How Small Companies Can Influence Environment Protection

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A business can have a tremendous impact on the environment despite its size. As a small business, you have a key role to play on how to decrease pollution and green your business. Depending on the size of your business you can change how goods are procured or manufactured. Moreover, technology can decrease the use of non-renewable sources of energy.

Every effort, no matter how small can have a positive impact on the environment. Nowadays, there are many sustainable ways of manufacturing goods. If this is incorporated into business ideas, it could have an immense impact on the environment.

green-business

Pollution is a global crisis. This is not only harmful to the earth but also for human beings. Pollution, be it of air, water or soil, causes a lot of problems for ecology. If left uncontrolled, it will leave the future generations without a place to call home.

Luckily, certain measures can be taken to reduce pollution. Statistics show that pollution has reduced in Europe over the last 26 years. This is a promising finding. As far as Middle East is concerned, more sustainability efforts are needed for better results.

Reasons To Protect the Environment

First, you need to understand why you need to protect the environment in the first place. This will then help you to make the necessary changes within your company. Many people are becoming concerned about the environment and climate change. This is another reason you should protect the environment as a company.

Here are other reasons why protecting the environment could be good for your company:

  • Sustainability,
  • Improving your brand image,
  • Decreasing wastage of resources,
  • Increasing customer conversion,
  • Staying competitive,
  • Attracting new talent.

So, How You View the Environment Protection?

A major problem that a business may face is waste disposal, especially, when it comes to equipment. To stay competitive, a company should try to use the latest equipment on the market. This means you have to discard old equipment like computers. Most of the times such equipment will be dumped in landfills. This build up old equipment ends up causing pollution to the environment.

Another source of greenhouse gas emissions is energy consumption in a company. Office building can consume a lot of electricity and energy. Not switching off lights is a practice that causes increased consumption of energy. Poor handling of waste materials in an office also harms the environment.

Many offices fail to use renewable materials. For example, the use of disposable plastic cups is a popular practice in the office. Also, a lot of paper is used to print out documents. This is unnecessary sometimes, especially, in the digital age.

Here are some of the ways you can try to protect the environment as a small company:

1. Have a favorable attitude towards environment

If you are going to take a step towards sustainability, then you have to start with a positive attitude. Understanding why you are doing this will keep you motivated throughout this journey. A favorable attitude will give you more inspiration.

2. Increase awareness

One of the best ways of protecting the environment is by educating others. Customer awareness can be a useful factor. Once more people know about environment protection, more changes can be made.

Share with customers information about your commitment stories. Inform customers of the progress you make and all the measures that you are taking. In this way, you will be attracting more customers. Awareness also improves the image of your brand. So, it is an advantage for your business as well.

3. Adopt new technologies

Educating people about sustainability is not enough. You have to lead by example. So, you should adopt new technologies that can be more effective for the environment. Recently, there has been a surge in technologies that increase sustainability. These technologies ensure the production of goods by using sustainable materials. Adopting such technologies can have a great impact on the environment.

4. Use recyclable materials

Using recyclable materials is the best way to maintain your sustainability plan. Your customers are looking to you to see what they can do to protect the earth. Think of replacing non-renewable materials with renewable ones.

reduce_reuse_recycle

Try to restrict the use of materials that are harmful to the environment. You don’t have to start of all a sudden. You can start with small steps. An example is replacing plastic cups with mugs.

5. Analyze internal processes

You need to focus on measures that will help you maximize resources. Knowing how to manage your resources will benefit your business. As you will be cutting expenses, you can save a lot of revenue.

recycling-qatar

The above tips will help you to expand your business, decrease the creation of waste materials while also minimizing expenses in your company. Other ways you can apply to reduce wastage of materials include:

  • Place recycle bins in your office,
  • Encourage the use of materials that can be recycled,
  • Turn lights off when they are not needed,
  • Use mugs instead of disposable plastic cups,
  • Decrease traveling so that less fuel is used,
  • Use bicycles instead of cars to get to the workplace,
  • Use a building made from renewable materials,
  • Turn off all devices when they are not being used,
  • Cut the use of paper in your office.

You can reduce the usage of paper by avoiding unnecessary printing. Any assignments within the topic can be completed by Australianwritings

6. Check your supply chain

Your sustainability practices do not only rely on the decisions that you take. You should also consider the source of materials and manufacturing of products. It is your duty to make sure that your supply chain is aware of these practices.

Your suppliers should also try to take measures that protect the environment. Supply chain means:

  • How you get material,
  • How goods are processed,
  • How goods are distributed.

If you try all the above measures, you will have a positive influence on the environment. Your company will be contributing a lot towards environment protection. Also, your manager or HR should conduct regular audits to make sure everyone observes the measures.

sustainable-supply-chain

Conclusion

In conclusion, small businesses have a huge role to play in protecting the environment. The smallest effort can go a long way, and a business has a way of influencing others to protect the environment. This joint effort can lead to decreased pollution and safer and healthier planet earth.

The Mental Effects of Alcohol Addiction: Understanding the Psychological Toll

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People often consume alcohol as a relaxant to deal with tough situations socially or personally. If a person feels uncomfortable at a party, they ease into it through a drink, but sometimes for some people, these drinks become more than one! When consumption becomes chronic or excessive, it can have profound effects on mental health.

Alcohol addiction, or Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), doesn’t just harm the body, it gradually impacts your brain, emotions and overall psychological well-being.​ Here are some of the most prominent effects of alcohol.

alcohol and mental health

1. Alcohol and Brain Chemistry: A Disrupted Balance

Alcohol is used as a mental depressant. It numbs the senses and makes the person forget about the anxieties or worries. It alters the brain’s communication pathways, affecting mood, behavior, and cognitive functions.

In simple words, alcohol makes you feel oblivious to stress, and as your mind and body relax, you feel good about yourself temporarily. Chronic alcohol use can lead to changes in neurotransmitter levels, particularly gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, which play roles in anxiety and mood regulation.

If you consume alcohol regularly, these alterations can result in mood swings, increased anxiety, and depression because your mind and body revolt against the fully-alert state where you do not feel numb and anxieties become too much to handle.

2. Mood Disorders: Depression and Anxiety

Many people use alcohol as a way to escape depression and anxiety, but they don’t realize that it only increases these symptoms, making them more anxious and depressed.

You may have seen people depressed, and when they consume alcohol to control it, they become depressed and disoriented, causing them to become aloof, and often irrecoverably depressed! Alcohol can intensify negative emotions and interferes with the effectiveness of prescribed medications for mental health conditions. Over time, this can lead to a vicious cycle of worsening mental health and increased alcohol consumption.​

3. Cognitive Impairments: Memory and Learning

People who consume alcohol on a regular basis often experience memory loss or difficulty in learning new things. Long-term alcohol consumption can result in slowing of reflexes and it can impair cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and decision-making.

Conditions such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a severe memory disorder, are associated with chronic alcohol misuse. This information cannot come as a surprise to those who have seen long-term alcohol consumers. From hand movements to reactions, everything is impacted by alcohol. These cognitive deficits can hinder daily functioning and reduce the quality of life.

4. Sleep Disturbances

One of the misconceptions that alcohol consumers like to believe is that their sleep cycle improves. Although alcohol may initially promote sleepiness, it disrupts the sleep cycle, leading to poor sleep quality and insomnia. Lack of restorative sleep can further deteriorate mental health, contributing to irritability, mood disorders, and decreased cognitive performance.​ Alcohol disrupts sleep cycle, which in turn, reduces reflexes and slows down the thinking process.

Midlife Crisis

5. Social and Behavioral Consequences

You may have heard people express their displeasure towards an alcoholic acquaintance. While people around an alcoholic do not like it, alcohol addiction often leads to social isolation, strained relationships, and difficulties at work or school. These social consequences can increase feelings of loneliness and depression, creating additional barriers to recovery.​

6. Risk of Psychosis

As with all substance abuse, chronic alcohol abuse can lead to alcohol-induced psychosis, characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. People who consume liquor regularly often become delusional and they often claim events or thing that did not happen. This condition requires immediate medical attention and can have long-lasting effects on mental health.​

7. Increased Suicide Risk

As we mentioned earlier, depression and anxiety only increase with alcohol consumption. There are several studies to prove that alcohol abuse and an increased risk of suicide are connected. Alcohol can lower inhibitions and increase impulsivity, making individuals more likely to act on suicidal thoughts. Moreover, alcoholics do not realize the gravity of a situation, and may become too involved in a self-harming act. The depressive effects of alcohol can deepen feelings of hopelessness.​

Seeking Help and Treatment

If you know anyone who consumes alcohol excessively, the first step to overcome this undesirable situation would be to identify and admit the problem. Recognizing the mental health effects of alcohol addiction is one of the first step toward recovery. Treatment options include:​

  • Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help address the underlying thoughts and behaviors associated with alcohol use.​
  • Medication: Certain medications can assist in reducing cravings and managing withdrawal symptoms.​
  • Support Groups: Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous provide community support and accountability.​
  • Medical Intervention: In cases of severe addiction, inpatient rehabilitation programs may be necessary to provide comprehensive care.​

Conclusion

Excessive consumption of alcohol can cause various issues. Starting from social aloofness, one can witness severe effects which can also elevate to self harm. Alcohol addiction is not solely a physical ailment; it’s a complex condition that deeply affects mental health.

Understanding the psychological impacts is crucial for effective treatment and recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, seeking professional help can pave the way toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Eco-Friendly Rehab Centers: Why Sustainable Spaces Heal Better

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Every sector of life is advancing, and we are seeing major shifts in how modern therapy is evolving to replace traditional therapy methods.

Nowadays, you will find many more comfortable, and easy-to-follow practices to nurture the human brain, body and life approaches. Eco-friendly rehab centers are a step towards advancement and are proving to be better than the conventional ones.

A person trying to recover from an addiction would never want to be reminded of it daily, and the prison-like, concrete rehab centers of the past did not make it any easier!

Rehab centers are facilities where people can reconcile with their natural self and free themselves of any addiction or mental, physical issue. An eco-friendly rehab centre can only have a positive impact, and we will explore that here!

sustainable rehab center

The Link Between Environment and Healing

You must’ve heard that greenery and clean air can impact our minds and can help us unwind after a long and strenuous working routine. Similarly, our surroundings can impact our mental and physical well-being. Many people turn to ecotherapy, which involves returning to nature to unwind and free the mind and body from the fatigue and stress of our daily lives. Just like nature can help us feel better, it can work wonders for those who feel captivated by addiction or need a mental break to ensure health.

Ecotherapy can calm nerves, and using eco-friendly rehab centers can alleviate mental stress and help individuals recover faster while feeling good about themselves. Studies show that green spaces lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), improve attention, and promote a sense of calm, essential conditions for those in early recovery when emotions can be raw and dysregulated

Why Make a Rehab Center Eco-friendly?

An eco-friendly rehab center will always be a better choice as it not only ensures a healthier living space, but it also ignites a sense of responsibility as people feel they are doing a good deed by keeping the planet green and free from pollutants.

The green practices, such as using recycled paper, and reusing plastic bags, will reduce clutter, which will automatically impact the minds of those living there. A cleaner environment can improve moods, which can help all rehab residents feel good about themselves. This positive feeling will make them recover faster.

Here are a few key factors that make eco-friendly rehab centers more beneficial.

  • Green building materials: Non-toxic paints, recycled wood, and low-VOC materials.
  • Energy-efficient systems: Solar panels, LED lighting, smart HVAC systems.
  • Water conservation: Rainwater harvesting, low-flow fixtures, drought-resistant landscaping.
  • On-site gardens: Edible gardens, herb spirals, or therapeutic horticulture spaces for residents.
  • Sustainable food practices: Organic, plant-forward diets with locally sourced ingredients.
  • Eco-therapy programs: Nature walks, wilderness therapy, or garden-based mindfulness.

Why Sustainability Supports Sobriety

If you look closely, the root of recovery from substance abuse lies in learning how to care. People who feel useful and are sure that they are doing something good for others will feel good about themselves, and therefore, their strength to recover from any kind of addiction can work wonders!

Practising sustainability by removing clutter, replacing the environment with plants, flowers and grass and ensuring that you do not create a lot of waste will give each rehab resident a feeling that they are doing something good for themselves and others. When residents see their environment treated with respect, it models a deeper kind of self-respect and stewardship.

Here’s how eco-conscious rehab centers enhance recovery:

1. Promotes Mindful Living

Residents will see a lot of greenery around the rehab center and would like to take care of it. The mere act of focusing on a plant promotes sensitivity and care, which reflects in other thought processes as well. The resident will gradually start to take care of their health, and their recovery will be faster.

Sustainable environments encourage clients to slow down, observe, and appreciate the moment, core principles of both mindfulness and recovery. When residents see a clean and beautiful environment with low waste, they will begin to think of ways to keep the place clean and ensure that they contribute to the beauty of their surroundings. Whether it’s composting food scraps or meditating by a water body, daily interactions with nature invite a reconnection with the present.

2. Restores a Sense of Purpose

Becoming useful is crucial for people to feel good about themselves. If they are doing anything that benefits others, a sense of purpose takes over, and it helps in boosting confidence as well. Many people in recovery deal with guilt, shame, and a loss of identity. If these people are made responsible for recycling waste, watering the plants, and caring for their surroundings, they will begin to feel good, and this feeling will help them recover faster. It is purpose-driven healing, rooted in reciprocity.

types of art to celebrate nature

3. Supports Physical and Mental Health

Sustainable centers focus on a healthier environment and that includes cleaner air, better food choices and a routine that will ensure physical strength. All these things can drastically improve health and residents can recover from their addictions faster. People at rehab centers face various challenges like anger, depression, self-harm, and substance abuse, but if they are in a cleaner and healthier place, the impact on their thoughts and daily routine can bring about positive effects.

Clean, toxin-free environments can also reduce allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and overstimulation, making the space more accessible to healing, and better mental health.

4. Teaches Self-Sufficiency and Simplicity

Rehabilitation means to build a better life and equip the individual with the right thought process, and core values that will help them stay away from any kind of reliance. Building confidence and giving a sense of purpose are part of rehabilitation. If an individual learns to live sustainably, they will improve their lifestyle, and rehabilitation would be more effective. Cooking from scratch, maintaining gardens, and repairing instead of replacing teach patience, responsibility, and resilience. Therefore, self-sufficiency and simplicity in life become the focus for every resident.

Nature as Therapy: Healing Beyond the Clinical

Many fitness centers and health clubs use nature as a way of healing. You may have heard of yoga classes in parks, or camping in forests for calmness as we all know that nature can heal the soul. Eco-friendly rehab centers have a similar effect and several daily activities can be planned in a way to help residents. Many eco-rehab centers can incorporate the following nature-based therapies into their programming:

  • Forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku): A Japanese practice of mindful immersion in the forest.
  • Equine therapy: Working with horses to develop emotional regulation and trust.
  • Adventure therapy: Hiking, kayaking, or camping to build self-confidence and connection.
  • Horticultural therapy: Growing and caring for plants as a metaphor for personal growth.

These practices ground clients in their bodies and surroundings, helping to regulate stress and foster insight in ways that traditional talk therapy may not.

A Model for Sustainable Healing

If you hear about any eco-friendly architecture, a green, clean and healthy place comes to mind. The eco-friendly rehab centers can also be a perfect resort for all those struggling to find a better life. Contributing to that environment by following small, doable daily tasks can give every resident a good feeling.

All healing begins from within, and when the mind becomes healthy, so does the body! By realigning residents with nature and teaching respect for all forms of life, these facilities offer not just recovery, but reconnection.

Final Thoughts

Any person struggling with health, anxiety or dependence can breathe freely and feel good about themselves in a clean and green environment. Eco-friendly rehab centers have all the good features that are essential for recovery. We have discussed how eco-friendly rehab centers can help the residents and significantly improve their lifestyle.

Moreover, the environment and planet need sustainable and eco-friendly models for architectural structures. Healing doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens in ecosystems, and the greener the ecosystem, the deeper the recovery.

How a Plant-Based Diet Can Speed Up the Recovery Process

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Recovery from addiction isn’t just about abstaining from substances—it’s about rebuilding the mind, body, and spirit from the ground up. While therapy, support groups, and structured routines are central to recovery programs, nutrition often remains an overlooked pillar. But emerging evidence suggests that what we eat plays a profound role in how well—and how quickly—we heal.

A plant-based diet, rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, offers a natural and powerful way to support the physical and emotional recovery process. Here’s how shifting to plant-powered nutrition can accelerate healing and restore balance in a body and brain recovering from substance use.

plant-based diet

1. Rebuilding the Brain’s Chemistry

Addiction hijacks the brain’s reward system, often depleting neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals are responsible for regulating mood, motivation, pleasure, and sleep—all of which are often disrupted in early recovery.

A plant-based diet supports the production of these neurotransmitters in several ways:

  • Bananas, avocados, and nuts contain tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin.
  • Leafy greens and legumes are rich in folate and B-vitamins, essential for brain function and emotional balance.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts contribute to neuroplasticity and brain repair.

By consistently feeding the body the raw materials it needs to repair neurotransmitter function, individuals in recovery may experience fewer mood swings and reduced cravings.

2. Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Substance use wreaks havoc on the body, leading to high levels of inflammation and oxidative stress. This inflammation not only affects physical organs like the liver and heart but also impacts mental clarity and emotional regulation.

A diet focused on whole, plant-based foods provides:

  • Antioxidants (found in berries, green tea, turmeric) that neutralize free radicals.
  • Phytonutrients that support cellular healing.
  • Fiber to support detoxification through the digestive system.

This internal cleansing can reduce brain fog, fatigue, and digestive issues—common complaints in early recovery.

3. Stabilizing Blood Sugar and Cravings

Blood sugar spikes and crashes can mimic cravings and emotional instability—both of which are dangerous triggers in recovery.

Plant-based diets rich in complex carbohydrates (quinoa, brown rice, legumes) digest slowly, promoting steady energy and mental focus throughout the day. This helps:

  • Regulate appetite.
  • Prevent mood crashes.
  • Reduce the urge to seek relief through harmful substances or behaviors.

4. Supporting Gut Health and the Gut-Brain Axis

Recent research has highlighted the role of the gut microbiome in mental health. The “second brain” in the gut communicates constantly with the actual brain via the vagus nerve. A compromised gut flora—common after years of poor diet and substance use—can lead to anxiety, depression, and immune dysfunction.

A plant-based diet:

  • Feeds beneficial bacteria with fiber.
  • Encourages a diverse and balanced microbiome.
  • Reduces consumption of inflammatory animal fats and processed foods.

A healthier gut often leads to improved mood, better digestion, and enhanced immunity—all critical during recovery.

5. Promoting Self-Compassion and Routine

Choosing to nourish the body with plant-based meals is an act of self-care and mindful living. Recovery often involves redefining one’s identity and relationship with the self. Preparing nourishing, colorful meals creates a sense of routine, empowerment, and body respect.

It’s not just about nutrients—it’s about the ritual:

  • Shopping for fresh produce.
  • Cooking meals with intention.
  • Eating mindfully and recognizing fullness.

These habits foster presence, patience, and purpose—vital traits for long-term sobriety.

6. Avoiding Substituting Substances with Processed Foods

Many people in early recovery unknowingly substitute substances with sugar, caffeine, or junk food—which can create their own cycles of dependency and emotional instability. A plant-based diet, when done right, can help avoid this trap by focusing on natural satiety, nourishment, and whole ingredients.

whole food diet

7. Accessible and Affordable Wellness

One of the myths about healthy eating is that it’s expensive or hard to maintain. In reality, plant-based staples like lentils, beans, oats, and rice are some of the most affordable sources of nutrition. They’re easy to cook in bulk, budget-friendly, and available in most areas—making it a sustainable lifestyle for those rebuilding financially post-rehab.

Fueling a New Life from the Inside Out

Recovery is a daily commitment to healing and growth. A plant-based diet won’t replace therapy or group support—but it can be a powerful complement that accelerates progress, supports mental clarity, and lays a foundation of physical resilience.

Eating with intention reminds us that we are worth nourishing. It’s not about perfection—it’s about healing one plate at a time.

The Gut-Brain Connection: Can a Whole Foods Diet Improve Mental Health in Rehab?

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Did you know that ancient sub-continental apothecaries used to determine the root cause of every illness by analyzing the diet of a person? As medical science is advancing, scientists have begun to study how foods may impact mental health in individuals. We all have heard how sugar can energize people and make them hyper-active.

There are several studies to back the theory that digestion does not happen in the gut alone. The gut-brain axis is what helps scientists understand how gut health can impact mental health. For all those in rehabilitation, food choices have become more important ever since these studies.

whole food diet

When someone enters rehab, they’re not just recovering from substance use, they have to recover from various mental issues that lead to this abuse. People fighting addiction are often in survival mode, and what they eat can greatly influence their recovery. Let’s find out more!

What is the Gut-Brain Axis?

The gut-brain axis refers to the two-way communication system between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. This relationship has several connections which need to be healthy to ensure strong recovery. The vague nerve is the part of the nervous system that sends messages from the gut to the brain and vice versa.

Then there is the enteric nervous system which is also referred to as the second brain. The gut microbiome includes trillions of bacteria that live in the digestive tract. All these systems connect the brain to the gut, and also ensure good moods.

Moreover, if all these parts of the human organism are healthy, the person will have strong cognition, immune response, and stress levels. We have ample proof that the mood-regulating enzyme serotonin is also produced in the gut and not the brain. This is why inflammation of the gut, can cause a severe drop in serotonin levels.

Nutrient deficiency and imbalanced diets can also cause lower serotonin production, which can lead to anxiety, depression, fatigue, and even relapse triggers.

How Addiction Harms the Gut

If a person is used to consuming alcohol, opioids, and stimulants, their gut can suffer as they will experience a disruption in the balance of healthy gut bacteria, and in some cases a leaky gut will result due to imbalanced diet intake. Several digestive disorders and inflammation issues are the result of substance consumption.

Continued substance abuse can impair nutrient absorption, causing a plethora of disorders and health issues. A person suffering from substance abuse will experience brain fog, irritability, mood swings, and even cravings, making recovery more difficult. Many people in early rehab suffer from these symptoms without realizing they’re rooted in the gut.

What is a Whole Foods Diet?

A whole foods diet is based on the consumption of organic, and raw foods which do not involve processing. These foods are rich in nutrients and do not have any unnatural chemicals that may limit digestion. These foods include:

  • Fresh vegetables and fruits
  • Whole grains like quinoa, oats, brown rice
  • Legumes such as lentils, beans, and chickpeas
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Healthy fats from avocados, olives, and coconut
  • Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and tempeh

We have so many processed foods in our daily diet that we do not understand how to limit them! From meat and cereals for breakfast to using canned and processed fruits for desserts after dinner, we consume so many processed foods that cause inflammation because of reduced gut bacteria. Whole foods can create a more stable internal environment and can drastically improve gut health that supports emotional balance.

The Mental Health Benefits of Whole Foods in Rehab

If we focus on individuals who are recovering from substance abuse, gut health can play a crucial role in recovery because it can regulate the systems, making the body stronger, which in turn can make the mind function better. Here are some ways in which whole foods can help recovery.

Stabilized Mood and Reduced Anxiety

Whole foods are rich in B-vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, and all these nutrients help reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. By supporting brain chemistry and neurotransmitter production, these foods create a more stable emotional baseline, reducing mood swings and irritability.

Improved Sleep and Energy

Poor gut health and blood sugar crashes can lead to fatigue and insomnia, two major hurdles in early recovery. Whole foods promote steady energy levels and support melatonin production for better sleep hygiene.

Craving Reduction

Sugar, processed foods, and alcohol all cause spikes in dopamine and blood sugar, creating a cycle of highs and crashes. Whole foods keep the body’s insulin response balanced, helping reduce addictive patterns related to food and substances.

Enhanced Cognitive Function

Antioxidants, healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory foods improve mental clarity, memory, and focus—all of which are often impaired in the early stages of recovery.

Vegan Recipes for College Students

Rebuilding the Gut Microbiome in Recovery

A healthy gut requires several kinds of microbiome. Whole foods help repair gut damage caused by substance use by feeding these bacteria and activating them. Probiotic fiber, and protein in vegetables can help keep the gut healthy due to active bacteria. Foods like asparagus, onions, garlic, and bananas can help people in recovery.

Moreover, fermented foods like kimchi can work wonders. Eliminating harmful triggers like artificial sweeteners, trans fats, and excess caffeine will also be beneficial. Rebuilding the gut microbiome not only improves digestion, it also lays the foundation for emotional resilience and long-term sobriety.

Mindful Eating as a Recovery Tool

If a person keeps track of what they are eating or if they select organic foods regularly, they will feel better about themselves. Have you noticed how, on some days, early morning exercise or a healthy breakfast can set us up for a healthier routine throughout the day? Recovery is about more than nutrition, and mindful eating teaches individuals to slow down, savor their food, and reconnect with their bodies.

This practice can reduce emotional eating and stress-eating triggers while increasing awareness of fullness and hunger cues. It also helps people break free from addictive behavior patterns around food. Cooking and sharing whole food meals also creates a sense of community, routine, and purpose—key aspects of relapse prevention.

Practical Tips for Rehab Centers and Individuals

If you introduce nutrition education as part of recovery programs, it will help residents understand how essential it is to take care of their diet. Moreover, offering gut-healing recipes and meal plans can help residents understand how to make new dishes, which will keep them busy and make them feel good. Rehab centers can incorporate gardening, cooking classes, or nutrition groups to empower patients.

Moreover, if they work with a dietitian who understands addiction recovery and the gut-brain connection, the residents will become healthier. Small steps, like adding leafy greens to meals, replacing sugary snacks with fruit, or drinking more water, can create a ripple effect in physical and mental well-being.

Final Thoughts: Healing from the Inside Out

The journey of recovery is not just about quitting a substance, it is about getting a healthier lifestyle. Understanding the connection between the gut and the brain is essential for recovery. We have discussed how rehab centers and individuals can incorporate healthier eating to see drastic improvement. A nourished gut supports a clear mind. And a clear mind is one of the greatest assets on the path to long-term recovery.

A Message on Earth Day

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plastic-wastesEarth Day has now grown into a global environmental tradition making it the largest civic observance in the world and is widely celebrated event in which over one billion people from over 190 countries will participate by taking suitable actions for saving our mother Earth.

The Earth Day was first organized in 1970 to promote respect for life on the planet and to encourage awareness on air, water and soil pollution. Each year a different theme or topic is selected. The theme of Earth Day 2018 is ‘End Plastic Pollution’. Plastic pollution is poisoning our oceans and lands, injuring marine life and affecting public health. Earth Day 2018 is dedicated to providing the information and inspiration needed to fundamentally change human attitude and behavior about plastics.

The Earth Day movement is continuing, to inspire, challenge ideas, ignite passion, and motivate people to action. Let us contribute by reducing our carbon footprint, plastic footprint and digital carbon footprint in all possible manners. This initiative will make a significant and measurable impact on the Earth and will serve as the foundation of a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable planet for all.

Plastic Pollution – A Real Menace

More than 8 million tons of plastic enters into the ocean each year, which is equal to dumping a garbage truck of plastic every minute. This dumped plastic impact marine wildlife, fisheries, tourism, navigation, affecting marine vessels and human health.

Over the last ten years we have produced more plastic than during the entire last century. 50% of the plastic we use is just once and later throw away. Enough plastic is thrown away each year to circle the earth four times. Unfortunately, we currently recover only 5% of the plastics we produce, which accounts for around 10% of the total waste we generate.

The production of plastic uses around 8% of the world’s oil production. Million tons of plastic can be found in swirling convergences in the oceans making up about 40% of the world’s ocean surfaces, while 80% of pollution enters the ocean from the land. According to estimates, at the rate we are dumping items such as plastic bottles, plastic bags and plastics cups after a single use, by 2050 oceans will carry more plastic than fish and an estimated 99% of seabirds will have ingested this uncontrolled plastic.

The Earth day is observed believing that nothing is more powerful than the collective action of a billion people. Earth Day’s message is to become more sustainable and reduce our carbon footprint and improving our quality of life. We need to plant trees and make our home, area and city as a livable place.

The earth is what we all have in common. We need to audit our actions and see what are we contributing towards our environment and community? Earth Day is about uniting voices around the globe in support of a healthy planet.

All Hands on Board

Earth Day is not limited to 22nd April only but can be celebrated at any day. As the slogan goes ‘Earth Day Every Day’. We need to be part of the biggest grass-root effort in history by at least planting a tree as a “give back” to Earth. We have been mercilessly polluting the natural surroundings and damaging the fragile resources of the earth.

Let us be a part of this green revolution, plan and participate in Earth Day activities moving from single-day actions, such as park cleanups and tree-planting parties to long-term actions and commitments and make our home, area and city, a healthier place to live.

There are many ways to celebrate the Earth Day. We can plant more trees, have indoor plants, plan an outdoor activity with nature, motivate people to reduce the use of unhealthy living practices, avoid littering and use of plastic bags, teach our children about the recycling and reuse of the old materials, promote energy savings and water conservation and tell people that every day of their life is earth day, so they should take care of the earth on daily basis.

How Indoor Plants Improve Mood and Air Quality in Treatment Facilities

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Indoor plants are considered an aesthetic fix for any kind of home. Whether you have a rustic cottage look, a high-end apartment or a penthouse, the use of plants can liven up any space! These plants do more than just look good, as they can uplift your health in many ways.

The environment plays a crucial role in our well-being. Whether you adorn your living space with plants or you have a green and happy garden where you spend some time every evening, greenery always has a refreshing effect.

We will discuss how indoor plants can be beneficial for treatment facilities and how they can impact moods and air quality for the people around.

indoor plants at addiction recovery center

The Science Behind Greenery and Mental Health

Humans have an inbred tendency to turn to nature, and it is called biophilia. All of us want to go out in the sun, feel the wind and walk on grass, as nature is what we are a part of too. However, due to difficult routines or population increase, many of us are unable to enjoy open spaces where green plants and flowers can elevate our moods. Greenery can make a big difference in how a person feels.

Have you ever heard people suggest a walk in the park on a sad day? This suggestion is backed by science because we all need to connect with nature to feel good. This is why many retreats and relaxation camps are located in the hills. Plants, trees, flowers and grass make a person feel good instantly, and in treatment facilities, where people often experience anxiety, illness or depression; green plants and garden areas where you can see the sky can work wonders.

Here is how indoor plants can impact mental health:

  • Lower blood pressure
  • Decrease cortisol levels (stress hormone)
  • Improve mood and concentration
  • Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
  • Increase feelings of vitality and energy

Plants and the Psychology of Recovery

The tradition of presenting flowers to ill people has its own history, but at treatment facilities or even at hospices, the maintenance of indoor plants can work wonders because of the calming effect of plants on people. When you breathe in clean fresh air, generated by indor plants, you feel fresh and active. Similarly, in treatment facilities, people feeling low or depressed can benefit from indoor plants. When a person is near greenery, they become happier and feel lighter because of better air quality. Brain fog, anxiety and other mental strains can easily dissolve when a person is in a greener, cleaner environment.

Natural greenery has been shown to increase serotonin levels and decrease negative emotions. Individuals who struggle with post-acute withdrawal symptoms or co-occurring depression and anxiety, can get primary help if their mood is good and they feel comfortable in their surroundings; and plants can help in this regard. Moreover, residents can enjoy watering, pruning, or simply observing plant growth and it makes them feel good about themselves. Plants can make residents become mindful because caring for plants is like meditative practice that reinforces patience and presence.

Recovery is a journey of regrowth and transformation and plants help people as greenery can uplift moods, make them feel good about themselves and as they see plants grow, residents can heal through good moods and better mental states.

The Physical Health Benefits: Cleaning the Air We Breathe

It is no news that plants can have a positive impact on human health. In all the countries where greenery is adequate, people breathe cleaner air and get to enjoy better climate. Plants are air purifiers, and we all know that breathing clean air means better health. NASA’s Clean Air Study found that certain houseplants can remove up to 87% of air toxins in 24 hours, including formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia, and trichloroethylene, common pollutants found in buildings.

Here are some key benefits of having plants around you:

  • Increased oxygen levels during photosynthesis
  • Humidity regulation, which can reduce respiratory issues
  • Reduced airborne toxins for a healthier indoor environment

indoor plants in home

Best Indoor Plants for Treatment Centers

Not all plants are created equal. Some are more effective at air purification, while others are easier to care for in shared spaces. Here are a few recovery-friendly options:

Peace Lily

  • Air purifier
  • Symbolic of calm and rebirth

Snake Plant

  • Requires minimal care
  • Converts CO₂ into oxygen at night

Spider Plant

  • Safe and non-toxic
  • Excellent at removing pollutants

Pothos

  • Grows quickly, symbolizing resilience
  • Great for hanging baskets or climbing walls

Aloe Vera

  • Healing properties
  • A living metaphor for self-soothing and growth

Including a mix of floor plants, tabletop greenery, and hanging baskets can maximize the visual and health benefits without cluttering the space.

Integrating Plants into Recovery Programs

Beyond passive décor, plants can become active elements in treatment:

  • Horticultural therapy: Clients engage in planting, growing, and tending to plants as a structured therapeutic activity.
  • Mindfulness sessions: Guided meditations using the plant environment as a focus point.
  • Responsibility rotation: Giving residents plant care duties encourages accountability, routine, and nurturing instincts.
  • Creative expression: Drawing or journaling about personal growth through the metaphor of plant care.

Final Thoughts: Small Greens, Big Impact

Treatment facilities often look boring and may intimidate residents who are prone to anxiety and depression. If plants are placed indoors, or even if there is greenery in the building with some open green spaces, the people living there will feel a positive impact.

We have discussed how indoor plants can improve the air quality and in turn impact the residents positively. There are several different plants, which have a good impact on people. You can see what kinds of plants you can keep in a treatment facility to offer a clean, and fresh environment for all the residents.

How Caring for the Environment Can Reinforce Self-Worth in Recovery

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Different kinds of addictions, mental stresses or conditions not only make a person feel less useful, but these conditions can also make people feel as if they do not have any purpose in life. As hopelessness seeps in, depressed or anxious people combating substance abuse can become vulnerable to circumstances.

However, did you know that caring for our environment and people around us can make us feel a lot more worthy of appreciation? Why not try this from today? We will discuss how people in addiction recovery can feel better about their self-worth if they care for the environment.

Environmental stewardship is always a good way to feel worthy and useful. When you care for plants and see them grow, you feel as if you have made a difference in a living being’s life.

environmental care

The Link Between Environmental Care and Recovery

Recovery for various mental conditions begins with self-worth, care and physical health. When people care for the environment, they become more and more aware of their good side, which boosts them.

This boost of confidence, self-respect and goodness can do wonders for those recovering from mental or physical issues. If a person combating substance abuse is being treated, and they begin their day by watering the plants, caring for the environment by recycling, and reusing materials, they will get a good feeling about themselves. If a person feels that they are being useful, they will try to follow the same goodness in other things they do.

You may have heard of beach clean-ups and tree plantation practices for rehabilitation center residents. This exercise is for stimulating the nerves of these residents so they can start thinking of themselves as useful people.

Rebuilding Identity Through Purpose

When substance abuse occupies a person, they feel useless and often consider themselves unnecessary members of society. Environmental stewardship helps these people feel useful. As we mentioned earlier, when a person feels that they have a purpose in life, they tend to become more conscious in all sectors of daily life.

For example, a person trying to give up alcohol will feel vacant and unsuitable for various types of responsibilities. However, if the same person is assigned the task of watering plants and caring for the greenery around them, they will become more responsible. When they see that the plants are thriving in their care, they become happy and begin to get their self-worth back.

Similarly, when people clean up the habitat or take part in recycling materials, whatever they create with those materials adds to their self-esteem. This constant buildup of confidence and respect makes them combat substance abuse and helps them realize their place in society. Gradually, shame is replaced with pride, and these people start feeling responsible and mature.

Mindfulness in Action

Caring for anyone other than ourselves requires attention and patience. Moreover, taking responsibility for any task means you are committing to consistency. If a person is caring for the environment, they will be able to attend, be patient and of course, be consistent. All these qualities will make them become a more aware and responsible person, who can recover from any kind of condition.

If a person participates in various environmental works like composting or recycling, their nervous system will slow down, making them calm and happy. It will encourage present-moment awareness, which will help the thought process.

Environmental Writer

Moreover, environmental work will reinforce the idea that effort over time leads to transformation. These environmentally conscious routines function as a form of mindful living, reducing stress and encouraging a sense of accomplishment. When recovering individuals see their efforts contribute to something greater, it fosters emotional resilience and stability.

From Destruction to Restoration

Substance abuse can often lead to destructive thoughts and hopelessness. If a person is consuming an excess of any substance, they can see its effects on their relationships, social interactions, career progress and all other things. Taking part in environmental efforts allows individuals to be part of restorative action, a psychological and spiritual counterpart to their own healing.

If a person is trying to reclaim or repair any kind of damage on the planet, they become more confident and feel better about themselves. Revitalizing urban gardens, taking part in conservation projects and restoring local parks or green spaces can give a person the boost they need to recover from substance abuse.

Emotional Benefits of Environmental Responsibility

People in recovery frequently struggle with feelings of guilt, uselessness, and detachment. Environmental care offers so many benefits for them that they heal faster. The tangible impact of environmental work like tree plantation and watering plants to see them grow, will show the individual that consistent work can yield results. These individuals feel encouraged and get a good feeling about themselves, which helps overcome detachment.

Acts of sustainability show that recovery doesn’t make someone weaker, and it makes them stronger and capable of contributing positively. When others see someone in recovery taking responsibility for their actions and surroundings, it rebuilds trust in their character and commitment.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Environmental Care into Recovery

Here are some useful ways to incorporate environmental care into recovery:

1. Eco-Therapy Programs

Rehab centers can integrate green care activities such as gardening, walks in nature, plantation drives, eco-farms and composting, and even recycling and craft making to use old materials. All these activities can be a wonderful way to pass time and will give each resident a sense of usefulness. Animal-assisted tasks or animal care will also help them regulate their emotions.

Ramadan and climate change crisis

2. Sustainable Living Workshops

Teaching environmental tasks such as composting and zero-waste living can work well for those fighting substance abuse. The hopelessness that seeps in with this menace can drastically improve confidence and life skills.

3. Community-Based Initiatives

Partner with local green organizations to involve residents in beach cleanups, tree planting, environmental advocacy events and these group experiences promote connection, teamwork, and civic pride.

Healing Ourselves by Healing the Planet

All of us love to feel useful and there are so many good qualities that come with this instinct. For those recovering from addiction, who may carry years of regret or internalized stigma, the opportunity to do good in the world can be transformational.

We have shared lots of stimulating ideas of how environmental work can help people build self-worth and self-image. If residents take part in these environmental activities, they will recover faster and will feel good about themselves.

Things You Need to Know About Algae Biorefinery

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High oil prices, competing demands between foods and other biofuel sources, and the world food crisis, have ignited interest in algaculture (farming of algae) for making vegetable oil, biodiesel, bioethanol, biogasoline, biomethanol, biobutanol and other biofuels. Algae can be efficiently grown on land that is not suitable for agriculture and hold huge potential to provide a non-food, high-yield source of biodiesel, ethanol and hydrogen fuels.

algae biorefinery

Several recent studies have pointed out that biofuel from microalgae has the potential to become a renewable, cost-effective alternative for fossil fuel with reduced impact on the environment and the world supply of staple foods, such as wheat, maize and sugar.

What are Algae?

Algae are unicellular microorganisms, capable of photosynthesis. They are one of the world’s oldest forms of life, and it is strongly believed that fossil fuel was largely formed by ancient microalgae. Microalgae (or microscopic algae) are considered as a potential oleo-feedstock, as they produce lipids through photosynthesis, i.e. using only carbon, water, sunlight, phosphates, nitrates and other (oligo) elements that can be found in residual waters.

Oils produced by diverse algae strains range in composition. For the most part are like vegetable oils, though some are chemically similar to the hydrocarbons in petroleum.

The Advantages of Algae Cultivation

Apart from lipids, algae also produce proteins, isoprenoids and polysaccharides. Some strains of algae ferment sugars to produce alcohols, under the right growing conditions. Their biomass can be processed to different sorts of chemicals and polymers (polysaccharides, enzymes, pigments and minerals), biofuels (e.g. biodiesel, alkanes and alcohols), food and animal feed (PUFA, vitamins, etc.) as well as bioactive compounds (antibiotics, antioxidant and metabolites) through down-processing technology such as transesterification, pyrolysis and continuous catalysis using microspheres.

Algae can be grown on non-arable land (including deserts), most of them do not require fresh water, and their nutritional value is high. Extensive R&D is underway on algae as raw material worldwide, especially in North America and Europe with a high number of start-up companies developing different options.

Most scientific literature suggests an oil production potential of around 25-50 ton per hectare per year for relevant algae species. Microalgae contain, amongst other biochemical, neutral lipids (tri-, di-, monoglycerides free fatty acids), polar lipids (glycolipids, phospholipids), wax esters, sterols and pigments. The total lipid content in microalgae varies from 1 to 90 % of dry weight, depending on species, strain and growth conditions.

algae biofuels

What is Algae Biorefinery

Algae-based biorefineries are specialized facilities meant for the conversion of algae into biofuels, biochemicals, cosmetics, food and other useful products. In order to develop a more sustainable and economically feasible process, all algal biomass components (e.g. proteins, lipids, carbohydrates) should be used and therefore biorefining of microalgae is very important for the selective separation and use of the functional biomass components.

In convention terms, biorefinery is used to describe the production of a wide range of chemicals and biofuels from biomass resources by the integration of bio-processing and chemical technologies in a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable manner. If biorefining of microalgae is applied, lipids should be fractionated into lipids for biodiesel, lipids as a feedstock for the chemical industry and essential fatty acids, proteins and carbohydrates for food, feed and bulk chemicals, and the oxygen produced should be recovered also.

The potential for commercial algae production is expected to come from growth in translucent tubes or containers called photo-bioreactors or in open systems, particularly for industrial mass cultivation or more recently through a hybrid approach combining closed-system pre-cultivation with a subsequent open-system.

The major advantages of an algae biorefinery include:

  • Use of industrial refusals as inputs ( CO2,wastewater and desalination plant rejects)
  • Large product basket with energy-derived (biodiesel, methane, ethanol and hydrogen) and non-energy derived (nutraceutical, fertilizers, animal feed and other bulk chemicals) products.
  • Not competing with food production (non-arable land and no freshwater requirements)
  • Better growth yield and lipid content than crops.

Indeed, after oil extraction the resulting algal biomass can be processed into ethanol, methane, livestock feed, used as organic fertilizer due to its high N:P ratio, or simply burned for energy cogeneration (electricity and heat). If, in addition, production of algae is done on residual nutrient feedstocks and CO2, and production of microalgae is done on large scale in order to lower production costs, production of bulk chemicals and fuels from microalgae will become economically, environmentally and ethically extremely attractive.

Yakhchal Ice Maker from Iran and Modern Use For Radiant Sky Cooling

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The cooling potential of the night sky was recognized by societies many centuries ago. In Iran, night sky radiant cooling was used to produce ice even when ambient air temperatures fail to drop below freezing. The tall walls of the yakhchal ran from east to west to fully shade shallow troughs of water throughout the day. These walls could be 10 m tall and 40 m across. In the winter the shade extends out 15 m, but only 7 m in August.

yakhchal ice maker

The yakhchals came in different styles. Some had multiple shade walls, others curvilinear walls and walls of different heights. Most of the building was done with mud bricks. The twin yakhchals at Sirjan, Iran are the most elegant. The curvilinear walls not only adapt to the sun path over the year, but also are more stable in earthquakes.

yakhchal in iran

In my studies with clear skies at 1,800 m (6,000 ft) the water temperature was 10°C (18°F) or more below air temperature and could provide ice even with air temps of from range of 5—10°C (mid 40°s). The twin yakhchals at Sirjan are at high altitude 1,700 m (5,600 ft) and it seems likely ice could be made on some nights from October to April, but would be easy from November to March with air temperatures of 7° to 8°C.

A few inches of still clear water would be placed in the ponds and by morning there would be ice. The next night more water is admitted and more ice is made. Then the ice is broken, raked up, and collected for storage in an ice house. The work continued until the ice house was full. The ice was used in the summer for drinks as well as for food storage. The ice made chilled treats for royalty and made faloodeh, the traditional Persian frozen dessert.

yakhchal ice storehouse

The ice was stored in a large domed mud brick building, often rising as tall as 20 m tall. (figure 5). Some had up to 5,000 m3 of deep storage. The ice house often had added cooling from cool air from a qanat (subterranean water channel) or wind-catching tower. Similar practices have been used in the desert of Chile and with ice pits in the West Indies.

The cooling effect of thermal radiation to the north sky in the day and the colder night sky made it possible to make ice even when air temperatures were above freezing. The night sky temperature may be 5–16°C (10-30°F) below air temperature. Frederick A. Brooks reported night radiant cooling led to an air temperature of -2.2°C (28°F) over straw covered ground near Sacramento after a daytime high of 36°C (98°F). The strongest radiant cooling is achieved from horizontal surfaces exposed to unobstructed, dry and cloudless skies. Cooling may also be enhanced by evaporative cooling of a water surface. Radiation cooling is stronger at higher altitudes with less atmosphere.

How does it work?

The rapid chilling in the desert after the sun sets results from the powerful effect of night sky radiant cooling. Cooling results when the incoming direct and indirect radiation is less than the energy radiated to the sky vault. During the daytime the shortwave radiation from the sun dominates, but at night the long wave radiation from earth to space exceeds the counter-radiation from molecules and particles in the atmosphere. This loss is referred to as the net outgoing radiation and is primarily at wavelengths between 7-14 microns. In Davis, California the average nighttime temperature for a horizontal black panel was 5°C (10°F) below air temperature.

The greatest radiation loss at night occurs directly overhead. Frederick A. Brooks compiled a table of variation in net outgoing radiation with changes in zenith angle at Blue Hill, Massachusetts.

Net outgoing radiation

Angle from overhead    % maximum radiation to space

0°                                 100

20°                               99

30°                               98

40°                               95

50°                               91

60°                               86

70°                               75

The radiation rate also varies with the nature of the sky view. You can observe the effect of shelter with frost or dew formation on windows on just one side of the car while the windows protected by being near a building or under a tree will be free of frost or dew because the radiant loss has been reduced.

Most of the net outgoing radiation from earth occurs to the cold night sky, but radiation to space also occurs during the day. Observations on radiant cooling to the day sky in Davis California by L. W. “Tod” Neubauer, Richard Cramer and N. R. Ittner added more insight about the radiation flow to the day sky. Daytime radiant exchanges across the sky dome were measured carefully. White panels sloped 60° and 70°facing north stayed below air temperature throughout the day. Further studies identified 65° to the north as the minimum sky temperature in Davis. In the very hot Imperial Valley the cool spot in the north sky was about 60° to the north in August. It was 21°C (40°F) cooler than air temperature in mid-afternoon.

Observations of animal behavior suggests they are able to detect the cool spot in how they locate themselves in relation to shelter. A yakhchal shaped shade can provide a cool spot for animals. Understanding day sky cooling can help make shelters for livestock more economical and more favorable for livestock.

Using radiant sky cooling for buildings

The roof pond and cool pool buildings described in this article take advantage of night sky radiant cooling. Water filled pools or bags are in direct contact with the room below. At night insulated shutters are removed to allow for radiation to space. They are closed in the morning for powerful cooling. These water pools can provide winter heating by opening the insulated lids in the day and closing them at night. The picture shows the roof of a roof pond house with insulated reflective lids operated by hydraulic rams. Year-round comfort was possible when the lids were closed on winter nights and opened during the day.

radiant cooling system

Radiant sky cooling can also be used with pumps or fans to cool air or water for cooling buildings. Some projects have used night radiators almost the same as solar collectors. Raymond Bliss for example, used copper collectors for a radiant cooling system in Tucson and found that it worked reasonably well. A tube in strip collector covering the roof was coupled with a storage tank and a tube in strip heat exchanger in the ceiling.

Night sky cooling from roofs that slope down to a courtyard, seen in early Roman designs, would help cooling as the denser cool air drops down into the courtyard and can flow out through the surrounding rooms.

Radiant cooling can also be done using a second white-painted sheet-metal roof raised to form a plenum or airspace above the standard or original roof. The denser air flows down into the building through vents. This roof should slope downward to the north.

Radiative sky cooling enabled people to make and use ice all year. No electricity was needed when natural flows are utilized. These can also be applied to help make homes and buildings comfortable even in hot deserts. They can also make it easier to keep livestock cool and productive.

Further reading

Bahareh Hosseini, A. N. 2012. An overview of Iranian ice repositories, an example of traditional indigenous architecture. METU Journal of the Faculty of Architecture,29(2):

Brooks, F. A. 1959. An Introduction to Physical Microclimatology. University of California Press.

Cramer, R. D. and Neubauer. L. W. 1965. Diurnal radiant exchange with the sky dome. Solar Energy 9(2):95-103.

Davis Energy Group. Nd. Nightsky® systems cools roof tops, saves energy. www.davisenergygroup.com

Geiger, R. 1959. The Climate Near the Ground. Harvard University Press.

Kelly, C. F., Bond, T. E., Ittner, N. R.. 1957. Sky temperatures in the Imperial Valley of California. Transactions American Geophysical Union 38(3):308-313.

Lockhart, L. 1957. Persia. Thames and Hudson, London, UK. P.40, plate 85

Izadpanah, P. and Zareie, H. Iranian architecture. The Cooling Systems in Traditional Iranian Architecture. The Circle of Ancient Iranian Studies (CAIS). https://www.cais-soas.com/CAIS/Architecture/wind.htm

Neubauer, L. W. and R. D. Cramer. 1965. Shading devices to limit solar heat gain but increase cold sky radiation. ASHRAE Transactions 8(4):470-472, 475.

Pochee, H., Gunstone, J., and Wilton, O. 2017. New insight on passive ice making and seasonal storage of the Iranian Yakhchal and their potential for contemporary applications. PLEA 2017. Edinburgh.

The Adverse Environmental Impact of Electric Vehicles

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As interest in EVs continues to rise at a rapid pace, questions about the long-term environmental impact of electric vehicles are coming forward. In this article, we will highlight the environmental consequences of using electric vehicles to help you make an informed decision on switching to an EV.

Environmental Impact of Electric Vehicles

More Resources, Reduced Carbon Emissions

One of the most notable and attractive features of the modern EV is its “zero emission” component. But while these streamlined vehicles can significantly decrease the volume of carbon emissions released into the environment, the resources needed to build them present some complications.

EVs are powered by their high-powered batteries, which are made using precious, highly rarified chemical resources like lithium and uranium. Mining these resources requires a huge amount of energy, water, and air pollution, counteracting the eco-friendly features of an EV.

Also Read: EV Battery Recycling Methods for the Middle East

A Green Manufacturing Issue

While the process of driving an EV does release zero carbon emissions, the other stages of the car’s lifespan do not. The manufacturing of an EV is more carbon emissive than regular gas-powered cars, and the process of degradation at the end of its life also has an adverse environmental impact.

Gas-powered cars still contribute disproportionately more greenhouse gas than EVs, but the way in which they’re produced is much more environmentally compatible than EVs. EVs still have the potential to be as green as everyone wants them to be, but presently their environmental track record could certainly use some assessment.

electric car

Are E-bikes A Sound Alternative?

Until engineers can find a more eco-friendly way to manufacture and dispose of EVs, there are other options to look into. Electric bikes (and regular bikes) both offer comparatively carbon emissive methods of transport, and use up far fewer resources than cars do, whether powered by gas or electricity.

Also known as e-bikes, electric bikes are a more accessible, environmentally compatible, and much more affordable alternative to EVs. Information on electric bike tips and tricks has been searched for millions of times online over the past year, and the growing interest around them can be perceived through their incredible revenue growth.

Whether two-wheeled or four-wheeled, it seems that electric transport is going to form a big part of the planet’s future. Let’s hope that improved methods of production are in the works and that carbon emissions can be reduced at every point, from manufacturing to use and eventual scrapping.

10 Eco-friendly Things You Can Do At Your Home

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As we humans continue to develop, we use more and more resources and put more and more toxins into the air. It’s our responsibility to do what we can help our earth. The first place to start is right at home. There are a number of things we can do in our households to make the world a little bit greener. In this article, we will discuss a few eco-friendly things you can do at your house.

ecofriendly things to before buying a home

1. Use the right lights

The light bulbs you use in your home can make a big difference on your carbon imprint (and your wallet). While incandescent light bulbs are generally the cheapest kind you’ll find at the store, that doesn’t mean they are the best option. Instead of incandescent bulbs, it’s a good idea to go with either CFLs or LEDs. They last up to 25 times longer and use up to 80% less energy. While it may cost you a couple extra dollars up front, you save a lot more money in the long run.

2. Get energy star appliances

Every home needs to have a washer, dryer, dishwasher, and HVAC unit. These appliances are the cause of a lot of the energy and water used in the home. If you’re buying appliances for a new home, it’s important to buy appliances that will contribute to the environment. But how do you know which appliances to buy? Look for the Energy Star sticker! These products utilize up to 50% less energy than standard appliances.  If buying a home, check to see if the appliances are Energy Star appliances.

3. Use less water and use cold water

We waste more water throughout the day than you could imagine. Here are a number of ways that you and your family can reduce the amount of water you waste:

Don’t flush garbage

Every time you flush the toilet, it uses gallons of water. If you’re simply flushing a cigarette butt or a small tissue, it’s a huge waste of water! Make sure people throw garbage away properly. Also, you might want to consider low-flow toilets or toilets that use less water per flush.

Only wash full loads of laundry and dishes

Have you ever thrown one or two outfits in the laundry machine because you just needed to have them cleaned? Just do a full load. Running the washer requires a lot of water. Only run it and the dishwasher when they are full. Also, cold water requires significantly less energy than hot water, so use cold water when possible.

Shorter showers

Even though a long, warm shower can be relaxing, save those for when you really need that extra couple of minutes to yourself. Generally, try to take shorter, lukewarm showers. Encourage others to take shorter showers as well.

Turn the water off when you don’t need it on

Turn the water off when brushing your teeth and other daily activities. There’s no reason to leave the water running.

To learn more about living a healthier and sustainable life, check out the recent blog posts published by Public Goods. From healthy products to all natural oils, living a more informed life doesn’t have to be difficult.

4. Turn off gadgets

Be careful to turn off all electronics and lights when you leave the house. Leaving them on is a wasteful habit. Also, it’s a good idea to unplug items you are not using instead of leaving them on standby. When electronics are on standby, they are still using power. It doesn’t use as much, but the little amount of power it uses adds up.

5. Recycle

There are a number of items you throw out that can be recycled and reused. For example, if you have plastic trays or glass bottles or aluminium cans, it will can be recycled effectively. Designate specific bins for these items to make separating them easy. Get everyone in the household onboard, including children. If there isn’t a recycling program in your town already, take the initiative to support one in your local government.

recycling-qatar-environment

6. Automatic Thermostats

Technology now gives us the opportunity to control many of the things in our home from anywhere with our smartphone. Many of these items can be set automatically as well.

For example, the thermostat in your home can be changed every day when you and your family go to work and school. You don’t need to keep the home comfortable when no one is home. Creating this automatic setting helps you from forgetting before you leave in the morning. If you do need to change it, you can do so from work. The same can be said for your lights. If you think you left a light on, you can check with your automation tools on your smartphone.

7. Indoor Air Quality

Ensuring a healthy and eco-friendly home environment involves a critical step: checking indoor air quality. The impact of poor air quality on health and overall well-being cannot be overstated. For instance, radon, a colorless and odorless gas, has the potential to infiltrate homes, posing severe health risks such as lung cancer.

So to create a safer living space, it becomes essential to hire home inspectors who can effectively monitor and address indoor air quality issues by employing professional radon testing device. This approach not only safeguards against potential health issues but also contributes to the creation of a safer and more sustainable home environment.

8. Solar Panels

Something becoming more and more popular, especially in areas with a lot of sun, solar panels help make your home self-sustaining by generating and storing its own energy. Instead of using energy from the electric company, your solar panels will supply the electricity for the items in your home. It also stores the energy for when there is no sun.

While the initial cost may be expensive, it will greatly reduce the electric bills. It’s also a very attractive feature to the growing amount of homebuyers who want to buy a green home.

Green-Building-Middle-East

9. Buy with environment with mind

Every item in your home has a carbon footprint from the food you buy to the cleaning supplies you buy. The carbon footprint varies based on items used to make the product, packaging, and manufacturing practices. Look for items made from recyclable materials.

Also, do research to learn what companies make decisions with the environment in mind and support those companies. Look for companies that avoid wasteful packaging. Finally, avoid items that are known to be bad for the environment, such as plastic straws.

10. Location

The location of your home will contribute to its carbon footprint in a variety of ways. When buying a home, Jeff Stewart from Homes in Meridian (https://www.homesinmeridian.com/) says that you should consider factors such as neighborhood amenities, the quality and size of the homes in the neighborhood, and statistics on nearby schools. Check to make sure you’re living in an environment that shares your environmental concerns.

Every person has a carbon footprint. You may not think your individual carbon footprint matters, but they add up to contribute to the pollution and lack of resources in the world. Make a difference by starting at home. Hopefully, you can teach younger generations sustainable habits to take with them to their home as well.