in technology transfer and the valorization of scientific research. Finally, international openness and regional integration are key growth factors for innovative companies. The work of Mujahid et al. (2019) also demonstrates that the quality of institutional networks and innovation infrastructures constitutes a determining factor in entrepreneurial performance [7].

Human capital also represents a fundamental strategic challenge. The most successful ecosystems are those capable of attracting, training, and retaining talent. The United States has historically benefited from highly skilled immigration, while China has massively invested in scientific and technological higher education. MENA countries will need to strengthen their educational systems, improve digital skills, and encourage the return of expatriate talent in order to consolidate their innovation capacities. Analyses published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) further emphasize the importance of human capital and innovation for the future economic development of Arab countries [16].

Green technologies, energy transition, and water management solutions also represent particularly important opportunities for MENA countries. In the face of climate and environmental challenges, startups can play a major role in developing solutions adapted to regional constraints. Reports published by the World Bank indicate that investments in the digital economy and sustainable technologies constitute important drivers of economic resilience and diversification in the region [15].

Bottom Line

Entrepreneurial ecosystems in the MENA region are currently undergoing rapid transformation driven by public investments, digital transition, and the rise of the knowledge economy. The experiences of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Algeria demonstrate that a strategy based on innovation, human capital, and institutional support can accelerate the development of technology startups. Nevertheless, comparison with the United States and China still reveals significant gaps in terms of financing, applied research, entrepreneurial culture, and internationalization. Strengthening innovation policies, improving regulatory frameworks, and expanding venture capital development therefore appear to be essential priorities for transforming startups into genuine engines of economic diversification and regional competitiveness.

References

[1] Isenberg D. J., The Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Strategy as a New Paradigm for Economic Policy: Principles for Cultivating Entrepreneurship, Babson Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Project, Babson College, Massachusetts, USA, 2011

[2] Isenberg D. J., “How to Start an Entrepreneurial Revolution”, Harvard Business Review, Vol. 88, No. 6, pp. 40–50, 2010.
Harvard Business Review

[3] National Venture Capital Association (NVCA), NVCA Yearbook 2025, National Venture Capital Association, Washington DC, USA, 2025.

[4] Yuan X., Hao H., Guan C., Pentland A., “What are the key components of an entrepreneurial ecosystem in a developing economy? A longitudinal empirical study on technology business incubators in China”, arXiv preprint, arXiv:2103.08131, 2021. DOI: 10.48550/arXiv.2103.08131.
arXiv Paper

[5] Audretsch D. B., Cunningham J. A., Kuratko D. F., Lehmann E. E., Menter M., “Entrepreneurial ecosystems: economic, technological, and societal impacts”, The Journal of Technology Transfer, Vol. 44, pp. 313–325, 2019. DOI: 10.1007/s10961-018-9690-4.

[6] Stam E., “Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and Regional Policy: A Sympathetic Critique”, European Planning Studies, Vol. 23, No. 9, pp. 1759–1769, 2015. DOI: 10.1080/09654313.2015.1061484.

[7] Mujahid S., Mubarik S., Naghavi N., “Prioritizing dimensions of entrepreneurial ecosystem: a proposed framework”, Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, Vol. 9, Article 51, 2019. DOI: 10.1186/s40497-019-0176-0.

[8] Aryal A. K., “Domains of entrepreneurial ecosystem and its impact on entrepreneurship”, Journal of Business and Social Sciences, Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 11–28, 2021. DOI: 10.3126/jbss.v3i1.40824.
Journal Article

[9] Startup Genome – Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2025, Startup Genome & Global Entrepreneurship Network, 2025.

[10] Saudi Vision 2030 Official Portal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, consulté en mai 2026.

[11] Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC), Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Egypt, consulté en mai 2026.

[12] Startup.dz – Portail national des startups, Ministère de l’Économie de la connaissance, des Start-up et des Micro-entreprises, Algérie, consulté en mai 2026.

[13] Algeria Venture Official Platform, Algeria Venture, Algérie, consulté en mai 2026.

[14] World Bank – Algeria Overview, The World Bank Group, consulté en mai 2026.

[15] UNDP Arab States Publications, United Nations Development Programme, consulté en mai 2026.

[16] Guide for Mapping the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), 2018.

[17] Fernández-López S., Zapata-Huamaní G. A., Neira I., “Ecosistema del emprendimiento tecnológico: una propuesta”, European Journal of Applied Business Management, Vol. 4, No. 3, pp. 127–141, 2018.
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The Benefits of Green Roofs in Urban Centers: Perspectives

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Green roofs has many positive aspects, ranging from physical health to mental well-being to recreation to reduction in energy bills. Research says that just having a view of trees and bushes from the house window contributes to overall well-being and work performance. Another study says that spending 120 minutes a week in nature contributes to well-being while also slowing down the progression of serious diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. But not all city dwellers have the time or prioritize spending time in nature.

green roof in an urban dwelling

The initial cost investment along with the annual maintenance costs of green roofs can discourage project investors, but they provide a longer lifespan compared to conventional roofs and thus deferred replacement benefit. Additional monetary societal benefits that are “saved” or should be reduced from green roof implementation are air pollution, stormwater infrastructure, and healthcare.

One or the other?

The population growth in cities has increased and is expected to continue to increase until 2050 by an additional 60%, which means an increased risk and proportion of health-related complications.

Do we move the jungle into the cities as well to expand it to the same extent as population growth? In urban environments where there is no space to introduce green parks, concrete rooftops and building walls are utilized, and green roofs and trees are introduced, which also reduces the urban heat island effect. The urban heat island effect is the warming effect in cities due to a higher proportion of concrete than greenery. Like an urban sauna in the summer.  The moisture evaporation and transpiration that occur in the green roofs lowers the heat levels.

The nurse Florence Nightingale, who treated war-wound during the 18th century and later laid the foundation for nursing education, emphasized the importance of holistic treatment of patients. For recovery and well-being, she said that people need a nice place to recuperate, sunlight, and clean air. Green plants and trees purify the air through the intake of nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide, while also creating recreation and well-being. Buildings covered in greenery are nicer for the eyes and the soul.

Urbanization has negatively affected the land and the climate. Buildings are being built on land that otherwise could have been farmed, which in turn could have stored a large amount of nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide that further lowers the climate and heat. The amount of heat in the city also depends on the leaf density of green roofs as well as the depth of the substrate, which stores more water and reduces heat.

Sunlight is affected by two factors. The leaf density of the plants, which absorbs more sunlight, reduces the heat, and the thickness of the soil layer. The thicker the soil layer, the greater the cooling effect released during the summer compared to thinner layers. Rainwater uptake can reach up to 70% per year, but this applies to flat roofs, as sloped roofs increase runoff. For landlords, it would lower their energy and heating costs throughout the building because it regulates them. In addition, green roofs increase the lifespan of roofs that would otherwise have required enormous investments and maintenance costs.

What do birds and airplanes have in common?

Airplanes make stopovers at airports in different nearby countries due to technical capacity limitations, such as smaller fuel tanks, among other things. Additionally, the airplane is further affected by, for example, the amount of headwind, which leads to stopovers because it consumes energy.

Birds function just like airplanes in that they need to make stopovers in parks or buildings with trees and bushes to be able to rest, intake nutrients, and reproduce. Research has shown that the continued population growth in cities, which is expected to increase by an additional 60% by 2050, has reduced bird diversity. Without the rare bird species’ stopovers and flight movements between nearby green parks and open green spaces, they become isolated and risk extinction due to their sensitivity to habitat changes. The invasive bird species that are more adapted to the urban environment become dominant. As Charles Darwin said in his theory of evolution, “survival of the ones most adaptable to change”. For their traits are better suited to endurance and changes and will thus be able to reproduce, which means more future generations of that species. It’s as if the environment filters species adapted precisely for their tough circumstances in a natural selection.

Pollinators and biodiversity

When we cultivate more greenery in the city, pollinators spread pollen among and between flowers. This is a prerequisite for the plants’ reproduction through seed formation and fertilization, from which we humans can eat fruits and vegetables. Globally, pollinators have decreased due to a smaller proportion of flowers, which affects our food supply. Insect pollination accounts for a third of our food. In order to promote an optimal habitat for them, urban city environments should be less than 50% hard surfaces. Greenery and trees are important corridors for pollinators and their habitats.

Bottom Line

Green roofs extends the lifespan of building roofs, attracts pollinators that secure a third of our food supply, creates homes for sensitive bird species, reduces the urban heat island effect, carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide intake for cleaner air, and decreases the progression of diseases. Start growing on your roof, from lawns to fruits and vegetables, to take part in the benefits and contribute to a greener transition in cities.

References

Amaya-Spinel et al. (2019). Påverkan av Byggnad Täthet på Neotropiskt fågel samhällen som finns i små stadsparker. Land Urb Plan, 190:103578 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2019.05.009

Detta parisiska hotell är ren “levande byggnad” med en praktfull grön fasad (n.d.). Bild This Parisian Hotel Has a Glorious Green Facade

EMBRY-RIDDLE. Introduktion till rymdflygfarkoster. Aeronautical University. Flight Range & Endurance – Introduction to Aerospace Flight Vehicles

Green roofs photos.  Green Roofs Pictures | Download Free Images on Unsplash

Krasner, H., (2023). 4 Anledningar till att flyg har tekniska stop (14 september, 2023).  Flygblad för exekutiven.

Kjellström, T., (2018). Medicinhistoria: Florence Nightingale -en pionjär för modern sjukvård (24 augusti 2018). Doktorn. Medicinhistoria: Florence Nightingale – en pionjär för modern sjukvård | Doktorn.com

Naturvårdsverket. Pollinering (u.d.). Pollinering

Science news today. Den starkastes överlevnad: Vad Darwin egentligen menade (5 augusti, 2025). Survival of the Fittest: What Darwin Really Meant

Thapa et al. 2021. Ecological and social outcomes of urbanization on regional farming systems: a global synthesis. Ecol Soc, 26(3):24. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-12579-260324

Pollinatörer. Pollinerande insekter i Sverige (u.d.). WWF. Pollinerare – Biologisk mångfald med pollinatörer

Wenzel et al. 2020. How urbanization is driving pollinator diversity and pollination -A systematic review. Biol Cons, 241:108321. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2019.108321

A Message on World Environment Day

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The World Environment Day implores us to appreciate the beauty of nature and its importance, and to take forward the call to protect the Earth that we share. The World Environment Day invites you to think about how we are part of nature and how intimately we depend on it. It challenges us to find fun and exciting ways to experience and cherish this vital relationship.

world-environment-day

People and Nature

The World Environment urge us to think about how we are part of nature and how intimately we depend on it. It challenges us to find fun and exciting ways to experience and cherish this vital relationship.

Billions of rural people around the world spend every working day ‘connected to nature’ and appreciate full well their dependence on natural water supplies and how nature provides their livelihoods in the form of fertile soil. They are among the first to suffer when ecosystems are threatened, whether by pollution, climate change or over-exploitation.

land degradation in MENA

Nature’s gifts are often hard to value in monetary terms. Like clean air, they are often taken for granted, at least until they become scarce. However, economists are developing ways to measure the multi-trillion-dollar worth of many so-called ‘ecosystem services’, from insects pollinating fruit trees to the leisure, health and spiritual benefits of a hike up a valley.

Over the last few decades we have gained, thanks to scientific advances and increased awareness of environmental matters, a much better understanding of the countless ways in which natural systems support our own prosperity and well-being. Whilst nature’s gifts are often hard to value in monetary terms, what they have to offer mankind is invaluable.

connecting-with-nature

World Environment Day organisers are challenging us to find fun and exciting way to experience and cherish this valuable relationship. Whether you pay a visit to one of your country’s national parks or biosphere reserve or take a stroll through one of your city’s green spaces.

In the age of concrete and smartphones (and the many other distractions of modern life), connection with nature can be fleeting. But with your help, World Environment Day can make it clearer than ever that we need harmony between humanity and nature so that both are able to thrive.

World Environment Day is a day for everyone, everywhere….

The Geolocation Revolution That Crypto Investors Are Starting to Notice

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For years, cryptocurrency investors focused primarily on blockchain innovation, token economics, and market cycles. Recently, however, some market observers have begun paying attention to a different technological trend. Readers following developments through publications such as Directions Magazine – GIS News and Geospatial have noticed increasing discussion about the role of location intelligence in modern finance. What was once considered a niche technology is now being viewed as a potentially important part of the evolving digital asset ecosystem.

geolocation revolution

The growing intersection between geospatial technology and cryptocurrency may seem unexpected at first. After all, blockchain networks operate digitally, while geolocation systems are designed to understand the physical world. Yet as digital assets become more integrated into real-world financial and commercial activities, the relationship between these technologies is becoming increasingly relevant.

“The future of digital finance may depend as much on context as on transactions themselves.”

Why Geolocation is Attracting Attention

Location data has long been valuable in industries such as transportation, logistics, telecommunications, and retail. Today, many analysts believe similar benefits could extend into digital finance.

Geolocation technologies help organizations understand where users, devices, and assets are located. This information can provide insights that support security, compliance, infrastructure planning, and business strategy.

  • Improved fraud detection.
  • Enhanced regulatory compliance.
  • Better understanding of regional adoption trends.
  • Support for real-world blockchain applications.
  • More accurate market intelligence.

These capabilities are attracting growing interest from businesses operating within the digital asset sector.

The Security Connection

One of the most practical uses of geolocation technology involves security. Cryptocurrency platforms face constant challenges related to unauthorized access, account compromise, and fraudulent activity.

Location-based information can provide additional context that helps organizations identify unusual behavior. When activity originates from unexpected regions or differs significantly from historical patterns, security systems can respond accordingly.

Security Challenge Potential Role of Geolocation
Unauthorized Access Identify unusual login locations
Fraud Detection Monitor suspicious geographic activity
Account Protection Support verification processes
Risk Assessment Provide location-based context

Although geolocation is not a standalone security solution, it has become an increasingly useful component of broader risk-management strategies.

The Growing Importance of Compliance

Regulation remains one of the most important issues facing the cryptocurrency industry. Different jurisdictions maintain different requirements regarding digital assets, financial services, and user protection.

Location intelligence helps organizations determine where users are accessing services and which regulations may apply. This capability has become increasingly important as businesses expand internationally.

Why Geography Still Matters

Cryptocurrency may operate globally, but legal frameworks remain geographically defined. Businesses must often understand where users are located before offering products or services.

This reality has increased the value of technologies capable of accurately identifying geographic context.

“Borderless technology still operates within a world shaped by geographic regulations.”

Understanding Adoption Through Geographic Data

Investors often evaluate adoption through transaction volume, market capitalization, and user activity. Geospatial analytics adds another dimension by revealing where adoption is occurring and how usage patterns differ between regions.

These insights can help businesses identify growth opportunities and understand emerging markets more effectively.

  1. Identifying regions with increasing adoption.
  2. Monitoring changes in user behavior.
  3. Evaluating infrastructure readiness.
  4. Assessing regional demand patterns.
  5. Supporting strategic expansion decisions.

As cryptocurrency markets mature, geographic intelligence may become increasingly valuable for investors and businesses alike.

Real-World Blockchain Applications

The relationship between geolocation and digital assets extends beyond financial transactions. Developers are exploring blockchain applications connected to logistics, supply chains, infrastructure networks, and asset tracking systems.

Many of these initiatives rely on accurate geographic information to function effectively. As a result, location intelligence is becoming part of the broader technological foundation supporting blockchain innovation.

Application Area Role of Geolocation
Supply Chains Asset tracking and verification
Infrastructure Networks Location validation
Logistics Movement monitoring
Digital Finance Security and compliance support

Challenges Along the Way

Despite its potential benefits, geolocation technology also introduces challenges. Privacy concerns, data protection requirements, and accuracy limitations remain important considerations.

  • User privacy expectations.
  • Data security responsibilities.
  • Regulatory compliance requirements.
  • Accuracy and reliability concerns.
  • Ethical considerations surrounding data collection.

Organizations must balance the value of geographic insights with the responsibility to protect users and maintain trust.

A Trend That is Becoming Harder to Ignore

For many years, geolocation technology remained largely outside discussions about cryptocurrency and blockchain innovation. That is beginning to change. As digital assets become more connected to real-world systems, the importance of geographic context continues to grow.

Crypto investors are starting to notice that location intelligence may influence everything from security and compliance to market analysis and infrastructure development. While the geolocation revolution is still unfolding, its impact on the future of digital assets could prove far greater than many observers currently expect.

Older Homes, New Tech: How to Safely Modernize Residential Electrical Systems

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Walk into almost any older home today, and you’ll see a funny contrast: charming original details, maybe a century-old staircase or beautiful plaster walls — and then a pile of modern devices fighting for outlet space. Laptops, smart TVs, EV chargers, air fryers, security cameras, heat pumps, home office equipment, and who knows what else tomorrow will bring. For homeowners, the big question is simple: can the electrical system keep up?

That’s where planning matters. Whether someone is remodeling, adding a home office, installing an EV charger, or replacing outdated wiring, working with a licensed electrician in San Francisco can help make sure the upgrades are safe, code-compliant, and built for real daily use — not just “good enough for now.”

Modern electrical needs are not just about convenience. They affect safety, insurance, resale value, energy efficiency, and how comfortably a home can support everyday life. Here’s what homeowners should understand before modernizing an older residential electrical system.

an electrical contractor inspecting a residential electrical system

Older Wiring Was Not Designed for Today’s Loads

Many older homes were built in a time when electrical demand was much lower. A household might have needed power for lighting, a refrigerator, a radio, and a few basic appliances. Today, even a modest home may have multiple computers, large televisions, kitchen gadgets, HVAC equipment, laundry appliances, smart devices, and charging stations.

That difference matters because old wiring systems may not be able to safely handle modern usage patterns. Some homes still have outdated wiring types, undersized circuits, worn insulation, or panels that were never intended for the number of devices now being used.

Common signs that an electrical system may be struggling include flickering lights, frequently tripped breakers, warm outlets, buzzing sounds, dead receptacles, or the need to use extension cords constantly. One power strip behind the couch is normal. Five power strips daisy-chained behind a media cabinet is a cry for help.

The goal of modernization is not simply to “add more outlets.” It is to evaluate how power moves through the home, where the demand is growing, and whether the system can support that demand safely.

EV Chargers Are Changing the Conversation

Electric vehicles have made residential electrical planning much more important. A Level 2 charger is not like plugging in a phone or a vacuum cleaner. It requires a dedicated circuit and enough panel capacity to support consistent, high-power charging.

For homeowners considering Tesla charger installation in San Francisco, the first step is usually not the charger itself. It is the electrical assessment. An electrician needs to review the existing panel, available amperage, grounding, circuit capacity, charger location, wiring route, and permitting requirements.

In some homes, the existing panel may have enough room and capacity for a new EV circuit. In others, a panel upgrade or load management solution may be needed. This is especially common in older properties where the panel was designed long before EVs, induction ranges, heat pump systems, or modern laundry equipment became common.

A properly installed EV charger can be a major convenience. It can also increase the practical value of a home. But when it is installed without the right electrical planning, it can create overload risks, inspection issues, or frustrating performance limitations. Nobody wants to buy an electric car and then discover the house needs more attention than the vehicle.

Rewiring is Sometimes the Smartest Upgrade

Some electrical problems can be solved with targeted repairs. Others point to a deeper issue: the wiring itself is outdated, damaged, poorly modified, or no longer suitable for the way the home is used.

Professional electrical wiring installation can be especially important during remodels, additions, kitchen upgrades, bathroom renovations, garage conversions, and home office buildouts. These projects often expose existing wiring conditions and create a good opportunity to correct problems before walls are closed again.

Rewiring can also improve layout and usability. For example, older rooms may have too few outlets, forcing homeowners to rely on extension cords. Kitchens may lack dedicated circuits for modern appliances. Bedrooms may not have properly placed receptacles for current furniture layouts. Garages may need circuits for tools, EV charging, freezers, or laundry equipment.

Good wiring design considers both safety and lifestyle. It asks practical questions: Where will people charge devices? Where will appliances actually go? Will the room need dedicated circuits? Is the wiring route accessible? Are there future upgrades worth preparing for now?

The best electrical work often feels invisible after it is done. The lights turn on, the outlets are where they should be, breakers stop tripping, and no one has to think about it. That is exactly the point.

Electrical Panels Need Honest Attention

The electrical panel is the control center of the home’s power system. If it is outdated, crowded, damaged, or undersized, it can limit what upgrades are possible.

Older panels may lack available breaker space or sufficient amperage for new circuits. Some may also be from brands or eras associated with known safety concerns. Even when a panel appears to be “working,” it may not be suitable for a modern home with higher electrical loads.

A panel assessment should look beyond the number printed on the main breaker. It should consider the home’s actual load, existing circuits, appliance demand, grounding and bonding, signs of overheating, breaker condition, and whether previous work was done correctly.

Panel upgrades are often discussed when homeowners add EV chargers, major appliances, HVAC equipment, or new living spaces. However, they may also be needed when the existing panel is simply outdated or no longer safe.

This is not the most glamorous home improvement project. Nobody invites guests over to admire the electrical panel. But a properly sized, well-installed panel supports nearly everything else: comfort, safety, technology, and future flexibility.

Permits and Code Compliance Are Not Just Red Tape

Permits can feel annoying, especially when a homeowner just wants the work done quickly. But for electrical upgrades, permits and inspections exist for a reason. They help verify that the work meets safety standards and local requirements.

This matters even more in cities with older housing stock, dense neighborhoods, multi-unit buildings, and strict building rules. Electrical work that is not permitted or properly inspected can create problems during resale, insurance claims, remodels, or future service calls.

Code-compliant work also protects the homeowner from hidden shortcuts. For example, a circuit may appear to function, but if it is improperly sized, incorrectly grounded, or routed through unsafe conditions, the risk may not be obvious right away.

Hiring qualified professionals helps homeowners avoid the “it works, so it must be fine” trap. Electrical systems can appear normal until they are placed under stress. By then, the repair may be more expensive — and the risk much higher.

Smart Upgrades Should Be Planned Together

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is treating every electrical upgrade as a separate project. First a new appliance. Then a charger. Then a home office. Then recessed lighting. Then a bathroom remodel. Each project may seem small by itself, but together they can create a patchwork system without a clear plan.

A smarter approach is to think in phases. Even if the homeowner cannot do everything at once, an electrician can help identify what should be done first and what can be prepared for later.

For example, if a panel upgrade is likely in the next year, it may be worth planning wiring routes or capacity around future EV charging or HVAC changes. If a kitchen remodel is coming, it may be wise to coordinate new appliance circuits and lighting plans at the same time. If a garage will eventually become a workspace, adding the right outlets and circuits during another project can save money later.

Future-ready electrical work does not mean overbuilding everything. It means making informed decisions so the home does not need to be opened up repeatedly for avoidable changes.

ecofriendly electrical upgrades

Safety, Comfort, and Resale Value Go Together

Electrical modernization is often framed as a safety issue, and that is true. But it is also about comfort and long-term value.

A well-upgraded electrical system makes a home easier to live in. Outlets are located where people actually need them. Lighting works better. Appliances run without nuisance trips. EV charging becomes part of the daily routine instead of a logistical puzzle. Home offices can support real equipment without extension cords running across the floor like indoor tripwires.

For resale, home electrical system upgrades can also give buyers more confidence. Many buyers are wary of outdated wiring, old panels, or unclear DIY work. A home with documented, professional electrical improvements may feel more practical and less risky.

That does not mean every homeowner needs a full electrical overhaul. The right scope depends on the home’s age, condition, current use, and future plans. But ignoring an outdated system rarely makes it better. Electrical problems are not like fine wine; they do not improve in the basement with age.

Conclusion

Modern homes ask much more from electrical systems than older homes were originally designed to provide. EV chargers, smart devices, home offices, efficient HVAC equipment, and high-powered appliances all depend on safe, reliable infrastructure behind the walls.

For homeowners, the best path is not guesswork. It is a professional assessment, realistic planning, code-compliant work, and upgrades that support both current needs and future technology. Whether the project involves new wiring, a panel upgrade, an EV charger, or a broader remodel, thoughtful electrical modernization can make an older home safer, more functional, and better prepared for what comes next.

In the end, a good electrical system should not be exciting. It should be dependable. The exciting part is everything it allows the home to do.

5 Environmentally-Friendly Ways to Improve Your Kitchen Décor

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Environmentally-friendly design has become an even hotter trend in 2019. Architects and designers are shrugging off old impressions that recycled materials or eco-conscious designs are boring. More homeowners want homes that take sustainability seriously. They want their houses to incorporate green materials and contribute to global conservation. Kitchens are a key area of focus for environmentally-friendly remodels. They’re the highest energy consumers in a house, so focusing on energy efficiency there has the greatest payoff. Separating plastics isn’t the only option for homeowners who want an eco-friendly kitchen.

Read on for 5 great ways to give your kitchen an environmentally-friendly upgrade.

1. Energy Efficient Windows

Increasing natural light access into kitchens is a great place to start. Energy efficient windows are larger, and they brighten a room by simply letting in more light. The increase in natural light makes it so owners don’t have to turn on the lights as much. Lower energy bills mean more money stays in your pocket and your home has a smaller carbon footprint.

You also get to enjoy the great view outside as you make dinner. In 2021, houses look great with countertop to ceiling windows instead of more of the same tilework. Energy efficient windows also reduce the amount of heat lost through windows, which helps regulate temperate and save on heating bills. They’re a great noise insulator, which is great for homes in close proximity or next to highways.

2. Eco Friendly Countertops

Marble tops will never go out of style, but eco-friendly countertops have so many new, fresh options that everyone should consider them. More homeowners are opting for recycled marble, aluminum or even paper to build their countertops with because it can be a money saver that still looks great.

Recycled glass countertops are unique way to give a kitchen remodel a distinct look. Colorful glass pieces are mixed with cement and a resin base that make smooth mosaic countertops. The glass is environmentally-friendly because it typically comes from demolition projects that would otherwise discard it.

Another great eco-friendly option for countertops are recycled bamboo or some other type of wood installed as a chopping block. Chopping blocks are a portion of a countertop that’s used as a built-in durable cutting board. Bamboo’s a great choice because it grows so fast it’s a renewable resource.

3. Appliances

All the cooking, cooling, freezing, cleaning, and mixing in a kitchen make it the highest energy-consuming room in the house. Appliances use a lot of energy, so upgrading to energy-efficient fridges, stoves, and dishwashers is a smart choice. Refrigerators alone account for up to 15 percent of a home’s total energy use. Luckily, the increasing popularity of low-energy appliances means that there are some great styles to select from too.

Energy-efficient refrigerators can beat government efficiency standards so owners know they’re making a difference. One thing that can really make an impact is not going with the biggest fridge possible. Using a refrigerator appropriate for a home’s need is the best way to reduce environmental impact. Side by side fridges use about 20 percent more electricity than up-down models.

Size also matters for ovens. Bigger ovens use more energy to heat up and cook food, so even though it may look nice, a large oven isn’t the eco-friendliest. The main consideration for choosing a range and oven is deciding between electric and gas. Generally, gas is less expensive and is the cleanest fossil fuel, but some people are nervous about cooking with gas. Just make sure you have a good exhaust installed as well. Electricity used to power electric stoves usually comes from burning coal, not the most environmentally-friendly item. Of course, if homeowners opt to power the stove with rooftop solar panels that’s a great workaround.

4. Find a Place for Cork

Cork flooring has become more popular in recent years, but it’s a good bet many homeowners still don’t know it’s an option. In 2019, more homes will be using cork floors in their kitchens as an environmentally-friendly alternative to tile and vinyl. Cork is great because it’s all-natural and renewable. It can be harvested around every eight years from the same tree.

Cork is extremely durable, even if something is dropped on the floor that makes a dent, it will self-repair over time. No liquid can get through its surface and the floors usually last around 40 years. It’s also extremely safe. Cork only melts at extremely high temperatures and, in the event of a fire, puts off much less toxins than other kinds of kitchen flooring. Finally, cork has a little bounce to it, so cork kitchen floors are comfortable and naturally reduce noise.

5. Recycled Fixtures

Somewhere along the line, reclaimed and recycled became synonymous with luxury. Decorating kitchen décor with recycled lighting fixtures, drawer handles, faucets and cabinetry really elevate kitchen décor, but it can also cost an arm and a leg. So many companies market items as reclaimed that it’s hard to discern whether it’s actually recycled.

Companies that really sell recycled fixtures should include, or be able to include, information about where the fixtures were purchased or repurposed. It’s important for many home owners to know that reclaimed lamp they bought was made in an eco-friendly manner. Of course, if you have the time, you can always DIY it. Thrift stores always have a variety of old furniture that can be dismantled and used for parts. Antique stores are another great place to look for reusable items. Putting in recycled fixtures helps a kitchen look unique, and not like something transferred straight from a furniture showroom.

Bottom Line

Environmentally-friendly kitchen design is in. Homeowners love bringing their kitchens in line with their personal beliefs about conservation efforts. An eco-friendly kitchen reduces energy bills and helps homeowners feel good about helping the environment. Eco-friendly design choices are far from bland. As the eco-friendly décor trend progresses, more and more options are out there for architects, builders, and DIYers to choose from. Start with these five options to plan your kitchen’s environmentally-friendly upgrade today.

How to Tackle College Essays When You’re Drowning in Work

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There is a specific kind of tiredness that shows up when a student has three unread chapters, two shifts at work, a discussion post due before midnight, and an essay that still exists only as a vague feeling of guilt. It is not laziness. It is overload. And overload has a strange talent: it makes even a simple 1,000-word paper feel huge.

That is why advice on how to write college essays should not begin with “just start early.” Most students already know that. The problem is usually messier. A student may be capable, motivated, and still completely stuck because the week has no clean space left in it. KingEssays offers academic writing support for students who need structured help when essay pressure starts crowding out sleep, work, and basic thinking time.

a female college student writing an essay

First, Stop Treating the Essay as One Big Task

A college essay is not one task. It is several small tasks wearing one coat.

Here is the more honest version:

Essay stage What it actually requires
Understanding the prompt Slowing down and decoding expectations
Finding sources Searching, reading, choosing, rejecting
Building an argument Deciding what the paper is really saying
Drafting Writing badly enough to create something usable
Revising Fixing logic, structure, and evidence
Editing Cleaning grammar, citations, and formatting

When a student is overwhelmed with assignments, the brain often refuses to begin because it sees the entire table at once. The trick is not motivation. It is making the task smaller than the panic.

A student does not need to “write the essay” tonight. They may only need to rewrite the prompt in plain English. Or choose three sources. Or write one rough paragraph that will probably change later.

That counts.

Use the “Bad First Map” Method

Many students try to write a polished introduction first. This is usually a trap. Introductions demand confidence, and confidence often appears after the draft, not before it.

A better approach is simple:

  1. Write the topic at the top of the page.
  2. Add the professor’s key instruction.
  3. Write a rough answer in one sentence.
  4. List three reasons that support it.
  5. Add one source or example under each reason.

It may look too basic. Good. Basic is useful when the student is tired.

For example, if the essay is about social media and mental health, the first map might say:

Main idea: Social media affects students differently depending on how they use it, not only how much they use it.

That sentence is not perfect, but it gives the paper a spine.

Deadlines Need Management, Not Drama

One of the most practical college essay writing tips is also the least glamorous: deadlines should be broken into private deadlines.

If the professor’s deadline is Friday, the student’s real schedule might be:

  • Monday: understand the prompt and gather sources
  • Tuesday: create a rough outline
  • Wednesday: write the weakest possible first draft
  • Thursday: revise and add citations
  • Friday: proofread and submit

This is how students manage essay deadlines without depending on one heroic all-nighter. All-nighters feel dramatic, but they often produce foggy arguments, missing citations, and sentences that look strange the next morning.

Academic pressure is not imaginary. Students often carry essays alongside exams, jobs, internships, family duties, and social expectations. A person can be organized and still run out of mental space. That is why the plan needs to be realistic, not inspirational.

When Time is Short, Choose Function Over Beauty

A student drowning in work does not need the most elegant essay of their life. They need a clear, complete, submitted essay.

That means priorities matter:

Must have:

  • A direct thesis
  • Paragraphs with one main point each
  • Evidence from credible sources
  • Basic citation accuracy
  • A conclusion that answers “so what?”

Nice to have:

  • Beautiful transitions
  • Clever opening lines
  • Perfect rhythm
  • Sophisticated wording

This distinction can save a student from wasting two hours on the first sentence while the body paragraphs remain empty. A strong essay is not always the prettiest essay. Sometimes it is the one that answers the prompt directly, uses evidence honestly, and does not pretend to be deeper than it is.

Students at universities such as UCLA, the University of Michigan, and New York University often have access to writing centers, peer tutors, and online academic resources. These tools exist because writing is not supposed to be a private endurance test. Even experienced writers need feedback.

Make the Essay Less Emotional

This sounds cold, but it helps. A student should try to remove some emotion from the task.

Instead of thinking, “I am terrible at writing,” they can ask, “What is missing from this paragraph?”

Instead of thinking, “This essay is impossible,” they can ask, “What does the rubric want first?”

Instead of thinking, “I have no idea what I’m doing,” they can ask, “What would a simple version of this argument look like?”

The shift is small, but it changes the mood of the work. The essay becomes a problem to solve, not a judgment on the student’s intelligence.

Know When to Ask for Help

There is no medal for struggling silently. Good students use resources.

That may mean visiting a campus writing center, emailing the professor with a specific question, asking a classmate to explain the prompt, or looking for legitimate essay help for students when the workload becomes unmanageable.

The important part is to ask early enough that help can still change the outcome. “I don’t understand what the prompt wants” is a useful message. “I have nothing and it’s due in 40 minutes” gives everyone fewer options.

A professor may not extend a deadline, but they might clarify the direction. A tutor may not rewrite the paper, but they can point out where the logic breaks. A classmate may not have the perfect answer, but they might say one sentence that makes the assignment less confusing.

Help does not remove responsibility. It makes responsibility more manageable.

Build a Draft That Can Survive Revision

A useful first draft does not need to be graceful. It needs to exist.

The student can write in layers:

  1. First layer: rough ideas
  2. Second layer: paragraph order
  3. Third layer: evidence
  4. Fourth layer: explanation
  5. Fifth layer: citations and editing

This layered method works because it stops the student from trying to do everything at once. Writing and editing at the same time often creates paralysis. The student writes one sentence, hates it, deletes it, writes another, hates that one too, then checks the time and panics.

A draft is allowed to be clumsy. In fact, it probably should be. Clumsy writing gives the student something to fix. A blank page gives them nothing.

The Real Skill is Recovery

College rewards planning, but real student life rarely stays neat. Someone gets sick. A work shift changes. A family problem appears. A laptop freezes. Motivation disappears for no dramatic reason at all.

So the deeper skill is not perfect discipline. It is recovery.

A student who loses two days can still submit a solid paper by asking:

  • What is the minimum complete version of this essay?
  • Which source is strongest?
  • What argument can be explained clearly?
  • What part can be cut?
  • What does the rubric actually reward?

That last question matters. Rubrics are not decorative. They tell students where to spend energy.

What Students Learn From the Mess

College essays are often presented as tests of intelligence, but many of them are really tests of attention under pressure. The student who feels buried may not need a new personality or a sudden burst of inspiration. They may need a smaller task, a rougher first draft, a cleaner schedule, and permission to write imperfectly before writing well.

The essay does not have to begin beautifully. It just has to begin.

تقنية التعديل الجيني الحيوية والأنظمة البيئية: ما لها وما عليها

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حاز التعديل الجيني للكائنات الحية باستخدام التقنيات الحيوية على إهتمام عالمي من قبل مختصي العلوم الحياتية وشركات الإنتاج الغذائي والصيدلاني على حد سواء, حيث ترتبط تطبيقات التقنيات الحيوية بالقضايا الحيوية للإنسان الصحية منها والإنتاجية. يندرج التعديل الجيني تحت أحد فروع العلوم الحياتية ألا وهوعلم البيولوجيا الجزيئية والذي يتعامل مع المعلومات الوراثية المخزنة فيDNA  من زاوية  مبتكرة تماماً.

ما هو التعديل الجيني؟

هو تعديل المادة الجينية من خلال إستخلاص جينات محددة تحمل صفات معينة مرغوبة من كائن حي (إنسان, نبات, حيوان, مايكروب), ثم لصقها بجينات كائن حي آخر بهدف نقل تلك الصفة المرغوبة إلى الكائن المستقبِل، ويظهر هنا أن التقنيات الحيوية تختلف جوهرياً عن التهجين التقليدي, لأنها استطاعت أن تنقل الجينات على المستوى الخلوي بين أنواع حيوية مختلفة كلياً عن بعضها وبإستخدام طرق لا تحدث في الطبيعة. ولقد تم تعديل العشرات من الكائنات الحية لأهداف تجارية أشهرها البندورة والبطاطا والذرة والقطن والأرانب والأسماك والأبقار والطيور.

biosafety

نظرة تاريخية

شهد القرن الماضي قفزة واسعة في مجالات العلوم الحياتية المختلفة ومنها علم الجينات والتعديل الجيني, حيث وضع العالم بيلوزيركسي حجر الأساس في عالم التعديل الجيني عندما نجح في عزل DNA نقي لأول مرة في عام 1935. وفي عام 1973 أطلق مختصّي الكيمياء الحيوية هيربرت بوير و ستانلي كوهين الطلقة الأولى في ثورة التعديل الجيني وذلك بنقل DNA  من بكتيريا إلى بكتيريا أخرى وإنتاج أول  DNAهجين. لاحقاً, وفي عام 1975 اجتمعت مجموعة من مختصي العلوم الحياتية مع بعض المحامين والأطباء في مؤتمر أسيلومار لمناقشة مخاطر التعديل الجيني ولوضع التوصيات للإستخدام الآمن لـ DNA  المعدل. وفيما يلي مخطط زمني لأهم الأحداث في تاريخ المنتجات المحورة وراثياً:

GMO-Biosafety-Arabic

ويظهر الجدول التالي مقارنة لنسبة إنتاج المحاصيل المعدلة في الولايات المتحدة بين عامي 1997 و:2019

الفوائد المتوقعة للمنتجات المعدلة جينياً:

أقرت منظمة (FAO) بأن للمنتجات المعدلة جينياً فوائد مرجوة, منها:

  1. تقليل إستخدام المبيدات الحشرية.
  2. زيادة الإنتاج الغذائي.
  3. رفع القيمة الغذائية في الطعام.
  4. فوائدها العلاجية والصيدلانية.

   وبالرغم من هذه المزايا, إلا أن (FAO) أقرت  أيضاً بوجود مخاطر لهذه المنتجات على صحة الإنسان والبيئة حيث أنها لم تخضع لتجارب طويلة الأمد لتؤكد سلامتها على المدى البعيد.

المنتجات المعدلة جينياً ومخاطرها البيئية

تشكل المنتجات المعدلة جينياً تهديداً على النظام الصحي والبيئي والمجالات الأخرى, فقد تُحدث طفرة جينية بخطورة من المستحيل التنبؤ بها خللأ غير قابل للإصلاح في التوازن البيئي. ويمكن إيجاز أهم مخاطرها البيئية المثبتة علمياً وغير المقصودة كما يلي:

  1. التأثيرعلى مايكروبات التربة: حيث أن موت الحشرات الناقلة للقاح النباتات المعدلة جينياً سيترك أثراً مأساوياً على مايكروبات التربة, بسبب تلويث مادتها الوراثية الطبيعية بالمادة الجينية المعدلة.
  2. نمو أعشاب ضارة خارقة وتسمم التربة: وذلك بسبب إنتقال الجينات المقاومة للمبيدات من النباتات المعدلة جينياً إلى الأعشاب البرية الضارة للزراعة, مما يُمكّن هذه الأعشاب من النمو سريعاً ومقاومة المبيدات المضادة لها, والذي بدوره يؤدي إلى زيادة استخدام المبيدات العشبية للقضاء عليها, وبالتالي إلى زيادة الكلفة على المزراعين وتهديد النظام البيئي.
  3. التلوث الجيني: وهو نوع من التلوث يستحيل التخلص منه, حيث تتلوث المادة الجينية الطبيعية للأنواع البرية بالمادة الجينية المعدلة, وذلك عن طريق المايكروبات أو حبوب اللقاح أوعبر النواقل الطبيعية الأخرى, لتشمل السلسلة الغذائية كاملةً.
  4. قتل الحشرات النافعة: فمثلاً, وجد أن لدى بعض النباتات المحوّرة جينياً قابلية لقتل الحشرات النافعة مثل النحل عند تغذيته على البروتينات الموجودة في أزهارها.
  5. تأثيرات سمية على اللبائن : فمثلاً, وُجد أن البطاطا المعدلة جينياً بـ (CAMV) نتج عنها نبات سام للحيوانات المخبرية اللبونة التي تتغذى عليها, مما أدى إلى تحطيم للأعضاء الرئيسية في جسم هذه الحيوانات.
  6. تهديد الأنواع المعدلة جينياً للأنواع البرية: فلقد وجد أن للأنواع المعدلة جينياً قدرة مضاعفة على النمو بشكل أسرع وبحجم أكبر بعشرات المرات من الأنواع الطبيعية, مما يعطيها أفضلية تنافسية للحصول على الموارد الطبيعية, فيؤول الأمر إلى تهديد بقاء النوع الطبيعي لاستنزاف مصادره الطبيعية كالغذاء من قبل النوع المهجن جينياً.
  7. تحطيم الغابات :يمكن لنوع من أشجار الغابات Super trees أن تنتج كيماويات قاتلة للحشرات الطبيعية، كما أن لها القابلية  لقتل الحياة المحيطة بها بإستثناء الأشجار المعدلة جينياً, هذا النوع من التعديل الوراثي يتناقض مع قانون الغابات الطبيعية  ولا يوجد دراسات تثبت أن هذه الغابات آمنة ولا تحطم البيئة الغابية.
  8. تهديد الأراضي الخصبة: فمثلاً, وُجد أن أنواعاً معدلة جينياً من بكتيريا planticola والتي استخدمت لتحويل المخلفات النباتية إلى سماد, استنزفت نايتروجين التربة الطبيعي كما أنها أنتجت الإيثانول الذي أثرعلى الأرض سلباً، وحتى بعد تثبيط فعالية هذه المايكروبات إلا أن التلوث استمر في التربة لثمانية أشهر.
  9. فقدان النقاوة الجينية: يتوقع العلماء أن سرعة إزدياد نمو الأغذية المعدلة جينياً سيؤدي إلى فقدان النقاوة في البذور وفي الأغذية الأساسية الطبيعية خلال خمسين عام أو أقل.

التوصيات

أثار إستخدام التقنيات الحيوية لإنتاج الأغذية المعدلة جينياً والتي أُغرقت بها الأسواق العالمية تساؤلاتٍ عديدةٍ تمس جوانب أخلاقية وإجتماعية ودينية تختلف إزائها وجهات النظر خاصة المتعلقة منها بالمستهلكين. وبالرغم من أن هذه المنتجات لا زالت تعتبر آمنة في الوقت الحاضر, لكن غياب هذه الآثار المباشرة لا يعني أنها لا تنطوي على مخاطرصحية وإقتصادية وبيئية مستقبلية, حيث يعترف العلماء أن هنالك ثغرات في المعارف بخصوص الآثار طويلة الأجل. أضف إلى ذلك أن الأغذية المعدلة جينياً قد تؤدي إلى ظهور آثاراً غير مقصودة, لذلك فإن عدداً من التدابير يجب إتخاذها, أهمها :

1.الأمـان الحيــوي  Biosafety: لتقويم ومراقبة وإدارة المخاطر المحتملة والمتعلقة بـالمنتجات  المعدلة جينياً.

  1. الحاجة الماسة إلى تشريع القوانين فيما يخص الشفافية وحق المستهلك وحق الدول في الحصول على المعلومات الكاملة عن هذه الأغذية.

3.حماية حقوق المستهلك: حسب الهيئة العامة للأمم المتحدة, فإن للمستهلك حق أساسي في معرفة نوع الغذاء الذي يتناوله وطريقة إنتاجه وهل هو آمن وما حدود هذا الأمان, وهذا يقودنا إلى البطاقة الإعلامية.

  1. تسمح البطاقة الإعلامية على المنتجات المعدلة جينياً للمستهلكين بممارسة تفضيلاتهم الدينية والأخلاقية أو الشخصية أو الصحية حيث أنها ستكون خير دليل للمستهلك لشراء الأغذية لمعرفة مكوناتها، فمثلاً المسلمين واليهود لا يأكلون لحم الخنزير، أما البوذيين فهم نباتيين, والهندوس لايأكلون لحم البقر.
  2. التوعية والإعلام: هنالك حاجة ملحة لتحضير مادة تعليمية مبنية على الأدلة العلمية المحايدة مع توضيح إيجابيات وسلبيات منتجات التقنيات الحيوية, كما يجب الإنتباه وفلترة مصدر المعلومات عن المنتجات المعدلة جينياً لأنها ستؤثر على نوعية المعلومات التي ستعرض للمسوؤلين والمستهلكين, لذلك تقع على عاتق خبراء العلوم الحياتية مسؤولية مجتمعية لتوعية المستهلكين والمشرعين عن موضوع التقنية الحيوية من حيث الفوائد المزعومة أو المخاطر المحتملة من خلال النشر العلمي الجماهيري وبالتنسيق مع وسائل الإعلام المختلفة.

Water-Food Linkage in the Arab World

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The water-food linkage represents an important and vital nexus in the Arab countries. Under the current unstable food security situation (fluctuating energy prices, poor harvests, rising demand from a growing population, the use of biofuels and export bans have all increased prices), the ability for the Arab countries to feed their growing population is severely challenged by competition over increasingly limited water resources. Agriculture is currently challenged by competition among sectors on available water resources.

water-food-nexus

While the majority of water in the Arab region is used inefficiently in the agricultural sector (about 85% with less than 40% efficiency), which is not only crucial for food production but also employs a large labor force of rural population, the contribution of agriculture to GDP is significantly low. Hence, and using the argument of higher productivity per drop, voices are increasingly advocating for shift of water resources from agriculture to meet pressing demands of the industrial and municipal sectors.  The negative repercussions of that on the agricultural sector and rural population are most evident. However, improving irrigation efficiency can release water for other uses.

The Arab countries are far from having enough water to grow sufficient basic food, the obsession with the idea of self-sufficiency at any cost, had been predominant in the 1970s and 1980s, has been abandoned. It is no longer rational or sustainable. In fact, the region has been importing more and more food to meet its need. Recent studies have shown that more than half of the food calories consumed in the region is imported and would increase to 64% over the next two decades (World Bank, 2009).

An older study in the mid-1990s showed that the food imports of the region were equivalent to 83 billion m3 of virtual water, or about 12% of the region’s annual renewable water resources. In fact, the same study has shown that for selected countries, this percentage was much higher: Algeria (87%), Egypt (31%), Jordan (398%), Libya (530%) and Saudi Arabia (580%) (FAO, 2001). With the rise of the population and improvement of lifestyles, one can expect these figures to be much higher today.

A better policy to address national food security can be to improve agricultural production and maximise water productivity and to rely on virtual water trade in food imports. By importing water intensive crops, not only can there be local water savings, there are also energy savings through reduction in withdrawal of irrigation water from deep aquifers (Siddiqi and Anadon, 2011), which could be significant for many Arab countries that have energy intensive groundwater withdrawals, such as the GCC countries.

Moreover, Arab food security could be achieved through regional agricultural integration that combines the relative comparative advantages of all of the Middle East countries, such as land and water resources, human resources, and financial resources. Joint agricultural projects could be implemented towards achieving food security for the region as a whole using advanced agricultural methods supported by active R&D programs in agricultural production as well as effective governance of water and land resources.

References:

  1. World Bank. 2009. Water Resources: Managing a Scarce, Shared Resource. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/IDA/Resources/IDA-Water_Resources.pdf
  2. FAO. 2001. The State of Food and Agriculture 2001. Rome, Italy. ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/003/x9800e/
  3. Siddiqi, A., and Anadon, L. D. 2011. The water-energy nexus in Middle East and North Africa. Energy policy (2011) doi:10.1016/j.enpol.2011.04.023.

مشكلة رمي النفايات في الأردن

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في الماضي القريب، كانت عمان تعتبر واحدة من أنظف المدن في العالم,  حالياً، وكما هو الحال في البلدان الأخرى، يشكل رمي النفايات على الأرض في المناطق العامة مشكلة بيئية متزايدة في الأردن,  والتي بدورها تشوه المظهر العام للبلاد كما أن لها آثاراً خطيرة على البيئة والإقتصاد والصحة العامة.

القمامة غير المرئية

تعتبر ظاهرة الرمي العشوائي للنفايات كارثة وطنية، حيث تنتشر النفايات المختلفة مثل العلب المعدنية والأكياس البلاستيكية وأعقاب السجائر والمحارم وأغلفة الطعام والإطارات القديمة على جوانب الطرق. لتسليط الضوء على المشكلة, قامت كاتبة المقال بدراسة ماسحة في عام 2011، حيث كشفت الدراسة عن المفاهيم الخاطئة لدى العامة لمفهوم “النظافة” في الأماكن العامة مثل شارع الوكالات، حيث أنه بناءً على ردود عينة عشوائية من المارة وبالرغم من تراكم كميات القمامة على جوانب الطريق والتي تملأ أحواض النباتات، إلا أنه تم التغاضي عنها ووصفت المنطقة ” بالنظيفة “

amman-litter

أسباب المشكلة وجذورها

لقد أدى تغيير الأنماط السكانية خلال السنوات القليلة الماضية إلى تغيير جذري في كافة أشكال الأنشطة البشرية، والذي بدوره أدى إلى إنتاج كميات متزايدة من النفايات. إن الطبيعة المؤسسية للبلديات، وإنعدام البنية التحتية لإدارة النفايات، وزيادة معدل الفقر، وتدفق اللاجئين، والأهم من ذلك،التغيرات السلوكية لدى المواطنين بسبب قلة الوعي, أسباب أسهمت جميعها في تفاقم مشكلة رمي النفايات. وكما كشفت الدراسة المذكورة سابقاً عن سبب آخر للمشكلة ألا وهو التعريف الخاطئ لـمفهوم “النظافة” في الأماكن العامة .كما أدت الفجوة بين الجوانب النظرية والعملية للمعرفة البيئية إلى عدم ربط الأردنين بين المشاكل البيئية وبين كيفية تأثيرها المباشرعلى حياتهم اليومية، وبالتالي فإنه من غير المرجح أن تكون سلوكياتهم صحيحة بيئياً.

التصورات الإجتماعية لإلقاء القمامة

ينظر الأردنيون إلى رمي النفايات من ناحية أخلاقية وثقافية، حيث يعتبر رمي النفايات دليلاً على الجهل والإهمال وعدم التحضر وعلى أنه حرام في الإسلام .

الحلول العملية المقترحة للقضاء على الظاهرة

هنالك جهود تطوعية جبارة من قبل الأفراد ومنظمات المجتمع المدني تعمل على تنظيم العديد من حملات النظافة وتثقيف المجتمع بهذا الخصوص. يمثل التشجيع على تغيير السلوكيات السلبية تحدياً كبيراً بسبب القضايا الإجتماعية والإقتصادية الملحة مثل الفقر والبطالة. تعتبر المشاركة الشعبية حجر الأساس لحماية الطبيعة, لذلك، فإنه ينبغي لجهود حماية البيئة أن تشتمل على دعم ومشاركة المواطنين والباحثين والبلديات وقطاع الصناعة وغيرها من القطاعات, وذلك لإعطاء حلول عملية للسيطرة على المشكلة. من المهم أن تكون تلك الحلول متناغمة مع خلفيتنا الثقافية وأن تكون مشتقة من تراثنا العريق كما يجب دمجها مع العلم الحديث. وفيما يلي عدد من الحلول العملية المقترحة للمساهمة في الحد من المشكلة:

1. خدمات البنية التحتية في البلديات لإدارة النفايات

لم تكن البنية التحتية لإدارة النفايات في البلديات قادرة على مواكبة الإنفجار السكاني وتدفق اللاجئين, إن وجود بنية تحتية للتخلص المستدام للنفايات ومحطات إعادة التدويرهي شروط أساسية لحل الواقع المرير للمشكلة.

2. الوعي العام والمشاركة الشعبية

لحسن الحظ، فإن وعي الأردنين للقضية آخذ في الإزدياد، لكن للأسف، فإن الإحباط يتسلل لهمة المتطوعين نتيجة ذهاب نتائج عملهم الشاق هباءً منثوراً تحت طبقة جديدة من القمامة الملقاة في الأماكن العامة. وبالتالي، فإنه ينبغي تبني برنامجاً متكاملاً لتغيير السلوك البيئي لدى المواطنين وعلى المستوى الوطني. بالرغم من إدراج الموضوعات البيئية في المناهج الدراسية وتبني وسائل الإعلام للقضية، إلا أنه يوجد فجوة بين الجوانب النظرية والعملية للموضوع,لذلك، يجب أن يتم ربط المحافظة على البيئة في الحياة اليومية، ويجب ترسيخ  مفهوم “النظافة” الصحيح لدى العامة  كما هو متجذر في الثقافة العربية الإسلامية, كما ينبغي إعتماد المزيد من البرامج البيئية في المدارس، فمثلاَ, يضرب برنامج المدارس البيئية والتي تتبناه  JREDS مثالاً يحتذى به, يجب أن يمتد تطبيق هذه البرامج إلى الجامعات، عن طريق إدارج مساق “خدمة المجتمع” كمتطلب إجباري لتخرج الطلبة على أن يشمل هذا المتطلب حملات نظافة للأماكن العامة. ولا يغفل المرء عن الدور الفعال والقيادي الذي يمكن للمساجد أن تقوم به لحل المشكلة.

3. الملكية

يولي الأردنيون عناية كبيرة بكل ما يشعرون أنه ملك لهم, لذلك ينبغي ترسيخ مفهوم ملكية المواطن الأردني للأماكن العامة وأنه ليس ملكاً للحكومة فقط, كما ينبغي أن تعرض فكرة الوطنية والولاء للوطن كمسؤولية المواطن عن البلاد وبيئتها.

4.سن وتفعيل القوانين والتشريعات

في عام 2012، أطلقت أمانة عمان الكبرى حملة ما زالت مستمرة حتى يومنا هذا تهدف إلى الحد من سلوكيات رمي النفايات, وذلك عن طريق فرض غرامات قد تبلغ 20 ديناراً لمخافلة رمي النفايات، ولقد أظهرت الإحصاءات إنخفاضاً ملموساً في عدد الإنتهاكات بنسبة 13% خلال عام واحد فقط (2014-2015)، مما يؤكد على أهمية تنفيذ التشريعات وتفعيلها لإنهاء المشكلة. وبما أن رمي النفايات أرضاً هو سلوك غير قانوني في الأردن، فهنالك حاجة إلى حملة تنشر القوانين التي تحظر رمي القمامة، كما يجب إعتماد نظام المكافئات لمن يقوم بالتنظيف.

تعتبر ظاهرة الرمي العشوائي للنفايات

تعتبر ظاهرة الرمي العشوائي للنفايات

5. بنك مجتمعي لإعادة تدوير

يعتبر تعزيز المشاركة المجتمعية في حل المشاكل البيئية أمر ضروري للتأثير على سلوكيات الأفراد نحو الهدف المنشود.يمكن لمبادرات إعادة التدوير الإستمرارعند تفعيل دور أفراد المجتمع المحلي، كما ينبغي أن تستخدم هذه المشاريع لإدرار الدخل للأسر المشاركة في المبادارات، حيث يكون البدء بفصل المواد القابلة للتدويرعلى مستوى الأسرة، ومن ثم تخزينها في بنك إعادة التدوير المحلي ليتم بيعها لاحقاً لتجار الخردة، وهكذا ستساهم هذه المبادرة في القضاء على النفايات عن طريق تحويلها من عبئ إلى مصدر دخل.

6. مسؤولية أصحاب الأعمال والمصانع

يجب أن تلعب الأعمال التجارية والتي بطبيعتها تولد القمامة بشكل كبير مثل مطاعم الوجبات السريعة دوراً فعالاً في الحد من المشكلة، حيث تحتم عليهم مسؤوليتهم الإجتماعية وإلتزامهم نحو زبائنهم تشجيع التخلص السليم من النفايات المتخلفة عن منتجاتهم من خلال حملات نظافة وتثقيف وحوافز مختلفة. كما ينبغي على المسؤولين إلزام أصحاب العقارات وأصحاب المصانع بالحفاظ على أرضهم خالية من مخلفات البناء والنفايات الصناعية للحفاظ على المظهر العام .

7. إستصلاح النفايات غير الرسمي

إستصلاح النفايات هو جمع وإعادة إستخدام أو بيع النفايات التي كانت ستؤول إلى مكبات النفايات البلدية. إن إنشاء نماذجاً للأعمال والتي تنظم وتتعاون مع تجار الخردة ومستصلحي النفايات، سيساعد بدوره في حل مشكلة النفايات وتوسيع فرص العمل الأردنية.

كلمة أخيرة

في النهاية, يجدر القول أننا في أمس الحاجة للتقنيات المستمدة من تراثنا والمتوافقة مع حضارتنا وهويتنا ومناخ بلادنا ومع معتقداتنا الإسلامية والتي تنص على الحفاظ على علاقة متوازنة مع الطبيعة, وذلك لحل مشاكلنا البيئية وتحقيق المكانة التي نطمح إليها إقليمياً وعالمياً.

المراجع العربية

نوره عبود 

Industrial Symbiosis Prospects in Jordan

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In a developing country, such as Jordan, with a relatively emerging economy and limited natural resources, the industrial sector expends more effort than developed countries and even more than developing countries that are rich in natural resources. In such a situation, industries should look into finding solutions to sustain their existence, which is not confined to keeping their production lines running and making profit, but it goes beyond that, it goes to a whole way of thinking a way that integrates the surrounding environment and that confirms on the industrial sector responsibility toward the environment, the home of its raw material.

Industrial_Symbiosis

Working Principle for Industrial Symbiosis

Basically, this is what can be called as Industrial Sustainability.

“Sustainable industrial development means doing more with less – increasing eco-efficiency, that is, decreasing the level of pollution and at the same time the amount of energy, material and other inputs required to produce a given product or service.

A concept that can be very important to attaining Industrial Sustainability is Industrial Symbiosis which offers a very feasible solution to a tight economic status. Especially that the payback that emerges from applying such a concept in the right conditions and circumstances exist makes is tempting.

The benefits range from reducing the amount of waste released to the environment; reducing the cost of waste disposal and the cost of purchasing raw materials to even achieving better socio-economic status by generating new income source and employment opportunities.

Marian Chertow, a pioneer in Industrial Symbiosis, has acknowledged that “Industrial symbiosis engages traditionally separate industries in a collective approach to competitive advantage involving physical exchange of materials, energy, water, and/or by products. The keys to industrial symbiosis are collaboration and the synergistic possibilities offered by geographic proximity”

Many industrial clusters over the developed countries has merged the Industrial Symbiosis concept with their environmental management systems, some saw failure and the other witnessed great success and benefits. Together failure and success emerged lessons learned.

One of the very successful experiences developed and still existing is Kalundborg, Denmark which has been described as an evolutionary process in which a number of independent by-products exchanges have gradually evolved into a complex web of symbiotic interactions, many studies show that this Industrial Symbiosis network has contributed significantly in reducing environmental impacts and increasing economic benefits over the years.

During my research journey in 2011 to investigate Industrial Symbioses existence or potential opportunities in Jordan, in which Zarqa Free Zone was taken as a study sample, it was concluded that there are some forms of waste exchange in the zone but it still did not reach the minimum criteria of Industrial Symbiosis. The potential and willingness from industries do exist to form an Industrial Symbiosis network especially that it could generate additional income to their business.

Many challenges were identified that could hold back the Zarqa Free Zone from adopting Industrial Symbiosis in its environmental management, such as the lack of adequate database that list the important data for evaluating any exchange such as the type and quantity of waste released from each industry. The current fluctuating financial situation is another obstacle that could be distracting industries from looking into best environmental practices.

All in all, the challenges found could be solved by offering economical incentives and promoting successful pilot projects. In Jordan, national and political schemes have the opportunity to adapt, integrate and encourage such a concept.