The Menace of Landfills in Kuwait

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Kuwait, being one of the richest countries, is among the highest per capita waste generators in the world. Each year more than 2 million tons of solid waste in generated in the tiny Arab nation. High standards of living and rapid economic growth has been a major factor behind very high per capita waste generation of 1.4 to 1.5 kg per day.

The prevalent solid waste disposal method in Kuwait is landfill burial. Despite being a small country, Kuwait has astonishingly high number of landfills. There are 18 landfills, of which 14 sites are closed and 4 sites are still in operation. These landfills act as dumpsites, rather than engineered landfills. Infact, landfill sites in Kuwait are notorious for causing severe public health and environmental issues.

Besides piling up huge amounts of garbage, landfill sites generate huge amount of toxic gases (methane, carbon dioxide etc) and plagued by spontaneous fires. Due to fast paced urban development, residential areas have expanded to the edges of landfill sites thus causing grave danger to public health.

Landfills in Kuwait

The total land area of Kuwait is around 17,820 sq. km, out of which more than 18 sq. km is occupied by landfills. Area of the landfill sites ranges from tens to hundreds of hectares with waste deposition depth varying from 3 to 30 meters. All kind of wastes, including municipal wastes, food wastes, industrial wastes, construction and demolition debris etc are dumped at these sites. Infact, about 90 percent of the domestic waste is sent to landfills which imply that more landfills will be required to tackle rapidly increasing volumes of solid wastes.

Most of the landfill sites have been closed for more than 20 years due to operational problems and proximity to new residential, commercial and industrial areas. These sites include Sulaibiyah, Kabed, Al‐Qurain, Shuaiba, Jleeb AI Shuyoukh, West Yarmouk, AI Wafra among others. Migration of leachate beyond landfill site boundaries is a frequent problem noticed across Kuwait. Groundwater contamination has emerged as a serious problem because groundwater occurs at shallow depths throughout the country.

The major landfill sites operated by municipality for solid waste disposal are Jleeb AI Shuyoukh, Sulaibiyah and Al-Qurain. The Qurain landfill, with area of 1 sq. km, was used for dumping of municipal solid waste and construction materials from 1975 until 1985 with total volume of dumped waste being 5 million m3.

The Sulaibiyah landfill site received more than 500 tons of waste per day from 1980 to 2000 with area spanning 3 sq. km. Jleeb AI Shuyoukh, largest landfill site in Kuwait with area exceeding 6 sq. km, received 2500 tons per day of household and industrial waste between 1970 and 1993. Around 20 million m3 of wastes was dumped in this facility during its operational period.

Over the years, most of the dumpsites in Kuwait have been surrounded by residential and commercial areas due to urban development over the years. Uncontrolled dumpsites were managed by poorly-trained staff resulting in transformation of dumpsites in breeding grounds for pathogens, toxic gases and spontaneous fires.

Most of the landfill sites have been forced to close, much before achieving their capacities, because of improper disposal methods and concerns related to public health and environment. Due to fast-paced industrial development and urban expansion, some of the landfills are located on the edges of residential, as is the case of Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh and Al-Qurain sites, endangering the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.

PPP = Permanent Plastic Problem

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The 3P’s of plastic – PPP – first is that the item or object is plastic. The second concern is that plastic is permanent. Not permanently in use, but after is use it has a very long life-span before it breaks down totally. And that leads to the third, and ultimate issue, that plastic becomes a problem.

The issues around plastic are multi-facetted, complex and very diverse. It depends on the composition of the raw materials, how the materials are combined and made into the plastic product. Then it becomes an issue in how the product or object is disposed of. The story then becomes very long in terms of how it breaks down, where it breaks down and what is breaks down into.

permanent plastic problem

Carbon footprint is heard so frequently these days in the context of climate change and global warming. The carbon footprint associated with the production of plastic is huge. Plastic production consumes large quantities of oil, and/or natural gas and energy to power the whole series of production processes. A baseline to start with is that in the production of just 1kg of plastic produces 6kn of CO2. The plastic production process also requires a large quantity of usable, clean water.

There is copious research in plastics, microplastics, accumulation of microplastics in our food chains which translates to our ecosystems in which we live. There are tonnes and tonnes of plastics in our oceans. Figures currently estimated at 8 million tonnes of plastics end up in our oceans. This happens so simply because we are a throw-away society. Instead of disposing correctly or recycling, people literally throw their plastic waste around them. In gutters, streams, alleyways, on the road. Other plastic waste may be carried by wind or washed away by rainwater and overland flow. It may come from wash off from landfills, improper storage and illegal dumping. This can be summed up in one word: trash.

Some plastic is recycled. Although recycling plastic is not a straight-forward and easy option. Different types or composition of plastics require different recycling methods. Unfortunately, only about 9% pf the global plastics are recycled. This could be summed up as sheer apathy.

According to numerous fishery studies and research projects, more and more fish are ingesting microplastics. This means that microplastics are entering our food chains and food webs. Microplastics are minute, tiny, miniscule pieces of plastic.  Still plastic. One needs to realise that we are part of the food ecosystem, in fact we are generally placed at the top of the food web.

As the microplastics pass through the various food chains, there is a process called bioaccumulation taking place. The actual accumulation increases through the food chains. As one moves up the chain, from proto- and zoo-plankton, through the lower level consumers, with the smaller fishes consumed by the larger fishes, their predators, the level of microplastics keeps increasing. And so yes, it is a documented fact that humans are now consuming fish with significant levels of microplastics in the tissues of the fish.

plastic problem

It is estimated  that humans are consuming a rather frightening amount of microplastics in the order of 40,000 pieces of plastic per week. A crude calculation of this amount of microplastic would be equivalent to the size of a credit card. This could be summed up as unpalatable.

Why is there such a demand for plastics you may be wondering. First and foremost, liquids both drinking liquids but also cleaning and lubricant liquids are containerised in plastics.  But around 40% of plastics are used in packaging. Filler plastics, protective wrappings, individual packaging, tapes and straps. The list of uses seems endless. Is it that necessary. This could be summed up as waste.

sustainable-packaging

What are the estimates of global plastic waste per annum. Hold on to your hats, Even take a seat. People on our planet, all 8 billion of us, produce around 300 million tonnes of plastic waste annually. Yes, its hard to visualize to truly appreciate these figures. Let us put into a visual context, that is like a full load of trash from a dump truck being emptied into the ocean every minute of every hour of every day for one whole year. No wonder sea level is rising!

No plastic is not the cause of sea level rise. But our plastic waste ending up in our oceans is a real and alarming fact. Everyone is responsible because we all use plastic in some form or other. Unless you are a 100 and naturalist, you are contributing to this waste accumulation on our planet, earth.

We are all accountable. So what will be your next move?

Conquer Litter for a Sustainable Future

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Littering is a common phenomenon both in urban and rural areas. Streets, sidewalks, parking lots, roads and highways are mostly covered with food wrappers, soft drink and water bottles, plastic bags, handbills, cigarette butts, tissues, papers etc.

litter on the highway

Litter has the potential to cause harm to human health, safety, public welfare as well as the environment. Littering can be a fire hazard and it attracts pests and rodents. Litter also cause accidents on roads as drivers avoid litter on road. Litter also harm plants, vegetation and natural areas. The temptation to ‘litter’ is usually motivated by disrespect to the law and its enforcement as well as ignorance and arrogance in our attitude, thinking that municipalities will clean our mess.

There are several factors that may impact on littering behaviour including inconvenience and laziness, absence of ownership or pride for the area, feeling that someone else will pick it up, number, placement and appearance of litter bins at or near the site, absence of realistic penalties, enforcement of legislation, lack of social pressure and lack of knowledge of the environmental impacts of littering.

Thus, dumping and littering whether on main roads or neighborhoods, on pavements or alleys, at beaches or wasteland should be prohibited. Also, dumping anything that may obstruct traffic or prevent people from movement should be unlawful whether it is garden waste, construction waste, furniture, vehicles or any other materials.

no littering signage

Conquering Litter

Litter can be conquered. People can make a difference. It is our responsibility to clean up the litter in an ‘earth-friendly manner.’ Clean communities have a better chance of attracting new businesses, residents and tourists. There is no reason for any of us to litter because we can always find a litter bin to throw the trash away.

Let us set an example for others, especially children, by not littering and by carrying a litter bag in our vehicle, securely covering trash containers to prevent wind or animals from spreading litter, when visiting parks and recreation areas make sure to leave the area clean for the next person to enjoy and restricting the distribution and disposal of handbills.

5 Rules to Become a Zero-Waste College Student

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Are you a college student who is trying to give back to the environment by going zero? Are you looking for tips on how to go waste-free? Well, you are in the right place. We will show you some ways with the help of which you can achieve a zero-waste lifestyle and low waste living.

We begin by saying, Congratulations. It is highly appreciated that you are trying to play your part in the betterment of the world at such a tender age. Let’s look at a few ways that will help you answer the question of how to go waste-free and that you can follow to have a very low impact on the environment during your 4-year stay at college.

1. Take part in university green activities

You may not know this, but several universities and colleges have a community garden, a compost system, or both of them. All you need to do is find out where it is in your college. A few colleges also have a kitchen compost. Instead of throwing your food scraps in the trash, you can place them in the college’s compost.

Several universities have a gardening club. You can join the gardening club, and use recyclable resources as pots and decorations. You can plant seeds in eggshells, and can use various other items as pots.

If you have searched and your college doesn’t have any of this, then you can take the initiative and start one yourself.

2. Get used textbooks

Another thing that you can do when you are thinking about how to go waste-free to get old textbooks. You are going to be studying new courses every semester. This means that you will have to buy textbooks every 6 months.

Not only are they expensive, but they are also seldom worth the cost since you are hardly ever going to use once the semester is over, except in a select few cases.

textbooks-reuse

Reuse of textbooks will not only help in environmental conservation but also help in education of children in less-privileged countries.

Therefore, it is a good idea to buy used books. Contact your seniors, and see if they have the books you need. You can go to the college library and get the books issued to you for the semester. With the advent of technology, most of the textbooks are available in their soft form online.

You can buy papers online for college and download the soft form of books instead of buying physical books to adopt a zero-waste living style and start a low waste living. You can read the world news on various blogs and forums online instead of physically buying one. There are various blogs online that help college students with several study-related issues, such as how to start a research paper and where to find the best material online.

3. Use reusable things

The best way to start low waste living is to start using reusable items. You can begin by using a plastic or glass water bottle. It is a very simple yet important step. You will not only contribute to nature, but you will also be saving yourself money by not buying a water bottle whenever you feel thirsty. A pretty deal, right? Don’t buy one-time use items, even things such as disposable plates for your dorm kitchen.

4. Buy durable school supplies

It can be pretty exciting and fun to shop for new things when school starts. However, don’t let the excitement cause you to overspend. Look for more durable and sustainable things. Use your old things, such as rulers, folders, binders, scissors, to begin your zero waste living.

If you have no choice but to buy new things, make sure that you buy things that have been made out of sustainable materials or recycled materials. Moreover, you can use your laptops to take notes instead of notebooks. If you can’t entirely stop using notebooks, then reduce the number of notebooks you use at least.

When you write research papers and articles, you do a lot of research work and use up plenty of paper. Don’t waste resources and buy college papers online. To start your zero waste living, buy college paper from the best and cheap sites. Don’t buy paper for college physically.

5. Use college transport

Most colleges and universities provide transportation facilities to their students. Instead of coming to college via taxis, or on your vehicle, make use of this facility and reduce your carbon footprint. You can walk to the campus, or ride a bicycle.

Conclusion

Earth is our home, and instead of destroying it or contributing towards its destruction, we should look for ways in which we can give back to it. Adopting zero waste living not only helps you reduce your carbon footprint, but it also helps you save money, which as a college student, you are going to be short of.

You need to remember that every step counts, no matter how small it is. Minute things such as using reusable straws and turning the tap off as you brush your teeth have a bigger impact than you’d think they’d have.

Here’s to going green, people!

Lifestyle Changes That Can Protect The Future Of Our Planet

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We are all more than aware of the global environmental situation that seems to be becoming increasingly worse as time goes and while many homeowners would love to advocate for the environment and work towards making a change, not everyone is entirely certain as to which lifestyle changes would make any difference at all. However, if more people were aware that they could save thousands of gallons of water per year and reduce the consumption of power, perhaps more people would be making an active effort to fight climate change and the destruction of our planet.

green-living

If you are hoping to make a difference that will positively impact the environment, you should consider the following lifestyle changes to help the environment.

1. Use Renewable Energy

The use of renewable energy is still a relatively new concept and while some consider renewable energy to be a costly investment, the initial spend will save you a significant fortune in the long run. What’s more, you will also be making a massively positive impact on the environment, which means you will be saving the planet and your pocket at the same time.

There are several ways that you can use renewable energy, such as solar panels for home, solar-powered water heaters, wind turbines for larger properties, and even hydro-power depending on your region and the location of your property. Choosing the best solar panels for harnessing renewable energy can essentially cut your power bill completely.

2. Getting Around

Even though it has been a common goal for the past several decades to purchase a car and travel in comfort, younger generations have noted just how backwards the goal is. Rather than saving to purchase a luxury vehicle, you should be considering methods of transportation that will not harm our environment. While you could consider biking to work, those who do not have to travel too far could also consider walking.

If walking or biking is simply not a realistic solution, you could consider travelling with others on your way to effectively reduce carbon emissions as there will essentially be fewer vehicles on the roads if more people travelled together when possible. Alternatively, investing in an electric or hybrid vehicle would also be a fantastic choice that will help protect the future of our planet.

3. Reduce Water Usage

From time to time, most homeowners have experienced water restrictions and cuts during maintenance and other issues. However, rather than degrading the short changes to your day, it would be wise to consider how little water your household is using during restrictions as you could ultimately continue and create a routine in which using water sparingly eventually becomes a habit.

Reducing your water consumption each day will ultimately help save thousands of gallons per year. Therefore, even small changes to your lifestyle will make an impact in a positive way.

Bottom Line

Reducing water consumption, switching to renewable energy, and changing your method of travelling can make a difference to the future of our environment and when considering that these changes will also save you a small fortune, you and the planet will benefit from your decisions. Sustainability and minimalism will save you money and save the planet at the same time.

إستخراج مياه الصرف الصحي: تغيير النظم في المدن شحيحة المياه

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في المناطق ذات النمو السكاني المتسارع، فإن الاستدامة تعتبر مُلّحة ومُهمة لإن هذه المناطق تكون أكثر عرضة لندرة المياه. يُعرّض مناخ الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا الحار والجاف هذه المدن للخطر. وبالرغم من ذلك، تنتج مدن هذه المنطقة – التي تعاني من ندرة المياه – كميات هائلة من مياه الصرف الصحي التي يمكن معالجتها لتلبية احتياجاتها المائية.

wastewater utilization

ما المقصود باستخراج (تعدين) المجاري؟

استخراج مياه الصرف الصحي (المجاري) هو عملية تجميع هذه المياه ومعالجتها لإزالة جميع الملوثات وفصل المواد الكيميائية لإعادة استخدامها. وبالعادة فإنه يتم الحصول عليها ومعالجتها محلياً. بهذا ممكن أن يقل الطلب على مياه الشرب عن طريق توفير مصدر محلي بديل للاستخدامات غير الصالحة للشرب.

يتكون نظام استخراج مياه الصرف الصحي من وحدتين رئيسيتين: مفاعل حيوي غشائي ووحدة تناضح عكسي، وهاتان الوحدتان متصلتان بنظام مدمج ليسهل نقلهما. تعمل هاتان الوحدتان معاً على تصفية مياه الصرف الصحي لجعلها آمنة للاستخدام في الزراعة، وري الحدائق، أو حتى استخدامها للشرب.

استخراج المجاري في الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا

تُعدّ منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا من أكثر المناطق في العالم التي تعاني من شحّ المياه. وهي تُعدّ من أفضل الخيارات لاستخراج مياه الصرف الصحي بسبب وفرة مياه الصرف الصحي فيها والحاجة المتزايدة للمياه النظيفة، لا سيما في مدنها.

استخدام التعدين في المجاري لمواجهة ندرة المياه

تعاني منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا من شح المياه في معظم المدن، مع وجود إمكانيات غير مستغلة. وربما تقوم مياه الصرف الصحي غير المعالجة بتلويث وتسميم المياه العذبة إذا بقيت كما هي. مما يعرض الصحة العامة للخطر ويزيد من أزمة المياه. وبالرغم من ذلك، فإن النمو السكاني في هذه المناطق ينتج كميات كافية من مياه الصرف الصحي والتي اذ تم استخدامها بشكل صحيح وعولجت بصورة شاملة، فإن بإمكانها أن تساعد في مواجهة ندرة المياه، حيث تعدُّ إمكانية تحويل الماء الملوث ومعالجته سلعة ثمينة وأمراً جاذباً للباحثين والمهتمين بالأمر.

تحديات معالجة مياه الصرف الصحي

إن القوانين والتعليمات النافذة حالياً لا تفي بالغرض لإجبار هذه المدن على تحويل ومعالجة مياه الصرف الصحي، بل على العكس فإن بعض هذه القوانين يفرض قيوداً على معالجتها أو حتى الجوانب التي تعيق مثل هذه العمليات. وكذلك فإنه لا توجد أية حوافز واضحة وصريحة للقيام بمعالجة مياه الصرف الصحي، ما لم يكن هنالك أي حافز مادي، فإنه على الاغلب ألاّ تُنجز هذه المهمة.

وكذلك فإن انعدام التواصل بين الصناعات داخل هذه المدن يوضح قلة الفرص لمعالجة مياه الصرف الصحي، وإن لم تتعاون الصناعات لتقديم المساعدة في مواجهة أزمة المياه، فإن الحل سيكون أكثر صعوبة.

ربما تكون أنابيب الصرف الصحي ضعيفة أو مكسورة أو حتى قديمة، لأن بعضاً من المياه العذبة ملوث بمياه الصرف الصحي، هنا يكمن الحل في إصلاح المجاري بدون حفريات، بدلا من القيام بالحفر الذي يحتاج نصف مساحة الأرض لاصلاح هذه الانابيب. حيث يتضمن اصلاح المجاري بدون حفر إطلاق راتنج إيبوكسي في أنبوب، ويكون بداخله أنبوب مجاري جديد وتغني هذه التقنية عن اعمال الحفر والبناء الشاقة وتقلل من تلوث المياه النظيفة.

للأسف، فإن الحواجز الثقافية وانعدام الثقة في بعض هذه المدن تلعب دوراً مهماً، حيث يعتقد الكثيرون أن إعادة استخدام مياه المجاري غير صحي وربما يسبب مشاكلاً صحيةً. ولنقوم بإحداث تغيير حقيقي، فإنه من الضروري أن يفهم هؤلاء والجميع كذلك كيف يمكن لعمليات معالجة مياه الصرف الصحي أن تخلصهم من الكثير من الملوثات الضارة بصورة ناجحة وأن يكونوا مشاركين بهذه الفكرة.

الفوائد المحتملة لاستخدام مياه الصرف الصحي

بإمكان معالجة واستخدام مياه الصرف الصحي أن تزيد من كمية المياه المتوفرة لمدن الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا، التي تعاني من شُح المياه، مع التزايد السريع بعدد سكانها. وبالإمكان استخدام مياه الصرف الصحي المعالجة في المزارع لري التربة وتخصيبها، وللعلم فهي غنية بالعناصر الغذائية التي تساعد النباتات على النمو والبقاء.

تحتوي مياه الصرف الصحي على كربون وهذا يُمكن تحويله إلى ميثان، لاستخدامه بإنتاج الكهرباء لعدد كبير من المنازل التي ستستخدمها لتوليد الكهرباء، لكن يجب مراعاة الآثار البيئية لأي طريقة يتم اختيارها. والانتباه أن حلول استخدام طاقة الشمس والرياح هي خيارات أكثر استدامة.

الغابات والزراعة وتنسيق الحدائق من القطاعات الأخرى التي يمكن أن تستفيد من مياه الصرف الصحي. إن توفير مياه الصرف الصحي المعالجة لجميع هذه القطاعات يمكن أن يحد من ندرة المياه في مدن منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا، ويوفر دعمًا اقتصاديًا لصناعات هذه المدن.

خطر ندرة المياه

إن هذا الخطر ليس مقتصراً على منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال افريقيا فحسب، بل هو مصدر قلق عالمي، فالتلوث بازدياد ويسمّم موارد المياه، وكذلك فإن التغير المناخي يسبب جفاف مصادر ماء أُخرى. وحيث أن العالم يشهد نمواً سكانياً متسارعا ومتزايد، فأن الحال كما هو في منطقتنا، مما يزيد ويفاقم من مشكلة ندرة المياه، فكمية المياه المتوفرة على الأرض لا تلبي حادة السكان المتزايدة.

الآثار السلبية لفقد المياه عديده وتؤدي الى عواقب بيئية واجتماعية، نذكر بعضاً منها هنا على سبيل الذكر لا الحصر:

  1. محدودية مياه الشرب
  2. تفشي الامراض والاوبئة والمخاطر صحية متعددة
  3. توقف نمو المحاصيل والنباتات
  4. اختفاء الأراضي الرطبة
  5. زيادة تركيز التلوث
  6. إضرار بالنظم البيئية
  7. صعوبات وتحديات اقتصادية
  8. صراعات بين المجتمعات والدول

إن إعادة استخدام الموارد ذات الإمكانات غير المستغلة، مثل مياه الصرف الصحي هي أساس ضروري لمستقبل أكثر استدامة. وبإمكانها ان تسهم بشكل كبير بتحسين المناطق الحضرية وخصوصاً المناطق المعرضة للجفاف.

دراسة حالات حول معالجة مياه الصرف الصحي المستدامة

وجدت التقنيات الحديثة لإزالة المواد الكيميائية الضارة واستخلاص العناصر الغذائية المفيدة من مياه الصرف الصحي. وهذه تتحقق بأعلى درجات النجاح إذا أجريت بشكل مستدام وضمن أنظمة دوائر مغلقة. في ماساتشوستس على سبيل المثال فإن بعض المرافق تستخدم نظاماً كهروضوئياً لإدارة مياه الصرف الصحي الناتجة عن المخلفات التجارية والسكنية، حيث تعمل هذه الأنظمة بالطاقة الشمسية مما يمكنها من الحد من تلوث الغلاف الجوي.

أما في كاليفورنيا، فهنالك صعوبات في تلبية احتياجات مياه الشرب بسبب الجفاف التي تعاني منه المنطقة. وهذه يؤثر على أكثر من ملياري شخص سنوياً. ولمعالجة هذه المشكلة فإن الهيئة المعنية بالمياه في مقاطعة أورانج تقوم بإنتاج ملايين الجالونات من مياه الشرب يومياً لتوفيرها للسكان.

استخدام مياه الصرف الصحي

تُعدُّ مياه الصرف الصحي مورداً غير مستغل لحدٍ كبير خاصة في مدن الشرق الأوسط وشمال افريقيا التي تعامي من ندرة المياه. ولتحقيق استدامة أكبر، فإنه من الضروري البحث عن طرق ووسائل لإعادة استخدام النفايات حتى لا تتراكم في ظل معاناة السكان.

هنالك حاجة لوضع أنظمة وتعليمات مناسبة، وخبراء لدعم استخراج (تعدين) مياه الصرف الصحي وجعل هذا ممكناً لإعادة الاستثمار الذي وضع في هذا النظام، ويبقى العمل الجماعي، كما هو الحال في معظم القضايا البيئية، هو الحل.

ترجمة: ماجدة هلسه

أردنية متعددة الإهتمامات، لديها من الخبرة ما يقارب السبعة وعشرون عاماً في مجال المالية والإدارة في المؤسسات المحلية والدولية، وتعمل ماجدة حالياً مع التعاون الدولي الالماني كموظفة مالية. ومع ذلك كله وعلى الصعيد التطوعي، فإن لديها شغفاً كبيراً بالترجمة في كافة المواضيع والمجالات، وقد بُني هذا الشغف بالخبرة الشخصية والعملية على مدى هذه السنين.

Note: The original English version of the article is available here.

Scaling Sustainable Agri-Tech in MENA: Policy, Finance and the Roadblocks Ahead

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Food security in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is facing a turning point. It’s well known that the area is short on fertile land. What’s newsworthy is that agri-tech solutions are being mobilized quickly to address this long-standing issue and how policy, capital and old-school obstacles shape the path ahead. Here’s a clear view of what’s happening, how it works and why it matters.

modern agricultural technology

The State of Agri-Tech in MENA

The hunger risk in MENA is serious. In 2023, 66.1 million people in Arab regions faced starvation. Wars are driving several countries toward famine, while water scarcity and limited arable land continue to shrink the agricultural output that so many depend on. Due to these limited resources, most countries heavily rely on imports to meet their demand. For instance, even the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries — among the most food-secure zones — import roughly 85% of their supply to feed their growing population.

Here is where agricultural innovations make the most difference. Tractors, drones and biotechnology all make farming more efficient and allow for higher yields even with less water and land and a lighter labor load.

The investment wave is already rolling, and these countries are leveraging their capital toward these sustainable systems:

  • Controlled environment agriculture (CEA): CEA is a primary focus to grow crops year-round in enclosed, even soilless environments. Vertical farming and high-tech greenhouses make this a reality.
  • Water management solutions: Given the region’s extreme aridity, technologies that drastically reduce water consumption are widely adopted. Many producers extensively use drip irrigation, hydroponics and desalination plants.
  • Precision agriculture: Sensors, satellite data, AI and drones make food production a precise science that helps ensure crops thrive with the least amount of resources through scheduled irrigation and efficient fertilizer use.
  • Agri-fintech and farmer support: In countries with many small-scale farmers, like Egypt, startups are utilizing smartphone apps to provide access to crop insights, microfinance and market information so that they can make more informed operational decisions.
  • Alternative proteins and biotechnology: The region has welcomed meat and dairy alternatives to ensure food security. Supermarket shelves are now stocked with plant-based nuggets, burgers and milk, even integrating well into restaurant menus.

The Policy Landscape

Government initiatives are driving much of the change in agritech. Economic efforts include grants and subsidies to private investments. As early as 2015, the UAE introduced the Green Agenda to reduce the nation’s carbon emissions to under 100 kilowatt-hours, which laid the groundwork for startups and sustainable farming projects to expand.

The governments also roll out programs supporting ventures in new international technologies. The Abu Dhabi Investment Office, in particular, has partnered with two global protein companies to establish a four-million-liter fermentation facility in the emirate.

However, fragmented and inconsistent regulations persist, especially in countries with weak agro-input policies. The pesticide sector in the MENA area remains one of the least regulated, mainly due to poor coordination among authorities, importers and sellers. At the same time, many countries lag behind international standards in food safety and traceability, which may slow the adoption of agritech that relies heavily on data, traceability and digital systems.

Water use is already regulated in the region, but implementation struggles arise. Countries have different approaches to regulating groundwater, with some requiring permits for well drilling and limiting the volume of extraction.

Morocco’s national water savings program is converting 550,000 hectares of land to drip irrigation. The program has progressed modernization but has caveats, particularly in how it overlooks on-farm water efficiency losses compared to the broader river basin scale.

digital tech in agriculture

Financing Sustainable Agri-Tech in MENA

Innovation needs money. While capital exists, it’s unevenly spread across the region. Strong assistance flows from sovereign wealth funds, private equity, family offices and governments in the Gulf. In contrast, North Africa experiences fewer and different forms of financing, constrained by limited venture aid and higher perceived risk.

Even within the Gulf, funding gaps persist. Arab countries require around USD 230 billion annually to meet the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.

Across the Near East and North Africa (NENA), over 80% of agricultural production originates from small-scale farms, with the average size typically being less than two hectares. These producers often lack access to credit and financial services, limiting their ability to adopt costly machinery innovations that reduce manual labor and improve efficiency. Maintenance can be a heavy burden, too — around 80% of costs stem from just 20% of machine problems — making support crucial for smaller growers.

Roadblocks to Scaling

The shift to sustainable agri-tech faces several barriers that slow its implementation. This is where most countries encounter challenges.

  • High up-front costs: Advanced systems save water and land, but the initial setup is expensive. For smaller farmers, the math doesn’t always add up without subsidies or technical assistance.
  • Fragmented capital and mandates: Investors have different financial priorities. Some development aid prefers to support North Africa, while Gulf-based resources focus on projects inside the Arab world. This fragmentation turns into uneven pan-MENA fund structures.
  • Climate, geography and infrastructure: Approximately 60% of the MENA population resides in areas that fall within arid or semi-arid rainfall zones. It is also among the most water-stressed regions in the world. These challenges hinder logistics, water and energy supply, making resilient infrastructure all the more foundational.
  • Small-farm exclusion: Many agri-tech solutions usually target bigger operations, leaving small-scale growers excluded from the development. Their participation is critical, particularly in the NENA, as they are often the ones who lack access to data, capital and training.
  • Regulatory uncertainty: Even when the policy framework is established, regular changes, a lack of local expertise and limited digital infrastructure can slow the rollout of precision farming, IoT, AI and other connected systems.

The Pathways Forward for Scaling Sustainably in Agri-Tech

Efforts in the region need tightening. Because countries have different laws and regulations governing the adoption of farming technology, fragmentation remains a significant barrier. Still, some solutions can be applied on a pan-MENA level.

digital agriculture

First, policies should offer financial incentives to develop and implement technology-driven solutions that help farming conserve limited resources while strengthening food security.

Public-private partnerships can also help close the funding gap for high-cost technologies, drive innovation and reduce risks for both sides. The focus should be on pesticide, seed and food safety standards, as these remain some of the biggest challenges across the region.

Finally, harmonization offers another path forward. Since many MENA countries face similar climate pressures, water scarcity and agricultural constraints, they could benefit from shared standards, data systems and coordinated technology deployment. Aligned regulations lower compliance costs, accelerate adoption and allow agritech companies to scale across borders rather than remain confined to individual markets.

Addressing MENA’s Climate Realities With Sustainable Agri-Tech

The ecosystem that drives the adoption of production technology relies on collaboration among all players, from smallholder farmers to influential government entities. To achieve food security in a water-stressed region, these stakeholders must collaborate to serve the broader population and ensure a future where food is produced sustainably with minimal environmental impact.

Green Growth in Jordan: Prospects and Challenges

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The global financial recession triggered serious debate among many countries in revealing the causes behind failures and in innovating affordable solutions. Seeking “transformational” economic growth is very fashionable nowadays bringing to the front-line clean energy and green investments as keys for a better future. And for those countries at the heart of change in the Arab World, the famous “Spring” is bringing a different flavor to the aspired change and reform.

Ways to Make Your Business Eco-Friendly

In Jordan, attention to sustainability (whether environmental or social) is a need as well as a strategic choice. For a country with very limited natural resources and increasingly growing demand, attending for people and environment is not only a political obligation but an under-exploited differentiator that would place Jordan as a regional platform for community-oriented development and sustainable investments.

The known argument of “environment versus investment” should not stay within our dictionary. Both are converging to support development goals especially within a vulnerable environment like ours. The magnified energy crisis that recently hit Jordanians has initiated a paradigm shift in perception and practice. We have never been more aware of the energy cost and the tough budgetary constraints like we are today. I wish I could claim the same for water, another upcoming reality that Jordanians are hardly ready to face.

Learning it the hard way, Jordan is recognizing with no doubt that sustainable development and effective linkages between economic, social and environmental goals, are not attainable without targeting development sectors and mainstreaming sustainability within their plans and operations. The standalone green approach in decision-making is no longer viable as it encapsulates environment away from other development policies and reforms.

gogreen-new-year

The demand for reforms that ensure long-term benefits to the community is dictating an integrated development approach. People need to be conscious about trade-offs and at the heart of the decision-making process. While calling for more jobs and social welfare; Jordanians are becoming more aware of the pressures caused by economic growth on the country’s natural resources. The business and investment climate has its requirements to give back with value added economy. Land, water, energy, infrastructure and good governance are all inputs in the development process; thus, if Jordan is to compete in the market, we should find the right recipe.

Recognizing its untapped resources, Jordan has identified clean energy and green investments as new clusters to boost economic development, provide green jobs, and sustain natural resources. As the first country in the MENA region to conduct a national green economy scoping study, Jordan has identified several opportunities to kick off the green clusters including renewable energy and energy efficiency, water and waste-water management, solid waste, green buildings, ecotourism, transportation etc. However, mainstreaming the green economy potential into those sectors is still limited.

The cost of imported energy amounted to 20% of the GDP (2006). Total imported energy amounted to 96% of Jordan’s total energy needs. The estimated investment made in the renewable energy sector in 2023 was about 4 billion USD.

In 20222, the installed wind power capacity across Jordan was around 600 MW while the installed solar energy capacity was approximately 2 GW in 2022.

A major achievement was made recently with the first patch of agreements signed between the government and renewable energy developers to start the first solar and wind power generation projects enabled by the recently issued comprehensive legislative and regulatory framework for renewable energy.

electric cars market in jordan

Such investments are expected to contribute to the energy security goals, create green jobs for Jordanians, alleviate burden off the government budget and position Jordan on the clean energy map. As promising as this truly is, Jordan needs to proactively pursue the other elements of the value chain, namely; education, innovation & technology, training, and entrepreneurship.

With over 70% of its population under 30 years of age, Jordan’s big investment needs to be in its talent. Mainstreaming the green economy market needs into the education and vocational training systems will enhance the green clusters competitiveness and ensure socioeconomic benefits.

Through building an effective regulatory and governance framework and bringing together public and private sectors as well as civil society organizations; Jordan will establish its competitive edge in the green economy world while striving to meet its people’s development aspirations.

Can Portable Toilets Create a Greener World?

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Future generations need a sustainable, safe planet, which is why industries are focusing more on how they impact the environment. Portable toilets are one example of an industry that strives to be eco-friendly. It is a green product since it’s recyclable, and you can move it from one place to another without needing a permanent toilet. Read on to learn more about how portable toilets contribute to a greener world.

environmental benefits of portable toilets

1. Water Conservation

Every day, the average American flushes more water down the toilet than they do for any other purpose. The good news is that you don’t need to flush or use water for waste disposal with a portable toilet, meaning you use less water in the home. Therefore, portable toilets save millions of gallons of water each day.

2. Improve Public Health

Properly maintained portable toilets help reduce the spread of diseases. Most reliable mobile toilet providers use products that do not contain alcohol or formaldehyde, which harms human health and the environment. Installing portable sanitation units at work sites can increase productivity since workers don’t need breaks to go to a remote toilet facility.

3. Proper Waste Disposal

Portable toilet rentals usually ensure proper waste disposal, especially when spread throughout an outdoor area or at a central location. Human waste may contain disease-causing bacteria that can contaminate nearby water supplies if not correctly disposed of. Thanks to technological advancements, portable toilets now have waste removal systems.

4. Minimize Insect Problems

Besides being a breeding ground for germs and pathogens, portable toilets contain human waste, attracting insects that propagate inside the walls and spread through significant contact points. But proper human waste management reduces odors and minimizes insect problems that would otherwise draw the insects.

5. Save on Materials

The temporary nature of portable toilets makes them great for the environment since they are made from recycled plastic, and you can easily transport them or remove them when you don’t need them.  As such, they do not encroach on the land in the same way as regular toilets.

Additionally, portable toilets don’t require plumbing. Thus, there’s no need for a lot of materials that would go to waste. It takes 15 to 30 years for the portable toilet to need replacing, so you can use it for a long time.

6. Prevent the Spread of Disease in Wildlife

Using portable toilets prevents excess human waste from washing into streams and drains, thereby preventing water pollution that would cause diseases and death to wildlife.  These diseases can also spread through human feet, animal hooves, or insect wings. When used at campsites or construction sites, portable toilets collect human waste to prevent the spreading diseases to wildlife.

7. Improves Sanitation

Portable toilets are more than just effective at cleaning up bathroom waste. In addition, people can stay clean by using sanitation options that provide additional protection from diseases from human waste. Most portable toilets have soap and water at the sinks for cleaning and maintaining the toilet.

Moreover, they ensure that the waste does not emit smells that may attract parasites and endanger health.

8. Controlling Odors

A portable toilet solves one major problem of bad smell. Its design locks the odor inside and prevents flies and insects from hovering over it. These toilets also consistently use odor-controlling products suitable for warm climates and can be equipped with winterized options. Most portable toilets have the best bacterial inhibitors and odor neutralizers available.

Bottom Line

Portable toilets are eco-friendly, hygienic outdoor restrooms that have come a long way since their invention. Consider installing a portable toilet to ensure people are safe since it is excellent for the environment because they save water, wastes less material, and keeps wildlife healthy.

Environmental Impact of the Global Textile Industry and Jordan’s Transition Towards a Circular Economy

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Globally, approximately 92 million tons of textile waste are generated annually. The production of a single cotton T-shirt requires around 2,700 liters of water, while a pair of sneakers weighing 550 grams results in 7 kilograms of production waste. In 2022, an individual’s textile consumption demanded 323 square meters of land and emitted 355 kilograms of CO₂. In Europe alone, an average of 12 kilograms of textile garments are discarded per person each year. Due to limited reuse and recycling infrastructure, most of this waste is exported to Asia and Africa.

environmental impact of textile waste

In China, only 20% of the 26 million tons of textile waste was recycled in 2020, with the remainder ending up in landfills. Meanwhile, the United States generated 16.9 million tons of textile waste in 2017, marking one of the highest national contributions globally.

The fashion industry is responsible for an estimated 4–5 billion tons of CO₂ emissions and consumes up to 79 billion liters of water annually. Dyeing processes alone account for 20% of global water pollution, while washing polyester garments releases microplastic fibers into waterways, eventually entering the food chain. Contamination from textile chemicals and dyes also contributes to marine pollution.

Landfill disposal of textile waste not only destroys land that could otherwise be used for agriculture but also contributes to methane emissions through anaerobic decomposition. Furthermore, cotton consumption in Europe has led to a 20% reduction in the Aral Sea. Textile waste is not only a recycling challenge but also a significant contributor to climate change, accounting for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Currently, not all countries recycle textiles. In Europe, 4–9% of unused textiles are destroyed, while 87% of used textiles are either incinerated or landfilled outside the continent. The majority of textile waste originates from consumer behavior. Historically, landfilling and incineration have been the most common textile waste disposal methods due to operational costs. Today, the textile industry ranks as the fourth most environmentally damaging sector, surpassing even the aviation industry in emissions. Clothing is the seventh most purchased product in global trade, and consumption is expected to continue rising until 2030.

We live in a world where a growing population follows the fashion industry’s implicit expiration dates. Shorter textile lifecycles, combined with rising living standards, have led to an increase in textile waste at a pace that outstrips recycling capacity. The waste hierarchy, which prioritizes prevention, reuse, and material recovery, stands in stark contrast to the fast fashion model, characterized by low-cost, high-turnover consumption.

Social media perpetuates this cycle by constantly promoting new trends. The fashion industry’s use of marketing automation activates the brain’s reward system, reinforcing the notion that shopping is inherently positive, while tailoring content to individual consumers.

The increase in textile waste also poses environmental risks to urban infrastructure and public health, particularly for the 1.1 billion people living in areas with limited waste collection services. From an environmental perspective, textile waste is highly resistant to natural decomposition, contributing to long-term pollution and resource strain in ecosystems. Which is why it is so important to consider long-term solutions.

Textile Industry in Jordan – A Green Transition Toward Circularity

According to reports, the average clothing consumption per person in Jordan was 109 Jordanian dinars in 2023. Which increased to 109 dinars and approximately 19 garments per person in 2025. Even though per capita consumption may appear low in certain countries, it is the global overproduction, short lifespan of garments, low recycling rates, and inefficient waste management that drive the increase in textile waste.

Jordan’s textile industry has set ambitious goals to adopt greener policies and transition toward a circular economy, in alignment with the country’s Economic Modernization Vision 2033. While the path forward meets challenges, there is a growing interest among enterprises in sustainable development and environmentally friendly practices.

The 26 garment manufacturers located in the Al-Hassan Industrial Estate (HIE), which hosts 108 factories in total generated approximately 35,000 tons of textile waste, with 70% consisting of fabric scraps from cutting processes year 2021.

These remnants were disposed of in landfills without sorting, due to the complexity of textile compositions. A private contractor collects the waste and transports it to the Al-Akaider landfill, at a cost of 4 Jordanian dinars per ton. This unsorted disposal method places additional strain on both the ecosystem and the waste management sector.

a pile of old clothes

To address these challenges, the Green Action in Enterprises initiative was launched, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ, in collaboration with Jordan’s Ministries of Industry, Environment, and Supply. The project aims to promote a green transition in the industrial sector through sustainable textile waste management.

Investing in recycling and reuse reduces pressure on the waste sector, lowers environmental footprints, and creates economic opportunities. Recycling conserves resources and prevents valuable materials from being discarded. A compelling example is Egypt’s Green Fashion initiative, which transformed 400 tons of textile waste into 76,000 new garments, while generating new employment opportunities. This demonstrates how recycling can support both environmental sustainability and social development.

In the long term, companies can achieve Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), enhancing their brand image and demonstrating transparency and commitment to international environmental standards. Textile waste should be recycled, reused, and upcycled, contributing to a circular economy and reducing overall waste. To facilitate this, a comprehensive plan is being developed by the Ministry of Investment, the Amman Chamber of Industry, and the French Development Agency, with funding from the European Union.

The plan includes five strategic business models:

Business Case 1: Investment in Material-Efficient Technology and Software

Implementing advanced cutting machines can significantly reduce fabric waste during the production phase.

Business Case 2: Mechanical Recycling for Industrial Symbiosis

Textile waste can be repurposed as raw material for other sectors, such as construction, promoting cross-sector collaboration and circularity.

Business Case 3: Mechanical Recycling for Fibre-to-Fibre Yarn Production

Fabric scraps can be transformed into new products like furniture, mattresses, or insulation materials through mechanical processes.

Business Case 4: Chemical Recycling for Fibre-to-Fibre Yarn Production

Mixed-material textiles are chemically recycled to recover original fibers, facilitating reuse and reducing landfill dependency.

Business Case 5: Upcycling with Social Entrepreneurs

Textile waste is converted into new materials in collaboration with local entrepreneurs, creating jobs and fostering social innovation.

References

Abrishami, S., Shirali, A., Sharples, N., Macintyre, L., Kartal. GE & Doustdar, O. (2024). Textile Recycling and Recovery: An Eco-friendly Perspective on Textile and Garment Industries Challenges. Textile Research Journal, volume 94 (23-24), s. 2815-2834. https://doi.org/10.1177/00405175241247806

Cheng, X., Long, R. & Yang, J. (2022). Interactive effects of two-way information and perceived convenience on waste separation behavior: Evidence from residents in eastern China. Journal of Cleaner Production volume 374 (2022): 134032. https://doi org.proxy.mau.se/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134032  [2022-11-10].

European Environment Agency (2023). EU:s export of used textiles in Europe”s circular economy. EU exports of used textiles in Europe’s circular economy | Publications | European Environment Agency (EEA) [2023-02-27].

Europaparlamentet (2025). Snabbmode: EU-lagar för hållbar textilkonsumtion.  Snabbmode: EU-lagar för hållbar textilkonsumtion | Ämnen | Europaparlamentet [2025-09-18].

GIZ (2023). Business Case 5: Upcycling with social Entrepreneurs. Introducing circularity as a Business Opportunity to Jordans Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector. textile-circularity-business-case-upcycling-social-entrepreneurs.pdf  [2023-02-].

Ministry of Environment Jordan. (2023). Textile Circularity Business Case on Mechanical Recycling for Industrial Symbiosis. https://moenv.gov.jo/ebv4.0/root_storage/ar/eb_list_page/textile_circularity_business_case_on_mechanical_recycling_for_industrial_symbiosis.pdf

Naturvårdsverket (2023). Så påverkas konsumtionen i Sverige. Så påverkar konsumtionen i Sverige (2023-05-10]. Naturvårdsverket (2025).

Petra News Agency. (2023, July). Jordan, French Agency Collaborate on Textile Waste Management Plan.

https://petra.gov.jo/Include/InnerPage.jsp?ID=66337&lang=en&name=en_news

Producentansvar -från avfall till cirkulär ekonomi. Om producentansvar [2025-04-22]. Naturvårdsverket (2025). Om producentansvar [2025-05-28].

Naturvårdsverket (n.d.). Insamling av textilavfall. https://www.naturvardsverket.se/vagledning-och-stod/avfall/insamling-av-textilavfall/

Paranjape, M., Mundkur S. & Athalye A. (2024). Recycling of Textile Waste – Sustainable Practices. Advance Research in Textile Engineering, 2024; 9(2): 1100. https://austinpublishinggroup.com/textile-engineering/fulltext/arte-v9-id1100.pdf

Raisul, I., Ramjan, A. & Shuvo Kumar, M. (2025). Fashion’s environmental toll: Textile waste and the urgency for sustainable solutions. Open Access Research Journal of Science and Technology, 13 (02), 089-107. https://doi.org/10.53022/oarjst.2025.13.2.0052

Seifali Abbas-Abadi, M., Tomme, B., Goshayeshi, B., Mynko, O., Wang, Y., Roy, S., Kumar, R., Baruah, B., DeClerck, K. & DeMeester, S. (2025). Advancing Textile Waste Recycling: Challenges and Opportunities Across Polymer and Non-Polymer Fiber Types. Polymers 17, 628. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17050628

Textile Insights (2024). Jordan Develops Textile waste management plan with EU and French Agency. Jordan Develops Textile Waste Management Plan With EU And French Agency – Textile Insights [2024-12-17]

UN Environment program (2025). Unsustainable fashion and textile in focus for International day of Zero Waste. Unsustainable fashion and textiles in focus for International Day of Zero Waste 2025 [2025-03-27]

High-Integrity Carbon Offsetting: Empowering Individuals to Take Climate Action in the MENA Region

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The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is one of the fastest-warming regions on Earth. Rising temperatures, desertification, water scarcity, and extreme weather events increasingly threaten cities like Riyadh, Dubai, and Cairo.

  • Average per-capita emissions: 7 tCO₂e/year (vs. global 4.4 tCO₂e)
  • Gulf countries: often >10 tCO₂e due to heavy AC use, car-dependent transport, and imported meat-heavy diets.

These emissions translate into heatwaves, degraded farmland, and air pollution affecting millions. While governments invest in renewables and adaptation, individual actions remain equally crucial.

carbon offsetting

Offsetting is not buying forgiveness — it’s investing in cooler, greener, more resilient MENA communities.”

What is High-Integrity Carbon Offsetting?

Carbon offsetting allows individuals to neutralize unavoidable emissions by funding projects that remove or avoid the same amount of CO₂. But high-integrity offsets stand apart because they meet strict standards:

Principle Meaning Example
Additionality Project would not occur without funding Solar mini-grid replacing diesel generators in Morocco
Permanence Benefits last decades Mangrove restoration protecting Abu Dhabi coast
Measurability Verified by auditors or satellites Projects verified by DNV or SGS
Leakage-free Emissions are not shifted elsewhere Agroforestry that does not displace farmland

In essence, it’s a climate investment. Every credit purchased funds a tangible, measurable outcome.

How High-Integrity Offsetting Works

  1. Measure your footprint: flights, energy, transport, diet.
  2. Select certified projects in your region.
  3. Fund the project and verify impact via independent auditors.
  4. Receive a carbon credit and certificate with proof of impact.

This process ensures transparency, accountability, and measurable benefits for both the climate and local communities.

Why It Matters for Individuals in MENA

Offsetting provides tangible environmental, social, and economic benefits:

Benefit MENA Example Impact
Climate Mangrove planting in UAE Sequesters CO₂ and reduces coastal erosion
Air quality Waste-to-energy in Qatar Reduces methane emissions
Water security Restored wetlands in Tunisia Protects freshwater sources
Jobs Clean cookstoves in Egypt Creates employment for women
Cost savings LED retrofits Lower electricity bills

High-integrity offsets create a triple win: reduce emissions, enhance local resilience, and improve livelihoods.

carbon offsetting projects in Middle East

 

Regional Use Cases

  • Layla, Dubai – Offset 5 tCO₂e via UAE mangroves. Her office now monitors the project using the app.
  • Ahmad, Amman – Invested in Jordan wind farms. Powers 200 homes; received a thank-you video from local farmers.
  • Fatima, Casablanca – Funded Moroccan agroforestry to offset flights home. 250 olive trees planted, increasing farmer income by 30%.

These stories show that individual actions in MENA can generate visible local impact.

Practical Steps for Individuals

how to offset carbon

Step 1: Measure Your Carbon Footprint

Use trusted tools such as:

Step 2: Reduce What You Can

Sector Action Savings
Energy Set AC to 24°C, replace bulbs with LEDs 0.5–1 tCO₂e/year
Transport Carpool, use metro or electric taxis 0.5–0.7 tCO₂e/year
Diet One meat-free day/week, buy local 0.3 tCO₂e/year
Water Fix leaks, reuse greywater 0.1–0.2 tCO₂e/year

Step 3: Offset the Rest

Purchase high-integrity credits from:

  • Gold Standard – Jordan wind, Egypt cookstoves
  • Verra – UAE mangroves, Qatar waste-to-energy
  • Saudi RVCM – Local solar, CCUS projects
  • Climate Neutral Now (UN) – Tunisia agroforestry, Lebanon reforestation

Start small: offset 1 tonne/month (~AED 55). It can cover a flight or AC use.

Step 4: Support Projects With Local Co-Benefits

Focus on projects that:

  • Create jobs
  • Protect biodiversity
  • Improve women’s livelihoods

Step 5: Automate and Make It Visible

  • Set up recurring offsets
  • Display digital badges on email: Carbon Neutral 2025
  • Share on social media: #MENAClimateAction

Step 6: Inset & Advocate

  • Buy low-carbon products: solar milk, sustainable dates
  • Encourage workplaces and communities to offset events\Engage in advocacy for MENA carbon markets

Step 7: Keep Learning

Follow organizations: EcoMENA, IRENA, UNEP West Asia. Participate in youth climate initiatives.

Challenges & Pitfalls

Challenge Risk Solution
Greenwashing Cheap non-additional credits Use Gold Standard, Verra, RVCM
Reversals Forest fires destroy carbon sinks Use buffered projects with reserves
Community harm Land grabs Demand FPIC and fair benefit share
Double counting Credits claimed twice Use transparent public registries

Regional Carbon Market Momentum

  • Saudi RVCM sold 2.2M tonnes in 2024
  • UAE Mangrove Alliance targets 100M mangroves by 2030
  • Egypt pilots Africa’s first COP27-aligned carbon registry

Investing locally ensures offsets benefit regional ecosystems and communities

Quick Start Checklist

Task Time Cost Impact
Calculate footprint 10 min Free Awareness
Replace 5 bulbs 15 min AED 25 0.3 tCO₂e saved
Skip 1 flight / carpool Ongoing Saves money 1 tCO₂e
Offset 2 tonnes 5 min $25–35 Neutralizes AC + driving
Share certificate 2 min Free Influence others

Conclusion: One Tonne at a Time

Offsetting is not buying forgiveness — it’s investing in cooler, greener, more resilient MENA communities.

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Imagine 1 million MENA residents each offsetting 5 tonnes annually — that’s 5 million tonnes CO₂ neutralized, equivalent to removing 1.2 million cars from the road.

It starts with you, today, one tonne at a time.

Tips for Choosing Eco-Friendly Window Blinds

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Eco-friendly window blinds are a great way to add style and beauty to your home while also being environmentally conscious. For the best price and quality, you need to do some research to choose an environmentally-friendly window blinds.

Benefits of Eco Friendly Window Blinds

Key Points

  • There are many benefits of eco-friendly window blinds, including the fact that they can help you save money on your energy bills.
  • Additionally, eco-friendly window blinds can also improve the quality of your indoor air and help to reduce the amount of noise pollution in your home.
  • If you are looking for ways to go green with your window treatments, environmentally-friendlywindow blinds are a great option to consider.

What Are Eco Friendly Window Blinds?

Window blinds are a great way to add privacy and style to your home while also helping to regulate light and temperature. However, traditional window blinds can be made from materials that are harmful to the environment.

Eco-friendly window blinds are an alternative that helps to reduce your window treatment’s impact on the planet. There are several different types of sustainable window blinds available, made from green materials like bamboo, recycled plastic, and even recycled paper.

Eco-friendly blinds can provide the same level of privacy and style as traditional window blinds, but with a reduced environmental impact.

What Are the Benefits of Eco-Friendly Window Blinds?

Window blinds are a type of window covering that gives you a lot of benefits.

1. Get Desired Level of Privacy

Green window blinds can be used to provide privacy.

2. Set a Personalized Tone

Using eco friendly window blinds, you can define and set the tone of a room as per your taste.

3. Prevent Glare

The superior quality window blinds can prevent glare from the sun, thus providing you with a comfortable environment to work on screens.

4. A Variety of Materials to Choose From

Modern window blinds are available in a variety of sustainable materials, including wood, metal, and plastic.

5. Minimal Impact on the Environment

Eco-friendly window blinds are made from sustainable materials that have minimal impact on the environment. One type of sustainable window blind is made from bamboo. Bamboo is a fast-growing grass that does not require pesticides or chemicals to thrive.

As a result, it is an environmentally-friendly alternative to wood. Another type of eco-friendly window blind is made from recycled plastic. Recycled plastic uses less energy to produce than new plastic, making it a more sustainable option.

6. Reducing Carbon Footprint

Window blinds made from sustainable materials can help to reduce your carbon footprint and make your home more eco-friendly.

How to Choose Sustainable Window Blinds?

Window blinds are a great way to add privacy and style to your home, but they can also have a significant impact on the environment. Fortunately, there are lots of eco-friendly options to choose from, so you can enjoy the benefits of window blinds without harming the planet.

1. Certified Organic Materials

One of the most important things to look for is certified organic materials. This ensures that the blinds are made from sustainable materials that have been grown without the use of harmful pesticides or chemicals. Bamboo is a popular material as it is incredibly strong and durable, yet still marine-friendly. Another great option is recycled plastic, which uses less energy and resources to produce than traditional vinyl blinds.

2. Environmentally-Friendly Manufacturing Practices

When it comes to the actual manufacturing process, look for brands that use sustainable practices such as renewable energy.

3. Recycling Option

Finally, consider the end of life for your window blinds. Many sustainability-oriented brands offer recycling programs so that you can recycle your old blinds instead of sending them to landfill.

Which are the Best Environmentally-Friendly Blinds?

Window blinds play an important role in any home. Below are the top four eco-friendly window blinds that are sure to please even the most discerning of homeowners:

environmentally-friendly blinds

1. Bamboo Blinds

Bamboo blinds are a popular choice for eco-conscious homeowners. Made from a sustainable resource, bamboo blinds are sturdy and stylish. In addition, bamboo is a highly renewable material, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce the impact of window treatments on the environment.

2. Hemp Blinds

Hemp blinds offer a similar look to bamboo blinds, but they are made from a different material. Hemp is also a sustainable and renewable resource, making it an excellent eco-friendly option. In addition, hemp is known for being exceptionally durable, meaning that your hemp blinds are sure to last for years to come.

3. Coconut Shell Blinds

Coconut shell blinds provide a unique look that is sure to add character to any room. Coconut shells are a waste product from the food industry, making them an environmentally-friendly choice. In addition, coconut shell blinds are known for being exceptionally strong and sturdy.

4. Jute Blinds

Finally, jute blinds are another popular eco-friendly option. Jute is a plant fiber that is both renewable and biodegradable. In addition, jute is often used in carpets and furniture, so it can stand up to wear and tear.

When choosing eco-friendly blinds visit Affordable Blinds, be sure to consider all your options to find the perfect fit for your home.

Why Go Green with Your Window Treatments?

Window blinds are a great way to add a touch of style to your home while also reducing your carbon footprint. Window blinds can be made from a variety of sustainable materials, such as bamboo, wool, and even recycled plastic. In addition, window blinds can help you reduce your energy consumption by blocking out sunlight and keeping your home cooler in the summer months. Since they are so easy to operate, window blinds can actually save you time and money in the long run.