How to Organize a Great Company Retreat: 7 Important Things to Do Ahead of Time

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Putting together a company retreat doesn’t have to be a challenge. The critical thing to know is that it will boost overall team morale, promote collaboration, and improve your company’s culture.

It is one thing to come up with the idea for a retreat; it’s another to plan out the entire process with attention to detail. This guide will discuss the seven essential things you need to do ahead of time so your company retreat goes off without a hitch.

corporate retreat

Decide If Custom Apparel Is Best For You

If one thing will bring a team together, it could be matching custom apparel. Not only will you create custom shirts or hoodies to foster unity and team spirit, but they can also be a memento for what could be one of your company’s most memorable retreats.

Knowing where to get shirts printed will be something you need to look for. The good news is that Printful has custom t-shirts, hoodies, and other apparel that they can create upon your request.

Define the Goals and Objectives

The best way to ensure that your company retreat is successful is to define the goals and objectives. You want to understand the actual purpose.

Are you looking to brainstorm new ideas with your team? Are you looking to create stronger team cohesion? Or is it something else?

Be decisive about your goals and objectives. This way, you can branch off any ideas based on the goals and objectives that you want to meet.

Choose the Right Location

Next, you want to find out where this retreat can be held. Consider some factors that play a role in deciding which location is best. This includes travel distance, amenities, and the type of environment that will be the best match for your goals and objectives. This can be something out of town, such as a quiet mountain lodge, or in the middle of another city where you can easily travel by car or, if necessary, a quick flight.

Plan the Agenda

You want to put together an organized agenda covering the topics you want to address at the retreat. You want to create a balance between work and play. This is where you can include things such as team-building activities, workshops, and even downtime so you and your team members can informally interact with one another or relax.

Once the agenda is official, please share it with your team so they can plan what to expect and prepare for the retreat.

Budget Accordingly

Planning a retreat will take a lot of work. That’s why it is essential to put together a budget to outline any expenses that may arise. Consider travel, accommodation, meals, activities, and any external facilitators that may require additional spending.

Ensure the budget is clear and outlined so you can make informed decisions ahead of time while avoiding unwelcome surprises that could cost you more.

Make Arrangements and Accommodations for Participants

It’s important to book accommodations and transportation as early as possible. Not only will this save you from last-minute hassles, but it will also remove a significant hurdle when planning this retreat. Also, ensure that you have a final headcount as soon as possible to begin the arrangements and accommodations aspect of the retreat planning.

Communicate Clearly with Participants

Last but not least, you want to ensure that you communicate with all participants who plan to attend the retreat. You want to inform them of the retreat’s goals, agenda, and logistics in advance.

Make sure that you encourage open communication and feedback so you can address any concerns or answer questions so that everyone is on the same page leading up to the retreat itself. You can even create a Gmail account for your business strictly for the retreat so it’s relevant for planning and other purposes.

Final Thoughts

These seven essential things should be noticed as you plan your next company retreat. Be sure to be clear about the goals and objectives and center the planning around them. Also, remember your participants.

Make arrangements to ensure that the retreat will be favorable for them regarding accommodations, transportation, and other needs. Use this guide, and we guarantee that your company retreat will be a success and will be talked about for years to come.

Energy Management for Businesses in the Middle East

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Middle East has been witnessing a rapid increase in energy consumption due to high degree of industrialization, high standards of living and exponential increase in population. Infact, the level of primary energy consumption in the Middle East is among the highest worldwide.  These factors have made businesses in Middle East to realize that effective energy management is not only good for the businesses but also an essential requirement.

energy management middle eastIn recent years, many businesses in the Middle East have come up with dynamic strategies to achieve immediate reduction in energy consumption. This trend towards effective energy management is expected to continue to grow in the region in the coming years on account on changing regulations and growing awareness on energy conservation.

Components of Energy Management Plan

For an energy management plan to succeed, the entire organization including its employees and management team, should be committed to the implementation of energy management strategy whose main elements are:

  • Goal-setting: how much energy reduction do you want to achieve?
  • Number-crunching: how much energy do you consume?
  • Identifying energy-guzzlers: What are major consumption units and what measures can be taken to reduce consumption
  • Technology and automation: Smart metering, schedule-based lighting, occupancy sensors, HVAC control and latest technological innovation provides an active approach to energy management
  • Continuous review and management: Regular performance monitoring is essential to check the progress towards your energy-saving goals.

energy consumption in bahrain

Hurdles to Overcome

​Lack of incentives to reduce energy consumption is a major hurdle faced by businesses in the Middle East. In the GCC region, electricity is usually provided at heavily subsidized rates which fail to provide the motivation to the consumer to reduce energy consumption.

Most of the commercial buildings in the Middle East consume huge amount of energy in the form of HVAC, lighting, ventilation etc., and there is a real need to make such buildings ‘ energy smart’ in the real sense of the word.

Role of Technology in Energy Management

Technology plays a vital role in reducing energy consumption as energy-savings are not limited to power consumption by HVAC, lighting or ventilations, but also encompass optimization of energy use, building infrastructure, supply chain networks, product design, transportation networks etc.

Businesses in the Middle East may strive for energy-smart buildings, smart grid systems and renewable energy sources (like rooptop solar and biogas systems) to improve their long-term sustainability and more effective cost management.

Re-thinking Sustainable Innovation: A New Development Discourse

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The climate change presents a challenge to science and policy makers to articulate a new discourse for  sustainable development. Although, the Middle East, the cradle of civilization, was  a fertile land, it was transformed by modern technology and new models of development into a vulnerable ecosystem.

sustainable-development-jordan

The Paradox

The paradox is that we are witnessing high levels of poverty despite a growth in global GDP. Also, our natural capital is being degraded at an alarming rate. This is evident when we look at global indicators; i.e., the planet has lost half its mangrove in the last century, and about 70% of its total wetlands. These losses are due to urban and agricultural growth.  In essence, pollution, desertification and deforestation can be attributed to a set of policies including free trade agreements and foreign debt owed by less developed countries that make them convert ecosystems into commodities.

For example, the investment of global firms in the developing countries and acquisition of  over 1000 hectares of land in Ghana by international corporations for planting jatropha to produce bio-fuel resulted in disruption in local society and ecology.  But we notice that there  is a shortcoming in the carbon policy that addresses climate change since it allocates more attention and value to present not the future.  We cannot invest on a dead planet and if we view that our Earth is dead, we will kill what is alive.

Reclaiming sacred relationship with Nature

The core climate issue is a conceptual one which stems from a worldview of the Earth as a machine and where humans are viewed as observers and positioned  outside  the domain of Nature. Hence, it is imperative to reclaim our sacred relationship with Nature. Besides, it is insightful to reframe the “climate debate” to embody a new perspective that the the Earth as a living organism and humans are responsible to take care of ecosystems and  species.

We are engaged in the wrong debate with respect to climate and carbon dioxide emissions. The issue is not simply about the temperature of the earth but rather our ecological footprints. Simply said, the indicators for a resilient and sustainable future are underpinned by a shift in consumption patterns, development model and lifestyles.

The healing of the planet can be achieved through changing how we value ecosystems and interact with nature and cosmos.  Realizing that the ecological crisis is simply a moral crisis is a key for change. Besides, re-think sustainable innovation is a matter of mindset and perspective where humans need to recognize that Nature is finite,  living and intelligent. Everything in Nature is connected to everything.

Another issue in climate and ecological crisis is how we value and create money. Paradoxically, lending money is the basis for money creation and money originates as credit to those who will pay it back with interest. This creates misconceptions of the value of nature since it is looked at Nature as a commodity to be utilized for urban development. This economic model is not sustainable and should be re-thought.

What is Sustainable Innovation

Sustainable innovation is about green design of new products and processes. Green accounting in a green economy era calls for a shift in metrics from GDP to ecosystem services and from dependence on fossil oil to a transition to renewable energy including solar and wind.

More importantly, the doom and gloom story does not convey a positive discourse.  It is wise to change our story from fear for human survival to healing and love to Nature and life. It is not inspiring to wait till crisis takes place to force humans to respond.

Circular economy and sharing economy illuminate new positive future that considers new models and principles for sustainability. These include climate funding, zero-pollution, waste-to-energy schemes, energy audit and efficiency, recycling and ecosystem restoration, cleaner production, green chemistry, green university, green procurement and sustainability reporting. All these innovations in products, processes, organization, marketing, and business models are attainable through design thinking, biomimcry and learning from nature.

Conclusion

In sum, the environmental crisis propels us to change our priorities and to view our planet in a holistic manner and to respect  the local needs by thinking of environmental justice.

The Harmful Impacts of Tire-Burning Kilns

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Decorative arts such as woodworking, weaving as well as ceramics and other pottery have a long and honored tradition.  In fact, some of the earliest examples of pottery originated from the Middle East from the time of 6500 BC. In order to meet the ceramic industry’s high energy demand, much of the developing world, MENA in particular, is resorting to cheaper alternatives such as fueling kilns by burning tires and other harmful materials. Though modern technology has led to clean and efficient kiln usage in the developed world, these options come with a high price tag when referring to industrial demands for ceramics and other fired products.

Burning of tires and other rubber materials as a primary source of energy for kilns is particularly concerning.  In other areas of the world, like India, where the concerns lie in the harmful effects of coal-fired kilns, areas like Morocco and other North African countries are dealing with harmful impacts of tire burning. While burning tires does provide an efficient source of energy, the harmful effects of such burning far exceed the benefits.

hazards of tire burning

Scrap tires are used as a supplement to traditional fuels such as coal or wood fuel because of their high heating value. Typically, for each pound of scrap tire rubber burned it equates to 15,000 BTUs of energy and a single tire can burn for up to 50 minutes.  This equates to 25 percent more energy being produced than coal. Regardless of the efficiency, the fumes that are being released from tire burning have been shown to be extremely toxic to human health and harmful to the environment.

Why Tire Burning is Harmful for Public Health?

Open tire fire emissions include “criteria” pollutants, such as particulates, carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur oxides (SOx), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They also include “non-criteria” hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), such as polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs),dioxins, furans, hydrogen chloride, benzene, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); and metals such as cadmium, nickel, zinc, mercury, chromium, and vanadium.

Both criteria and non-criteria pollutants can cause significant short and long term health effects.  Depending on the length and degree of exposure, these health effects could include irritation of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, respiratory effects, central nervous system depression, and cancer.  The EPA suggests that any unprotected exposure to these emissions be avoided.

Furthermore, uncontrolled tire burning has been proven to be 16 times more mutagenic, meaning capable of inducing genetic mutation, than traditional residential wood combustion in a fireplace, and 13,000 times more mutagenic than coal-fired utility emissions with good combustion efficiency and add-on controls.

Especially troubling is the exposure that children living within these communities are inadvertently being subjected to. Children, fetuses, nursing babies, elderly, asthmatics, and immune suppressed individuals are all much more vulnerable to the pollutants released burning tires. Even a nursing woman can transfer the pollutions she inhales to a baby through the fat in her breast milk. During breast-feeding, infants are exposed to higher concentrations of organic pollutants than at any subsequent time in their lives. Burning tires only adds to that toxic burden.

Saving money on fuel by burning tires should not take precedence over public health. Unfortunately, in small villages and other underdeveloped areas where tire-burning kilns sustain much of the local economy, exposure to these toxins is inevitable with the current practices being employed.

The Huge Environmental Costs of Tire Burning

In addition to the negative effects tire burning has on the health of humans, it also has environmental costs that have not yet been discussed. The three main effects tire burning has on the environment is air, water, and soil pollution.  The air pollution caused from the tire-burning kilns is significant. The black fumes contain heavy metals and other harmful pollutants that linger in the air and can lead to acute to chronic health hazards.

tire dump in Kuwait

A massive fire erupted at Jahra tire dumpsite in Kuwait in April 2012

In terms of water and soil pollution, according to the EPA, “for every million tires consumed by fire, about 55,000 gallons of runoff oil can pollute the environment unless contained and collected”. If uncontained, this runoff can then be carried away by rainwater to local water sources contaminating them.

Additionally, the remaining residue can cause two types of pollution; these are immediate pollution by liquid decomposition products penetrating soil, and gradual pollution from leaching of ash and unburned residues following rainfall or other water entry.

While the burning of tires is not considered recycling, there is an argument regarding whether it is worse to landfill tires or reuse them to recover energy.  While even in the United States the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes that the use of tire-derived fuels is a viable alternative to the use of fossil fuels, there are other factors that need to be considered. Click here to know the environmental benefits of tire recycling.

For instance, in more developed areas of the world, regulations are in place such as the Clean Air Act which minimizes the amount of emissions being released by businesses as well as the fact that technology exists that can help clean and filter the emissions before they are released into the air.

On the other hand, in less developed areas of the world, environmental regulations and technology of this magnitude may not exist thus, exposing those citizens to more of the environmental and health related effects of uncontrolled tire burning.  While many factors contribute to either argument, all in all this particularly issue is under examined and results in the impairment of health and the safety of entire communities in the developing world.

Red Palm Weevil – A Real Threat to Date Palms in Middle East

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A modern day threat to agriculture across the globe is the red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus). This creature is native to South Asia but it rather rapidly spreading its wings and crossing the globe. The red palm weevil can completely destroy palm groves, be it coconut, date or palm oil. Over the immediate past 30 years, the red palm weevil (also known as red date weevil) has penetrated over 60 countries and is now reaching the Middle East,  northern Africa, southern Europe and across to the Caribbean.

Emergence of Red Palm Weevil in the Middle East

The weevil began to appear in Saudi Arabia and the UAE in the mid-1980s. Today, date palm farms in the south-west of Saudi Arabia have become infested. By the end of the 1990’s it was found in Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Authority Territories.

red palm weevil

The red palm weevil has a drastic effect on over 40 different species of palms.  They are equally devastating on the local and global economy causing economic losses in the order of millions of dollars annually. Leading date farmers in this region appreciate the seriousness of the problem.

A Challenge to Detect

The red palm weevil is not easy to spot in the palm grove. The female weevil lays up to 300 eggs inside the trunk of the palm. The eggs hatch within 2-5 days. Then, when the weevil is in the larvae stage, it burrows further into the palm trunk. The weevil is eating and destroying the palm from the inside. The larval stage averages 55 days and then moves into the pupa stage. The adult weevil emerges after 2-3 weeks. So the life cycle is around 4 months.

Because the stages of the life cycle are taking place within the palm tree, it is challenging to detect. By the time the weevil is detected,   it is often too late. This is when the palm is droopy and turning brown.  The droopiness is due to the hollowed out interior of the trunk. The inside of the palm is now a mush with a strong odour which has been described as smelling like baby diarrhea.

Trapping Systems

How have farms detected the presence of these creatures inside their palms? An interesting question as dogs can be trained to identify the foul scent. A well seasoned farmer with experience and acute hearing can hear the weevil gnawing inside the palm trunk. Once detected, the palm can be chopped down and the area placed in quarantine while the remaining palms are aggressively treated with insecticides. It is also possible to set traps impregnated with insecticide, to capture the mature weevil.

Current trapping methods include pheromone traps. Chemical spraying especially of the crown foliage  and stem injection are deployed. Biological controls such as bacteria, fungi and nematodes cannot act aggressively enough to control the weevil infestation. A weevil infestation requires an aggressive and lengthy period of pest management with toxic chemicals to defeat the hardy invader.

Ignorance is Not Bliss

As with many problematic species, people are not aware of the potential threat to the agricultural industry. In South Asia, the weevil is a delicacy to eat. Therefore, people have taken great effort to import the weevil across borders. Border crossing regulations exist but travelers will still try to bring small decorative palm trees across borders not knowing that they might well be already infested with weevil larvae.  As with many introduced species, they thrive in their new environment and rapidly multiply.

date-palm-biomass

Southern California has already experienced the devastating effects of the red date weevil. As the climates in regions across the globe increase and wetter, the environment becomes more suitable to the invasive species.

Time for Action

The global community and FAO are introducing strategies to limit the import of date palms across borders based on a size factor. The present proposal is to ban all imports of palms  that are bigger than 6cm diameter from already known infested countries. But enforcing regulating and handling infestations requires funding and an astute agricultural and customs departments.

Qanats: A Sustainable Water Management Tool For Arid Lands

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Qanats are a remarkable system for managing water without pumps and with minimal evaporation even when water is transferred over considerable distances. A mother well starts the qanat and then an underground canal set at a minimal pitch carries the water for many kilometers until it comes to the surface.

qanat cross section

Some qanats were 70 km or longer.[i]  The sizes of the tunnel and wells vary widely from narrow, barely large enough to fit a person, to substantial. In less consolidated materials the access shafts may need to be much larger. The spacing of the access shafts may be 20-150 m or more. The depth of the access wells can be estimated by looking at the depth of the soil cone deposited around the well and the spacing between wells. The outlet of the qanat may be very simple or elaborate.

qanat

These amazing water systems are dug and maintained with little more than a pick, shovel, baskets, ropes, and considerable courage and skill. Qanat workers, muqannis, worked in very tight spaces. Over generations they have developed an understanding of geology and engineering that enables them to manage the tunnels safely.[ii] To dig the horizontal transport tunnel (canal) carrying water a series of vertical wells are dug to remove material, provide access, and supply fresh air for diggers.

qanat interior

Construction of a qanat is usually performed by a crew of 3-4 muqannīs.[iii]  For a shallow qanat, one worker typically digs the horizontal shaft, one raises the excavated earth from the shaft and one distributes the excavated earth at the top. A fourth may prepare food and tea.

qanat diggers

Evidence suggests they were first used in Persia (now Iran) about 1,000 BCE. One of the most remarkable questions is who dug the first one? It is not intuitive and would have taken remarkable courage (as it does today). This system may have evolved from observations of year round water flow from mine shafts.[iv] Early farmers may have then dug their own shafts or paid miners to dig them. The technology evolved and was spread by the Persians, Romans and Silk Road and then later by the Moors, Arabs, Spanish and others. Mecca had its own qanat at times.

The relationships between land owners, qanat owners, users, and service providers are often complex and intertwined.[v] A qanat was often excavated over a long distance, covering the lands of hundreds of families with unequal shares and rights. The construction and management of qanats also evolved and changed with different rulers over the hundreds of years. Some were built with local resources, but in other cases the government invested in the construction. In many cases tax policy favored building and repairing qanats.[vi] At times a wealthy individual, village or community might invest in a qanat. A water master would often oversee water use and apportion water to users depending on the number of shares they owned or rented.

Around AD 1010, Abubakr Mohammad Karaji wrote a book on the “Extraction of Hidden Waters” discussing the technical issues associated with qanats.[vii]. He hoped to provide guidance for constructing, maintaining and repairing a qanat, how to find a groundwater supply, how to do the sophisticated leveling, etc. This important book wasn’t translated into English until 2011. Abdollah bin Tahir managed to bring together all the clergymen from throughout Khorasan and Iraq to compile a book entitled “Alghani” (The Book of Qanat).

This book took up all the rulings on qanats which could be of use to whoever wanted to judge a dispute over this issue focusing on qanat-related rulings based on Islamic principles.[viii] This was published about the same time as Karaji’s book.[ix] Eventually the understanding of qanats spread around  the world and they were adopted and are still used in many countries.

Qanats are sometimes known as a chain of wells. Other names for qanats include kanat, khanat, kunut, kona, konait, ghanat, ghundat.[x] In Persian, other words for “qanat” are kārīz (or kārēz; كاريز) for smaller distribution canals, kahan, and qanāt (قنات). Called کهن) and Kahn in Balochi; kahriz/kəhriz in Azerbaijan; khettara in Morocco; Galerías, minas or viajes de agua in Spain; falaj in Arabic: فلج) in the United Arab Emirates and Oman; and foggara/fughara in North Africa. In Asia and North Africa kakuriz, chin-avulz, and mayun may also be used. A similar system was found with the puquios of Peru.[xi] This concept may have come from the Spanish in the 1500s, but a good argument can be made that it was invented locally.

qanat wells

For a system with such great efficiency, low cost for tools and operation, and value; (and so many names) the qanat remains little known. In Iran alone there may have been 50,000 qanats with a total length of 360,000 km.[xii] This made it possible to live in areas with little or no surface runoff.

In well-consolidated soil and subsoils test wells could be dug to find a reliable water source. These wells might be only 1 m in diameter, not for the claustrophobic. Once water was found a larger access shaft would be dug. This is considered the “mother” well. Several wells might be linked to feed the start of the qanat. Digging out in the horizontal shaft would have been challenging. By the time Kariji was working the surveying tools were quite sophisticated.

qanat digging

When hauling the debris back and up required too much work a new vertical shaft would be dug. These shafts might be 20-80 m or more apart and were usually not too deep, but parts of the 2,700-year old Gonabad Qanat were dug to a remarkable 300 m. Access shafts would also add fresh air for the workers. In porous soils the bottom of the horizontal tunnel would need a waterproof coating. In weaker soils wood, plaster or stone bracing might be needed for the access shafts and tunnels.

Qanats required maintenance to clear debris and keep flows steady. The debris cones made from all the excavated soil provided some protection from flood waters, but because they were often in alluvial deposits and following stream channels. They would have been vulnerable to very rare but large flash floods.

Qanats provide a low technology way to collect and move water over considerable distances by gravity. These underground aqueducts, built thousands of years ago, suffer almost no evaporation loss. The qanat water was split into a distributing network of smaller underground canals called kariz when reaching villages or cities.[xiii]

Like qanats, these smaller canals were below ground (perhaps 20 steps), and were built in ways that protected them from contamination. They could provide clean drinking water and a relatively steady flow of water. Qanats are ideal for dispersed rural populations and villages with low population density and steady water demand during the year.[xiv]  Larger qanats also supported larger towns and extensive farming. Smaller qanats may service just a couple of fields

An Example: Zarch Qanat[xv]  Length 80 km, greatest depth 90 m

The town of Zārch is located in Yazd Province, Iran. This arid area has low precipitation, high temperatures and high evaporation. There is no permanent river or surface runoff so groundwater is the only resource for much of the year. Seasonal runoff enters the area from the northern foothills of Siyah Kuh mountains. The mother well of the Shur branch is 3 km from Fahraj village in SE of Yazd at a depth of 90 m. It provides about 25 liters/second.

The qanat has three branches, but only the Shur one is operational. The horizontal tunnel is 1.8 m tall and 60 cm wide. The gradient is about 0.5° The qanat provides water for 300 ha of farms. The water is delivered to farmers once every 15 days.  The qanat is owned by the farmers managed by a council. Shares can be rented.

Looking for qanats with Google Earth is instructive. A good place to start is around Yazd, Iran.

Try going to 31° 47.517’N 54° 36.565’E for starters. Several small and large qanats are visible.

In Iran the cool air delivered in the horizontal well is used to cool buildings.[xvi] This enables air cooled by evaporation to be drawn up into the building by out flow from the downwind side, exhaust into the low pressure area  of the wind tower (bâdgir) and pressure on the upwind side. In some cases the qanat flow is used to operate a small water mill to grind flour.[xvii] These were not large but could operate year round with little effort or attention.

qanats

Qanat Tourism –  A Promising Venture

Cities such as Yazd, Kashan, and Gonabad have well-preserved qanats that still serve as functional water sources and cool buildings. They also offer unique tourist experiences.[xviii] A beginning effort is bringing tourists to some of the qanats, including a walk in the horizontal channel, marvel at ancient qanat structures, and the opportunity to witness traditional qanat maintenance techniques. Additionally, some tour operators offer experiential activities such as qanat hiking, where participants trek along qanat routes and discover hidden water sources and natural landscapes.

Qanats are a remarkable and sustainable water management technology that could help revitalize many desert locations around the world. They can help provide drinking water and some irrigation water in arid zones with no surface water and move water without electrical energy, fossil fuel driven pumps, and very low evaporation losses. Classes or workshops taught by the muqannis could help introduce qanats in other areas. Universities might consider adding certificate programs for qanat building and maintenance.

References

[i] Traditional water sources of Persian antiquity. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_water sources_of_Persian_antiquity   Accessed January 20, 2025

[ii] Nasiri, F., Mafakheri, M. S. Qanat water supply systems: a revisit of sustainability perspectives. Environ Syst Res 4, 13 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40068-015-0039-9

[iii] Qanat. Clean River Trust.

[iv] Semsar Yazdi, A. A. and Askarzadeh. S. A historical review on the qanats and historic hydraulic structures of Iran since the First Millenium BC. pp. 311-322. International History Seminar on Irrigation and Drainage Tehran-Iran May 2-5, 2007. Iranian National Committee on Irrigation, and Drainage-International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage. ( 2007)

[v] Kobori, I. Some notes on the diffusion of the qanat. Orient 9:43–66 (1973)

[vi] Saatsaz, M. and Rezaei, A. The technology, management, and culture of water in ancient Iran from prehistoric times to the Islamic Golden Age. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications. 142: 1-22. (2023)

[vii] Ataie-Ashtiani, B. Simmons, C. T.  The millennium-old hydrogeology textbook The Extraction of Hidden Waters by the Persian mathematician and engineer Abubakr Mohammad Karaji (953 CE–1029 CE) Hydrology and Earth Systems Science.. 24, 761–769, 2020 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-761-2020

[viii] Semsar Yazdi and Askarzadeh (2007)

[ix] Litwin, D. The Extraction of Hidden Waters: 11th century Persian scientist laid the foundations for hydrology and water engineering. Geobites. Jan 26. (2020)

[x] Qanat. Wikipedia

[xi] Proulx, D. A. Nasca Puquios and Aqueducts. Originally published in German in: Nasca: Geheimnisvolle Zeichen im Alten Peru, edited by Judith Rickenbach, Pp. 89-96. Zürich.

[xii] Salih, A. Qanats a unique groundwater management tool in arid regions: The case of Bam Region in Iran. pp. 79-87. In International Symposium on Groundwater Sustainability (ISGWAS), January 2006.

[xiii] Qanat and Kariz. Traditional water sources of Persian antiquity. Wikipedia. Accessed Jan 24, 2025.

[xiv] Motiee H, Mcbean E, Semsar A, Gharabaghi B, Ghomashchi V. Assessment of the contributions of traditional Qanats in sustainable water resources management. Water Resources Development 22:575–588  (2006)

[xv] Zarch Qanat World Heritage Irrigation Structures, ICID_CIID, New Delhi. https://icid-ciid.org/award/his_details/136.

[xvi] One of my students complained that it made for buildings that, for her, were too cool.

[xvii] Yazdi, A. A. S. and Khaneiki, M. L. Barriers and limitations on qanat construction and rehabilitation. pp. 77-97 in Qanat Knowledge. Springer, Netherlands.

[xviii] Raheleh. Exploring Iran’s Ingenious Water Management System: The Persian Qanat. June 15, 2024. Accessed January 21, 2025. https://www.adventureiran.com/persian-qanat/.

5 bonnes résolutions à adopter pour l’environnement en 2025

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À l’arrivée de la nouvelle année, les bonnes résolutions ne servent pas qu’à la croissance personnelle. Il s’agit aussi de l’occasion idéale pour réfléchir aux gestes qui contribuent à une planète plus saine. Faire des choix durables, ce n’est pas forcément changer sa vie du tout au tout : vous pouvez commencer par des petits ajustements qui ont du sens.

Voici cinq bonnes résolutions faciles à tenir qui feront la différence pour 2025 : engagez-vous pour l’environnement sans déranger votre quotidien !

1. Repensez les déchets : réutilisation, recyclage

Prêt à changer vos habitudes ? La bonne nouvelle, c’est qu’il suffit de petits ajustements pour faire une grande différence dans la réduction des déchets. La clé, c’est de repenser vos habitudes et de choisir la voie de la réutilisation et du recyclage. En substituant les emballages en plastique à usage unique par des matériaux réutilisables, vous prenez déjà une première mesure efficace.

plastic bag alternative

Finissez-en avec les plastiques à usage unique

Pour faire simple : les plastiques à usage unique sont omniprésents. Ils nuisent à l’environnement et encombrent les décharges. Pensez-y : plutôt que de prendre une bouteille d’eau en plastique, pourquoi ne pas choisir des contenants réutilisables ? Par exemple :

  • Bouteilles d’eau
  • Tasses à café
  • Serviettes en tissu

Tous ces choix peuvent vous aider à réduire vos déchets. Si tout le monde en faisait de même, l’impact serait conséquent !

Optez pour des contenants en verre ou en métal

Pour stocker la nourriture, pensez à remplacer les contenants en plastique par des contenants en métal ou en verre. Non seulement ces derniers sont plus sûrs, ils durent aussi plus longtemps et ne contiennent pas de produits chimiques nuisibles qu’on retrouve dans certains plastiques. Vous pouvez y emballer vos restes, vos repas et même vos collations à emporter de façon plus durable.

Qu’est-ce que ça change?

Saviez-vous que la décomposition du plastique prend plusieurs centaines d’années ? Le plastique dont vous vous servez aujourd’hui ne disparaîtra pas avant plusieurs générations. Surprenant, n’est-ce pas ? Faites partie de la solution, utilisez des contenants plus écolos. Et puis soyons honnêtes, le verre et le métal sont bien plus esthétiques. Qui refuserait une gamelle aussi chic ?

De nouvelles habitudes écolos

Adopter des habitudes écologiques sans prise de tête, c’est possible. Commencez en douceur avec des sacs de courses réutilisables. Ce geste simple peut avoir des effets significatifs : vous réduisez la demande de sacs plastiques à chaque fois que vous faites les magasins. Il suffit de bien penser à prendre votre sac réutilisable quand vous sortez.

Et n’oubliez pas les serviettes en tissu ! Elles remplaceront les serviettes en papier que vous avez chez vous. Non seulement vous réduirez vos déchets, mais vous ajouterez aussi une touche d’élégance à vos repas. Tous les repas ont besoin d’un peu plus de goût !

2. Modes de transport alternatifs : toujours plus loin

Avez-vous déjà réfléchi au nombre de trajets en voiture que vous faites par semaine ? La réponse pourrait vous surprendre. Chaque fois que vous choisissez de prendre votre véhicule, vous contribuez aux émissions de CO2. D’ailleurs, chaque kilomètre non parcouru évite l’émission de 250 g de carbone dans l’atmosphère. L’impact est considérable. C’est là que les modes de transports alternatifs entrent en jeu. Ces mesures profiteront tant à l’environnement qu’à vous-même.

Les transports en commun : un choix judicieux

Les bus, les trains et les métros constituent d’excellentes alternatives à la voiture. Réduisez votre empreinte carbone de façon significative grâce aux transports en commun. Les avantages ne s’arrêtent pas là. Avez-vous déjà calculé les économies que vous feriez sans les dépenses liées à l’essence et au parking ? Vous pourriez économiser des centaines, voire des milliers d’euros par an.

  • Économies de coût :Les transports en commun coûtent souvent moins cher que l’entretien d’une voiture.
  • Moins de stress :Plus besoin de craindre les bouchons.
  • Prenez du temps pour vous :Lecture, musique, détente.

Soyons francs : les transports en commun ne sont pas très glamour, mais les avantages en valent la peine. De plus, dans certaines villes, les réseaux de transports en commun sont en pleine amélioration. Gardez un œil sur les initiatives locales qui favorisent ce genre de méthodes. Il pourrait être étonnamment facile de s’y mettre !

green living tips for seniors

À pied ou à vélo : des habitudes plus saines

Se fixer des objectifs à pied ou à vélo pour les trajets courts, c’est bon pour la planète et pour votre santé ! Pensez-y, combien de trajets courts pourriez-vous effectuer à pied ou à vélo ? Marchez jusqu’au supermarché au lieu de prendre la voiture. Il s’agit d’un changement minime dont vous pourriez tirer des bienfaits immenses.

Au-delà de la protection de l’environnement, il s’agit aussi d’intégrer une activité physique à votre routine quotidienne : vous vous sentirez mieux et vous économiserez l’essence.

N’oubliez pas : « Imaginez la différence si tout le monde supprimait un trajet en voiture par semaine ! »

Suivez vos économies de carbone

Pour garder une motivation à toute épreuve, suivez vos économies en carbone. Le fait de laisser une trace de vos efforts vous aidera à rester concentré. Utilisez une application ou un journal pour y consigner le nombre de kilomètres que vous économisez en évitant de prendre la voiture ; vous prendrez plaisir à voir le nombre augmenter.

  • Installez une application toute bête pour suivre vos trajets.
  • Calculez le nombre d’émissions de carbone évitées.
  • N’hésitez pas à fêter les paliers : 100 kilomètres de non-conduite, par exemple !

Gardez bien à l’esprit que chaque partie de vos trajets a son importance. En trouvant des moyens uniques de réduire votre bilan carbone, vous faites aussi partie d’une solution plus large. C’est valorisant de savoir qu’on fait la différence, non ?

3. Alimentation durable : mangez en toute conscience

Avez-vous déjà réfléchi aux conséquences de vos habitudes alimentaires sur la planète ? C’est un fait, soit votre alimentation est compatible avec des pratiques durables, soit elle nuit à l’environnement. Compte tenu des préoccupations grandissantes suscitées par le réchauffement climatique, l’adoption d’un régime plus écologique est essentielle. Voici quelques manières stimulantes de changer vos repas pour le mieux.

Essayez des recettes à base de plantes

Les recettes à base de plantes constituent une stratégie particulièrement efficace. En plus d’être nutritifs, les plats végétaliens peuvent être un vrai délice. Avez-vous déjà goûté une bonne soupe aux lentilles ? Ou des pâtes aux noix de cajou bien crémeuses ? Ces plats savent satisfaire votre gourmandise et émettent généralement moins de carbone que les repas à base de viande.

  • Une fois par semaine, commencez par un « lundi sans viande ».
  • Tentez de nouvelles céréales, comme le quinoa, le farro ou l’orge.
  • Ouvrez-vous aux cuisines internationales (indienne ou méditerranéenne, par exemple) qui contiennent beaucoup de plats à base de plantes.

Il vous suffit de quelques changements minimes pour découvrir tout un univers de nouvelles saveurs, le tout en ménageant la planète. Partez à l’aventure avec de nouvelles recettes !

Renseignez-vous sur les fermes locales qui proposent des choix de viande éthique

Si vous optez pour la viande, pensez à vous fournir auprès des fermes locales qui adoptent des pratiques agricoles durables et éthiques. Cela implique de favoriser un élevage respectueux des animaux, sans utiliser des pratiques agricoles industrielles qui nuisent à la terre.

Invitez vos amis et votre famille à cuisiner de façon durable

La cuisine, c’est plus agréable à plusieurs ! Pourquoi ne pas inviter vos amis et votre famille à se joindre à votre mission alimentation durable ? Vous pourriez par exemple organiser une soirée cuisine, où chaque convive apporterait un repas durable à partager. C’est un excellent moyen de créer des liens tout en apprenant comment manger équilibré.

En plus de vous responsabiliser, vous prendrez goût à la cuisine ! Et puis, le travail d’équipe produit souvent de vrais délices en cuisine.

Le lien entre le régime et les émissions de carbone

Chaque repas préparé et ingéré contribue à votre empreinte carbone. L’industrie alimentaire contribue aux problématiques environnementales de façon significative, et vos choix pèsent dans la balance. Saviez-vous qu’augmenter votre consommation d’aliments à base de plantes peut considérablement réduire les émissions de gaz à effet de serre ?

Autre outil très efficace : la planification des repas. En planifiant vos repas, vous utilisez vos ingrédients de manière plus efficiente et générez donc moins de déchets. Vous aurez également moins tendance à acheter des plats à emporter, ce qui influe sur les déchets plastiques.

4. Faites des économies d’énergie : votre maison, votre impact

Les économies d’énergie, ce n’est pas juste un mot à la mode : c’est un mode de vie qui joue autant sur votre portefeuille que sur la planète. Saviez-vous que des habitudes toutes simples prises dès l’enfance peuvent influer sur votre consommation d’énergie actuelle ? Voici comment vous pouvez faire la différence depuis chez vous.

energy conservation guide

Attention à « l’énergie vampire »

L’énergie vampire, aussi appelée consommation d’électricité en mode veille, désigne l’énergie consommée par les appareils branchés mais éteints. Pensez par exemple à votre téléphone portable, votre télévision ou votre vieux micro-ondes. Mêmes éteints, ils consomment de l’énergie. C’est fou, non ?

  • Éteignez vos appareils :Prenez l’habitude d’éteindre et de débrancher les appareils que vous n’utilisez pas. Créez des rappels si nécessaire.
  • Utilisez des multiprises :Faites-en vos plus fidèles alliées ! Branchez plusieurs appareils sur une seule prise que vous éteindrez une fois que vous aurez fini.

Investissez dans des appareils écoénergétiques

Vous songez à remplacer l’un de vos vieux appareils ? Pensez à investir dans des modèles écoénergétiques. Le coût initial sera peut-être plus élevé, mais vous ferez des économies non négligeables sur le long terme.

Les appareils écoénergétiques sont dotés du label Energy Star. Ils consomment moins d’énergie et feront donc baisser la facture d’électricité. Voici quelques exemples d’appareils écoénergétiques courants :

  1. Réfrigérateurs :Les réfrigérateurs tournent en permanence, cela vaut donc la peine d’investir dans un modèle écoénergétique.
  2. Machines à laver :Elles consomment beaucoup moins d’eau et d’énergie que les modèles classiques.
  3. Ampoules :Les ampoules LED réduisent considérablement votre consommation d’énergie. Elles durent plus longtemps et consomment beaucoup moins de watts.

Intéressez-vous aux sources d’énergie renouvelable, telles que le soleil

Vous voulez passer au vert tout en faisant des économies ? Et si vous choisissiez l’énergie solaire ? Les panneaux solaires exploitent l’énergie solaire pour la convertir en électricité pour votre domicile.

Certes, l’installation initiale peut être coûteuse, mais voyez cela comme un investissement pour le futur. De nombreuses régions proposent même une fiscalité incitative pour compenser les coûts liés à l’installation.

Surveillez votre consommation énergétique

Le fait de surveiller votre consommation énergétique vous donnera une idée plus claire de la situation. Pensez à utiliser des compteurs intelligents ou des contrôleurs d’énergie. Ces outils vous fourniront des données en temps réel sur votre consommation.

En surveillant vos habitudes, vous pourrez repérer les points à améliorer. À quels moments observez-vous un pic de consommation ? En utilisant certains de vos appareils en-dehors de ces heures, vous pourriez faire des économies de coût et d’énergie.

Repérez les aspects à améliorer

Faites un tour chez vous. Identifiez les zones qui pourraient bénéficier de meilleures pratiques de conservation d’énergie. Vos fenêtres laissent-elles passer l’air ? Une meilleure isolation peut vous aider à conserver la chaleur sans abuser du chauffage. Vous réglez le thermostat trop haut en hiver ? Quelques degrés en moins peuvent faire toute la différence.

Quand vous adoptez des gestes pour économiser l’énergie, n’oubliez pas qu’il suffit parfois de petits changements pour obtenir de grands résultats. Apportez une contribution positive à vos finances et à l’environnement, un appareil débranché ou écoénergétique à la fois !

5. Réduisez votre consommation d’eau : Petit pas, bond de géant

L’eau est essentielle à la vie. Pourtant, nombre d’entre nous prennent cette ressource pour acquise. Vous ne le savez peut-être pas, mais vos habitudes quotidiennes gâchent peut-être plus d’eau que vous ne le croyez. Pas de panique ! Il suffit de petits ajustements pour faire une grande différence. Découvrez comment limiter votre consommation d’eau et conserver cette ressource inestimable.

Optez pour un système et une pomme de douche à débit réduit

Vous avez déjà pensé à votre pomme de douche ? Cette dernière consomme peut-être plus d’eau que vous ne le pensez. Vous pouvez faire baisser la quantité d’eau utilisée de façon considérable en choisissant un système à débit réduit. Ces systèmes sont conçus pour économiser l’eau sans pour autant sacrifier la pression. Vous pourrez donc vous rafraîchir tout en économisant plusieurs litres d’eau à chaque fois.

De plus, l’installation de robinets à débit réduit dans la cuisine et la salle de bain constitue un autre moyen efficace d’éviter le gaspillage d’eau. Ce changement très simple peut faire toute la différence.

Ne faites tourner que des machines pleines

ll vous arrive de faire tourner des machines à moitié vides quand vous faites la lessive ? Il est tentant d’utiliser la machine pour quelques vêtements uniquement, mais chaque lavage consomme une quantité d’eau significative. Essayez de toujours charger votre machine à pleine capacité non seulement pour économiser l’eau, mais aussi l’énergie, puisque le lave-linge tournera ainsi moins souvent.

Sensibilisez votre entourage à l’efficience d’utilisation de l’eau

Voilà une idée amusante : pourquoi ne pas partager vos découvertes ? Discutez avec vos amis et votre famille de l’importance de faire des économies d’eau. Parfois, les gens ont seulement besoin d’être encouragés. Partagez vos expériences et même vos techniques pour économiser l’eau. Pourquoi ne pas organiser un atelier collectif ou proposer un défi amusant autour du thème de la conservation d’eau ?

Le fait de sensibiliser votre entourage entraînera un effet domino : ils auront peut-être envie de changer leurs habitudes aussi ! C’est comme planter un arbre : ce geste simple est susceptible de faire pousser toute une forêt d’efforts écologiques.

Objectif 2025

Accueillons cette nouvelle année avec de nouveaux défis, grâce à ces bonnes résolutions à la fois simples et efficaces. Et n’oubliez pas, c’est le progrès qui importe et non la perfection.

Commencez aujourd’hui. Adoptez ces bonnes résolutions durables et assistez à la transformation de vos habitudes. Vos actes comptent. Soyez fier de contribuer à un futur plus écologique. La planète vous remerciera!

Translator: Cécile Lamhene

Cécile Lamhene est une traductrice indépendante de l’anglais vers le français. Après un master en traduction juridique, économique et technique à l’université de Lille, elle se spécialise dans le développement durable dans la région MENA et s’intéresse entre autres à l’agriculture, à l’élevage, à l’ingénierie, à l’énergie et à la gestion de l’eau.

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

رمضان والبيئة… تجربة الشارقة نموذجاً

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البيئة من القضايا المهمة في المناشط الرمضانية وتشكل محوراً رئيساً في الأنشطة المجتمعية والمؤسسية، وتكون في مقدمة أولويات الحوار الاجتماعي في المجالس الرمضانية والندوات الفكرية التي يجري تنظيمها ضمن الأنشطة في شهر رمضان، ويجسد ذلك التوجه الفهم المؤسس في تشخيص البعد الاستراتيجي للقضايا البيئية في واقع الحياة المعيشية وفي منظومة الخطط الاقتصادية والتنموية، وتؤكد موقعها المحوري في الاهتمام المجتمعي.

ويدلل الحوار الرمضاني البيئي أيضاً على مستوى الوعي المتصاعد بضرورة تفعيل جهود العمل الموجه لعملية التحديث المتواتر للاستراتيجيات البيئية التي تواكب المتطلبات العصرية في العلاقة مع النظم البيئية ومنهجيات العمل المؤسس لصون توازنها الطبيعي، والعمل أيضاً في تبني الخطط التنموية الرشيدة وغير الضارة بمكونات النظام البيئي، كما يشير ذلك التوجه إلى الوعي المجتمعي إلى ما يمكن أن تسببه الأنشطة والسلوك غير الرشيد في العلاقة مع النظام البيئي في إحداث المخاطر المخلة بالأمن البيئي لكوكب الأرض.

والمجالس الرمضانية تقليد حضاري وثقافة مجتمعية يحرص الناشطون والمهتمون بالشأن البيئي، على الاستفادة من فاعليتها في التأثير على صناعة القرار البيئي السديد والعمل في إطار أنشطتها على تنظيم حلقات الحوار الرمضانية النوعية في معالجة القضايا البيئية بمشاركة المختصين والمسئولين وصناع القرار أيضاً، إلى جانب نشطاء العمل التطوعي البيئي. ويجري في سياق منهجية الحوارات تبصر الحلول والمخارج المنهجية وتقديم المقترحات ذات الأهمية الاستراتيجية في بناء الخطط التنفيذية في الشأن البيئي، والتي تسهم في صناعة البرامج المؤسسة لتعديل السلوك البيئي وإحداث التحول النوعي في منظومة القانون والإدارة البيئية.

النشاط الرمضاني البيئي جهد مجتمعي ورسالة بيئية مهمة في مقوم تكوينها الاستراتيجي، يمكن أن تسهم في وضع أسس موجهة لصياغة ميثاق للعمل البيئي يرتكز على مقومات رصينة في العلاقة مع البيئة، من الطبيعي أن يشكل مرجعاً لمنهجية العمل البيئي، وإحداث التحول النوعي في القرار البيئي، وفي منظومة الخطط البيئية والتنموية، والارتقاء بآلية العمل الإداري والقانوني في الشأن البيئي.

ويمكن من خلال هذه الأنشطة أيضاً، إيصال المرئيات والمقترحات بشأن الطرق المنهجية في معالجة القضايا البيئية بطريقة ميسرة، إلى متخذي القرار البيئي الذين ندرك حرصهم ومتابعتهم لهكذا أنشطة لتبني القرار البيئي الذي يدعم النهج الايجابي للحد من التجاوزات والأنشطة غير الرشيدة، والحفاظ على معالم النظام البيئي وصون مقومات توازنها الطبيعي.

تجربة النشاط البيئي الرمضاني في الشارقة في الفترة من العام 2000 إلى العام 2011 من التجارب النوعية التي تزخر بها الدول الخليجية، ويحسن التوقف عندها وقراءة أسسها المنهجية في طرح ومعالجة القضايا البيئية وتبصر فوائدها في تحريك سواكن الفهم الاجتماعي البيئي، حيث أكّدت حضورها في الحراك البيئي منذ بدء نشاطها ضمن فعاليات القرية التراثية التي جرى تشييدها على بحيرة خالد العام 2000.

التجربة شهدت تطوراً ملموساً بإنشاء هيئة البيئة والمحميات الطبيعية في الشارقة قرية بيئية متداخلة الأنشطة والفعاليات الاجتماعية والثقافية والبيئية ضمن فعاليات مهرجان رمضان الشارقة، وكان للنهج الإداري المرن والممنهج الذي انتهجه رئيس الهيئة سابقاً (عبد العزيز عبدالله المدفع) أثره الفعلي في التفاعل المسئول لفريق عمل التوعية والتثقيف البيئي في بناء خطة نوعية متعددة المناشط الاجتماعية والبيئية. والقرية البيئية من الأنشطة الرمضانية المهمة التي حظيت باهتمام المجتمع وشمل برنامجها المعرض البيئي المتنوع في معارفه ورسائله البيئية والبرنامج الاجتماعي البيئي.

والبرنامج البيئي للمنتدى الفكري من المحاور المهمة والفعلية ضمن خطة مناشط القرية البيئية حيث جرى تنظيم حلقات حوار ناقشت قضايا المخدرات وأثرها على الأمن الاجتماعي، وترشيد الاستهلاك وحماية المستهلك مسئولية مشتركة، والإعلام وحماية المستهلك، والموارد الطبيعية وحقوق الأجيال، والتطوّع والبيئة، والتوعية والتثقيف الصحي، وتسجيل حلقة نموذجية حول الإعلام وقضايا حماية البيئة.

الندوات الفكرية في الشأن البيئي التي جرى تنظيمها تشكل هي الأخرى أحد معالم تجربة الشارقة للنشاط البيئي الرمضاني، وتركت تلك المناشط أثرها الإيجابي في منظومة العمل البيئي والاهتمام باعتماد أبجديات الإدارة البيئية ومواصفات الجودة البيئية التي دخلت ضمن عدد من المؤسسات الصناعية والإنتاجية. كما ترك ذلك الجهد أثره في الارتقاء بالنشاط المدرسي والمؤسسي البيئي.

الشراكة محور رئيس في إنجاز حلقات النقاش الفكري حيث شاركت في فعالياتها مؤسسات القطاع الحكومي والخاص والمجتمع المدني، كما شاركت في حوارات المنتدى الفكري مجموعة متميزة من المختصين في المجال البيئي، وأكاديميون وممثلو القطاع التعليمي والتربوي وكتاب ومثقفون وإعلاميون، إلى جانب نشطاء العمل التطوعي البيئي. وكان لذلك التنوع أثره في إثراء مخرجات الحوار البيئي وتبنّي الرؤى والمقترحات المنهجية الموجهة لبناء الخطط وآليات النشاط الإداري والقانوني والبحثي، وبرامج التوعية وبناء القدرات البيئية، وذلك محصل مهم ينبغي الاستفادة منه وتعميم فوائده في المناشط الرمضانية.

إن ذلك المنجز يتجسد في الرسائل الموجّهة لإحداث التحوّل النوعي في المراجعة البيئية ووضع أسس ممنهجة لبناء استراتيجية بيئية ترتكز على ثوابت الأسس الحديثة للمشروع الدولي البيئي.

Credit Cards For Bad Credit – Why Everybody Needs to Get One

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If уоu аrе оnе оf thоѕе реорlе whо саnnоt tаkе a brеаk wіth gооd credit ratings аnd аrе wіllіng tо restore аn оbѕсurеd ѕtаtе, thеn bad credit cards аrе rіght fоr уоu. Thеѕе аrе ѕресіаllу designed cards thаt tаrgеt реорlе tо help thеm overcome thе сhаllеngеѕ оf bаd сrеdіt.

credit cards for bad credit

Thе fаѕtеr уоu focus оn hоw tо rеvеrѕе thе ѕіtuаtіоn; It wоuld bе easier tо build thаt impressive сrеdіt аnd start getting gооd credit ѕсоrе ratings. It іѕ vеrу easy tо gеt thеѕе best credit cards for no credit thаt mоѕt mаjоr соmраnіеѕ аrе introducing nеw орtіоnѕ tо аѕѕіѕt wіth negative credit rаtіngѕ. If уоu’vе hеаrd оf “ѕаfе cards”, thіѕ іѕ thе соmmоn nаmе fоr thіѕ card. Whаt уоu wіll bе аѕkеd tо dо whеn уоu visit уоur ѕuррlіеr оr bаnk іѕ tо hаvе a fixed bаlаnсе thаt wоuld bе kept аѕ ѕесurіtу іn a nеw оr еxіѕtіng ѕаvіngѕ ассоunt.

Thе bаnk оr ѕuррlіеr wіll tell уоu thе аmоunt оf thе саѕh balance thаt wоuld bе nееdеd. Thіѕ bаlаnсе wоuld bе thе insurance fоr thе bаnk оr ѕuррlіеr іn thе еvеnt thаt іt іѕ nоt роѕѕіblе tо mаkе mоnthlу рауmеntѕ.

Thеrе аrе ѕоmе рrоblеmѕ уоu nееd tо knоw whеn уоu ѕеlесt іnсоrrесt credit cards:

  • Thе mіnіmum balance thаt thе bank rеԛuіrеѕ tо mаіntаіn
  • Thе amount fоr рауmеnt оf thе іntеrеѕt rаtе
  • Whаt уоu wіll ѕреnd оn tоtаl expenses
  • Thе acceptable сrеdіt lіmіt bаѕеd оn thе cash bаlаnсе

Yоu nееd tо lооk аt thе dіffеrеnt орtіоnѕ bеfоrе dесіdіng whеrе tо buy thіѕ card bесаuѕе ѕоmе соmраnіеѕ mау nоt рау іntеrеѕt. Dо уоur rеѕеаrсh аnd gеt аll thе rеlеvаnt іnfоrmаtіоn іf уоu don’t undеrѕtаnd hоw іt wоrkѕ bеѕt fоr уоu. If thе company allows уоu tо kеер a lоw bаlаnсе іn уоur ассоunt, thіѕ wіll bе rеflесtеd іn thе credit limit уоu wоuld bе allowed.

Thіѕ option іѕ аррrесіаtеd bу mоѕt реорlе аѕ іt рutѕ thеm іn a bеttеr position tо mоnіtоr аnd соntrоl hоw muсh thеу аrе spending; thіѕ іѕ ѕоmеthіng tо fаll bасk оn financially. Thіѕ type оf саrd hаѕ аlѕо proved bеnеfісіаl tо реорlе аѕ thеу саn nоw еnjоу a роѕіtіvе сrеdіt роѕіtіоn. Sоmе people соnѕіdеr іt mоrе lіkе a dеbіt саrd аѕ іt dоеѕ nоt offer thеm thе ѕаmе credit card орtіоnѕ.

It dоеѕn’t tаkе lоng fоr ѕоmеоnе tо gеt a bad сrеdіt rаtіng аѕ іt саn ѕіmрlу ѕnеаk іn іf уоur іnсоmе іѕ consistently lоwеr thаn уоur expenses. Whеn thіѕ hарреnѕ, іt іѕ difficult tо obtain аррrоvаlѕ fоr lоаnѕ оr сrеdіt cards.

Sоmеthіng tо kеер іn mіnd аftеr асԛuіrіng thе wrоng credit саrdѕ:

  • Mаkе ѕurе уоu knоw аll thе committees involved
  • Mаkе ѕurе thаt thе соmраnу thаt registered wіth thе сrеdіt institutions rероrtѕ
  • Mаkе ѕurе рауmеntѕ аrе оn tіmе bесаuѕе tolerance periods саn bе complicated
  • Mаkе ѕurе thе саѕh bаlаnсе іѕ nоt hіghеr thаn whаt уоu аrе offered fоr уоur credit line.

Rеmеmbеr thаt уоu аrе looking fоr fаvоrаblе credit rаtіngѕ thаt уоu ѕhоuld definitely nоt add tо a bad оnе. Wіth ѕо mаnу vеndоrѕ аnd bankers оffеrіng thіѕ орtіоn, іt іѕ vеrу іmроrtаnt tо gеt аll thе information bеfоrе соmmіttіng tо incorrect credit саrdѕ. Thеrеfоrе, іt іѕ essential tо choose this best credit cards for no credit ѕtаtе іn оrdеr nоt tо сrеаtе mоrе сhаllеngеѕ.

Thе fаѕtеr уоu focus оn hоw tо rеvеrѕе thе ѕіtuаtіоn; It wоuld bе easier tо build thаt impressive сrеdіt аnd start getting gооd credit ѕсоrе ratings. It іѕ vеrу easy tо gеt credit cards for no credit thаt mоѕt mаjоr соmраnіеѕ аrе introducing nеw орtіоnѕ tо аѕѕіѕt wіth negative credit rаtіngѕ. If уоu’vе hеаrd оf “ѕаfе cards”, thіѕ іѕ thе соmmоn nаmе fоr thіѕ card. Whаt уоu wіll bе аѕkеd tо dо whеn уоu visit уоur ѕuррlіеr оr bаnk іѕ tо hаvе a fixed bаlаnсе thаt wоuld bе kept аѕ ѕесurіtу іn a nеw оr еxіѕtіng ѕаvіngѕ ассоunt.

Thе bаnk оr ѕuррlіеr wіll tell уоu thе аmоunt оf thе саѕh balance thаt wоuld bе nееdеd. Thіѕ bаlаnсе wоuld bе thе insurance fоr thе bаnk оr ѕuррlіеr іn thе еvеnt thаt іt іѕ nоt роѕѕіblе tо mаkе mоnthlу рауmеntѕ.

Thеrе аrе ѕоmе рrоblеmѕ уоu nееd tо knоw whеn уоu ѕеlесt іnсоrrесt credit cards:

  • Thе mіnіmum balance thаt thе bank rеԛuіrеѕ tо mаіntаіn
  • Thе amount fоr рауmеnt оf thе іntеrеѕt rаtе
  • Whаt уоu wіll ѕреnd оn tоtаl expenses
  • Thе acceptable сrеdіt lіmіt bаѕеd оn thе cash bаlаnсе

Yоu nееd tо lооk аt thе dіffеrеnt орtіоnѕ bеfоrе dесіdіng whеrе tо buy thіѕ card bесаuѕе ѕоmе соmраnіеѕ mау nоt рау іntеrеѕt. Dо уоur rеѕеаrсh аnd gеt аll thе rеlеvаnt іnfоrmаtіоn іf уоu don’t undеrѕtаnd hоw іt wоrkѕ bеѕt fоr уоu. If thе company allows уоu tо kеер a lоw bаlаnсе іn уоur ассоunt, thіѕ wіll bе rеflесtеd іn thе credit limit уоu wоuld bе allowed.

Thіѕ option іѕ аррrесіаtеd bу mоѕt реорlе аѕ іt рutѕ thеm іn a bеttеr position tо mоnіtоr аnd соntrоl hоw muсh thеу аrе spending; thіѕ іѕ ѕоmеthіng tо fаll bасk оn financially. Thіѕ type оf саrd hаѕ аlѕо proved bеnеfісіаl tо реорlе аѕ thеу саn nоw еnjоу a роѕіtіvе сrеdіt роѕіtіоn. Sоmе people соnѕіdеr іt mоrе lіkе a dеbіt саrd аѕ іt dоеѕ nоt offer thеm thе ѕаmе credit card орtіоnѕ.

How to use your credit card responsibly

It dоеѕn’t tаkе lоng fоr ѕоmеоnе tо gеt a bad сrеdіt rаtіng аѕ іt саn ѕіmрlу ѕnеаk іn іf уоur іnсоmе іѕ consistently lоwеr thаn уоur expenses. Whеn thіѕ hарреnѕ, іt іѕ difficult tо obtain аррrоvаlѕ fоr lоаnѕ оr сrеdіt cards.

Sоmеthіng tо kеер іn mіnd аftеr асԛuіrіng thе wrоng credit саrdѕ:

  • Mаkе ѕurе уоu knоw аll thе committees involved
  • Mаkе ѕurе thаt thе соmраnу thаt registered wіth thе сrеdіt institutions rероrtѕ
  • Mаkе ѕurе рауmеntѕ аrе оn tіmе bесаuѕе tolerance periods саn bе complicated
  • Mаkе ѕurе thе саѕh bаlаnсе іѕ nоt hіghеr thаn whаt уоu аrе offered fоr уоur credit line.

Rеmеmbеr thаt уоu аrе looking fоr fаvоrаblе credit rаtіngѕ thаt уоu ѕhоuld definitely nоt add tо a bad оnе. Wіth ѕо mаnу vеndоrѕ аnd bankers оffеrіng thіѕ орtіоn, іt іѕ vеrу іmроrtаnt tо gеt аll thе information bеfоrе соmmіttіng tо incorrect credit саrdѕ. Thеrеfоrе, іt іѕ essential tо choose the best credit cards for no credit ѕtаtе іn оrdеr nоt tо сrеаtе mоrе сhаllеngеѕ.

Thriving Garden’s Potential: Aussie Garden Guide

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Ever stepped into your backyard, hoping for a relaxing escape, only to be confronted by a chaotic tangle of overgrown branches? It’s a common sight for many Aussie gardeners. Fruit trees, bred to bear plump, full harvests, can be an infuriating failure with scarce harvests if they don’t receive regular pruning.

While factors like sunlight and water are essential to the overall well-being of plants, the garden’s true potential is significantly stunted without professional tree pruning, especially when fruit is involved. This article emphasises the importance of mastering expert pruning techniques to unlock the full potential of any Aussie garden—not just for fruit trees, but for all types of trees—promoting healthier plants, more abundant fruit production, and more aesthetically pleasing outdoor space.

gardening guide for australia

The benefits of expert tree pruning

Pruning is way beyond cleaning up your trees; it’s a vital practice that benefits your outdoor space’s health, productivity, and aesthetic appeal. From ensuring heavy yields to maintaining structural integrity, expert pruning is key to your outdoors.

  • Increased fruit production: Pruning encourages new wood growth, where fruits develop. The tree’s energy is redirected toward producing new fruiting wood by removing old, non-productive branches. This practice is particularly beneficial for those looking to enhance their yields.
  • Enhanced tree health: Pruning improves tree health by removing dead or diseased branches and allowing for better air circulation. However, even with proper pruning, issues like pests can still arise, impacting your garden’s overall health. Incorporating proactive pest control for your garden’s health ensures trees and plants thrive without unnecessary stress, creating a more vibrant outdoor space.
  • Improved tree structure and stability: Pruning leaves the tree firm and balanced. In Australia, trees tend to get blown over by huge gusts and storms. Well-pruned trees are less prone to breakage or toppling.
  • Aesthetic enhancement: A well-kept garden is not only an aesthetic delight but also increases the value of your property. Pruning can turn trees into aesthetically beautiful forms that enhance the general look of the garden.

Pruning different types of trees in Australia

Every garden and tree is different. They all have a specific growth habit, and there is a particular time of year to prune some trees. Without knowledge of these specifics, pruning cannot be adequately accomplished. Let’s look at some of the common garden trees found in Australia and what each needs.

  • Apple tree pruning: This should be done just before new shoots appear in the Australian garden in late winter or early spring. In this manner, the tree gets to heal, and most of its energy will go into new branch growth, etc.
  • Citrus tree pruning: Citrus trees are pruned in late winter or early spring, as frost isn’t a marked concern. Pruning allows good aeration and sunlight penetration through the tree, which is necessary for the fruit set. Consider a reliable citrus tree pruning service for expert care to achieve the best results.
  • Stone fruit tree pruning includes peach, plum, and cherry trees. The best time for pruning is in late summer, after harvest, which helps to avoid diseases such as bacterial canker in some regions.
  • Olive tree pruning: Olive trees are often pruned in late winter or early spring. Pruning helps them preserve their shape, grow fruits, and provide correct airflow in the canopy.

When to seek professional tree pruning services

While keen home gardeners can easily manage most light pruning tasks, there are instances when a qualified arborist may be required. Knowing when to call in the professionals ensures people’s and property’s safety and guarantees the best possible care for your trees.

Here’s when professional help is generally recommended:

  • Large or hazardous trees: Large tree pruning is dangerous, especially near power lines or over buildings. Elevation, heavy branches, and using chainsaws require specific training and equipment. Hiring a certified arborist for such purposes should be done.
  • Complex pruning requirements: Different trees require different pruning to maintain health and form. Some methods can be very intricate, literally beyond the reach of the inexperienced. Professional arborists have the expertise and skills to carry out these specialised pruning tasks effectively.
  • Lack of experience or equipment: If you are unsure which method is best for pruning any kind of tree or are not equipped to do so, seek professional help. You will surely damage your trees if you try without the required knowledge or proper tools.

recycling the tree shavings

Essential pruning tools

Successful and safe pruning relies heavily on having the right tools for the job. Using appropriate equipment makes the task more efficient and minimises stress and potential damage to your trees. Here’s a rundown of essential pruning tools every gardener should consider:

  • Hand pruners (Secateurs): Hand pruners deliver efficient cuts on thin branches measuring up to 2 centimetres in size. Bypass pruners provide smooth cuts that help plants recover faster and better than any other tool.
  • Loppers: Loppers are designed to help you cut thicker branches between 5cm. Because of their extra leverage, they offer more power than hand pruners.
  • Pruning saw: You need a pruning saw for branches thicker than 5cm because standard tools cannot handle those dimensions. Buy a saw with specialised teeth built to cut green wood, which creates smooth cuts and safeguards your bark.
  • Pole pruner: Pole pruners make tree trimming easier because they reach branches that are above your standard height instead of making you climb a ladder. The equipment makes getting branches in large trees safer and more straightforward.
  • Safety gear: Your safety needs to be your top priority. Before work, use safety tools correctly by putting on safety glasses to shield your eyes, work gloves for hand safety, and protective gear. You should also wear a helmet while performing big pruning jobs that reach high up or deal with big branches.

tips to save water in your backyard

Maintaining your garden beyond pruning

While pruning is a cornerstone of good garden care, it’s most effective when combined with other essential maintenance practices. Here are some key elements to consider:

  • Mulching: Organic matter added to the soil base of plants has numerous advantages. The mulching system keeps the soil moist, so gardeners need to water their plants less. Mulching blocks weeds from growing saves work, and keeps plant roots cool during temperature extremes.
  • Weeding: It has to be cleared regularly to prevent the intrusion of unwanted vegetation that grabs water, nutrients, and sunlight. Continuous weeding leads to healthier and more vigorous growth.
  • Turf laying: Professional laying will yield a healthy, even, and cosmetically pleasing yard for people installing a new lawn or restoring deteriorated areas. Proper preparation and installation are essential for the success of long-term turf.
  • Landscaping and garden design: Proper garden layout planning maximises usage space, enhances aesthetics, and makes the outdoors more accessible and pleasant. The planning and design of outdoor space are key in connecting garden design to fruitful harvests.

A holistic approach incorporating key tree garden care practices ensures a thriving and healthy outdoor space.

Conclusion

Good garden health in Australia depends on your ability to prune plants correctly. Suitable tree pruning methods help make more fruit grow well in fruit trees and protect your entire tree from damage. Carefully choose your pruning tools and get professional arborists’ help when needed.

A well-pruned garden performs better alongside essential gardening solutions such as mulching, weeding, and landscape planning. When you focus on the whole space, your results strengthen, and your garden stands out. You can receive specialised gardening help from local horticultural experts who match their services to your garden conditions.

Overharvesting in Skin Care: Is Your Favorite Ingredient Driving Extinction?

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Natural skin care has been having a moment as consumers venture away from synthetic, processed and potentially harmful chemicals in commonplace products. From serums to masks, clean beauty is supposed to be safer for your face, body and the planet — but is it? Just because such skin care uses raw, Earth-derived ingredients like sandalwood and argan oils doesn’t mean it’s always sustainable or healthy.

unsustainable skincare ingredients

4 Natural Skin Care Ingredients to Avoid

Not all natural skin care ingredients are created equal. Although they might be safer for your skin, several ingredients are not safe for the planet. In fact, there are raw components driving the extinction of the trees themselves and the plants and animals that rely on them.

Here are four natural skin care ingredients to avoid.

1. Shea

Shea is a vitamin C and A-rich ingredient found in moisturizers, body creams and hair products, which help you achieve soft, hydrated skin. The trees grow from Uganda to Senegal — called the “shea belt” — typically in arid woodlands and savannahs.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, shea trees maintain a vulnerable conservation status on the IUCN Red List mainly due to extensive human activity and climate change pressures. These slow-growing trees are rarely farmed, as their juvenile period lasts 10-25 years — therefore, shea species are highly dependent on natural regeneration.

Shea trees are critical to Africa’s economy, particularly for women who earn a 44% profit margin, or $162 per metric ton of kernel. This isn’t without ethical issues, though. Because women and kids are the primary harvesters, collecting and extracting shea nuts and butter poses significant social challenges and child labor troubles.

2. Palm Oil

Palm oil is affordable, versatile, and used in various industries and goods like body oils and creams, makeup, and hair products. Grown in Southeast Asia, the demand for this commodity is at an all-time high. The global market is expected to have a 5.87% compound annual growth rate from 2024 to 2032 — $69.31 billion to $109.39 billion.

Unfortunately, palm oil plantations have overtaken natural forests, negatively impacting local species. In Malaysia, deforestation from palm oil cultivation has affected critically endangered orangutans. Although over 230,000 orangutans existed a century ago, populations have dwindled. Today, there are only about 104,700 Bornean orangutans and 7,500 Sumatran orangutans left.

Irrigation requirements also make palm oil unsustainable for skin care products. Unlike many fruit trees — which need about 1-2 inches of water to reach the roots — palm oil trees need much more. According to one study, irrigated palms grow 56% higher than non-irrigated palms in Malaysia. However, many areas have limited water supplies, increasing water conservation risks.

3. Sandalwood

Sandalwood is a common ingredient in natural skin care products. Because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, it often aids the treatment of acne, psoriasis, eczema and skin brightening. Due to its woody scent, you’ll usually find it in toners, soaps, body scrubs and aromatherapy.

Overharvesting sandalwood trees has led to deforestation, soil erosion, and habitat and biodiversity loss. The tree’s slow growth has made it especially difficult for the species to regenerate at the same rate as harvesting. It can take 25 years to produce enough heartwood for sandalwood oil extraction.

Hawaii has listed sandalwood as endangered among a long list of state plants. Meanwhile, South Australia classifies it as vulnerable after 175 years of commercial harvesting and overexploitation.

4. Argan

Morocco is home to argan trees, which produce argan oil. Due to its highly moisturizing effects, the oil has become a popular component of clean skin care products. However, the increasing demand has led to sustainability concerns for the tree population and deforestation, especially as it takes 50 years to grow fruit for harvesting. Today, Morocco’s argan trees are considered endemic.

Argan trees can withstand harsh arid and semiarid conditions and are critical to stabilizing soil, sustainable development — including shelter, food and wood — and mitigating climate change. In fact, argan forests can greatly improve soil fertility, sequester carbon dioxide, and improve adequate shade and shelter for other flora to thrive. This makes the potential for extinction dire.

sustainable skincare

Alternatives to Unsustainable Natural Skin Care Ingredients

It’s not enough to look for skin care products with more natural, safe ingredients. You must also consider their sustainability. Commit to brands prioritizing sustainable harvesting and extraction of natural resources for their products — this may require some research.

Don’t fret if shea butter is your go-to moisturizer. Cocoa butter is derived from cocoa beans and is a much more sustainable alternative for smooth, hydrated skin when sourced responsibly. Cedarwood is also a great alternative to sandalwood, as it has a similar woody aroma. It comes from cedar trees, which can grow several feet annually.

Jojoba and marula oils are also more sustainable than argan and palm oils. Both are highly nourishing for your skin, with marula oil having a high absorption rate. Jojoba plants, in particular, require little to no maintenance, needing only 3 inches of irrigation annually.

Achieve Healthier Skin With Sustainable Ingredients

Create a more sustainable skin care routine using products with the most environmentally friendly components. For every item promoting deforestation and driving extinction, there are several other natural and effective ingredients to choose from.

6 Things to Consider When Selecting a Crypto Exchange

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Choosing the right cryptocurrency exchange to get your cryptos can be a daunting task. You should consider many factors when deciding on the best place to purchase cryptocurrencies.

Some crypto exchange allow you to trade fiat for crypto while others only offer crypto-to-crypto trading; some exchanges require more identity verification than others; some exchanges charge higher fees while some offer traders maker/taker fee structures (so make sure you do your research there). Lastly, some crypto platforms make buying and selling cryptocurrencies more difficult than others.

We’ve done the homework for you and broken down all of these factors in detail below. Once you’ve finished reading, you’ll have a clearer picture of how to choose the best crypto exchange for your needs.

choosing the right cryptocurrency exchange

Comparing Fiat-to-Crypto Exchanges with Crypto-to-Crypto Platforms

Since many cryptocurrencies can only be purchased with Bitcoin or Ether (and some other altcoins), any fiat-to-crypto exchange must offer reasonable fees and good service.

While most exchanges require more identity verification (KYC) than others, this requirement will vary by country; not all exchanges accept U.S. residents; government authorities regulate some cryptocurrency exchanges while others are unregulated — it’s best to check before signing up for an account with any specific exchange.

Also, make sure you note whether a given exchange charges a fee for wire transfers or purchases made with credit/debit cards.

Once you’ve established a fiat-to-crypto exchange platform for your needs, you can compare the fees these exchanges charge to buy and sell cryptocurrencies with other crypto-only exchanges.

In general, it’s often cheaper to purchase cryptocurrencies from fiat-to-crypto exchanges that have lower fees than from cryptocurrency-only platforms. However, this will depend on whether the given cryptocurrency is available at both types of exchanges.

As always, read each platform’s terms of service carefully before signing up – some cryptos aren’t listed on all individual exchanges due to their limited supply or popularity or any number of reasons. This means that they might only be available at a few major crypto exchange platforms with many buyers/sellers, so finding a fair market value or price can be more difficult.

Picking the Right Crypto Exchange Platform That’s Right for You

Remember: all exchanges offer slightly different services and fee structures, so it’s vital to carefully compare each platform before deciding which cryptocurrency exchange is right for you.

This means that you should do your research and read each exchange’s terms of service before buying or selling cryptocurrencies. In addition, use crypto friendly banking solutions to ensure the best returns on your investment.

Here are some other factors to consider:

1. Which Cryptocurrencies Does the Exchange Offer?

Make sure to compare cryptocurrency-only exchanges with fiat-to-crypto exchanges, so you know what sort of services and crypto pairs (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin) each platform offers; not all exchanges offer fiat, wire transfer purchases, or withdrawals; pay attention to which currencies a given platform accepts as well as those it doesn’t – this could save users caught by surprise (and possible losses).

2. How Much Emphasis Is Placed on Security?

Security is often considered paramount when dealing with cryptocurrencies — after all, these digital assets promise users (and traders) more control and privacy; if you don’t make an effort to protect your cryptocurrencies, chances are they’ll walk away.

Make sure the platform you choose offers two-factor authentication or security measures like a cold wallet system or offline wallets for storing your cryptocurrencies offline – this will keep them safe even in the event of a hack.

3. Does the Crypto Exchange Support Fiat Currencies?

If using fiat currencies is important to you, make sure the exchange offers this — some exchanges only support crypto-to-crypto trading but not fiat for cryptocurrency purchases/sales; other exchanges require verification with government agencies before allowing residents to use fiat on their platforms.

4. What Are the Fees?

Fees are significant when choosing your exchange platform because they can range significantly — exchanges should be upfront about what fees you’ll pay before purchasing cryptocurrencies, so it’s best to compare their fee structures carefully.

5. Does the Exchange Offer Cryptocurrency Wallets?

Some crypto exchanges provide wallets for storing digital assets – if this is an important feature or concern, then make sure that the platform provides this service and offers several wallet options (e.g., hot/cold storage).

6. Is Customer Service Available?

Finally, customer service should be a factor when selecting your cryptocurrency exchange – some companies offer 24/7 support while others might take days to answer your questions; make sure you get the level of customer service that best fits your needs.

When choosing the right cryptocurrency exchange for you, be sure to consider all these factors so you can maximize your trading profits and minimize your losses.

Exchanges change frequently, so it’s essential to keep up-to-date on which exchanges are offering the lowest fees or most currencies to trade; if you stick with reputable platforms, there’s no reason why you can’t achieve success from your crypto exchange ventures!