Top 5 Alternatives to Hardwood Flooring

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Wood flooring is considered the most cozy, elegant type of flooring out there. Of this type, hardwood flooring is easily the king. Despite its expensive price tag, vulnerability to scratches and moisture, and required maintenance, many still go for this flooring in pursuit of a dream home.

The honest reality is that hardwood isn’t ideal if you have a big family and/or indoor pets who can contribute to the wear and tear of your home. In light of that, you must be game for sanding or refinishing every few years.

Is the perfect look worth the budget and all the trouble? Maybe not. So, here’s where the alternatives come in.

Alternatives to Hardwood Flooring

Thankfully, there are other types of flooring that achieve the same look of hardwood—without all the cons. Most importantly, these alternatives come at a lower cost and are even more durable and easier to clean than wood. Interested?

Then keep reading, for here are the 5 top alternatives to hardwood flooring.

1. Wood Tile Flooring

Despite its name, wood tile flooring isn’t exactly made of wood. It looks remarkably like it, though; hence, its popularity over the last decade or so.

Made of either porcelain or ceramic, it’s infinitely less expensive than hardwood, and more durable and environmentally sustainable to boot. Because it’s also impervious to moisture, wood tiling best suits rooms where humidity can be a problem, like bathrooms or kitchens.

There are downsides, however. You have to make sure that the grout lines are thin for the wood tiling to look like hardwood, otherwise it’s obviously an alternative. This means it must be installed by someone with flooring know-how, and not just any random Joe.

Wood tiles also crack and chip easily when anything heavy is dropped on it. The good thing is, compared to hardwood, it will be easier and less expensive to replace.

2. Vinyl Wood Flooring

Aside from cheaper cost, higher durability, and easier maintenance, vinyl is highly recommended for its hardwood look. Even though it’s a hundred percent plastic, it’s known for textured grain patterns that look like wood and is quite resistant to moisture.

What it offers that wood tiling doesn’t, though, is the softness that makes walking on the floor easier on the feet. It also doesn’t crack when heavy things are dropped on it. Also, it is overall much quieter under any footsteps.

The downside is, it has a high VOC content, which is a no-no if you’re housing small children or chemically sensitive people. It’s also prone to scratches and is known to come in limited colors.

But compared to the other alternatives, it’s for sure the easiest to clean.

3. Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood is special in that it’s made of multiple layers of plywood, with a thin slice of real wood right on top. It is definitely much cheaper than hardwood and, if well cared for, could last for around twenty years.

Still, it doesn’t promise the generations-long life of hardwood. In fact, it can only be sanded down at most two times in the product’s life, or else, the top layer wears away. Longevity is not its strong suit.

Much like hardwood flooring, engineered wood flooring requires meticulous cleaning, so it might not be as easy to have as wood tiles or vinyl. It boasts of resistance to moisture, however, that gives it an edge over the more-organic hardwood.

4. Solid Wood Flooring

Solid wood floor is an attractive way to enhance the elegance of your home. Due to its low maintenance and ease in cleaning, homeowners are increasingly going for solid wood flooring.

The characteristic feature of solid wood flooring is its homogenous wood composition with atleast 30 percent more scope for expansion than engineered wood flooring. It has the ability to resist dust, stain and scratch, and provides natural warmth with added comfort of bare foot walking.

5. Laminate Wood Flooring

Recently, the most popular alternative to hardwood flooring is laminate wood flooring. It looks just like hardwood, both in looks and in feeling underfoot, earning the positive reputation it enjoys today.

Just like engineered wood, laminate is made of multiple layers. However, instead of plywood, particleboard wood is used, and at the top is a sealed photographic layer. A common option for home remodels, its availability in various styles, textures, and colors, and faithful resemblance to hardwood is quite hard to beat.

Laminate wood is infinitely more durable than hardwood, although it can’t be sanded down once it’s damaged. Most people place laminate wood in high-traffic rooms like kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.

Sure, it’s not as water-resistant as wood tiles, but it’s way better than hardwood itself, and it’s easy to install, thanks to the many installation options available to laminate wood. DIY individuals will be able to install this themselves.

Unlike the other alternatives, its price range is quite wide, from cost effective prices to high-end prices. This is mostly because one gets what is paid for in terms of appearance. The more expensive laminate wood is what looks most like hardwood, while the cheaper ones aren’t as convincing.

Therefore, one must remember that if it’s for a long-term situation, the low-range laminate wood just won’t cut it. It would be better to invest in the high-end priced ones, which will still be cheaper than hardwood itself.

Bonus Tips: Checkout this article for engineered wood flooring vs hardwood

How Eco-Friendly Sleep Can Make Your Whole Life Better

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Ecofriendly sleep simply means sleeping in a greener bedroom. The apparent advantage of anything ecofriendly is environmental sustainability. However, when it comes to the bedroom, eco-friendliness achieves much more than saving earth’s resources. An ecofriendly bedroom is healthy. And, when you are healthy, isn’t your whole life better?

Now the question is, how can you make your bedroom eco-friendlier?

Below we have covered some methods of making your bedroom greener and the advantages of each method.

Ecofriendly mattress

Organic mattresses are free from synthetic materials and harmful chemicals. Some of their advantages include:

  • Naturally, fire-resistant materials: Meaning they do not use fire-retardant chemicals which can trigger skin and respiratory allergies.
  • Breathable material: Cotton and wool are breathable and absorbent meaning they will keep you cool in the summer and warm during the cold seasons.
  • Biodegradable materials: When you dispose of these mattresses, there is less impact on the environment due to the biodegradable nature of the materials.

Organic mattress options include natural latex and plant-based memory foam which use wool and organic cotton in the outer layer.

There is also an ecofriendly waterbed option in the organic vinyl waterbed. One advantage of waterbeds is reduced dust, dander, and mite, as there are very few places if any for them to hide. Learn more benefits of a waterbed at mattressgenius.com.

Note that organic mattresses might be more expensive than the traditional foam and spring mattresses. However, they are in the same price range as the more durable and popular memory foam (the synthetic type).

Organic bedding

Enhance your sleep even more by spreading a pair of organic bedsheets on your organic mattress. Don’t stop there; go for organic comforters and pillows.

When it comes to organic bedding, we are talking 100% natural cotton. The advantages include:

Increased comfort

Polyester and other forms of synthetic cotton are soft. But, 100% natural cotton is even softer. More importantly, organic cotton is breathable. Therefore, it allows air circulation and absorbs moisture, which keeps your body from getting too warm.

Less exposure to toxins

During your sleep, you toss and turn. These actions create friction between your skin and the bedding. With synthetic bedding, the tossing and turning expose you to toxic chemicals, dyes, and fragrances used in the manufacturing process. With organic cotton, you are at no risk of exposure to anything toxic.

Environmental sustainability

The farming of conventional cotton involves a lot of pesticides. Also, the manufacturing process involves chemicals and dyes. All these chemicals pose a risk to the environment as the waste will end up in water supplies and soil. Remember, harmful chemicals in pesticides deplete the nutrients in the soil that promote the natural growth of plants.

Green furniture

There are greener options for your bed, and other furniture in your bedroom such as wardrobes, dressing table, and sofa. Green furniture does not necessarily mean not using wood (although that would be the best way to eliminate cutting trees). It means that if you have to use wood, ensure the creation process had the least impact on the environment. For that reason, you should only buy wood furniture with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification.

However, the greener way is to recycle furniture. For example, instead of buying a new piece of furniture, hit the used furniture stores. You are likely to get something vintage and unique.

Another greener furniture alternative is to buy furniture made from recycled wood, plastic, and metal. Remember, recycled materials require less processing, hence use fewer resources.

Green furniture means less carbon footprint (through recycling and reusing) and less depletion of the tree cover (wood regulated by a responsible organization such as FSC).

Green paint

Synthetic paints emit VOCs, especially when new. Just like with many other products, there are organic options when it comes to paints.

The point of organic paint is to reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals and odors, which can cause respiratory issues in the short term.

Putting plants in your bedroom

Houseplants purify the air. They absorb VOCs such as benzene and ammonia. Besides, they improve the quality of air through emitting oxygen during the day.

So, by putting a plant in your bedroom, you are literally going green and decontaminating the air. Good air quality promotes better health and improves quality of sleep.

indoor-air-quality-arab

Some low-maintenance plants you can put in your bedroom include Chinese evergreen, snake plant, and devil’s ivy. For more effective decontamination, go for ferns and spider plants. The Peace Lily is renowned for electromagnetic radiation decontamination.

Final thoughts

Clearly, eco-friendliness in your bedroom is not all about environmental sustainability. You will sleep in a space with less air contamination from chemical toxins, odors and VOCs. Also, by choosing organic bedding, you will not come in physical contact with harmful chemicals in synthetic fibers. Ultimately, green sleep is of high quality. And, we all know quality sleep is a crucial factor in a happier, healthier life.

Also Read: How to Find the Best Brush Cleaner

Blue Roads in Doha: An Innovative Way to Combat Rising Temperatures

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The streets of Abdullah Bin Jassim near the iconic Souq Waqif in Doha were painted blue recently as part of a pilot project to reduce the effects of extreme heat in the city. By reflecting the heat instead of absorbing it, the blue-coated asphalt roads will support Qatar’s battle to combat the Urban Heat Island effect (UHI).

Image Source: The Peninsula (2019) Blue road project to bring temperature down

What is UHI?

With 55 per cent of the world’s population currently living in urban areas, cities struggle to meet their overflowing capacity resulting in a dense network of high-rise buildings, roads and highways. Regardless of the city’s climatic characteristics, this leads to a greater density of impervious and heat reflective structures due to the nature of building materials.

Termed as the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, the city experiences a greater absorption of heat and subsequent temperature increase due to the lack of ventilation and air flow. As one of the most widely documented impacts of climate change in cities, UHI is known to cause increase in surface and air temperatures, as much as a 12°C difference between urban and rural areas.

What are the impacts of UHI?

Such temperature increases in cities can have drastic consequences such as heat-related deaths especially among vulnerable populations like the elderly. Moreover, increased temperatures can also exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions as a result of increased air conditioning and other sources of energy consumption used to battle the heat.

The rise in air temperatures and lack of air flow also provides the perfect environment for increase in pollutants such as NOx compounds and tropospheric ozone, both of which result in air pollution and smog over cities, leading to even more health impacts and fatalities.

How can we mitigate and adapt against UHI?

One of the ways to mitigate urban heat island impacts involves increasing areas for vegetation and tree canopy cover as they reduce temperatures by providing shading and cooling the environment through evapotranspiration. Promoting green infrastructure across buildings is another way to mitigate against UHI as structures, such as green roofs, help to cool buildings and the surrounding areas, thus reducing the need for excessive use of air conditioning systems. Moreover, green roofs also work to reduce the UHI effect by absorbing air pollutants and toxins. Utilising other natural methods such as increasing the number of inland water bodies is also a well-known mitigation strategy against UHI.

Nevertheless, cities have begun focusing on adapting to the impacts of UHI, with the most recent development of heat reflecting paint that has coloured the streets of Doha blue. As part of the pilot project, the blue painted streets will test how well the paint can reflect the heat and thereby reduce city temperatures, as opposed to traditional roads absorbing most of the heat. Similar initiatives have already been tested in other parts of the world, with the most iconic being the white streets of Los Angeles.

References

  1. The Peninsula (2019) Blue road project to bring temperature down. https://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/19/08/2019/Blue-road-project-to-bring-temperature-down
  2. United Nations (2018) 68% of the world population projected to live in urban areas by 2050, says UN. https://www.un.org/development/desa/en/news/population/2018-revision-of-world-urbanization-prospects.html
  3. United States Environmental Protection Agency (2019) Using Trees and Vegetation to Reduce Heat Islands.
  4. https://www.epa.gov/heat-islands/using-trees-and-vegetation-reduce-heat-islandsBusiness Insider (2018) Los Angeles is spending $40,000 per mile to paint streets white — and it could have a surprising ripple effect on the city. https://www.businessinsider.sg/los-angeles-is-spending-40000-per-mile-to-paint-streets-white-2018-3/

How To Choose A Solar Panel

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Solar panels are the bread and butter of a solar power system installation. Ensuring that you get the best quality for your requirements is important in making an informed decision about what to install and who will be putting it up.

Otherwise, you could find yourself constantly having to fix solar panels that aren’t at the correct angle or facing away from the optimal direction.

tips to choose a solar panel

Unfortunately, most salespeople won’t have much advice about buying the best solar panel brand for your needs. Therefore, take a moment before purchase to do your due diligence to ensure that if something goes awry, then the seller won’t put you into trouble – especially if it can be avoided! It is also highly important to know the tips for maintaining peak performance with clean solar panels.

What Do Solar Panels Involve?

You’ll find solar energy systems in different shapes and sizes, with homeowners often choosing to have them installed on their rooftop to harness the power of the sun.

Businesses are also increasingly opting to install solar panels as a low-cost way to produce electricity.

Utilities are not to be left behind and now, large solar power plants are being built with grids to provide energy to all the customers who choose to remain connected to these grids.

Solar PV systems are multifunctional once installed and can generate electricity as well as reduce your monthly energy bills. When solar panels convert light from the sun into clean electrical power, it also reduces your dependency on other power sources and companies.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?

The average solar panel installation in the UK costs £5,000 to £10,000. Solar panels cost different amounts based on your location, how much electricity your household consumes annually, and how many panels you need overall.

It’s important to note that a more expensive solar panel system is likely to produce more electricity as well, thus reducing your bills and increasing your savings per year overall.

One of the great things about solar power is that if you’re using ‘Smart Export’ from your supplier, then you could be earning up to three times what you save through Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments.

This can help pay for your overall investment earlier than expected.

Why A Heat Pump With Your Solar Panel?

Heat pumps are based on a relatively new technology that typically uses less electricity to produce more heat, as opposed to boilers. They complement other forms of renewable energy such as solar power and are therefore extremely popular in the UK with more people using them in conjunction with solar panels.

ground source heat pump

The Renewable Heat Incentive program is subsidized by the government, and it supports homeowners who wish to install a heat pump system along with a heating system that uses natural gas or liquid petroleum gas.

Sustainable developments have started using lightweight solar panels to warm up a water tank on the rooftop.

This water tank in turn supplies radiant floor heating when required to domestic and commercial buildings where space utility is an important design consideration.

You can save time, save money, and get free and no-obligation quotes from vendors for your solar panel and heat pump as well. Increase the present market value of your home or business property with affordable and environmentally friendly solar panels.

Medical Waste Management: An Infographic

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Healthcare sector in the Middle East is growing at a very rapid pace, which in turn has led to tremendous increase in the quantity of medical waste generation by hospitals, clinics and other healthcare establishments. The growing amount of medical waste in the Middle East is posing significant public health and environmental challenges across the region. The situation is worsened by improper disposal methods, insufficient physical resources, inefficient medical waste treatment technologies and lack of research on healthcare waste management.

This infographic will provide more insights into medical waste management situation in the Middle East.

Medical Waste Management in the MENA Region: Perspectives

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Healthcare sector in the MENA countries is growing at a very rapid pace, which in turn has led to tremendous increase in the quantity of medical waste generation by hospitals, clinics and other establishments. According to a report by UNDP in the year 2020, Egypt generated 63.5 tons per day of hazardous medical wastes. In the GCC countries, more than 150 tons of medical waste is produced every day. Saudi Arabia alone accounts for annual healthcare waste generation of around 25,107 tons per year. Medical waste generation in Qatar is more than 20 tons per day. These figures are indicative of the magnitude of the problem faced by municipal authorities in dealing with medical waste disposal problem across the MENA region.

medical wastes in middle east

Magnitude of the Problem

The growing amount of medical wastes in the MENA countries is posing significant public health and environmental challenges in major cities of the region. The situation is worsened by improper disposal methods, insufficient physical resources, and lack of research on medical waste management.

Improper management of medical wastes from hospitals, clinics, pathology laboratories and other healthcare facilities pose occupational and public health risks to patients, health workers, waste handlers, haulers and general public. It is also leading to contamination of air, water and soil which is affecting all forms of life. In addition, if waste is not disposed of properly, ragpickers may collect disposable medical equipment (particularly syringes) and to resell these materials which may cause dangerous diseases, especially in poor countries of the MENA region.

Medical waste management method in MENA is limited to either small-scale incineration or landfilling. The practice of landfilling of medical wastes is a matter of serious concern as it poses grave risks to public health, water resources, soil fertility as well as air quality. In many Middle East and North Africa countries, medical wastes is mixed with municipal solid wastes and/or industrial wastes which transforms medical wastes into a cocktail of dangerous substances.

The WHO medical waste management policy paper of 2004 and the Stockholm Convention, has stressed the need to consider the risks associated with the incineration of healthcare waste as a typical medical waste incinerator releases a wide variety of pollutants which may include particulate matter, heavy metals, acid gases, carbon monoxide and organic compounds. Sometimes pathogens may also be found in the solid residues and in the exhaust of poorly designed and badly operated incinerators.

In addition, leachable organic compounds, like dioxins and heavy metals, are usually present in bottom ash residues. Due to these factors, many industrialized countries are phasing out healthcare incinerators and exploring technologies that do not produce any dioxins. Countries like United States, Ireland, Portugal, Canada and Germany have completely shut down or put a moratorium on medical waste incinerators.

healthcare waste in arab countries

Promising Medical Waste Treatment Options

The alternative technologies for healthcare waste treatment are steam sterilization, advanced steam sterilization, microwave treatment, dry heat sterilization, alkaline hydrolysis, and biological treatment. Nowadays, steam sterilization (or autoclaving) is the most common alternative treatment method. Advanced autoclaves or advanced steam treatment technologies combine steam treatment with vacuuming, internal mixing or fragmentation, internal shredding, drying, and compaction thus leading to as much as 90% volume reduction.

Microwave treatment is a promising technology in which treatment occurs through the introduction of moist heat and steam generated by microwave energy. Alkaline digestion is a unique type of chemical process that uses heated alkali to digest tissues, pathological waste, anatomical parts, or animal carcasses in heated stainless steel tanks. Biological processes, like composting and vermicomposting, can also be used to degrade organic matter in healthcare waste such as kitchen waste and placenta.

هل تعاني من متلازمة الابنية المريضة

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بالرغم من التقدم الذي أحرزه العالم في مجالي البيئة والصحة إلا أنه يواجه أزمة بيئية وصحية غير مسبوقة. ‏من المعروف أن الصحة هي من أغلى وأثمن ما يملك الإنسان, كما أنه من المعروف أن البيئة التي يعيش فيها الإنسان تؤثِّرعلى صحَّته بشكل مباشر وغير مباشر ,لذلك فإن لتنمية الوعي البيئي تأثيراً ملحوظاً على خلق وتعزيز السلوك البيئي الصحي السليم لدى الأفراد.

sick-building-syndrome

يعد المسكن من إحتياجات الإنسان الخمسة الضرورية كما صنفها الإسلام ,يمكن لتلوث عناصر البيئة مثل الهواء أن يؤدي إلى مشاكل صحية عديدة؛ فعلى سبيل المثال: يمكن للملوثات الموجودة في الهواء الداخلي في المنزل أن تسبب ظواهر مرضية مختلفة, منها ” متلازمة المباني المريضة” .تشير الداراسات أن 30% من بنايات العالم هي بنايات مريضة ,لكن ما هي متلازمة المباني المريضة ؟

لقد تم التعرف على ظاهرة متلازمة المباني المريضة أو Sick Building Syndrome”” في السبيعنيات من القرن الماضي مع بدء إنتشار إستخدام المعدات الكهربائية . يستخدم مصطلح ” متلازمة المباني المريضة ” عندما تظهر مجموعة من الأعراض المشتركة على عدد من الأشخاص المتواجدين في داخل بناية معينة أو في جزء من البناية وتختفي هذه الأعراض في حال مغادرتها. ولقد وجد أن النساء يعانون منها أكثر من الرجال وهي أيضا موجودة بكثرة بين العاملين في داخل المكاتب والأماكن المغلقة مثل المدارس,أو المكتبات ,أو المتاحف, وبالرغم من التقدم العلمي في مجال الصحة البيئية إلا أن هذه الظاهرة لا زالت غير مفهومة.

كيف لي أن أعرف إذا كنت أعاني من SBS

يكون المبنى مريضاً ويسبب المرض لمستخدميه في حال  :

  1. الأعراض المؤقتة والمتعلقة بالمدة التي قضاها المريض في بناية معينة أو في جزء منها.
  2. إختفاء الأعراض في حال مغادرة المريض البناية.
  3. موسمية الأعراض فهي تتعلق إما بالحرارة أو بالبرودة .
  4. ظهور الأعراض على أكثر من واحد من زملاء العمل أو سكان المنزل .

الأسباب

لا يوجد سبب وحيد إنما تنتج هذه الظاهرة المرضية عن مجموعه من العوامل المرتبطة بآثار سمية للملوثات المتواجدة في داخل البناية وبتراكيز عالية .إن إغلاق النوافذ وإستخدام المكيفات الهوائية صيفاً أو إستخدام التدفئة المركزية أو مدافئ الغاز أو الكاز شتاءً يؤدي إلى سوء التهوية، وهذه أجواء ليست بصحية خاصة مع تواجد المدخنين في البيت.

كذلك فإن العديد من البنايات تعاني من ضعف التصميم أوالصيانة أو ضعف نظام التهوية وهوعادة المسبب الرئيسي للمشكلة,حيث أن ضعف نظام التهوية يؤدي إلى تراكم الملوثات المختلفة والذي بدوره يؤدي إلى رداءة  نوعية الهواء الداخلي في البناية مقارنة مع نوعية الهواء في خارجها حتى وإن كان موقع البناية في مكان يعاني بشدة من تلوث الهواء الخارجي, كما أن سوء التهوية يؤدي إلى إستنشاق المرضى لهذه السموم طوال الفترة التي يقضونها في داخل المبنى. ومن الجدير بالذكر أن التعرض لتركيزات منخفضة جداً من أنواع محددة من الملوثات الداخلية مثل المركبات العضوية المتطايرة تعمل في التسبب في أعراض المرض. من خلال الدراسات وجد أن  أسباب ظاهرة متلازمة المباني المريضة يمكن إيجازها فيما يلي  :

1. الملوثات الكيميائية :

1-1الملوثات الكيميائية الداخلية : مثل الأوزون الناتج عن آلالات الطابعة والتصوير, ودخان السجائر والغازات الصناعية المتصاعدة من السجاد والملابس ,إعادة طلاء البيت بأطلية محتوية على الرصاص, كما أن الإستخدام المتكرر للمنظفات الكيماوية أو المعطرات الصناعية يساهم في تلوث البيئة الداخلية للمنزل.

1-2  الملوثات الكيميائية الخارجية :  سخام السيارات.

2. العوامل الفيزيائية : ضعف التهوية, درجات الحرارة العالية , تغيير درجات الحرارة خلال اليوم , الرطوبة المنخفضة, الذبذابات,ضعف الإضاءة, الغبار ,إستخدام شاشات العرض لساعات طويلة.

3. العوامل البيولوجية : إن إنخفاض معايير النظافة تؤدي إلى تراكم الملوثات البيولوجية مثل حبوب اللقاح وحويصلات الفطريات وعث الغبار و العفن,والبكتيريا القادمة من المرحاض , والحشرات .

4. العوامل النفسية : الضغط والتوتر وضعف أخلاقيات الفريق العامل .

الأعراض

 من المهم ملاحظة أن مريض “متلازمة المباني المرضية” قد يعاني من بعض أو جميع الأعراض التالية :

  1. الصداع
  2. الدوخة
  3. صعوبة التركيز
  4. تهيج الأنف والحنجرة والعيون
  5. الغثيان
  6. التعب العام و الإعياء
  7. السعال
  8. طفح جلدي
  9. الحساسية للروائح

مخاطر التعرض للبناء المريض

من المهم أن تكون قادراً على التعرف على أعراض SBS والتعامل معها بسرعة, حيث أن واحدة من القضايا الأكثر إشكالية والمتعلقة بـ SBS هو التشخيص الخاطئ وبالتالي عدم المعالجة والتي تؤدي إلى إزدياد حجم المشكلة, إذا واجهتك هذه الأعراض ولم تختفي حتى بعد مغادرة المبنى  فإن هذا قد يكون دليلاَ أنك تعاني من مرض يسمى ( Building-related illness( BRI

  • هل تعلم أنه يمكن أن يكون لـ  SBS  أثار نفسية طويلة المدى على شكل إكتئاب ,أو القلق أو حتى جنون العظمة؟

ما الذي يمكنني القيام به حيال SBS

تتلخص الحلول بتلافي المسببات ,عليك البدء بإتخاذ الإجراءات اللازمة إذا كنت تعتقد أن منزلك مريضاً،حيث أنك تحتاج إلى تحسين نوعية الهواء الداخلي, فبمجرد أن توقف بيتك عن إصدار هذه السموم فإن الأعراض المرضية ستتوقف تلقائياَ.أما على صعيد العمل, فإن متلازمة الأبنية المريضة تؤدي إلى إرتفاع غياب الموظف وإنخفاض كفاءته بالعمل , لذلك فإنه يجب التشاور مع زملائك لمعرفة ما إذا كانوا يعانون من نفس الأعراض, وفي حالة وجود الأعراض فإنه يجب تفحص المبنى من قبل خبير مؤهل,حيث أن ضعف تصميم المكاتب و ضعف صيانة أنظمة التهوية لها أن تضاعف الآثار الصحية السلبية للعوامل الملوثة. 

تمتلك الطبيعة أدوات فعالة جداً لتنظيف الهواء, حيث أن أشعة الشمس لها أثر العجب في تنظيف الهواء. لا بد من أن يكون هنالك منافذ كافية لدخول الشمس والهواء,فمن المهم جدا التركيز على التهوية الطبيعية الجيدة وبشكل دوري خلال اليوم حتى في أيام الشتاء القارصة البرودة ,كما أنه يجب الإهتمام بالنظافة العامة للبناية وهذا لا يعني الإسراف في إستخدام المنظفات إنما إستخدامها بإعتدال, أيضاً يجب التأكد من صحة إستخدام المواد المنظفة وتخزينها بعيدا عن أية مواد أخرى, كما يجب تفحص أنظمة التدفئة والتكييف والتبريد والتهوية وبشكل دوري.

indoor plants that will improve indoor air quality

لحسن الحظ أن هنالك بدائل طبيعية والتي تعمل على تنقية الهواء في الأماكن المغلقة مثل المنزل,حيث أنه يوجد أنواعاً من النباتات تعمل كمنقية للهواء الداخلي حيث أنها تقوم بإمتصاص المواد السامة من الجو. كما أن للنباتات تأثير ايجابي على الصحة النفسية فلقد أثبتت فعاليتها في زيادة التركيز والنشاط وفي التخفيف من الإرهاق والتوتر. ليس هذا فحسب, بل تفوق النباتات الخضراء شاشات الحماية أهميةً في التخفيف من تأثير الموجات الكهرومغناطيسية الضارة الصادرة عن الالكترونيات.مايلي قائمة بهذه النباتات لإختيار المناسب منها:

  1. زنبق السلام Peace Lily
  2. Pothos Golden
  3. أجلونيما Chinese Evergreen
  4. نبتة الثعبان Snake Plant
  5. الأقحوان الداخلي Daisies.
  6. أضاليا داخلية .Chrysanthemum
  7. Australian Umbrella Tree.
  8. الدارسينا Dracaena.
  9. Aloe Vera.
  10. السرخس Boston fern.

التوصيات

 يقضي الإنسان معظم يومه في داخل المباني أو البيئات المغلقة, ولقد أصبح الهواء الداخلي عرضة للتلوث مما يسبب أعراضا مرضية كما في ” متلازمة المباني المريضة “, تسبب هذه المتلازمة الصداع والإجهاد الشديدين للمريض كما أن لها آثاراً سلبية واضحة على الصحة الجسدية والنفسية وتؤدي إلى تراجع الإنتاجية في العمل. تتلخص الحلول بتلافي المسببات ,كما تمتلك الطبيعة أدوات فعالة لتنقية الهواء, فالحرص على التهوية الطبيعية الجيدة حتى في فصل الشتاء مع ضرورة التأكد من دخول الأشعة الشمسية للمنزل بإعتدال له أثر العجب لحل المشكلة, أيضا يمكن إستخدام النباتات الطبيعية والتي من السهل العناية بها كمنقي طبيعي للهواء الداخلي ,كما أنه يجب عدم الإسراف في إستخدام المواد والمنظفات والمعطرات الكيماوية مع ضرورة مراعاة الحفاظ على معايير النظافة العالية. 

كيف تنشئ متجرك الإلكتروني: 5 خطوات أساسية

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لقد قال عشاق السوق بحق إن ليس كل شخص يمتلك فن إدارة الأعمال، ولكن إذا كنت تعتقد أنك تستطيع أن تكون ذلك الشخص، فإن الهوس الأخير بالتسوق عبر الإنترنت قد سهّل عليك الأمر. الآن، إن إنشاء عمل تجاري عبر الإنترنت لا يكلفك ثروة حياتك أو وقتك أو حتى اختبار خبرتك التقنية. من المتوقع أن يصل حجم سوق التجارة الإلكترونية العالمية إلى 4.8 تريليون دولار بحلول نهاية عام 2025. لذا، إذا كنت تبحث عن أي دافع لإنشاء متجر عبر الإنترنت إلى جانب عملك التجاري التقليدي، فقد حان الوقت الآن.

من إنشاء مزيج خاص بك إلى الاختيار من بين مجموعة متنوعة من الأعمال التجارية مثل بيع المنتجات أو الشحن المباشر أو التخزين أو البيع بالجملة أو حتى العلامات التجارية الخاصة، يوفر التجارة الإلكترونية مجموعة كبيرة من الخيارات. لتبسيط احتياجاتك في إنشاء متجر إلكتروني، ناقشنا خمس خطوات أساسية لبدء متجر إلكتروني يعمل بشكل مستدام.

steps to launch a sustainable online store

1. دقة اختيار المنتج/المجال المتخصص

للبدء في كيفية إنشاء متجر إلكتروني، فإن الخطوة الأولى هي العثور على المنتج أو المجال الذي يمثل جوهر منصة البيع الإلكترونية الخاصة بك. هنا يجب عليك اختيار الخيار النادر أو الذي يحمل لمسة مهمة من شخصيتك الفردية، ولكنه يلبي طبيعة العرض والطلب في السوق على المدى الطويل.

باختيار مصطلح ”المكان المناسب“ أو ”المنتج المناسب“، نعني أن الخيار الذي تختاره يجب أن يعكس شخصيتك الفريدة من نوعها. فهذا هو السبب الذي سيؤدي في النهاية إلى نجاح متجرك.

2. سد الثغرات في الصناعة

على الرغم من أنك عندما تخطو خطوتك الأولى في عالم تجارة التجزئة الإلكترونية، ستشعر أن جميع المجالات المناسبة قد تم شغلها بالفعل. هذا أمر طبيعي تمامًا. ولكن باستخدام البحث المناسب عن الكلمات المفتاحية لاختيار المجال المناسب، وإجراء تحليل SWOT، وبذل الجهود اللازمة، لا يزال بإمكانك العثور على الفجوات غير الملباة ومتطلبات المستهلكين. وهنا سترتقي وتبدأ في لعب دور البطل أو المنقذ الحقيقي للمستهلكين.

من أجل الحصول على نتائج أكثر دقة بشأن الفجوات الصناعية، يمكنك الانتقال إلى:

البحث عبر وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي عن شكاوى أو طلبات أو توصيات المستهلكين.

الاستعانة بـ Google Trends لمقارنة أو مقارنة حجم البحث عن المنتجات.

دراسة المنتجات الأكثر مبيعًا ومعرفة ما يفتقده المستهلكون أو يشكون منه.

3. تفضيلات المنتدى

بعد اختيار المجال المناسب، فإن الخطوة الأكثر أهمية هي تحديد نوع منصة التجارة الإلكترونية التي تريدها عند البحث عن كيفية إنشاء متجر إلكتروني. لتخفيف الارتباك، يمكنك أيضًا اللجوء إلى مزودي خدمات التجارة الإلكترونية أو منشئي المواقع الإلكترونية، ولكن قبل ذلك، حدد نوع التجارة الإلكترونية التي ترغب في الحصول عليها. تشمل الخيارات ما يلي:

شراء نطاق مع توظيف مطورين محترفين لبدء العمل من الصفر

الحصول على نطاق مع خيار منتدى تجارة إلكترونية مفتوح المصدر

مجرد شراء منصة إلكترونية راسخة

4. تصميم الواجهة

على الرغم من أن فكرة الحكم على الكتاب من غلافه تعتبر سطحية بالنسبة للكثيرين، إلا أنه في حالة إنشاء متجر إلكتروني، يجب أن تهتم بالانطباع الأول الذي سيتركه المتجر الإلكتروني. ولا يمكن تحقيق ذلك إلا من خلال تصميم واجهة موقع إلكتروني مثالية وسهلة الاستخدام. تأكد من أن التصميم أو المظهر الذي اخترته يعكس طبيعة عملك، في حين أن التصميمات المخصصة قد توفر لك الخيارات التالية لتصميم الموقع؛

تخصيص أحجام النصوص

إضافة أصول ذات علامات تجارية مع صور عالية الدقة

تكوينات نظام الألوان

تضمين عناوين وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي

تجربة عرض المنتجات بتصميمات صفحات متنوعة ومبتكرة

5. إتقان التسويق

انتظر، فقد بدأت معاناتك للتو مع وصول المهمة الرئيسية المتمثلة في الترويج لموقعك الإلكتروني، أي تسويق المنصة. أصبحت فكرة الترويج أسهل بفضل تسويق منصتك عبر قنوات مختلفة على الإنترنت وحملات العلاقات العامة وإعلانات تحسين محركات البحث (SEO) بالإضافة إلى إعلانات الشبكات الاجتماعية.

Ways to make websites and online businesses greener

تساعد الإعلانات بشكل كبير في زيادة ظهور محتوى علامتك التجارية وكذلك في زيادة إيراداتك. أولاً، يمكنك تحقيق أرباح من خلال تشغيل حملات إعلانية عبر إيرادات إعلانات Google. ثانياً، يمكنك تحقيق مبيعات أكبر، فكلما زاد عدد الإعلانات التي يتم تشغيلها على مواقع مختلفة، زادت ظهورها، وزاد عدد المشاهدين الذين يمثلون المشترين المحتملين النهائيين.

مع التوصية الأعلى لمنهجيات التسويق الرقمي الأخرى، يمكنك أيضًا اختيار التدوين والإعلان عبر الإنترنت وإدارة حملات وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي.

الخلاصة

يتزايد نطاق إنشاء الأعمال التجارية عبر الإنترنت مع مرور كل ساعة مع الانتشار الغريب للرقمنة في أنماط الحياة العادية. ومع ذلك، فإن 50٪ من وقت جيل اليوم يقضيه على الهواتف المحمولة، والتي تعد نقطة اتصال جيدة للتواصل مع مجموعة متنوعة من التفاعلات في جميع أنحاء مسار التحويل.

إنشاء متجر إلكتروني هو مثال آخر على أنه يمكنك بسهولة تحقيق أرباح أعلى، خاصة إذا كنت تتبع ممارسات تجارية مستدامة.

لذا لا تنسوا أن تكونوا صديقين للبيئة وأن تتألقوا مثل الملكة!

ترجمة: عبدالله فيصل السلامة

طالب وطموح يسعى لتحقيق التميز في مسيرته الأكاديمية والمهنية. يتقن اللغتين العربية والإنجليزية. يتميز بشغفه الدائم لاكتساب المعرفة وتطوير مهاراته في مختلف المجالات.

Note: The original English version of the article is available at this link.

الأمن المائي في العراق 2025

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لم يعد الحديث عن أزمة المياه في العراق مجرد تحذير بيئي أو إنذار أكاديمي، بل أصبح توصيفًا دقيقًا لوضع وجودي يهدد حياة الملايين. في صيف 2025، يواجه العراق أسوأ تراجع في موارده المائية منذ قرن. المخزون في السدود الكبرى مثل الموصل، حديثة، ودربندخان وصل إلى مستويات حرجة تكاد تلامس “الخزين الميت” الذي لا يمكن استخدامه للشرب أو الري. الأنهار التي كانت شريان الحضارة السومرية لم تعد قادرة على تلبية الحد الأدنى من احتياجات الشعب، فيما تتصاعد المخاطر على الأمن الغذائي والصحي والاجتماعي.

water scarcity in iraq

واقع المياه في العراق – أرقام 2025

نهر دجلة: تراجعت الإيرادات الواردة من تركيا بنسبة تزيد عن 60% مقارنة بمتوسط 1980–2000.

نهر الفرات: التدفقات الحالية لا تتجاوز 30% من معدلاتها التاريخية بسبب السدود التركية والسورية.

السدود العراقية: بيانات وزارة الموارد المائية (تقرير شباط 2025) تشير إلى أن إجمالي الخزين المتاح لا يغطي سوى 3 أشهر من الاستهلاك إذا استمرت معدلات السحب الحالية.

المياه الجوفية: الاعتماد المفرط على الضخ غير المستدام أدى إلى انخفاض مناسيب المياه الجوفية في السهل الرسوبي بمعدل 1.5 متر سنويًا.

تراجع المخزون المائي وأثره المباشر

غياب الخزين الإستراتيجي يعني أن العراق دخل مرحلة “اللا أمان المائي”. وهذا يترجم إلى:

الزراعة: تقليص خطط الزراعة الصيفية بنسبة 70%، خصوصًا محصول الأرز (الشلب) في الديوانية والنجف، والذرة في بابل وواسط.

الطاقة: انخفاض إنتاج الكهرباء من السدود الكهرومائية بنسبة 50%، ما زاد الضغط على شبكة الكهرباء الوطنية.

المياه الصالحة للشرب: محافظات البصرة وذي قار وميسان تسجل أعلى مستويات الملوحة منذ 20 عامًا، مع وصول نسب الملوحة إلى 8000–10000 جزء بالمليون في بعض مناطق شط العرب (بيانات منظمة FAO – 2024).

التحديات البيئية المرافقة

التصحر: أكثر من 39% من الأراضي الزراعية خرجت من الخدمة بسبب نقص المياه وزحف الرمال (تقرير UNCCD – 2024).

فقدان التنوع البيولوجي: الأهوار الجنوبية، المصنفة ضمن التراث العالمي، تقلصت مساحتها بأكثر من 50% خلال عامين فقط (2023–2025).

التلوث: تركيز الملوثات الصناعية والزراعية في مجاري الأنهار تضاعف مع انخفاض التدفق، مما جعل المياه غير صالحة حتى للاستخدام الزراعي في بعض المناطق.

الأبعاد الاجتماعية والسياسية

النزوح الداخلي: آلاف العوائل في ذي قار والمثنى هجرت أراضيها الزراعية واتجهت نحو أطراف بغداد ومدن الوسط.

البطالة الريفية: انهيار قطاعي الزراعة وصيد الأسماك دفع نسبة البطالة الريفية إلى مستويات تفوق 40%.

الصراع الإقليمي: غياب الاتفاقيات المائية الملزمة مع تركيا وإيران جعل العراق الحلقة الأضعف في معادلة تقاسم المياه.

a polluter river in iraq

الفرص والحلول الإستراتيجية

 أ. إصلاح إدارة المياه داخليًا

اعتماد أنظمة ري حديثة (الري بالتنقيط والرش) بدلاً من الغمر التقليدي.

معالجة الفاقد المائي في الشبكات الذي يصل إلى 40%.

إطلاق برنامج وطني لإعادة تدوير المياه العادمة.

 ب. التحرك الإقليمي والدولي

الدخول في مفاوضات مباشرة وشفافة مع تركيا وإيران، بدعم من الأمم المتحدة والاتحاد الأوروبي.

تفعيل الدبلوماسية البيئية كملف سيادي على طاولة العلاقات الخارجية.

 ج. الاستثمار في تحلية المياه

إنشاء محطات تحلية على الخليج العربي لتأمين مياه الشرب في البصرة بدلاً من الاعتماد على شط العرب شديد الملوحة.

 د. بناء “صندوق الأمن المائي”

  مخصص للاستثمار في البحوث والتكنولوجيا (مثل حصاد مياه الأمطار، أنظمة المراقبة بالأقمار الصناعية، والطاقة المتجددة المرتبطة بالتحلية).

الأمن المائي في العراق لم يعد قضية بيئية أو اقتصادية فقط، بل أصبح قضية سيادة ووجود. إذا استمرت الاتجاهات الحالية دون تحرك عاجل، فإن السنوات الخمس المقبلة قد تشهد أزمة إنسانية كبرى تتمثل في فقدان الغذاء، تفشي الأمراض، وانفجار موجات النزوح الداخلي والخارجي. العراق يقف اليوم على حافة هاوية مائية، وما لم تتحرك الحكومة بدعم المجتمع الدولي لتطبيق حلول جذرية، فإن “أرض الرافدين” مهددة بفقدان أنهارها التي صنعت حضارتها.

المصادر (مختارة 2023–2025)

  • وزارة الموارد المائية العراقية – تقرير الخزين المائي، شباط 2025.
  • FAO – Iraq Water Scarcity Report, 2024.
  • UNCCD – Desertification in Iraq, 2024

How Can You Make Your Summerhouse Eco-Friendly?

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Many of us have had a rising concern for our environment, opting to do what we can to make our world a better place to live in. Thus, most people are gearing towards eco-friendly homes, while corporate buildings continue to improve their structures or create business establishments using sustainable design methods to protect the ecosystem.

We all know that our home environment impacts our health and quality of life. For several years now, designers have worked hard to lessen the negative impact on the environment by developing sustainable architecture. Interior designs focus more on improving light sources, ergonomic elements, and indoor air quality. All these factors aim to improve people’s health and well-being and help heal the environment.

how to ,make your summerhouse ecofriendly

Apart from your home, you may also want to focus on your summerhouse and make it even more eco-friendly. Since you spend a lot of time there, especially during the hottest seasons of the year, it is an excellent idea to make some improvements and create an eco-friendly summerhouse.

If you are planning to build a summerhouse soon, consider the following tips to make it eco-friendly and sustainable.

1. Use sustainable construction materials

Whether you plan to build a summerhouse or are making improvements to your existing one, it is best to use sustainable construction materials that help protect the environment.

For instance, it is recommended to use log lap cladding that is environment-friendly, natural, and durable. It offers natural insulation so that heat is maintained inside the summerhouse during the cold season. It is also tough and durable, withstanding the elements, so your structure is protected in the outdoors.

2. Opt for energy-efficient appliances

There are many energy-efficient appliances available today for you to choose from. You can select ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, air conditioners, and other devices we typically need at home. Your summer home can use these types of appliances instead of traditional ones that use up a lot of energy, so it can help you save more and help the environment to go for those that save on energy.

Additionally, it would be best to switch to LED lights that offer the same illumination without consuming too much power. They last longer and are affordable too. Finally, use a digital thermostat to control the temperature where it is most comfortable for your HVAC system.

how to reduce heating and cooling costs at home

3. Learn how to repurpose and recycle

Instead of getting rid of excess construction materials such as wood or bricks, use your creativity to create something functional with them by repurposing. For example, you may create a fireplace or construct an outdoor table with leftover materials. Additionally, you may find a use for them should you need to make repairs and save money in the process.

For other items you have, think of how to recycle them instead of throwing them away, especially those that are non-biodegradable. Again, be resourceful and create something you can use from these items.

upcycling of tires

Bottom Line

It is our responsibility to take better care of our world. The future of our children depends on it. We should also teach our family members to be more conscious about how to protect the environment. You can do your part by creating a green and sustainable summerhouse.

The Islamic Principles on Sustainable Development

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A huge number of verses in Qura’n and several sayings of the Prophet Muhammad indicate the great importance that has been given to environmental concerns and the responsibility of man to the environment. The concept of sustainable development in Islam can be defined as “The balanced and simultaneous realization of consumer welfare, economic efficiency, attainment of social justice, and ecological balance in the framework of a evolutionary knowledge-based, socially interactive model defining the Shuratic process”. The Shuratic process is the consultation or participatory ruling principle of Islam.

sustainable development in islam

The over arching principle in the use of nature is derived from the prophetic declaration that states: “There shall be no damage and no infliction of damage“. The right to benefit from the essential environmental elements and resources such as water, minerals, land, forests, fish and wildlife, arable soil, air and sunlight is in Islam, a right held in common by all members of society.  Each individual is entitled to benefit from a common resource subject to establishing the degree of need, (needs have to be distinguished from wants) and the impact on the environment.

Earth is mentioned 61 times in the Qura’n. According to Islam, the universe has been created by Allah (God) with a specific purpose and for a limited time. The utilization of natural resources (ni‘matullah – the gifts of Allah) is a sacred trust invested in mankind; he is a mere manager and not an owner, a beneficiary and not a disposer. Side by side, the Islamic nation has been termed as) ummatan wasatan) the moderate nation in the Qur’an, a nation that avoids excesses in all things. Thus, Muslims in particular have to utilize the earth responsibly for their benefit, honestly maintain and preserve it, use it considerately and moderately, and pass it on to future generations in an excellent condition. This includes the appreciation of its beauty and handing it over in a way that realizes the worship of Allah.

The utilization of all natural resources – land, water, air, fire (energy), forests, oceans – are considered the right and the joint property of the entire humankind. Since Man is Khalifatullah (the vicegerent of Allah) on earth, he should take every precaution to ensure the interests and rights of others, and regard his mastery over his allotted piece of land as a joint ownership with the next generation.

Land Reclamation

Prophet Muhammad said, “Whosoever brings dead land to life, for him is a reward in it, and whatever any creature seeking food eats of it shall be reckoned as charity from him“. The Prophet in another occasion said, “There is no Muslim who plants a tree or sows a field for a human, bird, or animal eats from it, but it shall be reckoned as charity from him“; and, “If anyone plants a tree, no human nor any of the creatures of Allah will eat from it without it being reckoned as charity from him“. This testifies the importance the Prophet in the early days of Islam has given to reclamation of land and the equal rights of all God’s creatures to benefit from the resources of earth.

Wildlife Protection

Wildlife and natural resources are protected under Shariah (Rules of Islam) by zoning around areas called “hima”. In such places, industrial development, habitation, extensive grazing, are not allowed. The Prophet himself, followed by the Caliphs of Islam, established such “hima” zones as public property or common lands managed and protected by public authority for conservation of natural resources.

wildlife protection in islam

Climate change and human intervention is threatening many wildlife species in the Middle East

Water Rights

In the Shariah, there is a responsibility placed on upstream farms to be considerate of downstream users. A farm beside a stream is forbidden to monopolize its water. After withholding a reasonable amount of water for his crops, the farmer must release the rest to those downstream. Furthermore, if the water is insufficient for all of the farms along the stream, the needs of the older farms are to be satisfied before the newer farm is permitted to irrigate. This reflects the sustainable utilization of water based on its safe yield.

Environment Protection

The rights to benefit from nature are linked to accountability and maintenance or conservation of the resource. The fundamental legal principle established by the Prophet Muhammad is that “The benefit of a thing is in return for the liability attached to it.” Much environmental degradation is due to people’s ignorance of what their Creator requires of them. People should be made to realize that the conservation of the environment is a religious duty demanded by God. God has said.  “And do good as Allâh has been good to you. And do not seek to cause corruption in the earth. Allâh does not love the corrupters”, (Al Qasas 28:77.(

Waste Generation

Islam calls for the efficient use of natural resources and waste minimization. God says in Qura’n: “Eat and drink, but waste not by excess; “He” loves not the excessive”, (Al-A’raf 7:31). “And do not follow the bidding of the excessive, who cause corruption in the earth and do not work good”, (Ash-Shu’ara 26: 151-152). “And do not cause corruption in the earth, when it has been set in order”, (Al-A’râf 7:56).

Water Pollution

Water also plays another socio-religious function: cleaning of the body and clothes from all dirt, impurities, and purification so that mankind can be presentable at all times. Only after cleaning with pure (colorless, odorless and tasteless) water, Muslims are allowed to pray. One can only pray at a place that has been cleaned. In light of these facts, Islam stresses on preventing pollution of water resources. Urinating in water (discharging wastewater into water stream) and washing or having a bath in stagnant water are forbidden acts in Islam. The Prophet said: “No one should bathe in still water, when he is unclean”.

Water Conservation

The teachings of Prophet Muhammad emphasize the proper use of water without wasting it. The Prophet said: “Don’t waste water even if you are on a running river”. He also said: “Whoever increases (more than three), he does injustice and wrong”.

water-conservation-mosque

تشجيع الناس على عدم تضييع الماء خاصة في المساجد و دور العبادة

Sustainable Forestry

Islamic legislation on the preservation of trees and plants finds its roots in Qura’nic teachings of Prophet. They include the following: “Whoever plants a tree and looks after it with care, until it matures and becomes productive, will be rewarded in the Hereafter” and “If anyone plants a tree or sows a field and men, beasts or birds eat from it, he should consider it as a charity on his part”. He is also reported to have encouraged tree planting as a constructive practice, saying that even if one hour remained before the final hour and one has a palm-shoot in his hand, he should plant it. Even at times of war, Muslim leaders, such as Abu Baker, advised their troops not to chop down trees and destroy agriculture or kill an animal.

Public Participation

The protection, conservation, and development of the environment and natural resources is a mandatory religious duty to which every Muslim should be committed. This commitment emanates from the individual’s responsibility before God to protect himself and his community.  God has said, “Do good, even as God has done you good, and do not pursue corruption in the earth. God does not love corrupters”.

Sustainable Fashion – Fact or Fiction

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The truth behind supposedly sustainable fashion is that it is not sustainable at all. Increasing awareness of the environmental impact of the fashion industry has resulted in emerging ‘eco-friendly’, ‘green’, and ‘conscious’ collections. These labels mean nothing to fast fashion companies but they do mean something to the thousands of trusting consumers being fooled.

is sustainable fashion a fiction

Studies have shown that people are willing to pay more for environmentally aware products which makes sustainability an effective marketing tool. Our high streets have been polluted by greenwashing. Greenwashing is presenting something to be environmentally responsible when it does not live up to the standard it has implied. This has grown with the use of the word ethical, which means that they are socially responsible for their workers but definitely does not include the maintenance of the earth.

Arguably, an ethical brand should also be sustainable. Greenwashing is as simple as using earthy, natural colours with countryside backdrops in campaigns. H&M is most widely known for this in their “conscious” collection which is a small percentage of their products that is allegedly sustainable and good for the environment. To quote their 2019 press release “every piece in the collection is made from a sustainably-sourced material, such as 100% organic cotton”.

What is not clear however is whether their clothes are entirely made from cotton or is it partially made from cotton and that that fraction is what is 100% organic. You will quickly realise that their products are often a mix of fibres where only a small share of the garment is made from more environmentally friendly materials. Furthermore, how is a material sustainably sourced? This relentless use of meaningless, vague, and legally undefined words allows big companies to get away with all of this misinformation.

There are many empty phrases used to trick everyday consumers into believing that they are buying sustainable products. Some brands claim that they reduced their carbon emissions by 15%. They omit the fact that this is a statistic per garment and that they produced 30% more products that year. This use of half-truths, omissions, and in some cases lies goes unpunished as sustainable fashion is a relatively new concept.

Companies can only be trusted if they are 100% transparent about the origin of their materials, the production, and the transport. Your cotton dress that was ‘Made in Italy’ may have only been sewn in Italy. It is important to do independent research and inquiry regarding every garment you intend to purchase.

recycled clothing

An easy way to shop more sustainably is to buy second-hand. This is not very new but is now becoming increasingly popular with the introduction of selling platforms such as Depop and Poshmark. Another way is to invest in longer-lasting and usually more expensive items of clothing this way you are not under the pressure of purchasing clothing as often.

The best way to ensure that you are buying environmentally friendly products is to check the tag inside the garment as to what it is composed of. A good product should include mostly organic or recycled materials. If we cannot trust these brands, then we have the responsibility to shop with sustainability in mind.