Water Crisis in Gaza

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Gaza Strip has been enduring constant Israeli bombardment for many years which has resulted in severe damages to its infrastructure and to its citizens. However the real risk is Gaza’s lack of usable water.  The only natural source of fresh water in Gaza is a shallow aquifer on the southern part of its coast; 90 to 95% of which is not safe for drinking because of neighboring seawater, sewage, and runoff from agriculture. Even though most of it is not fit for consumption, residents have no other choice but to resort to using it. UN hydrologists have indicated that current extraction rates from the aquifer run at around 160 million cubic meters (mcm)/year, 105 mcm above the recommended abstraction rate.

The repercussions of this over abstraction can be disastrous because a drop in the water table would cause a large volume of sea water to seep through the surface and into the aquifer, further contaminating the entire aquifer.

Of course the situation was not always like this. Prior to 2006, around 97% of all households within the Gaza strip had access to the coastal aquifer. Gaza also showcased five sewage and wastewater treatment plants that improved the water’s health & status. Why did all of this change? What happened? Why have scientists predicted that the Gaza strip will become unlivable by the year 2016?

The ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza has had a heavy toll on the strip's already fragile water infrastructure, leaving the territory's 1.8 million residents facing long periods without access to clean running water. This has driven residents to travel long distances in order to reach a source of water that they could use. Some residents have even relied on purchasing expensive bottled water smuggled in from the underground tunnels that connect into Egypt. The constant bombardment has also had negative effects on the five sewage and wastewater treatment plants in Gaza, three of which have been damaged by the bombings. The damage to the treatment plants led to the discharge of an estimated 3.5 million cubic feet (1 Cubic feet = 0.028 cubic meters) of raw sewage into the Mediterranean Sea every day.

It must be noted that this water crisis in Gaza was present well before the most recent Israeli bombardment began.  Since the Israeli blockade on the Gaza strip enforced in 2006 Israel has controlled everything from the national air space to everything entering and exiting the Gaza Strip. Accordingly, Israel has denied the influx of raw material that would be used to improve the current outdated infrastructure causing the existing infrastructure to deteriorate over time. Additionally, as is the situation in the West Bank Israel did and still consumes a disproportionate share of water (approximately 80%) from Gaza’s only water source, the coastal aquifer. Finally, as if to rub salt into the Palestinians wounds, it constantly rejects Palestinian proposals for the construction of private water wells and often destroys any that exist.

In 2012, the plans for a desalination plant in Gaza were suggested and were backed by Israel, all Mediterranean governments, the UN, the EU, and key development banks. It was also confirmed that the finances for this projects were to be provided by the Islamic Development Bank and the European Investment Bank.However shortly after the plans were published, conflicts reoccurred and Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip continued. This once promising project was discarded and infrastructure destroyed.

The city’s water quality has become a central factor in its water crisis threatening all life in the city. With no end in sight for both the current attacks on the city and the illegal blockade, there are little to no solutions left for Gaza. With its infrastructure constantly being destroyed and its water polluted, the only solution is peace. Without peace the water crisis will continue to worsen until the Gaza Strip becomes unlivable. The illegal blockade must be lifted to allow the people of Gaza the freedom to manage its own water supply, rebuild its infrastructure, and to import fresh water from the outside world because without it Gaza will cease to exist.

The Promise of Bioremediation

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Ecosystems are permanently challenged with the abundant release of toxic compounds into the environment due to a wide range of anthropogenic activities. Apparently, contamination with oil spills and oily waste disposal are a major global concern since it’s extensively damaging the biodiversity, threatening the public health and has severe ecological and socioeconomic consequences. For example, in 1989, thousands metric tons of crude oil spill in Alaska, led to a massive loss in the marine life as well as several long-term environmental impact. Minor oil spills and non-point oil contamination are no less threats to public health, biodiversity and environment.

Pollution of Nile

Industrial pollution is wrecking havoc in Nile

Awareness of this reality united the international efforts in searching for effective environmental cleaning-up measurements. Environmental cleanup is an extremely challenging task, as many pollutants are difficult to remove or transform into non-toxic products. Generally, the first response option is conventional methods, such as physical removal; however, they rarely achieve complete cleanup of oil spills since the current physical methods recover only up to 15% of the oil after a major spill; hence, more fundamental approaches are needed.

The focus has been shifted towards the biological methods, such as bioremediation, which are efficient, environmentally sustainable, and socio-economically acceptable than other methods. Bioremediation has been used by human since the ancient time; farmers have relied on composting to decompose solid waste resulted from animals and plants.

As a new biotechnology; bioremediation has been investigated since the 1940s, it is a process attempts to accelerate natural biodegradation processes; by definition; bioremediation is a biotechnology of using living organisms, mainly microorganisms’ metabolic activities, to degrade the environmental contaminants into less toxic forms. It uses biological agents such as bacteria, fungi or plants to degrade or neutralize hazardous pollutants.

Types of Bioremediation

Generally, bioremediation processes have been classified into two main categories: in situ and ex situ. In situ bioremediation involves on-site removal of contaminant, while ex situ involves mining of contaminated soil or pumping of groundwater to treat it elsewhere. In situ remediation techniques include bioventing, bioslurping, biosparging and phytoremediation.

Ex situ is useful for the remediation of polluted soils with high concentration of recalcitrant contaminants, such as polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and oily sludge’s. Ex situ bioremediation techniques include landfarming, biopiling, and bioreactors processing .One of the most important types of ex situ technique is Slurry bioreactors. Treatment of soils and sediments in slurry bioreactors has become one of the best options for the bioremediation of soils polluted by recalcitrant pollutants under controlled environmental conditions.

Microbial Bioremediation

Biodiversity is one of the Earth’s greatest treasures. Microbes represent the most diverse living organisms on earth. The ecosystems microbiota plays a major role in enormous physiological versatility and biogeochemical cycling processes. It is well recognized that the microorganisms play a fundamental role in toxic materials breaking down; they play as scavengers of undesired molecules in the environment.

With the advances in microbiology, biologists are recruiting the earth’s tiniest living creatures for cleaning up and reclamation of oil highly polluted ecosystems. It has been known for around 80 years that certain microbes are able to degrade petroleum compounds and use them as a source of carbon and energy for growth. Unquestionably, microbes represent a promising and untapped resource for new environmental biotechnologies.

Environmental variables can greatly affect the rate and extent of bioremediation. Both chemical and physical characteristics of the oil are important determinants of bioremediation success. One important required factor is the presence of microbes with the appropriate metabolic capabilities. The microbes can be either indigenous to a contaminated area (Biostimulation) or isolated from then brought to the contaminated site (Bioaugmentation). If these microorganisms are present, then maintaining the best rates of pollutant`s biodegradation can be achieved by ensuring that sufficient concentrations of nutrients, moisture and oxygen are present. Other variables, such as salinity, are not usually controllable.

Petroleum compounds in the environment are biodegraded mainly by bacteria, fungi, yeast and Archaea. Not all microbes are able to “mop up” all types of oil spills. Bacteria including Pseudomonas and Rhodococcus species work as primary degraders of spilled oil in the environment. Some Fungal genera proved to be the potential organisms for hydrocarbon degradation; Fungus such as Phanaerochaete chrysosporium is able to degrade an extremely diverse variety of toxic environmental pollutants.

Microbial bioremediation is used to treat oil spills in seas and on beaches.

The yeast species including Candida lipolytica isolated from contaminated sites were noted to degrade oil compounds. For Archaea, the studies showed that archaeal diversity more complex in the contaminated soil than in the uncontaminated soil. Archaeal populations in the contaminated soil consisted mainly of Euryarchaeota. Archaea may be useful indicators of ecosystem recovery from a pollution incident. Nevertheless, their full potential has yet to be exploited.

Bioremediation and Sustainable Development

Conclusively, the bioremediation of polluted environment using of an environmental-friendly, versatile and cost-effective technology such as microbial bioremediation will reduce the health risk, rescue the biodiversity heritage and restore the damaged ecosystem naturally. Moreover, well designed bioremediation projects will create direct and indirect employment opportunities; it will also facilitate a sustainable management of contaminated soils, all is tapping to promote and facilitate the integration of new sustainable socio-economic green activities in the Middle East region.

Future Perspectives

Bioremediation has the potential to restore contaminated environments inexpensively yet effectively. Lack of sufficient knowledge about the effect of various environmental factors on the rate and extent of biodegradation create a source of uncertainty. It is important to point out that many field tests have not been correctly designed, well controlled, or properly analyzed, leading to uncertainty when selecting response options. Hence, future field studies should invest serious efforts adopting scientifically legitimate approaches and acquiring the highest quality data possible.

Moreover, a wide diversity of microbes with detoxification abilities is waiting to be explored. The inadequate knowledge about microbes and their natural role in the environment could affect the acceptability of their uses. The understanding of the diversity of microbial community’s in petroleum contaminated environment is essential to get a better insight into potential oil degraders and to understand their genetics and biochemistry that will result in developing appropriate bioremediation strategies, thus, preserving the long-term sustainability of natural terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

سبع طرق لتقليل تكاليف التدفئة والتبريد في منزلك

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هل تعلم بأنه يمكن لمكيف الهواء  المنزلي أن يزيد استهلاك الطاقة بنحو 50٪؟ وهل تعلم بأنك تستطيع تقليل تأثير المكيف عن طريق إجراء بعض التغييرات الرئيسية أو الطفيفة في المكان وحوله؟ يمكنك تقليل نفقات التدفئة والتبريد في منزلك باتباع الخطوات السبع التالية:

1. استثمر في منظم حرارة قابل للبرمجة

ستسفيد  أكثر من الاستثمار في منظم حرارة قابل للبرمجة عندما يتعلق الأمر بتوفير المال، عند محاولة تدفئة منزلك وتبريده، حيث أنه من الممكنأن تنسى إيقاف تشغيل النظام أو ضبط درجة الحرارة إلى درجة معينة وهذا هو السبب في استخدام منظم الحرارة الذي ممكن اضافته او تضمينه في نظام التكييف الهواء لديك.

حيث يمكنك ضبطه للتحكم تلقائيًا  والتحكم بالتدفئة والتبريد  بالمكان عندما تكون في الداخل أو الخارج. فتقوم ببرمجته بحيث يغلق النظام اثناء النهار ويعمل قبل عودتك للداخل قبل حوالي الساعة أو حسبما تقوم ببرمجته.

how to reduce heating and cooling costs at home

إنه يعمل بطرق مختلفة، على سبيل المثال ، يمكنه إيقاف الضاغط بمجرد أن تصل درجة حرارة الغرفة إلى المستوى المطلوب، حيث لا يستمر المكيف في العمل الا عند الحاجة له، مما يساعد في خفض إستهلاك الطاقة.

لتتمكن من تجهيز منظم الحرارة لتصل لاقصى قدر من التوفير، قم بتشغيل المكيف لدرجة 78 فهرنهايت (25 درجة مئوية) عندما تكون في الداخل وأجعله يعمل بدرجة حرارة عالية عندما لا تكون في المنزل، لأن مكيف الهواء قادر أيضاً على طرد الرطوبة الداخلية، فمن المحتمل أن يكون المنزل بارداً عندما تكون درجة الحرارة 25 درجة في الخارج.

2. نظف مرشحات مكيف الهواء بانتظام

تنظيف مكيف الهواء هو الشيء  الرئيسي التالي الذي يساعد على تقليل استهلاك الطاقة وفواتير الكهرباء، جميع الغبار والأوساخ والألياف لديهم القدرة أن يجدواطريقهم إلى النظام  ويقوموا بإغلاق الفلاتر مما يجعل مكيف الهواء يعمل مرتين أو ثلاث مرات  أكثر مما ينبغي لتوفير درجة الحرارة المطلوبة

يجب أن يتم تنظيف  نظام تكييف الهواء كل شهرين تقريباً، وهذا التنظيف يشمل التصليح، واستبدال الفلاتر المهترئة او البالية.

3. أغلق جميع الفتحات في المناطق السفلى من منزلك

يكمن السبب بأن الطوابق العليا في المنزل تكون أكثر دفئاً من الطوابق السفلية/الارضية، لأن الهواء الساخن يرتفع للاعلى ويدفع الهواء البارد للأسفل، لذا يكون الطابق السفلي أبرد مكان في المنزل المكون من عدة طوابق.

تستطيع التحكم في تدفق الهواء الساخن والبارد عن طريق إغلاق فتح التهوية في الغرف السفلية بحيث يمكنك إعادة توجيه الهواء البارد إلى الاقسام الاعلى حرارة، وذلك سوف يساعد على معادلة أو موازنة درجات الحرارة وبالتالي تقليل الحاجة لتشغيل مكيف الهواء لفترات طويلة.

4. استخدم مراوح السقف لتدوير الهواء

إن القيام بتركيبمراوح السقف يساعد بتقليلالاعتماد على نظام التدفئة والتبريد، وبالتالي  يؤدي لتوفير الطاقة. فعلى سبيل المثال، ممكن أن تساعد المراوح في تدوير الهواء خلال الايام الحارة نسبياً مما يقلل الحاجة الى استخدام المكيف، وتجعل المراوح الغرف ابرد بمقدار 8 درجات لانها تحفظ حركة الهواء.

5. فحص نظام التدفئة والتكييف HVAC سنوياً

يجب أن يتم فحص نظام التدفئة والتكييف سنوياً من قبل الفنيين والمختصين بالإصلاح وتنظيف الغبار والاوساخ المتراكمة التي تؤدي الى تقليل كفاءة عمل الجهاز، حيث يقومون – عند الضرورة – بإستبدال القطع اللازمة، لذا لا تحسب خدماتهم بأنها مصروف إضافي بل على العكس فهم يساعدونك على توفير استهلاك الطاقة من خلال إصلاح واستبدال القطع التي تستهلك طاقة كبيرة. وغير ذلك فإنك تدفع مقابل هذه الخدمة مرة واحدة في السنة مقارنة بالفواتير الشهرية للطاقة.

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6. سد الشقوق والتصدعات

سد الشقوق  والتصدعات في النوافذ والأبواب وحولها يزيد من كفاءة عمل المكيف وتستطيع القيام بذلك إذا كان لديك مسدس الاغلاق (السد) ولست بحاجة الى أي مهارات استثنائية للقيام بذلك، إن القيام بسد او إغلاق هذه الشقوق يعملعلى زيادة كفاءة  عمل المكيف،يمكنك القيام بذلك إذا كان لديك مسدس  اللصق (السد) ولست بحاجة إلى أي مهارات استثنائية. إغلاق مثل هذه الفتحات سوف يمنع الهواء الساخن من التسرب ويمنع دخول الهواء البارد إلى منزلك. إن إغلاق الشقوق والفتحات بالأبواب والنوافذ سيكون مفيدًا للتقليل من  فاتورة الطاقة.

7. أغلق الستائر

تصبح المركبات شديدة الحرارة عند تركها تحت أشعة الشمس، وهذا ينطبق أيضاً على المنازل، حيث تتحول أشعة الشمس المباشرة التي تدخل من النوافذ والمناور الى حرارة عالية، لذلك فإن إغلاق الستائر للنوافذ الغربية والشرقية (أشعة الشمس المباشرة) يساعد في التحكم بدرجات الحرارة الداخلية أثناء النهار وبالتالي التقليل من استخدام المكيف، مما يؤدي لخفض فاتورة الطاقة.

ترجمه – ماجدة هلسة

أردنية متعددة الاهتمامات، لديها من الخبرة ما يناهز العشرون عاماً في مجالي المالية والإدارة في المؤسسات المحلية والدولية وتعمل ماجدة حالياً مع الوكالة الألمانية للتعاون الدولي كموظفةٍ ماليةٍ. ومع ذلك كله وعلى الصعيد التطوعي، فإن لديها شغفاً كبيراً بالترجمة في كافة المواضيع والمجالات، وقد بُني هذا الشغف بالخبرة الشخصية والعملية على

موسم النشاط البيئي

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النشاط البيئي يبلغ ذروته في الدول المشاطئة لحوض الخليج العربي في هذه المرحلة من كل عام مع تغير الاحوال الجوية وما يرافقه من حالات الكوارث البحرية بفعل غرق وتصادم البواخر النفطية التي تتسبب في تلويث نظام البيئة البحرية، وكذلك مع تحسن حالة الطقس وتزايد اعداد مرتادي البيئات البرية والساحلية وما يرافقه من انشطة وممارسات غير رشيدة في تلك البيئات تتسبب في التأثير السلبي على معالم النظم البيئية.

والنشاط البيئي يتباين في مضمون طبيعته الاجرائية بين المؤسسة الرسمية المختص في الشأن البيئي ومؤسسة المجتمع المدني الناشطة في حقل العمل البيئي، وبرغم جوانب الاختلاف في طبيعة الخطط والبرامج تبقى القواسم المشتركة المؤشر الذي يحكم طبيعة العمل البيئي، فالمؤسسة الرسمية بحكم طبيعة مهامها التنفيذية تتولى مهام التخطيط المبكر في وضع خطط الطوارئ البيئية للحد من مخاطر الكوارث الطارئة التي تشهدها المياه البحرية، وبحكم طبيعة الترابط الاقليمي لمياه الخليج يجري اتخاذ الاجراءات بالارتكاز على مبادئ العمل الاقليمي المشترك الذي تنظمه اتفاقية الكويت الاقليمية لحماية البيئة البحرية والمناطق الساحلية، وذلك في إطار منظومة العمل الاقليمي المحددة في مبادئ آلية العمل البيئي للمنظمة الاقليمية لحماية البيئة البحرية.

البعد الآخر للنشاط البيئي الذي يحظى باهميته في هذا السياق يتمثل في جهود المجتمع المدني لنشر ثقافة الحفاظ على معالم النظام البيئي، هنا تتنوع الانشطة في طبيعة اهدافها وآلياتها فهناك المجموعات البيئية التي تتبنى الانشطة الموجهة في تنظيم حملات تنظيف البيئات الطبيعية في المناطق البرية والساحلية، وذلك مدخل مهم لتوعية القطاعات المجتمعية للحفاظ على نظافة المحيط البيئي للانسان، والمجموعات البيئية التي تكافح أنشطة الصيد الجائر للانواع البرية والبحرية النادرة المهددة بالانقراض، كما ان هناك المجموعات البيئية التي تركز إهتمامها في تنمية الوعي والسلوك البيئي للمجتمع.

فهناك المجموعات البيئية التي تتبنى الانشطة الموجهة في تنظيم حملات تنظيف البيئات الطبيعية في المناطق البرية والساحلية

الاتجاهات المشار اليها في منظومة العمل البيئي برغم أهميتها الاستراتيجية هي في حاجة الى مراجعة آليات عملها في المراحل السابقة خاصة في جانب العمل المؤسسي الرسمي في ما يخص إجراءات مكافحة الكوارث البيئية الطارئة للتمكن في الاستعداد المبكر للحوادث الموسمية، وعلى صعيد أنشطة المجتمع المدني ينبغي ان يجري مراجعة الضمانات القانونية المنظمة لجهود المجتمع المدني البيئي وتوفير المحفزات الاجرائية والقانونية وغيرها التي تساهم في الارتقاء بمسارات العمل المدني في تعزيز فاعلية انجاز اهداف الأهداف الوطنية للتنمية المستدامة في البحرين.

Composting Scenario in Qatar

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The State of Qatar has one of the highest per capita waste generation rates worldwide. In 2012, Qatar generated 8,000 tons of solid waste daily (this is excluding construction and demolition waste which amounts to 20,000 tons additional waste per day).  This number is predicted to reach 19,000 tons/day in 2032, with an annual growth rate of roughly 4.2%.1  Most of these wastes end up in landfills – in 2012, more than 90% of Qatar’s solid waste were sent to landfills although the government is intensifying its efforts to reduce this amount.  This percentage is extremely high compared to many industrialized countries in Europe and Asia (e.g. Austria, Denmark, Netherlands and Japan) where less than 10% of solid waste are disposed of in landfills.  These countries have high recycling rates, have invested in technologies that convert waste into energy, and apply composting process to their organic waste.2 In some of these nations, as much as 40% of their wastes are composted.

What is Composting

Composting is an effective method for reducing the amount of garbage that enters landfills.  This is particularly applicable to waste streams having high organic content, which applies to most municipal solid wastes (MSW).  The process of composting is basically the breakdown of organic matter by micro and macroorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and/or earthworms in an aerobic environment.  The resulting product – compost – is rich in nutrients beneficial to plants like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, so it is mainly used as fertilizer and soil conditioner. 

The market for compost is steadily rising thanks to the effort of many governments to promote sustainable agriculture and the increasing demand for organically grown produce.  Composting, therefore, aside from keeping organic wastes from filling up landfills, can also be an excellent source of revenue.

Composting in Qatar

At present, composting in Qatar is mainly done at the Domestic Solid Waste Management Centre (DSWMC) in Mesaieed, which houses the largest composting facility in the country and one of the largest in the world.  The waste that enters the plant initially goes through anaerobic fermentation, which produces biogas that can power the facility’s gas engine and generators, followed by aerobic treatment which yields the final product. 

Two types of compost are generated: Grade A (compost that comes from green waste, such as yard/park trimmings, leftovers from kitchen or catering services, and wastes from markets) and Grade B (compost produced from MSW).  The plant started its operation in 2011 and when run at full capacity is able to process 750 tons of waste and produce 52 tons of Grade A compost, 377 tons of Grade B compost, liquid fertilizer which is composed of 51 tons of Grade A compost and 204 tons of Grade B compost, and 129 tons of biogas.3 

This is a significant and commendable development in Qatar’s implementation of its solid waste management plan, which is to reduce, reuse, recycle and recover from waste, and to avoid disposing in landfills as much as possible.  However, the large influx of workers to Qatar in the coming years as the country prepares to host the World Cup in 2022 is expected to substantially increase solid waste generation and apart from its investments in facilities like the composting plant and in DSWMC in general, the government may have to tap into the efforts of organizations and communities to implement its waste management strategy.

Silver Lining

Thankfully, several organizations recognize the importance of composting in waste management and are raising awareness on its benefits.  Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) has been actively promoting composting through its Solid Waste Interest Group.  Last year, they were one of the implementers of the Baytna project, the first Passivhaus experiment in the country.  This project entails the construction of an energy-efficient villa and a comparative study will be performed as to how the carbon footprint of this structure would compare to a conventional villa.  The occupants of the Passivhaus villa will also be made to implement a sustainable waste management system which includes composting of food and garden waste, which is meant to lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to landfilling.

Qatar Foundation is also currently developing an integrated waste management system for the entire Education City and the Food Services group is pushing for composting to be included as a method to treat food and other organic waste.  And many may not know this but composting can be and has been done by individuals in their own backyard and can even be done indoors with the right equipment.  Katrin Scholz-Barth, previous president of SustainableQatar, a volunteer-based organization that fosters sustainable culture through awareness, skills and knowledge, is an advocate of composting and has some great resources on how to start and maintain your own composting bin as she has been doing it herself.  A simple internet search will also reveal that producing compost at home is a relatively simple process that can be achieved with minimal tools.  At present, very few families in Qatar are producing their own compost and Scholz-Barth believes there is much room for improvement.

As part of its solid waste management plan as stated in the National Development Strategy for 2011-2016, Qatar aims to maintain domestic waste generation at 1.6 kg per capita per day.  This will probably involve encouraging greater recycling and reuse efforts and the reduction of waste from its source.  It would also be worthwhile to include programs that will promote and boost composting efforts among institutions, organizations and individuals, encouraging them with the fact that apart from its capability of significant waste diversion from landfills, composting can also be an attractive source of income.

References

  1. Qatar Development Bank (2013). “Qatar Solid Waste Management Phase 1 Assessment”.  Presentation during the Environment Statistics 2013 Workshop organized by the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics
  2. Hoornweg, D. and Bhada-Tata, P. (2012). “What a Waste: A Global Review of Solid Waste Management”. USA: World Bank
  3. “World’s Largest Composting Plant in Mesaieed”. Gulf Times 23 February 2012. Accessed 27 February 2014. http://goo.gl/xcLtXa

10 Easy Editing Tips for Your Perfect Essay

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Starting an essay may be difficult but the real agony lies in finishing. Most students assume that the complexities of essay writing lie in figuring out the topic, creating a good thesis, presenting the facts and supporting your arguments. Well, this could not be further from the truth!

Granted, this part of the work requires a lot of effort and skill. However, the secret to writing a perfect essay lies in your editing skills. Editing requires more than the usual spell-check. Spell-checkers may fail to pick up a few errors that the human eye would. All the facts and statistics in the world would mean nothing if your final draft is boring or confusing to the reader.

Why it is important to edit your paper

Editing helps students to unmask problems with their writing that could affect their grades or future writing assignments. Editing goes beyond tweaking the finishing touches; it points you to flaws in your arguments or ideas.

Students often use professional essay writing services like https://www.customwritings.com which guarantee that highly qualified academic writers will edit their papers to perfection.

How to Edit Your Essay

However, there are a few steps you can follow if you would like to edit your essay on your own. Here is our ultimate guide to perfecting an essay:

1. Take a break

It may be tempting to do all the work in one sitting but sometimes it is better to take a little break from your work and refresh your mind. Once you are done writing your first draft, get away from your computer and find a temporary distraction. A few minutes should be enough.

2. Read your essay out loud

It is easy to overlook some errors while writing because your mind is focused on finishing the paper. You may overlook these mistakes yet again while going through your essay silently. Read your essay aloud before you start editing so that you can get a feel of how it sounds. Be alert as you read. If anything sounds odd, note it. If anything sounds wrong, it is probably very wrong.

3. Start with the easy part

Check that you have adhered to all the formatting instructions. You may use editing software to fix any errors in formatting and punctuation. Your readers will thank you!

4. Check the structure of your essay

A perfect paper is coherent and has a clear structure. The sentences and paragraphs should also flow seamlessly from one to the next. The standard essay format includes an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

Each part of the essay has its purpose:

Introduction: Ensure your essay has an exciting introductory paragraph that is worthy of your reader’s attention. This paragraph should clearly highlight what you intend to talk about in your essay.

Thesis statement: Check that your essay has a clear well-drafted thesis statement that outlines the purpose of your essay. It is good practice to have your thesis statement as the first sentence of your second paragraph.

Body: A well-structured body covers all the relevant points relevant to your thesis statement. Remember, the goal is to prove your thesis correct.

Strong conclusion: Ensure your conclusion appropriately summarizes your entire writing. A strong conclusion is one that recaps all the strong points discussed in the main body of the paper. If you require the reader to take any further action, this is where you state it.

5. Get rid of unnecessary words and phrases

Some words and phrases take up space in your essay without adding any value to your paper; get rid of them. Loose and dull sentences are a great way to lose the interest of your readers; get rid of them too. Every word, phrase or sentence should add meaning. If you find phrases such as “in my own personal opinion” in your work, do something about them. Use words that make you appear authoritative to your readers. Replace words like “says” with words like “argues”, “suggests” or “claims”.

6. Stick to what you understand

Many students find themselves using big words and phrases in an effort to appear sophisticated. The danger in doing this is that you may end up being ambiguous or completely off-topic. Use specific words and phrases as these will add the most value to your essay.

Resist the urge to try and appear smart by using unnecessary jargon. The average reader (especially your professor) is not likely to be impressed by puffed-up prose. People will be discouraged from reading your essay if it sounds too pompous. Besides, you do not want your reader to question your authority.

7. Get your facts straight

Check that any facts, figures or statistics used in your paper are accurate and well cited.

8. Let it go

Many people get tempted to sneak in their favorite words and phrases into their work just because they like how they sound. Do not rewrite a sentence or paragraph just so you can use your favorite phrase. Be ruthless to your most dazzling sentences as they will only point the reader to your novice.

9. Check again

Once you are done editing, go through your paper again. It is unlikely that you will miss anything if you follow our guide step-by-step but do this regardless.

10. Get a second opinion

Finally, have a friend or relative go through your paper. They may notice something you overlooked and point you to it. Be careful not to seek help from a classmate who may copy your work.

Paper Writing Guide For College Students: How To Write Like A Pro

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How do you write the perfect paper that gets you the grades you want? Whether it’s an essay, thesis, or dissertation, if you want to write like a pro (and get the grades to prove it), you need to learn how to create the perfect paper. Here are some guidelines for how to write your next paper:

how to write like a pro

Research Beforehand

Whether you’re writing a paper on Annette Funicello or objectivism, take some time before you start your research to read through and plan out your paper. This will give you more structure, which will make writing your essay easier and quicker. If necessary, come up with an outline, drawing from class materials. Organizing your thoughts beforehand will also help ensure that you hit all of your major points before closing out each section. You don’t want any big ideas left hanging at the end!

Formal Research

Most academic writing falls into one of two categories. Informal research includes things like email, memos, journals, and class notes. Formal research uses more formal formats such as term papers, lab reports, presentations, and even dissertations.  In general, formal research requires that you follow specific guidelines (such as APA or MLA style) when citing sources and formatting citations. To do well in school, you’ll need to know how to do both types of research. Click this link if you want to know how to write a paper on environment protection.

Informal Research

Do you need more than a simple definition for your paper? If so, take time to conduct informal research. This can be in person or online, but try and find real-world examples of things you’re trying to define. In other words, don’t look up what an en dash is (or any other form of punctuation) on Wikipedia—that should be covered in class or during assigned readings! Instead, look at how it’s used by different sources.

Write Multiple Drafts

One of my favorite pieces of advice I received was to write multiple drafts. When I asked what that meant, my professor explained that when writing an essay or research paper, you should write multiple drafts. The first draft is usually pretty bad, but it helps you figure out what your thesis is and how you want to present your ideas. If done well, revising becomes much easier as you learn which parts of your paper need attention.

By drafting your paper, you can focus on individual sections rather than having to rewrite large portions at once. Also remember to edit carefully; most people don’t proofread their work enough. Editing yourself and getting feedback from others will ensure that everything in your paper flows together nicely.

Review and Edit

When you’re ready to present your paper, ask your teacher or professor if they would be willing to review and edit it before you submit it. Your writing is sure to improve with their feedback, and they may even be able to offer further insight into how you can better support your argument.

online paper writer

If you’re given extra time at all during class time or office hours, utilize that opportunity as well! It could provide an additional resource of input on how best to improve your paper. And, who knows? They might even let you know about any grammatical errors right away—saving you some last-minute anxiety. Plus, if they don’t have time to review your work right away, you can always send them a copy once it’s completed.

The important thing is that when you are submitting something (especially something long), make sure someone else looks over it first. And never forget to proofread or hand over to an essay writer to help you!

Keep It Fresh Over Time

To keep your papers interesting over time, consider cross-linking them with each other. This will create a logical flow of information throughout your paper that’s engaging and easy to follow. If you mention something in one paper, it can show up again in another in subtle ways that give readers little rewards along their reading journey. Cross-linking can be done subtly—and if done well, readers won’t even realize it’s happening.

Recommended Reading: Apps to Resolve Mental Health Issues in College Students

Top 10 Innovations in Green Structural Engineering You Should Know

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Modern cities need buildings that stand tall without pushing the planet down. Green structural engineering responds with fresh ideas that trim carbon, save energy, and hold their own against storms and quakes. Below are ten breakthroughs reshaping blueprints today. Each section explains the idea in plain language, highlights its benefits, and shows how designers already use it in real projects.

green structural engineering

1. Carbon-Negative Concrete

Concrete frames the world’s homes, bridges, and tunnels, but regular cement production releases massive carbon. New carbon-negative mixes flip the story. Plant minerals, captured CO₂, and even seawater waste become part of the binder. When the mix hardens, it locks away more carbon than it takes to produce. Crews pour it the same way they pour normal concrete, so they do not need new tools or skills.

Key wins

  • Cuts net greenhouse gases below zero.
  • Matches or beats standard strength and cure time.
  • Works for slabs, columns, and pavement today.

2. Mass Timber High-Rises

Engineered wood is no longer just for cabins. Cross-laminated and glue-laminated panels let builders stack as high as 18 stories—and research aims higher. Trees absorb carbon while they grow, so the structure stores that carbon for decades. Prefabricated panels arrive at the site ready to bolt together, lowering noise and waste.

Why it matters

  • Stores carbon instead of emitting it.
  • Speeds construction and cuts traffic disruptions.
  • Creates warm, natural interiors people love.

3. Self-Healing Concrete

Tiny dormant bacteria mixed into concrete sleep until a crack lets in water. Then they wake up, consume a food source in the mix, and produce limestone that seals the gap. Bridge decks, parking garages, and sea walls last longer with fewer repairs.

Benefits

  • Lengthens service life by years.
  • Reduces maintenance budgets.
  • Prevents water and salt from corroding steel rebar.

4. Recycled and Hydrogen-Made Steel

Steel will always anchor stadiums and towers, but how it is made is changing fast. Electric arc furnaces melt scrap with renewable power. New direct-reduced iron plants use green hydrogen instead of coal, slashing emissions. The finished steel meets familiar strength specs, so engineers can swap it in without redesign.

Upsides

  • Reuses waste metal that would otherwise rust in landfills.
  • Shrinks the carbon footprint per beam by up to 90 percent.
  • Keeps projects eligible for green funding and credits.

5. Building-Integrated Solar Skins

Instead of bolting solar panels on roofs, architects now weave photovoltaic cells right into glass, metal cladding, and even shade fins. A skyscraper wrapped in this “solar skin” turns its whole envelope into a silent power plant. The building supplies elevators, lighting, and cooling with its own harvest.

Highlights

  • Generates power without taking extra land.
  • Looks sleek—panels can match the color and shape of the façade.
  • Pays for itself faster as panel prices keep falling.

6. Kinetic-Energy Floors

Walking crowds waste energy with every step. Special floor tiles capture that motion. A slight flex spins small generators inside the tile and produces electricity for lights, sensors, or phone chargers. Airports, train stations, and amusement parks have begun lining busy corridors with these tiles.

Perks

  • Creates visible, hands-on sustainability the public can feel.
  • Produces clean power where grid access is tricky.
  • Works indoors or outdoors, rain or shine.

7. Bio-Bricks Grown, Not Fired

Traditional clay brick kilns burn hot and expel carbon. Bio-bricks skip the furnace. Workers mix sand, waste nutrients, and fast-growing bacteria in a mold. The microbes produce a natural cement that binds the grains. The brick cures at room temperature and keeps absorbing CO₂ over its life.

Advantages

  • Needs far less energy than firing clay.
  • Uses local waste streams as raw material.
  • Offers similar strength and better insulation.

8. Digital Twins and AI Design Loops

A digital twin is a live, detailed 3-D copy of a structure, fed by sensors in the real building. Engineers test storms, quakes, and energy upgrades on the twin before touching the actual frame. AI tools scan thousands of options and recommend shapes and materials that shave tons of carbon while meeting safety codes.

Why adopt

  • Cuts design time and change orders.
  • Spots weak points early, lowering risk.
  • Share clear visuals with owners and city officials.

9. Modular Off-Site Fabrication

Think giant Lego blocks for grown-up buildings. Walls, bathrooms, and even whole hotel rooms are built in a factory, then shipped and stacked on a steel or concrete spine. Controlled shop conditions reduce scrap, and the crew installs modules in days instead of months.

Gains

  • Slashes on-site noise, dust, and traffic jams.
  • Lets teams work in parallel—foundation on site, modules in plant.
  • Eases future disassembly and reuse.

living wall design

10. Living Roofs and Walls as Structural Systems

Green roofs once served as garden toppings. Today they double as working parts of the structure. Layered soils soak up stormwater, easing load on city drains. Root mats shield waterproofing from sun and puncture. In hot climates, thick vines on a façade act as a breathable shade screen and drop interior temperatures.

Payoffs

  • Adds habitat for birds and pollinators.
  • Extends roof membrane life by blocking ultraviolet rays.
  • Lowers summer cooling bills up to 30 percent.

Putting Innovations to Work

Every project is unique, yet all share a simple rule: the earlier you fold sustainability into the plan, the cheaper and smoother it goes. Start with a carbon budget alongside your cost budget. Pick two or three of the ideas above that fit your site and market, then model them with a digital twin. Adjust spans, loads, and schedules until the design meets both performance and pocketbook.

For local insight, talk with a trusted civil engineering company Atlanta developers rely on; many already pilot these methods and can share cost data from the field.

Closing Thoughts

Sustainable structural engineering is more than a trend; it is the new baseline. Carbon-negative concrete, timber towers, solar skins, and living walls prove that strength and sustainability now walk hand in hand. By blending smart materials with smart data, we can raise structures that stand firm for generations while giving the planet room to breathe. Adopt these innovations today, and your next project will not just meet code—it will set the code that future builders follow.

The Race to 75 GW: MENA’s Ambitious Solar Targets and What They Mean for Global Energy

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The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) nations have set an ambitious renewable energy target — they want to triple green power capacity by 2030. The projects would be an inspiring and groundbreaking revolution for the region’s capacity. It could be the first of many similar initiatives worldwide, even in your hometowns.

solar project in mena

The Scope of Solar’s Impact on MENA Nations

MENA had  53 gigawatts of renewable energy potential in 2023 and a goal of 150 GW by the turn of the decade. Around 75 GW will be solar photovoltaic, with Saudi Arabia investing over 40% of the total expansion. Its Al Shuaiba 2 project is underway and will produce 2 gigawatts. 

Wind and hydrogen will be the supplementary assets. Other major players include Oman, Iraq, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates. 

Stakeholders noticed how much solar exposure these geographies have, leveraging the most lucrative clean electricity generator possible. The project has a high chance of succeeding because the countries leaned into what is most bioavailable to them — the sun. 

It is one of many reasons why project bids are so competitive in these areas. The countries also have tons of land to capitalize on for solar initiatives. Some national leaders are investing upward of $45 billion to make the clean energy transition a reality for the MENA region.

The Smart Localization Efforts

Countries like Jordan have lower renewable capacity, but they still need to reach a target to contribute to MENA’s holistic goal. It has 2.6 GW and only needs to reach 3.2 GW to fulfill its obligation. Other nations have loftier benchmarks, but manufacturing accessibility has informed the energy transition’s plans.

Governments and collaborators must establish commercial solar panel manufacturing facilities in each region, like in Jordan. This is how everyone can contribute to the cause based on the scale of their facilities. MENA wants makers to build and assemble components on home soil, letting them be in charge of gradually deploying more technologies. 

The nations with the most monumental infrastructure can promise impressive numbers. At the same time, countries with less output can still make as much of a difference in the context of how much manufacturing infrastructure they have.

The Takeaways for the Rest of the World

Nations aspiring to these levels of renewable expansion can apply MENA’s strategy. These are the most valuable takeaways you can learn from their commitment to clean power.

Use What is Available

MENA knows its geography makes it a prime solar generator, which is why most of its investments are in panels. Other countries must evaluate their natural resources, such as China’s accessibility to offshore wind or Iceland’s immense geothermal power from volcanoes. If officials and corporations in your area chose accessible generators, the planet could reach 90% renewable energy by 2050.

Solar may be the answer for some places but not others, so copying the renewable energy strategy and applying it to every other nation is a flawed technique. It has to be curated for the most accessible resources while supplementing it with other well-funded, inexpensive options.

Diversify Assets

While solar energy is the primary driver of this shift, MENA knows that other generators must accompany it. Otherwise, the project’s long-term sustainability may become impractical if widespread failures or infrastructure destruction occur. If you’re a U.S. citizen, you could expect 18% of homes to have solar by 2032, but other assets like wind and biomass will add to overall capacity.

It also opens the door for countries to experiment with up-and-coming prospects, like hydrogen, making them pioneers in what could be one of the best future renewable energy options.

Make Parts at Home

Each jurisdiction’s expectations are dependent on its manufacturing capacity. Everyone is in charge of distribution and installation. The increased agency streamlines deployment by preventing unnecessary supply chain disruptions, like shipping parts from country to country or having long lead times to move workers from one place to another. 

significance of logistics services for solar business

The objective is to make every country capable by giving it foundational resources so everyone works independently to achieve ambitious yet reasonable goals.

Overcome Supply Barriers

While MENA is trying to promote homemade parts, most of the planet — even outside of MENA — still relies on China as the leading supplier for all things solar. It harnesses so many essential materials and produces a great deal of technology. Racing to the 2030 goalpost means MENA is willing to test ways to overcome this supply chain dependence. 

Challenge Fossil Fuels

MENA has a strong fossil fuel presence. Economic factors have built it into the empire it is today, making it hard to dismantle. Introducing a competitor, like solar, that intends to eliminate the authority of fossil fuels is dangerous. It is met with much resistance from corporate and legislative stakeholders with years of interest in oil’s success. 

morocco solar plan

However, setting the 75 GW target provides accountability. It forces organizations to train workers, expand regardless of resistance and spread awareness of its benefits for MENA. It has inspired additional projects, like the Desertec concept, which joins Europe’s efforts with Africa and the Middle East to separate themselves from oil-based income. It uses scientific evidence to educate the public and investors on how lucrative desert regions are for the global transition. 

The New Solar Role Model

MENA could set the standard for internationally collaborative renewable energy projects before the next decade. Achieving the solar installations alone would be a massive achievement, and investing in additional capacity would be even more life-changing for these nations’ citizens. 

It should motivate you and your community to move forward with energy transitions, whether grid modernization or research into the newest solar thin-film trend. Every project is worth the time, leading to a more energetically balanced and sustainable world for future generations. 

Jordanian Agriculture Throughout History – Achievements and Challenges

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Throughout history, Jordanian agriculture has been one of the main pillars that contributed to the formation of the economic and social identity of the region, and Jordan is one of the first regions to witness the emergence of stable agriculture in the Neolithic era (about 10,000 – 6,000 BC). The Jordan Valley and the Ain Ghazal region witnessed early cultivation of cereals such as wheat and barley and animal husbandry such as sheep and goats. The Ammonite, Moabite and Edomite civilizations developed agriculture in the bronze and Iron Ages (3,300 – 332 BC). Where they used primitive irrigation systems and cultivated olives, figs and grapes, and agriculture at that time depended on rains.

crop cultivation in jordan

In the Nabataean period (about 169 BC.Ad-106 AD) excelled in the creation of advanced irrigation systems for the collection and storage of rainwater in semi-arid regions and the cultivation of cereals and medicinal plants, witnessed the Roman and Byzantine eras (106 – 636 AD) agriculture flourished thanks to the development of roads, infrastructure, the creation of canals and dams, the cultivation of various crops and the spread of agricultural mosaics as evidence of the importance of crops.

Agriculture continued as a major source of income during Islamic times (636 – 1516 CE) with improved irrigation methods and the construction of canals. In the Ottoman era (1516-1918 AD), taxes were imposed on agricultural crops and there was a decline in agricultural production due to neglect and lack of investments, however, agriculture continued to be a major economic activity in rural Jordan.

Despite the natural, political and economic challenges faced by the country, during the first hundred years of the establishment of the state, the agricultural sector in Jordan witnessed a significant development in successive stages that reflected the development of the Jordanian state and its transformations.at the founding stage (1921-1950), agriculture in the early Jordanian state was heavily dependent on rains, and the Jordanian farmer used traditional tools in agriculture. agricultural holdings were small and distributed among tribes and clans. production focused on cereals and cattle breeding. The State during this period worked on the regulation of land ownership through the land and water Settlement Act of 1933, and also began to encourage the creation of agricultural cooperatives in 1952.

But despite the efforts, the agricultural sector remained limited by natural, financial and human potential. In the period of construction and modernization (1950-1970), this stage witnessed an expansion of state intervention in agriculture, as the Ministry of Agriculture was established in 1953, programs were launched to improve production, expand the agricultural area and start exploiting the waters of the Jordan River to irrigate the areas of the Jordan Valley, which allowed the cultivation of new crops such as citrus fruits and vegetables and the implementation of a number of major irrigation projects, agricultural research centers were established to develop crops and farming methods, and the state began to provide technical and financial support to farmers.

As for the relative prosperity period (1970-1990), this stage was marked by a remarkable boom in the agricultural sector, as the contribution of agriculture to GDP increased and Jordanian agricultural exports to the Gulf countries and Europe increased, farmers began to use agricultural machinery, pesticides and modern fertilizers, the cultivated areas in the Jordan Valley expanded, and many projects were established, which led to the diversification of agricultural production and increasing dependence on irrigated crops. This period also witnessed the establishment of the Jordan Cooperative Foundation and a number of agricultural associations, which aimed to organize agricultural work and improve the income of farmers.

Then there was the stage of adaptation challenges (1990-2010), as Jordan entered the stage of economic reform, government subsidies for agriculture declined, and the state began to implement privatization and trade opening policies. This has affected the agricultural sector, especially in light of external competition and rising production costs, and the water crisis has intensified as a result of population growth and climate change, which led to a reduction in cultivated areas and the adoption of more efficient farming methods. However, despite these challenges, this stage witnessed the launch of many initiatives to support rural development, empower women in agriculture, and establish small and medium-sized enterprises in rural areas to raise the standard of living.

As for the stage of modern agriculture and sustainability after 2010, with the escalation of environmental and economic challenges, Jordan has begun to adopt the model of smart and sustainable agriculture, through the introduction of new technologies such as protected agriculture, hydroponics, and the use of renewable energy. Farmers have also begun to shift towards organic agriculture and apply international quality standards to meet the requirements of international markets. The importance of Agriculture in national food security has increased, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, which highlighted the importance of relying on local production.

sustainable agriculture in jordan valley

Despite all the development that has taken place in the agricultural sector, there are persistent challenges that Jordan still suffers from in this sector, including water scarcity, being one of the poorest countries in the world, which poses a constant challenge to agriculture, climate change, which has changed rainfall patterns and repeated droughts, and migration from the countryside to cities, which has caused a decline in agricultural labor and the continued high cost of production inputs.

His Majesty King Abdullah II bin al Hussein has stressed that agriculture plays a pivotal role in empowering local communities and combating poverty and unemployment. In his regular meetings with farmers, His Majesty emphasizes the importance of regulating the sector, ensuring the rights of farmers, and achieving marketing justice for them.

The most prominent statements of His Majesty King Abdullah II expressing his support and interest in the agriculture sector in Jordan are:

  • “agriculture has been and will remain one of our national priorities, it is a pillar of our food and economic security”,
  • “we are working to strengthen the agricultural sector to be a source of income and job opportunities for our children, especially in the countryside and Badia”,
  • “we must employ modern technology in agriculture to ensure sustainability and increase production”,
  • “attention to the Jordanian farmer is the basis for the development of the agricultural sector, and we must create an environment that enables it to succeed”,
  • “food security is an integral part of national security, and the government should develop clear policies to support agriculture”,
  • “we are committed to supporting the agricultural sector through financing, marketing and infrastructure.”

In conclusion, agriculture in Jordan is not only a profession, it is part of the cultural and cultural heritage of the country. Despite the challenges, there are still efforts to preserve and develop this sector, apart from developing it from a simple traditional model to a more modern and diversified sector. Investing in agricultural technology, efficient water management, and empowering rural communities are key to the future of Jordanian agriculture.

Eco-Friendly Waste Solutions for Sustainable Homes

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Looking for ways to manage waste sustainably at home? You’re not alone. Many struggle with reducing household waste while maintaining an eco-friendly lifestyle amid growing environmental concerns. Effective solutions exist to tackle this challenge. From composting to recycling, you can transform your home into a green haven with practical steps.

For larger waste concerns, consider professional help like Same Day Rubbish Removal. They offer quick, responsible disposal services to support your sustainable goals effortlessly.

rubbish removal services Sydney

 

Defining Zero Waste Living

Ever wondered what “zero waste” truly means for your home? It’s a lifestyle aimed at minimizing waste, redirecting as much as possible from landfills through sustainable practices.

Origins of Zero Waste

Tracing back to ancient times, humans reused materials creatively. Think cavemen crafting tools from bones—early recycling at its finest, setting a precedent for today. Today, zero waste has evolved into a societal push against the linear “take-make-dispose” economy. It’s about rethinking systems to reduce environmental footprints significantly.

Certifications like ZWIA often target a 90% waste diversion rate. For households, it’s more fluid—focus on reducing what you send to landfills daily.

Applying Zero Waste at Home

Start small by evaluating your waste habits. Identify what you throw away most and seek alternatives, like composting or reusing, to cut back effectively. Ready to dive into practical ways to cut waste at home? Let’s explore simple, actionable strategies that can transform your daily habits sustainably.

Bulk Buying Benefits

Consider purchasing staples in bulk to minimize packaging. Store them in reusable containers like mason jars, saving money and reducing single-use plastic waste.

zero waste kitchen

Ditching Plastic Bottles

Swap bottled water for a reusable bottle and filter. It cuts down on plastic waste and saves resources used in producing disposable bottles yearly.

Reusable Produce Bags

Invest in cloth produce bags for grocery shopping. They’re a stylish, eco-friendly alternative to flimsy plastic ones, keeping oceans cleaner with every trip.

Supporting Local Farmers

Buy from local farmers or join a CSA. Fresher food with less packaging supports your community and slashes waste from over-wrapped supermarket produce.

Redesigning for Waste Reduction

Let’s rethink how your home handles waste. Redesigning spaces and habits can streamline diversion, making sustainability a seamless part of daily life.

Start by looking at how you organize waste. Proper source separation—dividing recyclables, organics, and trash—can drastically improve your waste management right from the start.

  • Smart Bin Technology: Use bins with sensors to monitor waste levels. They help optimize pickup schedules, reducing unnecessary trips and saving energy at home.
  • Design for Reuse: Choose products made for multiple uses. Opt for items with sustainable design, ensuring they last longer and reduce replacement needs.
  • Circular Economy Mindset: Embrace reusing materials. Repurpose old items into new uses, like turning jars into storage, keeping them out of landfills.

By adopting these innovations, you’re not just reducing waste but also contributing to a broader movement. It’s about creating a sustainable future together.

Effective Recycling and Composting

Recycling and composting are game-changers for waste reduction. Implementing these at home can significantly lower your environmental impact with minimal effort.

Begin with understanding what can be recycled in your area. Paper, plastics, and metals often have designated bins, making separation straightforward and highly effective.

  • Organic Waste Handling: Compost food scraps and yard waste. It diverts methane-producing waste from landfills, turning it into nutrient-rich soil for gardens.
  • Equipment Options: Use macerators to reduce food waste volume by 80%. They’re efficient for managing kitchen scraps before composting off-site or at home.
  • Program Engagement: Join local composting programs if available. They often provide totes for regular pickups, simplifying the process for busy households like yours.

These steps not only cut landfill contributions but also enrich your surroundings. Check out more on composting basics at EPA Composting Guide.

Benefits of Material Recovery

Material recovery is about reclaiming value from waste. By recycling and repurposing, you’re saving resources and reducing the need for new production.

Resource Conservation

Recovering materials like glass and aluminum saves energy. It takes far less to recycle than to produce new items from raw resources consistently.

Reducing Landfill Strain

Every item recovered means less in landfills. This reduces pollution and extends landfill lifespans, preserving land for future generations to utilize.

Economic Advantages

Recycling can lower disposal costs over time. Some programs even offer incentives, turning waste recovery into a small financial win for households.

Environmental Impact

Less production means fewer emissions. Material recovery cuts greenhouse gases, helping combat climate change directly from your own home’s efforts.

Embracing Ugly Produce Options

Ever passed on “ugly” fruits and veggies at the store? Embracing imperfect produce can cut food waste and save perfectly edible items from landfills.

Many supermarkets discard produce for minor blemishes, despite it being nutritious. Choosing these items supports sustainability and often comes at a discount too.

  • Reducing Food Waste: Opt for misshapen apples or carrots. They taste the same but prevent tons of food from being unnecessarily discarded yearly.
  • Supporting Farmers: Buying ugly produce helps farmers sell more of their crop. It reduces financial loss and encourages sustainable farming practices.
  • Creative Cooking: Use imperfect veggies in soups or smoothies. Their appearance won’t matter, and you’ll still enjoy all the nutritional benefits.

Next time you shop, give those quirky-looking items a chance. It’s a small step with a big impact on reducing food waste overall.

Choosing Second-Hand Clothing

Shopping second-hand for clothes isn’t just trendy—it’s eco-friendly. It cuts waste and challenges the fast fashion industry’s harmful environmental impact significantly.

Fast fashion consumes massive resources and fills landfills with discarded trends. By opting for pre-loved garments, you’re directly reducing this unsustainable cycle effectively.

  • Extending Garment Life: Buying second-hand gives clothes another chapter. It saves water and energy that would’ve been used for new production.
  • Reducing Landfill Waste: Each purchase keeps textiles out of dumps. It’s a direct way to lessen the millions of tons discarded annually.
  • Ethical Consumption: You’re stepping away from exploitative labor practices. Second-hand shifts focus to mindful buying over mass-produced, unethical fast fashion.

Explore thrift stores or platforms like ThredUp to start. Learn more about this trend at Fibre2Fashion.

Setting Up Home Composting

Composting at home is easier than you might think. It transforms food scraps and yard waste into rich soil, cutting landfill contributions drastically.

Choosing a Composting Spot

Select a dry, shady area in your yard for a compost bin. Accessibility matters, so keep it near your kitchen for easy scrap disposal.

Balancing Materials

Mix green materials like veggie peels with browns like leaves. A balanced pile decomposes faster, avoiding odors and attracting fewer pests naturally.

Maintenance Tips

Turn your compost weekly to aerate it. Keep it moist, not soggy, to speed up decomposition and ensure a healthy, odor-free process.

Using Finished Compost

Once decomposed, spread compost in your garden. It enriches soil, reduces chemical fertilizer needs, and boosts plant growth sustainably over time.

food waste disposal

Adopting Reusable Household Items

Switching to reusable items in your home cuts waste instantly. From kitchen to bathroom, small swaps can make a huge environmental difference effortlessly.

Kitchen Reusables

Replace paper towels with cloth napkins. They’re washable, cost-effective over time, and reduce the waste from disposable products piling up in landfills.

Beverage Solutions

Use stainless steel straws instead of plastic ones. They’re durable, easy to clean, and prevent microplastics from harming oceans with every sip taken.

Shopping Essentials

Carry reusable tote bags for groceries. They’re stronger than plastic, hold more, and eliminate the need for countless single-use bags each year.

Personal Care Swaps

Try bamboo toothbrushes or menstrual cups. These alternatives last longer, reduce plastic waste, and support a cleaner, greener lifestyle every day.

Shape Your Green Future

Start transforming your home into a sustainable haven today. Embrace zero waste practices and reduce your environmental footprint. For help with excess clutter, explore deceased estate rubbish removal in Sydney. Your choices matter—build a cleaner, greener lifestyle now!

The Case for Renewables-Powered Desalination in MENA

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Desalination is a water treatment process that separates salts from saline water to produce potable water. The desalination process uses large amount of energy to produce pure water from saltwater source, such as seawater. Saltwater is fed into the process, and the result is an output stream of pure water and another stream of waster with high salt concentration.

desalination plant in uae

Desalination techniques are mainly classified into two types:

  • Processes based on physical change in the state of the water, and
  • Processes using a membrane that employ the concept of filtration.

There are more than 20,000 industrial-scale desalination units worldwide, with combined capacity exceeding 95 million cubic meters of water per day. The market leader is the membrane desalination process with around 44 percent of total capacity, followed closely by the thermal process of multi-stage flash (MSF) with about 40 percent market share. The main sources of feed water for desalination are seawater (58 percent), brackish ground water (23 percent), and other sources such as rivers and small salt lakes.

Water Problems in MENA and Desalination

Access to clean drinking water is one of the major health issues today. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is the most water scarce region of the world. High population growth rate, urbanization and industrialization, coupled with limited availability of natural potable water resources are leading to serious deficits of freshwater in many parts of MENA. Freshwater sources in the MENA region are being continuously over-exploited and increased use of desalted seawater is unavoidable in order to maintain a reasonable level of water supply.

Conventional large-scale desalination is cost-prohibitive and energy-intensive, and not viable for poor countries in the MENA region due to increasing costs of fossil fuels. In addition, the environmental impacts of desalination are considered critical on account of emissions from energy consumption and discharge of brine into the sea. Brine has extremely high salt concentration and also contains leftover chemicals and metals from the treatment process which poses danger to marine life.

seawater desalination

The negative effects of desalination can be minimized, to some extent, by using renewable energy to power the plants. Renewable energy-powered desalination offers a sustainable method to increase supply of potable water in MENA countries. The region has tremendous wind and solar energy potential which can be effectively utilized in desalination processes like reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, and ultrafiltration and nanofiltration. The cost of renewable energy desalination is expected to become more attractive with technological advancements and coupled with rising costs of freshwater and fossil fuels.

Solar-Powered Desalination for MENA

Solar energy can be directly or indirectly used in the desalination process. Collection systems that use solar energy to produce distillate directly in the solar collector are called direct collection systems while systems that combine solar energy collection systems with conventional desalination systems are called indirect systems.

The major drawbacks with the use of solar thermal energy in large-scale desalination plants are low productivity rate, low thermal efficiency and large area requirement. Solar thermal-based desalination plants are more suitable for small-scale production especially in remote arid areas and islands having scarce conventional energy resources.

solar-powered desalination

CSP plants can provide stable energy supply for continuous operation of desalination plants

Concentrated solar power (CSP) offers an attractive option to power industrial-scale desalination plants that require both high temperature fluids and electricity.  CSP can provide stable energy supply for continuous operation of desalination plants based on thermal or membrane processes. Infact, several countries in the region, such as Morocco, have already established large CSP-based solar power projects that promises to usher in a new era in the Middle East.

The MENA region has tremendous solar energy potential that can facilitate the generation of energy required to offset the alarming freshwater deficit. The region would be facing a grave water crisis with the population expected to be double by 2050. Renewables-powered desalination combined with efficient use of water reserves and reuse of wastewater can help in easing the water crisis in the region. It will also help in reducing the financial load on MENA governments from power and water sectors, and thus diverting funds to much-needed educational, health and industrial sectors.