How to Make LinkedIn Your Top Social Media B2B Marketing Platform

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A large professional network of contacts — LinkedIn — is undeservedly deprived of the attention of many companies. We are ready to reveal the advantages of this social network for you and prove that competent promotion on LinkedIn is effective.

Here, you can focus on the texts and use free templates to increase the efficiency of your promotion company. Let us discover useful details on how to make this platform your top priority for marketing purposes and get fascinating results.

Marketing strategies on LinkedIn

Why is it reasonable to join LinkedIn?

There are different reasons to join LinkedIn but at least five of them play a key role, namely:

1. The four times higher engagement

The reason for such striking differences in the degree of user engagement is the purpose of the visit. The LinkedIn audience visits the social network to search for extended information about the company and clarify its coordinates and contact details. Therefore, you can get more clicks to the company’s website from LinkedIn.

2. Wide coverage of statuses

LinkedIn’s organic reach algorithms are different from other networks, so the company’s updated status covers about 20% of the target audience.

3. More than half of international companies already have profiles on LinkedIn

According to the world business publication Forbes, about 57% of the leading companies have already registered on this network and are actively promoting via it.

4. Conversions here are higher than on Facebook

According to the online marketing service HubSpot, LinkedIn has a 2% higher conversion rate than Facebook. The reason is the interested target audience.

5. Interception of the audience

There is a tendency to increase the depth of views and user engagement in the professional network LinkedIn. Therefore, without having a company profile there, you lose your audience.

Therefore, you can find and reach exactly the target audience and thus promote your company in a very efficient and convenient way. Moreover, you can expand your team and meet professionals with whom it is worth cooperating. No wonder this platform has become so popular.

Marketing strategies on LinkedIn and their implementation

Now that you are convinced that LinkedIn is a working platform for effective promotion, let us discuss a successful content strategy on this social network:

  • Add links to publications as statistics show that publications with links are more popular than text publications by 45%.
  • Communicate with your followers by asking them questions and pique their interest with visual and video content in your statuses. Photo and video content increases status commenting by almost 100%.
  • The optimal length of the post is 21-25 printed characters in case of focusing on the B2C audience. For a B2B audience, a status with a length of 16-25 printed characters will be more effective.
  • Choose a working time for posting as the main audience of LinkedIn adheres to the office schedule and visits the professional network during working hours. Weekends and holidays are the worst days to post.
  • Post every working day. On average, you will get about 20 posts per month. This tactic gives up to 60% coverage of the target audience. If you have a need to share useful content more than once a day, feel free to do it — it will not negatively affect the statistics.

In addition, you can conduct your promotion on LinkedIn in two ways – passively and actively.

The passive strategy simply involves creating your LinkedIn profile and maintaining it. Users can independently search for a company, find out its news, and establish contact with its employees to establish partnerships.

LinkedIn marketing guide

An active strategy involves more action and time but can bring more results. If you chose it, you can benefit from the following components:

  1. Regularly update the status of the company, share news and successes, announce organized events, and share links to the company blog.
  2. Join professional communities. You can create a name for yourself as an expert in your industry among market players who organize themselves into groups on LinkedIn. Participate in discussions, share information about yourself, and declare yourself as a market leader. However, in no case engage in black PR and not spam.
  3. Always answer questions. Do not ignore uncomfortable topics; always try to give a complete answer. Again, this will help you establish yourself as an expert in your industry.
  4. Register your employees. Mentioning the name of the company and grouping its employees into one group will strengthen the image of the company and show its professionalism in establishing business contacts.
  5. Look for new employees on LinkedIn. Post company vacancies or search for candidates yourself – LinkedIn is a great platform for finding and connecting with professionals in your area.

Choose your LinkedIn promotion strategy and share only high-quality and competent content. In this professional network, you will find those you are looking for, whether they are clients or partners.

إعادة تدوير النفايات في المملكة العربية السعودية

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مؤخرا بدء الإهتمام بمفهوم “إعادة تدوير النفايات” في المملكة العربية السعودية. حيث تنتج المملكة مايقارب ال 15 مليون طن من النفايات البلدية الصلبة سنويا، و بمعدل 1.4 كيلوغرام لكل شخص! ومن المتوقع أن يتضاعف هذا العدد (مع إزدياد التعداد السكاني في المملكة بنسبة 3.4 ) بحلول العام 2033م إلى 30 مليون طن سنويا!  وجدير بالذكر أن معظم مصادر النفايات هي نفايات بقايا الطعام حيث تشكل حوالي 40 إلى51% و تليها النفايات البلاستيكية 5-17% و النفايات الورقية و الورق المقوى  النفايات من بقايا الزجاج 3-5% و بقايا الخشب 2-8% و بقايا الأقمشة 2-6% و بقايا الحديد2-8% وهذا يعتمد على نوع الأنشطة وكثافتها في المناطق التي شملتها الدراسة.

saudi-arabia-recycling

يعتبر التدوير في بداية مراحله في المملكة العربية السعودية، وحاليا تتركز أعمال التدوير حوال إعادة تدوير المعادن والورق المقوى والذي يشمل 10-15% من مجمل النفايات المجمعة من القطاع غير الرسمي، حيث يقوم عمال النظافة بفرز النفايات القابلة للتدوير من حاويات القمامة الموزعة في المدن، التي تصل ذروة التدوير في بعضها إلى حوالي 30% من مجمل النفايات في بعض المدن. وتتم عمليات فرز وتدوير النفايات في  بعض مجمعات النفايات التي تغطي حوالي 40%  من مجمل العمليات الرسمية و غير الرسمية في قطاع تدوير النفايات.  وتشمل  عمليات التدوير قوارير الزجاج، علب الألمنيوم، علب الحديد و الأوراق و قوارير البلاستيك و الورق المقوى و إطارات السيارات التالفة.

التدوير في المملكة العربية السعودية

تخيل أنه بالإمكان تقليل حوالي 45% ألف كيلو جول من إجمالي الطاقة المستهلكة عند تدويرالزجاج و المعادن من المخلفات البلدية! وهذا يعني أن مقدار الطاقة الموفرة يمكن أن تستخدم لإنتاج مواذ قابلة لإعادة التدوير. وفي بحث مشابه آخرذكر أن الفوائد المجنية فقط من تدوير الزجاج والمعادن و الألمنيوم و الورق المقوى في مدينة مكة المكرمكة، وسيتم توفير  5.6 من انبعاثات غاز الميثلن و 140.1 مليون طن من غاز ثاني أكسيد الكربون. علاوة على ذلك أن حوالي 13 مليون ريال سعودي من الموفورات المالية للإقتصاد الوطني في مدينة مكة المكرمة من عمليات إعادة تدوير الزجاج و المعادن و الالمنيوم والورق المقوى.

آفاق المستقبل

تحتاج عمليات تجميع النفايات حاليا في المملكة العربية السعودية إلى نموذج مستدام ومترابط في عمليات تجميع بقايا النفايات و فصل المواد القابلة لإعادة التدوير. وكبداية يمكن للمملكة إعادة تدوير الالمنيوم و قوارير البولي إيثلين تيرفليت لإعادة التدوير في المدن الكبرى مثل جدة والدمام و الرياض و مكة المكرمة و المدينة المنورة حيث يعتبر هذا خيار إستراتيجي للمملكة في طريقها نحو ترشيد إستهلاك المواد الأولية الثمينة مثل الوقود الأحفوري. إضافة لذلك سيتم الاستفادة القصوى من الموادة القابلة لاعادة التدوير كالورق و الزجاج والمعادن و الألمنيوم وخفض النفايات الملقاة في مكبات النفايات وبالتالي خفض الكلفة البيئية الضارة وتعظيم الفائدة للإقتصاد الوطني. 

ترجمة

إيمان عبدالله أمان مختصة في سياسات وتشريعات الطاقة، باحثة ومهتمة في مواضيع مثل أمن الطاقة وتحديات المناخ، الطاقة المتجددة ، التنمية المستدامة وطريق الى تحقيق اقتصاد خالي من الكربون وسياسات ترشيد استهلاك الطاقة وحفظ البيئة

7 Types Of Sustainable Food Packaging

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Most of the food you buy and eat comes in a package. Therefore, packaging is an essential part of the food supply chain. But, a lot of it is made from plastic. Nowadays, people have begun to prioritize making the world greener as they’ve grown more conscious of the necessity of sustainability. This green movement includes making food packaging more environment-friendly through various methods, such as compostable packaging and many other forms listed below.

different types of sustainable food packaging

While some progress is being made in terms of moving away from plastic, the said material is still widely used. There’s a long way to go. Thankfully, there are many environment-friendly packaging options on the market today. Given the increasing pressure from the public to go green, more sustainable packaging options will emerge.

That said, here’s a list of the types of sustainable food packaging manufacturers can use today:

1. Glass

Glass is ubiquitous and is utilized for a wide range of purposes. It’s also recyclable and reusable. Therefore, glass can be a good alternative to plastic for food packaging.

For example, when you buy a glass jar, you may keep it for a long time without worrying about it rusting or contaminating your food. All you need to do is ensure it’s cleaned regularly. Glass water bottles are also an excellent substitute for the usual plastic ones.

However, the biggest issue with glass jars is that glass lids aren’t leak-proof. Therefore, you want to look for glass containers with bamboo lids. Nonetheless, unless the glass cracks, it’ll probably survive for a long time. Once you’re done using it, you may easily recycle it. Therefore, glass is good for the environment.

2. Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)

In addition to being often used in adhesives, PVA is also widely utilized in emulsion polymerization, film, and packaging production.

PVA is ideal for film production because it has excellent tensile strength. PVA resins also exhibit great adhesive and bonding properties. The magnitude of hydrolysis influences the film’s water sensitivity. With more hydrolysis, water resistance rises.

If you’re looking for a sustainable packaging material for your products, you can look for reliable PVA suppliers near you and choose the most suitable one for your business.

3. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is an extremely long-lasting material. It’s also rust-free and heat-resistant, which makes it ideal for food storage.

There are several stainless steel packaging types to choose from. For example, you may buy stainless steel lunch boxes, which usually include silicone seals or lids to prevent leaks. Stainless steel is also used to produce lids for glass jars, which are used at home for storing items, such as sugar and flour.

Consider purchasing stainless steel storage containers from reputable manufacturers. Although this material is generally robust, purchasing a container from a random brand or manufacturer may not be a good idea.

4. Bamboo

Bamboo is another biodegradable packaging material that’s strong and resistant to high temperatures. This material may be seen in food packaging lids, breadboxes, and serving bowls.

On the one hand, the downside of using packaging made from bamboo is its lack of durability. The toughness of bamboo and other plant fibers isn’t comparable to that of glass or steel.

5. Rice Husk

This is one of the least-known sustainable packaging alternatives. When most people think of rice, they don’t think of eco-friendly packaging. Yet, rice husk is an excellent material in this regard. It’s a byproduct of rice farming, which makes it quite inexpensive. Rice husk is known to be bio-absorbent, which means it can absorb contaminants from its immediate surroundings.

6. Gelatin Film

Because of its affordability, gelatin is quickly becoming one of the most preferred sustainable packaging materials. It’s a sturdy film-forming substance, making it excellent for food packaging. Furthermore, gelatin is said to contain antimicrobial cellulose, which aids in the prevention of pathogen growth. This reduces the spread of food-borne infections. These properties make gelatin a safer option than plastic.

recycled paper

7. Paper Or Cardboard

This is one of the most used materials for packaging food. Paper boxes are both biodegradable and inexpensive. Food won’t be affected since paper boxes don’t contain harmful substances. They’re also lightweight, making them easy to transport. These features make paper boxes a packaging material of choice for most food suppliers.

You may have observed that most fast-food packaging is composed of paper boxes. They utilize this material because they’re inexpensive and recyclable. They’re also commonly used in shipping and logistics for this reason. If you want to know which shipping method is the best for you, check out this article.

However, one disadvantage to using paper or cardboard boxes are that they’re easier to damage than other materials.

Conclusion

Players in the food supply chain are under pressure to utilize green packaging. Given the mounting evidence against the usage of plastic, this is a positive development. Fortunately, there are several green packaging solutions. All the alternatives mentioned above have their pros and cons. However, for the benefit of the environment, all food manufacturers and suppliers globally should consider embracing these green packaging options.

Such types of eco-friendly food packaging materials will increase in number and become less expensive as technology develops. Perhaps, in the future, people will abandon plastic completely.

الارادة والتعليم سر الانجازات الاقتصادية

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education-arabiaإقتصادياً؛ ينظر الكثير إلى مياه البحر من زاوية التكاليف الباهضة لمشاريع تحليتها، هذه النظرة تجعل من مياه البحر عقدة بدلاً من كونها حلا لبعض الحاجات الإقتصادية والمشاريع التنموية. قبل أيام أطلقت أستراليا مشروعاً زراعياً يعد الأول من نوعه على مستوى العالم، إذ يستغني عن التربة والمياه الجوفية والوقود الأحفوري، ويكتفى بأشعة الشمس ومياه البحر لإنتاج 17 ألف طن من الطماطم سنوياً. وفي ظل الأزمة التي تواجه العالم في الحصول على المياه العذبة وإنتاج الطاقة فإن المشروع يشكل الوجه الجديد للزراعة المستقبلية حسب تعبير مجلة New Scientist التي ذكرت أن المشروع استغرق ست سنوات فقط، وهي مدة قياسية بالمقارنة بمشاريعنا، بل حتى بالنسبة لحجم الإنجاز ذاته.

التفاصيل على قدر كبيرمن الأهمية لأنها تدفعنا لإدراك إمكانية تطبيق مثل هذا المشروع في المنطقة، بل وابتكار مشاريع أخرى، فطبيعة الصحراء الأسترالية هي نفسها طبيعة صحراء الجزيرة العربية، لذا فإن من المهم معرفة الأساليب العلمية التي لجأ إليها فريق العمل للتغلب على هذه الظروف القاسية، بدلا من الإعتماد على القدرة المالية في الحصول على أدوات مرتفعة التكاليف من أجل تحقيق إنجاز ما.

في التفاصيل، مدّ فريق العمل أنابيب لنقل مياه البحر على طول 2 كلم محطة في الصحراء لتحلية المياه بالطاقة الشمسية تقوم بإنتاج مياه عذبة بكميات تكفي لري 180 ألف نبتة طماطم زرعت في بيوت محمية. وعالج فريق العمل مشكلة التربة بإيجاد بديل لها هو قشور ثمرة جوز الهند.

مشاريع المياه تعتبر من المشاريع المكلفة

مشاريع المياه تعتبر من المشاريع المكلفة

المدهش هو أن هناك مبادرات لتطبيق نموذج المشروع في دول عدة من بينها قطر والإمارات وسلطنة عمان. وهذا يدل على رغبة هذه الدول المجلس في وضع حل لمشكلة شح المياه العذبة والعمل على استغلال الطاقة المتجددة في إنتاج محاصيل زراعية.

مشاريع المياه تعتبر من المشاريع المكلفة، فدول المجلس كانت قد خصصت أكثر من 100 مليار دولار أمريكي للإستثمار في هذا القطاع بين عامي 2011 و2016، وأعلنت عن خطط لاستثمار 300 مليار دولار أمريكي أخرى بحلول عام 2022، وهذا من شأنه إرهاق الموازنات الحكومية خاصة مع انخفاض أسعار الوقود، بينما هناك إمكانية لإيجاد بدائل تساهم في تخفيف العبء.

ينبغي القول أيضاً أن المياه المالحة قد تشكل ثروة كبيرة، حتى دون اللجوء إلى تحليتها، فهناك نباتات مفيدة قادرة على التكيف مع ملوحة مياه البحر، ويمكنها المساهمة في التنمية الإقتصادية، ومن بينها الساليكورنيا (الشمرة البحرية) والسبارتينا (العقربان).

الخلاصة

إن هذا الإنجاز الذي حققته أستراليا يؤكد لنا حقيقتين هما: إن الحاجة ليست أم الإختراع (كما يقال) فقد بقينا عقود في حاجة للمياه العذبة دون نتيجة، بل يأتي الإختراع عبر إرادة التغيير والسعي الحثيث والإخلاص في وضع هذه الحاجة على السكة العملية لتوفيرها.

والحقيقة الأخرى هي أننا يجب أن نولي التعليم والبحث العلمي أهمية كبيرة، فنحن نمتلك الكثير من الإمكانات الطبيعية والبشرية التي يمكنها أن تخلق واقعاً أفضل إذا ما وضعنا التعليم في قمة أولوياتنا والبحث العلمي في صلب اهتمامنا، وهذا ما أثبتته تجارب الدول المتقدمة، وهو ما أكد عليه "لي كوان" مؤسس سنغافورة، في كلمته المشهورة: أنا لم أقم بمعجزة إنما أعطيت المعلم مكانته التي يستحقها وهو من أنتج جيلاً قاد نهضة الوطن.

Energy Efficiency in Arab World: Key Findings of Arab Future Energy Index 2017

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energy-efficiency-uaeEnergy efficiency is the most cost effective means of reducing the energy intensity of the economy and promoting a low-carbon future in the Arab world. Energy efficiency further helps Arab states meet their SDGs on combating climate change and its impacts (SDG13), as it cuts down on GHG emissions resulting from excessive and inefficient consumption of energy.

Energy efficiency improvements can save governments, companies, and citizens billions of dollars in the Arab region from reduced energy bills, while at the same time quickly reducing carbon footprints – a win-win solution. Many countries in the region are now moving ahead with new laws, policies, and regulations to improve energy consumption but much more needs to be done to accelerate results and achieve SDG 7 on sustainable energy.

Arab Future Energy Index

The Arab Future Energy Index provides a detailed overview on the progress of 20 Arab countries in their transition toward an efficient energy market post recent plunges in oil prices and economic turmoil in the region. The 2017 AFEX report uses over 30 indicators to rank Arab countries on progress made to achieve energy efficiency targets based on regulatory and institutional structures, financial innovations, policy frameworks and public and private investments. AFEX rankings show important trends and emerging pathways to a low-carbon, sustainable energy future in the region.

AFEX Energy Efficiency Results 2017

Arab countries’ commitment to increase energy efficiency through their various adopted or planned energy efficiency strategies and National Energy Efficiency Action Plans (NEEAPs) demonstrate their commitment to the UN’s SDG on energy (SDG7) that calls for global affordable, sustainable, and reliable access to clean and modern energy sources.

The 2017 AFEX report monitors Arab countries’ progress in fostering energy efficiency initiatives and strategies in line with established UN SDGs. As of 2017, fifteen out of twenty Arab states studied in the AFEX have developed a national energy efficiency plan that articulates both short term and long term strategies to set state level policy goals for reducing energy consumption as well as to establish and implement effective EE initiatives and programs.

Several Arab countries have spelled out their energy efficiency policies in national plans, such as Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Kuwait, and Tunisia. Many other Arab countries, however, have developed National Energy Efficiency Action Plans (NEEAPs), based on the Arab Energy Efficiency Guideline issued by the Arab Ministerial Council for Electricity (AMCE).

RCREEE was mandated by the AMCE to monitor the qualitative progress and quantitative impact of NEEAPs and publish its findings in regular annual reports. Several Arab countries have evaluated their first NEEAP and are currently developing their second NEEAP, building on lessons learned from previous plans. Lebanon, taking a significant step forward, has evaluated its first NEEAP (2011– 2015) and in 2016 adopted its second NEEAP (2016–2020).

Energy Efficiency in Arab Region – Key Findings

In general, electricity and fuel prices in the Arab region remain well below the global average, as most Arab countries have spent significant portions of their GDPs on providing subsidies for electricity and fuel, resulting in a financial burden for these countries, namely after the 2014 drop in oil prices. These low prices of energy have greatly affected the level of energy consumption in the region leading to extremely high energy intensities and electricity consumption per capita.

Furthermore, the high level of energy subsidies implemented in the region, greatly hinders any incentive at the consumer side to reduce their energy consumption and invest in energy efficient technologies. Nonetheless, the recent drops in oil prices has, in part, encouraged Arab countries to undertake various reform actions and make progress in reducing their energy subsidies.

The region witnessed an unprecedented wave of energy subsidy reforms as multiple Arab countries namely, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and the UAE have enacted policies to reduce electricity subsidies and increase fuel prices. Although these reforms were more significant in some countries than others, electricity and fuel prices remain well below the global average in most Arab countries.

The region continues to witness progress in implementing policies to phase out inefficient lighting, which is exigent as lighting is responsible for nearly 34% of electricity consumption in the Arab region. Many countries’ energy efficiency plans have provided financial incentives for end users to switch to more efficient lighting, for example CFL or LED, or enacted bans on the sale of incandescent light bulbs.

Although various Arab countries have adopted legislation and energy efficiency measures relating to appliances’ energy standards and labeling namely for air conditioners and refrigerators, these standards and labels still lack adequate enforcement and diversification to include a wider range of appliances.

Arab country’s still need to further develop and implement energy efficiency regulation, initiatives, and programs to reduce energy consumption in the transportation sector as it is responsible for around 30% of final energy consumption in the region. Although various countries such as Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and the UAE have ongoing or planned programs to improve public transportation, the national energy strategies of most Arab countries do not include energy reduction targets or reforms for the transportation sector. For example, tax reductions on hybrid cars, the enforcement of vehicle emissions regulations, and the promotion of public transport are notably absent.

Implementing national energy efficiency strategies hinges on stable sources of financing and legislation, and many Arab countries could improve on energy efficiency funding and legislation. Most Arab countries lack a dedicated energy efficiency agency within governmental bodies to regulate and set energy policy.

In many Arab countries energy efficiency agencies are dispersed amongst different ministries and institutions, making it challenging to develop and enforce effective policies. Moreover, some Arab countries lack energy efficiency regulatory bodies all together. The increasing availability of funding for energy efficiency initiatives has seen a positive move in recent years to expand the EE market and develop EE projects in various sectors such as the Green Environment Financing Facility (GEFF) in Egypt, the Jordanian Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund (JREEEF), the Dubai Green Fund, and the National Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Action (NEEREA) in Lebanon.

Conclusion

By developing and enforcing more effective energy efficiency policies, providing stable sources of finance for initiatives that improve energy efficiency, and taking decisive measures to remove energy subsidies, Arab countries can significantly improve their energy efficiency, and reduce their energy intensities. Such measures will save Arab countries large portions of their GDP and will cut down their energy bills, as well as help the region fight climate change and maintain its commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and their Nationally Determined Contributions.

Note: The complete AFEX 2017 report can be downloaded from this link

Environmental Impact of Olive Oil Processing

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More commonly known for its popular culinary and medicinal benefits, olive cultivation, olive oil production and oil packaging are a part of the local heritage and rural economy throughout the North African and Mediterranean regions. In 2012, an estimated 2,903,676 tons of olive oil was produced worldwide, the largest olive oil producers being Spain, Italy, and Greece followed by Turkey and Tunisia and to a lesser extent Portugal, Morocco and Algeria. Within the European Union’s olive sector alone, there are roughly 2.5 million producers, who make up roughly one-third of all EU farmers.

olive-oil-wastes

The olive oil industry offers valuable opportunities to farmers in terms of seasonal employment as well as significant employment to the off-farm milling and processing industry.  While this industry has significant economic benefits in regards to profit and jobs; the downside is it leads to severe environmental harm and degradation.

The Flipside

There are two processes that are used for the extraction of olive oil, the three-phase and the two-phase. Both systems generate large amounts of byproducts.  The two byproducts produced by the three-phase system are a solid residue known as olive press cake (OPC) and large amounts of aqueous liquid known as olive mill wastewater (OMW).  The three-phase process usually yields 20% olive oil, 30% OPC waste, and 50% OMW.  This equates to 80% more waste being produced than actual product.

More contemporary is the two-phase system, in this system “the volume of OMW produced is reduced because less water is used and much of that water and toxic substances are held within the solid olive cake, thus producing a semi-solid residue (SOR).” While the two-phase system produces less OMW, the SOR it produces has a “high organic matter concentration giving an elevated polluting load and it cannot be easily handled by traditional technology which deals with the conventional three-phase olive cake.”

Regardless of system used, the effluents produced from olive oil production exhibit highly phytotoxic and antimicrobial properties, mainly due to phenols.  Phenols are a poisonous caustic crystalline compound.  These effluents unless disposed of properly can result in serious environmental damage.  Troublingly, there is no general policy for disposal of this waste in the olive oil producing nations around the world.  This results in inconsistent monitoring and non-uniform application of guidelines across these regions.

Environmental Concerns

Around 30 million m3 of olive mill wastewater is produced annually in the Mediterranean area.  This wastewater cannot be sent to ordinary wastewater treatment systems, thus, safe disposal of this waste is of serious environmental concern.  Moreover, due to its complex compounds, olive processing waste (OPW) is not easily biodegradable and needs to be detoxified before it can properly be used in agricultural and other industrial processes.

This poses a serious problem when the sophisticated treatment and detoxification solutions needed are too expensive for developing countries in MENA such as Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia where it is common for OMW to be dumped into rivers and lakes or used for farming irrigation.  This results in the contamination of ground water and eutrophication of lakes, rivers and canals.  Eutrophication results in reductions in aquatic plants, fish and other animal populations as it promotes excessive growth of algae. As the algae die and decompose, high levels of organic matter and the decomposing organisms deplete the water of oxygen, causing aquatic populations to plummet.

Another common tactic for disposal of olive mill wastewater is to collect and retain it in large evaporation basins or ponds.  It is then dried to a semi-solid fraction. In less developed countries where olive processing wastes is disposed of, this waste, as well as olive processing cake and SOR waste is commonly unloaded and spread across the surrounding lands where it sits building up throughout the olive oil production season.  Over time these toxic compounds accumulate in the soil, saturating it, and are often transported by rain water to other nearby areas, causing serious hazardous runoff. Because these effluents are generally untreated it leads to land degradation, soil contamination as well as contamination of groundwater and of the water table itself.

Even a small quantity of olive wastewater in contact with groundwater has the potential to cause significant pollution to drinking water sources. The problem is more serious where chlorine is used to disinfect drinking water. Chlorine in contact with phenol reacts to form chlorophenol which is even more dangerous to human health than phenol alone.

Current Remedies

The problems associated with olive processing wastes have been extensively studied for the past 50 years. Unfortunately, research has continued to fall short on discovering a technologically feasible, economically viable, and socially acceptable solution to OPW.

The most common solutions to date have been strategies of detoxification, production system modification, and recycling and recovery of valuable components. Because the latter results in reductions in the pollution and transformation of OPW into valuable products, it has gained popularity over the past decade. Weed control is a common example of reusing OPW; due to its plant inhibiting characteristics OPW once properly treated can be used as an alternative to chemical weed control.

Research has also been done on using the semisolid waste generated from olive oil production to absorb oil from hazardous oil spills.  Finally, in terms of health, studies are suggesting that due to OPW containing high amounts of phenolic compounds, which have high in antioxidant rates, OPW may be an affordable source of natural antioxidants. Still, none of these techniques on an individual basis solve the problem of disposal of OMW to a complete and exhaustive extent.

At the present state of olive mill wastewater treatment technology, industry has shown little interest in supporting any traditional process (physical, chemical, thermal or biological) on a wide scale.This is because of the high investment and operational costs, the short duration of the production period (3-5 months) and the small size of the olive mills.

Conclusion

Overall, the problems associated with olive processing wastes are further exemplified by lack of common policy among the olive oil producing regions, funding and infrastructure for proper treatment and disposal, and a general lack of education on the environmental and health effects caused by olive processing wastes.

While some progress has been made with regards to methods of treatment and detoxification of OPW there is still significant scope for further research.  Given the severity of environmental impact of olive processing wastes, it is imperative on policy-makers and industry leaders to undertake more concrete initiatives to develop a sustainable framework to tackle the problem of olive oil waste disposal.

References

Art, H. W. (1995). The Dictionary of Ecology and Environmental Science. New York, New York: Henry Holt and Company.

Borja, R., Raposo, F., & Rincón, B. (2006). Treatment technologies of liquid and solid wastes from two-phase olive oil mills. 57, 32-46. http://digital.csic.es/bitstream/10261/2426/1/Borja.pdf

Boz, O., Ogut, D., Kir, K., & Dogan, N. (2009). Olive Processing Waste as a Method of Weed Control for Okra, Fava Bean, and Onion. Weed Technology, 23, 569-573.

Caba, J., Ligero, F., Linares, A., Martınez, J., & De la Rubia, T. (2003). Detoxification of semisolid olive-mill wastes and pine-chip mixtures using Phanerochaete flavido-alba Chemosphere, 51, 887–891. http://hera.ugr.es/doi/14978611.pdf

El Hajjouji, H., Guiresse, M., Hafidi, M., Merlina, G., Pinelli, E., & Revel, J. (2007). Assessment of the genotoxicity of olive mill waste water (OMWW) with the Vicia faba micronucleus test Morocco.

FAOSTAT. (2013).   Retrieved 11/30/2013, from http://faostat.fao.org/site/636/DesktopDefault.aspx?PageID=636#ancor

Niaounakis, M., & Halvadakis, C. P. (2006). Olive Processing Waste Management, 2nd Edition (2nd ed.): Pergamon.

Spandre, R., & Dellomonaco, G. (1996). POLYPHENOLS POLLUTION BY OLIVE MILL WASTE WATERS, TUSCANY, ITALY. Journal of Environmental Hydrology, 4, 1-13. http://www.hydroweb.com/jeh/jeh1996/spandre.pdf

The olive oil sector in the European Union (2002).   Retrieved 12/01/2013, from http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/publi/fact/oliveoil/2003_en.pdf

Curve DAO Token (CRV) – Price, Forecasts and News

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Cryptocurrencies are gradually becoming an integral part of our lives. In the 13 years of the industry’s existence, the digital coin market has taken an enormous step forward. If in 2009, a few hundred “geeks” knew about the existence of Bitcoin, now it is an environment consisting of millions of people worldwide. At the bull market’s peak in 2021, the capitalization of the entire cryptocurrency market exceeded $2 trillion.

Where to Buy CRV coin

In this article, we will talk about the Curve finance project, which was released relatively recently but has already managed to capture the market niche.

What is CRV Token?

CRV crypto is a utility token that maintains the health of the Curve finance platform. The team picked the Ethereum network as the fundamental blockchain. The platform is a decentralized exchange for trading stablecoins. Curve charges low commissions and provides a high level of security and transaction speed.

Still, the Curve platform is different from regular exchanges. For example, it does not just connect the seller and the buyer but uses liquidity pools. Users who provide liquidity and lock their funds on the exchange are rewarded with a Curve dao token. It is important to understand that Curve is not a custodial platform and does not store user funds in its wallets. Smart contracts play a key role in all operations on the platform. That is, users are fully responsible for the safety of the funds. Even if the site is hacked, hackers cannot take possession of user tokens.

Liquidity pools also have layered security since they are based on external protocols such as yearn.finance, Compound, etc. That is, liquidity providers can independently choose the risk/profit ratio option.

Where to Buy CRV coin?

It is better to purchase coins on time-tested platforms. One of them is the WhiteBIT exchange. It is the first certified exchange in the European Union market. It has an intuitive interface, comprehensive functionality and a high level of security.

Green Home Improvements That Increase the Value of Your Home

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One of the smartest investments any homeowner can make is to upgrade their home with green improvements. Not only does this reduce energy costs and decrease your carbon footprint, but it also increases the value of your property! It’s no wonder that more and more people are looking for sustainable solutions when renovating their homes.

eco-friendly home improvements to increase home value

Green home improvements range from low-cost changes, such as using LED lightbulbs and water-efficient appliances, to larger projects, like investing in energy-efficient windows or replacing an aging HVAC system with a solar-powered one. Estate agents, such as Jerry Pinkas Real Estate, tell us that along with getting better returns at sale time, you’ll also enjoy lower utility bills right away – making it a wise investment for both short and long-term finances.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the things you need to consider before starting your home improvements, along with giving you lots of tips on how to get started.

How to Calculate the ROI of a Green Home Improvement Project?

Eco-friendly home upgrades can be an excellent way to reduce energy costs and help the environment, but making these changes can be expensive. Before investing in green projects, it’s important to accurately calculate their Return On Investment (ROI).

To start this process, homeowners should research the cost of the project materials and labor, as well as any estimated energy savings based on how much energy will be conserved through making the change. Homeowners should also factor in any incentives for taking green measures, such as available tax credits.

The ROI Calculation

Once all of this information is collected, ROI can be calculated by subtracting the project’s project’s total cost from the estimated savings over time; then dividing that number by the total price.

This calculation reveals whether a particular green home improvement project will ultimately provide a net return or operate at a net loss due to its associated investment costs.

Understanding this value helps homeowners make smart decisions when seeking ways to invest in their homes while also protecting the environment.  Buyers who need more confidence working through this equation are advised to seek professional help with their calculations before committing to large-scale green home improvement projects.

Be Prepared

After considering all relevant factors, including total costs and long-term savings potential, calculating ROI yields valuable insights into which projects are financially worthwhile investments in sustainable living.

Taking a few moments to calculate ROI clarifies how different energy conservation projects measure up against each other, as well as what kind of return homeowners can expect for each type of project.

With their ROI calculations calculated in hand, homeowners are better prepared than ever before to enjoy all the benefits that Green Home Improvement Projects have to offer!

Tips for Making Your Home More Energy Efficient

Making your home more energy efficient is every homeowner’s goal. Not only is this a great way to reduce environmental impacts, but it can also save you money on utilities. But how can you make your home more energy-efficient?

eco-friendly-home

The good news is that there are many steps you can take to reduce your energy consumption and maximize efficiency!

  • Start by investing in energy-efficient appliances. Look for Energy Star-certified products that consume less electricity than regular models.
  • For your outdoor space, choose grill islands for your outdoor kitchen made from sustainable and high-quality materials to resist rust and corrosion while reducing your overall carbon footprint.
  • Install LED lightbulbs and use smart power strips – these devices sense when a device isn’t being used and shut them off automatically to conserve electricity.
  • Improve insulation around windows and doors, as well as sealing cracks around the walls, will help to keep cool air from escaping during summer or warm air from escaping during winter.
  • Consider installing solar panels, which can generate renewable energy and help lower electric bills in the long run.
  • Invest in an efficient pellet smoker as it consumes wood pellets which burns cleaner than charcoal.

With a few simple changes and some careful planning, you can make your home more energy efficient and reap the savings for years to come!

How to Choose the Right Green Building Material?

When undertaking a green building project, the materials used play an essential role in achieving sustainable building practices. Material selection should emphasize energy efficiency and a minimal environmental impact while being cost-effective and meeting performance targets.

Factors to consider when selecting building materials include:

1. Durability

Long-term performance evaluation should also be conducted to monitor how the material will interact with the environment, such as its energy consumption or emissions rate over time. For example, metal siding may have higher upfront costs but can reduce energy bills long-term due to increased insulation value; similarly, composite building products created from recycled plastic may be more expensive initially but provide superior durability for a longer lifespan than traditional wood composites.

2. Sourcing renewable materials

Seek certifications to ensure materials are genuinely made with sustainable and environmentally friendly methods

3. Recyclability

When the time does come to replace the materials, will they add to the landfill sites, or can they be recycled? Purchases should be made with the lifetime impact of the material and not just that of its production.

Ultimately, choosing the right green building material depends on understanding both the immediate and lifetime costs associated—factoring in not only purchase price but also future maintenance needs—as well as considering sustainability objectives upfront in order to obtain the best value for your dollar and have a positive impact on our planet.

How to Create an Eco-Friendly Landscaping Design for Your Yard

Creating an eco-friendly landscaping design for your yard is an easy and rewarding way to combine environmental sustainability with a great-looking landscape.

Start by deciding on an overall theme that you’d like to create (country, tropical, modern, etc.) and devise a plan that considers everything from plants, trees, and shrubs, to pathways and garden features.

tips to save water in your backyard

1. Native Species

When choosing plants, try to select native species as they tend to require less maintenance and have fewer pest issues than introduced ones. Plant in organized beds for easy mowing and easier management of pests and weeds. If possible, minimize the number of grassy areas in favor of a mixture of materials such as stone, pebbles, or mulch.

2. Water Reduction

Using materials like decomposed granite or gravel is also a great way to help save water as it reduces evaporation versus lawns. Try using low-water-use plants such as succulents or native ground covers throughout the landscape for attractive color without extra watering costs.

3. Rainwater Harvesting

Finally, consider a rain barrel or other rainwater harvesting system so that you can use natural rainfall instead of city water for irrigation purposes.

Implementing even one of these ideas can help put your yard on course toward creating an eco-friendly landscaping design!  With planning, imagination, diligence and creativity you’re sure to have beautiful landscaping and great satisfaction in knowing your yard is saving resources too!

Bottom Line

With the abundance of options available, there has never been a better time to go green! Whether you’re aiming for minor adjustments or major renovations, taking steps to create a more sustainable living environment not only helps you save money in the present, but will also result in greater benefits down the line. Investing in green upgrades today could yield life-changing rewards tomorrow.

6 Ways Tutoring Can Help Your Child’s Confidence

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When it comes to helping your child succeed in school, tutoring can be a huge help. But did you know that tutoring can also help boost your child’s confidence? In this blog post, we will discuss 8 ways that tutoring can help improve your child’s confidence. We will also provide some tips on how to choose the right tutor for your child!

How Tutoring Can Help Your Child’s Confidence

1. When a child is struggling in school, it can be hard for them to feel confident

School can be a tough place for kids who are struggling. They may feel like they’re not as smart as their classmates, and they might start to doubt themselves. This can lead to a lack of confidence, which can make it even harder to succeed in school.

If your child is struggling, it’s important to talk to them about their feelings and help them develop a positive attitude. Encourage them to set small goals and celebrate their accomplishments. Help them to see that they are capable of succeeding, even if it takes a little longer than some of their peers. With your support, your child will soon regain the confidence they need to succeed in school and in life.

2. Tutoring can help your child understand the material and improve their grades

Tutoring can be extremely beneficial for students who are struggling in school. A tutor can provide one-on-one attention that can help a child to better understand their material. Additionally, tutors can identify areas where a child may need extra help and target those areas specifically. As a result, tutoring can lead to improved grades and a better understanding of the material.

In addition, tutoring can also help to build confidence and give students the tools they need to succeed in school. For these reasons, tutoring can be an excellent investment for any parent who wants their child to succeed in school.

3. With improved grades comes increased confidence

There’s nothing like the feeling of acing a test or getting a good grade on a project. That sense of accomplishment can give your confidence level a boost, making you feel like you can take on anything. When it comes to school, confidence is important.

Students who believe in themselves are more likely to put forth the effort needed to succeed. They’re also less likely to give up when faced with challenging material. So, if you’re looking to give your child a leg up in school, help them develop their confidence. Encourage them to see mistakes as learning opportunities and praise their efforts, rather than their results. In time, they’ll start to see the benefits in the form of improved grades. And who knows? They might just surprise themselves with what they’re capable of achieving.

how tutoring can increase self-confidence

4. Tutoring can also help your child develop better study habits that they can take with them throughout their academic career

While good study habits are important for all students, they are especially critical for those who struggle with academic subjects. Tutoring can help your child develop the organizational and time management skills necessary to succeed in school.

In addition, a tutor can work with your child to create a personalized study plan that takes into account their unique learning style. As a result, tutoring can not only improve your child’s grades in the short-term, but it can also help them develop the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.

5. A tutor can provide one-on-one attention that your child may not receive in a large classroom setting

One of the benefits of working with a tutor is that your child will receive targeted attention. In a large classroom, it can be difficult for a teacher to give each student the individual attention they need. However, a tutor can work with your child one-on-one to identify their strengths and weaknesses. This enables the tutor to focus on areas that need improvement while also celebrating your child’s successes. As a result, your child will have a more well-rounded educational experience and will be better prepared for future success.

6. This individualized attention can help your child feel more comfortable asking questions and participating in class

One of the key benefits of homeschooling is the individualized attention that your child will receive. This can help your child feel more comfortable asking questions and participating in class. When kids are in a traditional classroom setting, they may feel like they have to compete with their classmates for the teacher’s attention. But when you homeschool your child, you can tailor the lesson plans to your child’s specific needs and learning style. This way, your child will get the customized attention that he or she needs to thrive academically.

Better study habits and tutoring

In addition, homeschooling can also provide your child with a more supportive and nurturing environment. This can further boost your child’s confidence and willingness to participate in class. ultimately, homeschooling can provide numerous benefits for both you and your child.

Conclusion

If your child is struggling in school, it can be hard for them to feel confident. Tutoring can help improve their grades and with that comes increased confidence. Tutoring can also help your child develop better study habits that they can take with them throughout their academic career. A tutor provides one-on-one attention which helps the child feel more comfortable asking questions and participating in class.

سوق الطاقة المتجدد في منطقة الشرق الأوسط

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تعد منطقة الشرق الأوسط من أفضل المناطق حول العالم للإستفادة من موارد الطاقة الشمسية وطاقة الرياح. إذ وفقا لتقرير (إيرينا) الأخير، فإن منطقة الشرق الأوسط ستحظى بإستثمارات في مشاريع الطاقة المتجددة ب 35مليار دولار وذلك مع حلول عام 2020م. ومؤخرا حظي قطاع الطاقة المتجددة بأسعار تنافسية لتركيب الألواح الشمسية الكهروضوئية ومراوح الرياح.

التطورات الإقليمية

وعلى صعيد منطقة الشرق الأوسط، تبرز المملكة المغربية كمثل رائد يحتدى به في تطوير المشاريع الشمسية لتوليد الطاقة الكهربائية. حيث جعلت الحكومة المغرية تحقيق 2 جيجا من الطاقة الشمسية و 2 جيجا واط من طاقة الرياح هدفا لها بحلول العام 2020م. ويطلق على مشروع الطاقة الشمسية في المغرب إسم (نور). ويأتي بعد المغرب دول عربية أخرى شهدت تقدما واضحا في مشاريع الطاقة الشمسية مثل الأردن ومصر. وفي دول منطقة الخليج العربي، نجد هناك إهتمام جاد لتطوير مشاريع للطاقة الشمسية. ففي الإمارات العربية المتحدة، في العاصمة ابوظبي، محطة (شمس) للطاقة الشمسية المركزة التي تم تدشينها عام 2014م، بقدرة 100 ميغاواط. وفي مدينة دبي تم الإنتهاء من 13 ميغاواط كمرحلة أولى من المحطة الشمسية. أما في المملكة العربية السعودية، فقد أخذت الطاقة الشمسية وطاقة الرياح حصتها من إهتمام رؤية السعودية 2030م، التي أكدت على ضرورة إعتماد خيار الطاقة المتجددة لتنويع مصادر الطاقة في السعودية.

نعمة الطاقة المتجددة

تتعدد مزايا الطاقة المتجددة التي يمكن لدول منطقة الشرق الأوسط الإستفادة منها في أشكال عديدة منها: أمن الطاقة، تحسين نوعية الهواء، والمساهمة في الحد من إنبعاثات الغازات الدفيئة الملوثة في الهواء، فرص العمل و تحقيق للأمن المائي الغذائي.

ويعزز وفرة مصادر الطاقة المتجددة على مدار العام من جدوى نشرها في منطقة الشرق الأوسط، وأيضا ساعد إنخفاض أسعار تكنلوجيا الطاقة الشمسية الكهروضوئية إلى زيادة الإعتماد عليها فمثلا: سجل إنخفاض تكاليف توليد الطاقة المتجددة في مشروع دبي الشمسي لمحمد بن راشد آل مكتوم إلى 5,85 سنت أمريكي لكل كيلوواط ساعة، حيث تعتبر من أدنى المعدلات في الكلفة حول العالم.

تأثير الإنخفاض في الأسعار

سيكون للإنخفاض المتسارع الأثر الكبير في حياة عشرات الملايين من الناس الذين مازلوا يفتقرون إلى إمدادات رخيصة وحديثة للطاقة. حيث سيكون لخفض التكاليف الدور الكبير في مساعدة دول الشرق الأوسط ودول مجلس التعون الخليجي خاصة، لتحقيق هدف التحول نحو مصادر الطاقة المتجددة وبالتالي الحد من الإعتماد على الوقود الأحفوري لتوليد الكهرباء وتحلية مياه البحر. وسيساعد الإنخفاض السعري كذلك، الأسواق الناشئة في الدول النامية لتلبية الطلب على المتزايد للطاقة في دولها.

الاتجاهات الجديدة

توفر تقنيات خارج الشبكة للطاقة الشمسية فرصة ممتازة لنشر الطاقة النظيفة خصوصا في المناطق النائية والبعيدة عن الشبكة الرئيسة. حيث ستضمن التغطية خارج الشبكة للمناطق النائية من الحصول على طاقة نظيفة وموثوقة ورخيصة وستساعد في تغيير حياة الملايين في الدول النامية حول العالم.

وسيساهم المضي في تطوير بطاريات تخزين الطاقة من التوسع في إعتماد مشاريع الطاقة الشمسية، والتوسع في غعتمادها كمصدر متجدد وذو كلفة معقولة. وتتصدر شركات عالمية في البحث والتطوير في مجال تقنيات تخزين الطاقة مثل شركتي تسلا و نيسان، حيث سيساعد تخزين الطاقة إلى التغلب على تحدي التقطع في مصادر الكاقة المتجددة بكافة أشكالها.

وتعد تقنية الطاقة الشمسية المركزة إحدى التقنيات الشمسية المناسبة لدول منطقة الشرق الأوسط، خصوصا فيما يتعلق بتحلية مياه البحر التي ستقلل من هدر إحراق الوقود الأحفوري في عمليات التحلية. حيث توفر هذه التقنية إمدادات مستقرة للطاقة بشكل مستمر من محطات تحلية المياه وستساهم التطورات التقني السريع من إزدياد الإهتمام بخيار الطاقة الشمسية المركزة في منطقة الشرق الأوسط.

مصاعب تواجه إعتماد الطاقة الشمسية

تواجه الطاقة الشمسية في منطقة الشرق الأوسط عدد من التحديات منها: غياب الإطار التنظيمي القوي و إرتفاع الرسوم الجمركية وغياب الدعم المؤسسي للطاقة الشمسية و إنخفاض المردود الإقتصادي نتيجة لعدد من العوامل مثل الدعم الكبير للنفط والغاز.
والجدير بالذكر أن قطاع الطاقة في منطقة الشرق الأوسط، يقبع تحت سيطرة الدولة والحكومة المركزية التي تحد من تنافسية منتجي الطاقة المستقلين و دخول القطاع الخاص من المستثمرين ومطوري المشاريع إلى الأسواق المحلية. وتتصدر الأردن والمغرب دول المنطقة في وجود الإطار التشريعي لدعم مشاريع الطاقة المتجددة تليها المملكة العربية السعودية ودولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة.

نصائح للمستثمرين الجدد في مشاريع الطاقة الشمسية

إن سوق الطاقة الشمسية في منطقة الشرق الأوسط، يعد معقدا نظرا لطبيعة هيكلة سوق الكهرباء ولذلك تنشأ تحديات لاتعد ولا تحصى في كل بلد. لذلك ينبغي على الدول التي تطمح بالتوسع في الإسستفادة من مصدر الطاقة الشمسية، أن تعمل على البنية التحتية و سهولة الوصول إلى الشبكة و إعتماد خطط التراخيص بشكل واضح وشفاف و إعتماد بيانات الأرصاد الجوية ذات الجودة العالية وقضايا أخرى تتعلق بتحسين تقنيات الألواح الشمسية.

ترجمة

إيمان أمان
متخصصة وباحثة في شؤون الطاقة وتغير المناخ

تكاتف المجتمع القطري لإعلاء مبادرات إعادة التدوير

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الحالة الراهنة للاهتمامات البيئية بدوله قطر تبشر بالرغبه من قبل الحكومات الوطنية وغيرها من المؤسسات, والتي دوما ما تؤيد إعلانيا المبادرات الكثيرة للاهتمام بالبيئة. ولكن الحالة االفعلية لا تنم علي الالتزام بهذا العمل. والموضوع السابق نشره بعنوان " المبادرات البيئية في الشرق الاوسط- بين التحديات والحلول", قد القي الضوء علي بعض هذه الثغرات الموجودة ما بين الرغبات والواقع. ولكنه لم يقدم وصفا مفصلا لما يدعم هذا الاتجاه والحلول الممكنة.

وبالتالي تسعي المقاله هنا الي التعمق في مؤسسات الدوله والمجتمعات المدنية بدوله قطر لتقوم بشكل تعاوني علي سد هذه الثغرات وحقن المزيد من التدهورات البيئية, وخاصا فيما يتعلق بإدارة اعادة تدوير المخلفات. واعتقد ان النجاح الحقيقي يتحقق من خلال رفع التوعية في علاقة الفرد ببيئته وكيف يؤثر فيها ويتأثر بها. وهناك من المناطق صعبة الظروف, مع عدم وجود مياه صالحة للشرب ولا أراضي قابله للاستصلاح, وبالرغم من ذلك مطلوب ان يحافظ المكان علي الدورة الهيدرولوجية. فهي بالفعل مناطق تمثل خطوة علي بقاء الدولة.

معركة شاقة ولكن ضرورية

يشعرالافراد بالدوله, سواء مقيمين او زوار لدول مجلس التعاون الخليجي وخاصا لدوله غنية بالنفط مثل قطر, باوجه القصور في مبادرات إعادة التدوير الحالية بالمنطقة.وكشخص زار البلد في ثلاث مناسبات مختلفة استطيع ان اقول لكم بأنني قد لمسات مستويات عالية ومنخفضة لاعادة تدوير الاوعيه ولكن دون جدوي, باستثناء عدد قليل ممن يقع في المدينة التعليمية.

وقد يتصور الفرد ان هذا التنافر استثنائي قادم من فرط التنبيه في واشنطن –امريكا, حيث عادة ما يتم وضع القمامة والعبوات  القابلة لاعادة التدوير معا في الشوارع والمباني.  وما زاد من تكدري الشخصي هو تباعد الاتصال بين المستوي العال للمعيشة, ومستوي المعرفة لإعادة التدوير علي نطاق واسع وحقائقه و عواقبه في المجتمع.علي سبيل المثال, في العام الماضي كان هناك الكثير من التشويق المحيط باعلانات عن الاصلاحات البيئية القادمة في يوليو تموز عام 2014. ولكن يبدو انها لم تؤتي ثمارها المرجوه.

يرتبط بامر اعادة التدوير ظهور بعض العوائق لبرامج اعادة التدويروعوائق المبادرات البيئية: البيروقراطية, اجندة الاعمال وقيود الميزانية كلها تعتبر من التحديات والعوائق التي ترتبط بتأسيس ونجاح منظومة اعادة تدوير. وسبب دائم الارتباط بالميزانية والمصاريف التي تكبل الدوله اكثر من طاقتها.

ولنكن منصفين في هذا الامر. فيجب الاعتراف ان جزء كبير من هذه القضايا يرجع الي من هم ليسوا من اهل البلد اي الوافدين. ولكن لا يجب القول ان هذا عذرا للتخلي عن المسؤلية. فان نسبة 6.8% من الناتج المحلي سوف تكون اولوية لدعم مصروفات كاس العالم والمقرر اقامتها في قطر عام 2022 باضافة الي صادرات النفط والغاز قد وضعت بالفعل مزيد من الضغوط علي منظومة البيئية والتي هي هاشة بالفعل. وسيكون نيجة لذلك ظهور اكثر للمخلفات المنزلية والتجارية. ولا يستلزم الامر القاء المزيد من الخوف للوضع الحالي, ولكن القضية هنا مباشرة, وهي زيادة اعداد المقيمين بدوله قطر ينتج عنها زيادة المخلفات لكل من القطاعات المنزليه والتجاريه. وكما نوهنا مسبقا بواسطة EcoMENA ,المقالة بواسطة Surya Suresh ان البلد تمتلك حاليا منشأه واحدة للنفايات الصلبة في مسيعيد, وثلاثة مدافن صحية للنفايات المتخصصة. والتي تتطلب زيادة اعدادها بزيادة القانطين للبلد.

الحلول الممكنة: حلول فردية وجماعية

ونظرا لبطئ استجابة الدوله للتأخير المستمر لمشاكل إعادة التدوير والقضايا المستقبلية الناجمة عن ذلك, فيجب ان يكون سؤال القارئ الان هو ماذا يمكننا القيام به لعبور هذه المشكله؟. فعلي المستوي الشخصي لابد من تحفيز وتشجيع سكان البلد بتثقيف انفسهم بالوضع والحالة الراهنة للمبادرات, وحصر كامل لكم المخلفات الناتجة يوميا وحصر اماكن تواجدها. ويقدم EcoMENA كثير من المعلومات المفيدة والتي تسهل علي الشخص البسيط فهم وادارك الموقف.

والنقطة الاخيره لعمل مخزون شخصي من المعلومات, هو زيادة التوعية والحد من تأثيرالشخص علي البيئة. وهناك امثله من تجارب شخصية رايتها بنفسي في كثير من الاماكن, وهي تبديل الحقائق البلاستيكية في السوبر ماركت بشنط اخري تحمل علي الظهر وتكون من خامات قابله لاعادة التدوير. وكذلك عبوات التخزين والتي من الممكن ان تكون من الزجاج حتي يسهل اعادة استخدامها وتنظيفها جيدا بين استعمال والاخر. ولكني سابدا بنفسي ثم اصدقائي وعائلتي بالنظر باسلوب ايجابي واكثر وعيا بيئيا ونسعي الي تعزيز السلوك الجيد.

علاوة علي ذلك, قد يكون من المفيد للمجتمع ككل لبدء مناقشة موضوع اعادة التدوير وعدم الانتظار فقط لاجهزة الدولة لمعالجة القضايا. ويمكن البدء بذلك علي مستوي العديد من اهل البلد الاصليين وهم في الغالب الاكثر دراية من غيرهم: مكان عملهم, مساكنهم او الحي القانطين به. ومن المحتمل مناقشة زيادة التكلفه لانشاء منظومة اكثر كفاءة مع مجتمع اكثر حماسة ووعي بيئي.

طبيعة الامم هي التي تحدد ملامح الكيان ورد الفعل المتوقع لاي مشكله تواجه هذه الامه. وفي دوله قطر هناك بعض المؤسسات مثل مجلس المباني الخضراء بقطر, وقادة قطر الخضراء. وهذه المؤسسات تقدم حلول ومعلومات وخدمات تدريبية التي يمكن ان تساعد في اقامة الحوارات الجماعية والحكومية. ومن دواعي التفائل تنظيم الشعب القطري لعملية دعم شعبية لمبادرات اخري, لاسيما التجربة الاولي سنة 2012 لبرنامج اعادة التدوير. والتي نأمل ان تكون بادره قوية لاستمرار العمل في منظومة اعادة التدوير. 

 

 ترجمه: هبة احمد مسلم- دكتور الهندسة البيئية. باحث في الشئون البيئية. معهد الدراسات والبحوث البيئية– جامعه عين شمس.

مدرس بالاكاديمية العربية للعلوم والتكنولوجيا والنقل البحري-  مصر.

التحكم في البيئة والطاقه داخل المباني.

هندسة الميكانيكة- وكيل محرك دويتس الالماني بمصر. 

للتواصل عبر hebamosalam2000@gmail.com   

 

Soil as the Foundation of a Healthy Earth

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A special day, a day to reflect on how critical and important the soil is for everyone on the planet. Soil is a life-giving and a life-sustaining component of all our environmental ecosystems. Yet most people look at soil with disgust, thinking it is just dirt, acting as if it’s the dirtiest component of the natural world.  I beg to differ and will set out information to inform our readers of just how crucial soil is to our very existence.

importance of soil

Soil is so critical in our survival. It controls the food security of the planet. It ensures the sustainability of the earth. All food sources begin in our soil. Therefore, it is critical that humans protect, care and improve soil ecosystems. First, there is the need to raise awareness of just how critical soil is to our existence and our total dependence on the soil. Then there is an urgent need to manage the soil and improve the quality of soil. Finally, there is the need to protect the soil from being inundated and buried beneath urban sprawl and expansion.

The FAO-UN tagline for 2022 is “Soil: where food begins”. That sums up why we need to understand the importance of soil. It is the motivation for managing and protecting the soil.

There are 18 nutrients, both macro- and micro-nutrients essential for a healthy soil to ensure robust, healthy plant growth, and subsequently healthy human beings.  But soil degradation leads to a loss of these macro- and micro- nutrients. The result is that nutrient-deficient soil produces nutrient-deficient plants which results in nutrient-deficient human beings. That is you and me. At present, the UN estimates that 2 billion people suffer from micro-deficient nutrition.

food security in lebanon

The photosynthesis cycle requires atmospheric carbon, oxygen and hydrogen for the process of photosynthesis to occur within the plants. But within the soil, there is also need for significant quantities of the macro-nutrients: nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous, along with carbon. These nutrients are key for all plant production. In addition, there are also micro-nutrients required but in much lower quantities that vary depending on the crops being grown. These micronutrients include boron, calcium, chlorine and copper, iron, magnesium, molybdenum and manganese, sodium, silicon and sulfur and lastly zinc.

This is quite an array of chemical elements. The environment has to promote plant growth. This is achieved through photosynthesis which in turns,  enable plant growth. This process involves the metabolism of carbohydrates and the movement of starches. The photosynthates formed in the leaves then need to move to fruiting portions of the plant and to the reproductive organs.

As well as promoting plant growth above the ground, the plant has to establish strong and robust root formation and growth. This can also include the formation of nitrogen-fixing nodules on the root infrastructure of legumes. In addition, the plant root structure stimulates soil microbial activity. All the while, the plant develops the ability to fight disease, as well as build resistance to disease.

Enzyme activities are critical in the growth processes. They require nutrients to achieve this functionality. Such nutrients such as magnesium aid the plant in using iron and potassium. Sulfur and molybdenum are also responsible for various enzyme activity. Magnesium increases the availability of phosphorous and calcium.  In addition, the plant needs to keep respiration at the lowest possible levels for sustained growth while increasing water-use efficiency so as to combat drier periods.

The actual process of fruit formation is critical. The state of maturity needs to be reached efficiently and quickly, while achieving good quality of flesh and flavor, and adequate juice quantities. Accompanying all this is seed formation of good quality and number for future plant production.

lebanon-food-security

The nutritious foods then pass to the human and complete the various health pathways within the human body to ensure fit and healthy persons.

The question is what can we do to ensure healthy soils are producing healthy food products? There are a number of steps, we as caretakers of the natural environment can act upon. First and foremost, we need to revert to a traditional farming technique of crop rotation while ensuring that we reduce all potential forms of soil erosion. The agricultural industry needs to increase and maintain the organic content of the soils while reducing the dependence on artificial fertilizers.

The aggressive practice of deep tillage of soils is also harmful. Farming practice needs to move towards a shallower tillage approach, and also strive to keep soils under various forms of coverage so that wind erosion is minimised. The final step is to protect agricultural lands from being absorbed into urban development. Now that you understand just how complex and critical the soil ecosystem is, you can now start to take action to protect the soils while they carry out such essential work on our planet.