E-Waste Management: Perspectives from Egypt

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As the person in charge of reducing my company’s environmental impact and maintaining our ISO 14K certification, I had to find a solution for the ever growing number of discarded mobile phones from our employees, partners and 30+ million customers!

I explored almost every initiative related to e-waste management in Egypt. I participated in forums addressing the problem, attended meetings full of great ideas and intentions, met local and expat experts, participated in student competitions offering solutions and contacted overseas entities with great track record like Close The Gap, Umicore and Greencyc.

ewaste-mobiles

Despite all of these resources, I couldn’t find a scheme for collecting and recycling e-waste in Egypt that is environmentally correct and economically profitable or even sustainable.

The industry still remains small and localized within informal and primitive albeit efficient entities on the outskirts of Cairo. A fact that led us to collaborate with CID, a regional consulting agency in establishing a special e-waste school aiming to teach young waste collectors new skills and improving their lives; but that was about it.

Why isn’t this industry picking up?

E-waste management is a ‘labor intensive’ industry that is lucrative and has great growth potential. It is ideal for countries like Egypt; however the main and perhaps only reason it is not progressing as we want it to be is lack of flow to justify investments in a recycling facility capable of extracting value more than any scrap dealer.

You see, it is not easy creating a steady flow of e-waste as people don’t give up their old stuff unless they get something in return; and in poorer societies, environmental priorities are less important than daily livelihood.

Therefore, a direct incentive should have be offered to get these end-of-life mobile phones and other electronics from the drawers and into the recycling bins… at the same time, businesses are reluctant to pay money upfront for, after all, a risky and uncertain venture. So, until someone steps in and breaks this vicious circle, the industry will hardly pick up.

Sorry if I am pessimistic but it is better to know the challenges beforehand. I have examples of well-funded recycling start-ups that invested heavily in equipment and employee training but did not account for the cost of collection. They assumed that a “build it and they will come” model will work but it didn’t, and ended up in disaster!

The Way Forward

For a corporation looking to establish an e-waste program, here’s what how you should do it and what to expect…

  1. An e-waste initiative will start small; and probably, will stay this way for some time. The way I see it, the Egyptian market is still maturing.
  2. Sources of e-waste can come from the corporates and partners at least in the beginning, just to get the process going.
  3. Do not expect immediate profit, it can be a CSR initiative for a while but will soon be cash positive.
  4. As far as the government is concerned, I promise you will have full support. The Ministries of ICT and Environment are both keen to see a successful and sustainable e-waste management initiative.
  5. No need to re-invent the wheel; there are a few small companies already recycling e-waste with good track records. I particularly like one that seems to be having a lot of fun and most profit: Recyclobekia.

Having that said, the way to a sustainable, profitable e-waste management business becomes a lot more feasible.

10 Ways Seniors Can Save Money by Green Living

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Anyone could save money by adopting green living practices. Seniors have an even higher chance of leading a more economical and fulfilling life in their retirement. Leading an eco-friendly lifestyle can help seniors to save a significant amount of precious money. The lifestyle options suggested for a green living will not suffocate you. They will still allow you to lead your life usually. Your life will significantly improve. Here are 10 easy green living tips for seniors to save money, conserve natural resources and thus lead a more satisfying life:

1. Save Energy

Keep your crawl spaces and attics insulated so that you will use lesser energy to keep your house warm. Insulate your weather strip doors and windows and install natural blinds and or curtains over the cold side of your house.

Use a programmable thermostat so that your air conditioners do not have to keep running unnecessarily. When you are not home, the device will not keep expending energy.

2. Bicycles

Using a bicycle has more than just economic advantages. A bike is a great option for seniors, especially if they tend to lead a sedentary lifestyle. Health experts have lots of great comments about bicycles.

green-living-seniors

“Regular use of bicycle can also reduce your life insurance cost. Good health is an important part of life insurance and bicycle helps a lot to stay fit”, says, Linda Chavez, the Founder of Seniors Life Insurance Finder. So, you should not miss this opportunity as we all know how expensive senior life insurance is.

The advantages range from a personal health perspective to the overall health of the population. Economists also concur that a lot of savings would suffice if more people opted for the bicycle. Many errands can be run with a bicycle, with ease.

In short, a bike is great for both health and the economy. You have a chance to flex your muscles in exercise while still helping the environment to keep green.

Unlike motor vehicles, bicycles do not emit any fumes. In any case, for towns and cities with traffic snarl-ups, a bicycle will get you to your destination, way faster.

3. Pool Your Cars

Once people retire, they notice that their need for a car reduces significantly. It is economical to make use of a common means when headed in the same direction.

If you live in the same locality or estate, you could agree with your neighbors to make use of a common vehicle to visit some places. Still, if your family owns two cars or more, it would help to agree to make use of just one to run errands and for travel. Using one car will save you many dollars in fuel and repairs.

It would help if you also considered making use of public transport which is, by far cheaper than using personal means.

4. Mass Transit Options

If you live in towns such as Mammoth Lakes, there is a free town shuttle service. Other towns and cities provide this option too.

Even where the shuttle service is paid for, it costs much less. There is less carbon emitted to the environment, per individual, too.

5. Avoid Excessive Use of Bottled Water

Well it looks and feels right to use bottled water, right? It may be “cool”, yes, but that is just about it. Did you know that bottled water costs tens of thousands more than tap water over the long term?

If you keep using bottled water ever so regularly, you will soon not feel so “cool” after all. Your pockets will begin to feel the pinch.

clean-water-

So, save money by purchasing a water filter for once, and fill your reusable bottles with tap water and use them. It will feel just as cool, convenient, and well, you will keep feeling “cool” for longer.

6. Save on Food

According to the US Department of Agriculture Data, most consumers dispose of at least 30% of the food they purchase. They leave it to go stale or outlive its shelf life before it is used.

Our advice is for you to keep track of the food you have in your possession: in the fridge and store. You should also develop ways of reusing food that you could have left during your previous meal, by preserving it for use next time hunger bites.

It would help if you also were frugal and shrewd when buying food. Do not buy more than you need.

Avoid visiting food stores when you are hungry. Some research has suggested that buying food when you are hungry predisposes you to buy more. Another way to make sure that you do not buy more is to budget precisely.

7. Living in a Small Home

If you have been living in a huge home, you could consider downsizing. Living in a smaller residence means that you will use less energy on heating, cooling and other services.

green-living-seniors

In retirement, you want to save more than you spend because often time, your income reduces. Smaller residences also come with significantly smaller carbon prints. You save the environment and your pocket by opting for a smaller home. A smaller home will require less paint, cleaning reagents, less water for lawns, among other things.

8. Eco-Camping

Camping in the wild is always adventurous and good for health. There are many National Park Service programs in the US, which allow seniors a free travel to the parks. Many of them only require you to take up some volunteer work with the park in exchange for a free camping pass.

Some parks provide you with a pass that allows you access to museums and other historic sites. If you can dedicate only 250 hours a year, you get a free pass for adventure.

9. Visiting Libraries

Libraries are great places to enhance your digital literacy. There, you can read a book and leave it for the next person. You do not have to buy the book you so want to read. You can do the same for music and movies.

If you like reading newspapers, you will save money by visiting the library and reading the same for free. The environment will also be saved of the litter. The amount of paper that needs printing will also reduce if more people used libraries for these services.

10. Retirement Communities

Some communities have developed resources that retirees can share and save money and conserve energy. You can use shared bicycles, cars, and vanpools to travel and for errands in these communities.

Conclusion

Since saving is a personal initiative, all or some of the above options can work for you. The bottom line, though, is that the need to save the planet from further destruction while maintaining our lifestyle without disruption is ever growing stronger and urgent.

The tips provided have proven to work to that end. Old people will appreciate living comfortably, healthy, and saving money by using them.

Gas Flaring in Iraq: A “Burning” Issue

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Ever since crude oil production started in the 19th century, gas flaring and venting were born with it. Companies and even some governments found associated gas a nuisance that had to be flared and vented if continued and increasing crude oil production was to be achieved. But the value of gas as a source of energy and its environmental benefits were gradually realised and some governments introduced regulations to limit gas flaring to the minimum.

However, the problem is still with us and the World Bank estimates that in 2017 gas flaring was at a level of around 140 billion cubic meters (bcm). The Bank established the Global Gas Flaring Reduction initiative with the aim of reaching “zero routine flaring by 2030”.

The Arab countries, with the exception of Iraq, as major crude oil producers, have made serious efforts to reduce flaring and use the resulting savings for power generation and feedstock for the fertiliser and petrochemical industry. In 2013, their crude oil production was close to 24 mbd and gas flaring at 21.8 bcm. By 2017, crude oil production was over 26 mbd and gas flaring increased to 25.5 bcm.

Almost all the increase in gas flaring came from Iraq where in that period oil production increased from 3.0 to 4.5 mbd, while flaring increased from 13.3 to 17.8 bcm. Iraq has to learn from its neighbours to initiate a programme to set flaring on a reduction path if it is to meet its oil minster’s promise to reach zero flaring by 2021, a very optimistic promise not supported by firm action on the ground.

Gas Flaring – A Wasted Resource

Reports suggest that Iraq wastes almost 62 per cent of its gas production which is equivalent to 196,000 barrels a day of crude oil. At US$70 a barrel the wasted resource is worth close to US$45 billion, which would have been sufficient to build a whole new gas industry. Lately gas production and utilisation had gone up appreciably to 29.4 and 13.8 bcm a year respectively, which means that flaring has also risen to 15.9 bcm. This which is equivalent to about 260,000 thousand barrels a day or a loss of about US$20 million a day.

To rectify the need for gas in power stations, Iraq resorted to imports from Iran rather than increase processing capacity and augment its transmission and distribution network. The potential of two agreements with Iran may eventually reach over 18 bcm a year at an estimated cost of US$10.56 per million BTU, a price much higher than its equivalent in international markets.

As Iraq’s crude oil production is expected to increases, gas production will follow proportionately and if processing and utilisation is not increased, flaring will increase. The South Gas Company and also The Basra Gas Company have lately implemented some measures for the recovery of flare gas in the southern oil fields in Iraq. Judging by the size and outputs of these projects it becomes apparent of the scale of this issue. This means that unless further projects are signed and expedited, Iraq will continue flaring gas.

It needs at least an additional processing capacity of some 10 bcm a year considering its expected oil production then. The effective use of gas in Iraq will create jobs, increased revenues, develop other industries and most importantly reduce harmful emissions and finally help the environment.

6 Wardrobe Designs for Bedrooms to Choose From

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Wardrobes in bedrooms are excellent places to store your clothing, shoes, bags, accessories, and other valuables. There are many types of wardrobes available, each designed to meet the specific needs of their owners. To achieve the perfect combination of aesthetics and utility, it is essential to consider your unique needs and the existing interior design of your bedroom. Some wardrobes offer easy access, and adequate storage space, while some offer the best of both worlds. First, let’s look at the different types of bedroom wardrobes.

different types of bedroom wardrobes

1. Wardrobe with drawers and a bookshelf

To optimise your master’s bedroom space, a fitted wardrobe with open storage feature such as bookshelves is worth considering. This design offers the functionality of a bookshelf, where you can place other items such as books, decors, and accessories. In addition, you can customise and use colours that complement the existing design scheme of your master bedroom.

2. Sliding door wardrobe

If you have a bedroom with limited space, a sliding door wardrobe is a better option than a swing-door style wardrobe. Sliding doors are outfitted with various mechanisms, including overlapping door mechanisms, in-line door mechanisms, etc. In addition, you can customise the door with a variety of colours and finishes, including laminates, tinted mirrors, veneers, acrylic, lacquered glass, frosted glass, and many more.

3. Wardrobe with a dresser and shoebox features

A wardrobe with a dresser and shoebox is an excellent solution for people leading busy and hectic schedules. A simple cabinet with swing doors and open shoebox and dresser units will allow you to access everything you need quickly. You can further customise by adding organisers that will allow you to organise clothes and accessories based on your preferences.

4. Glass and aluminium shutter wardrobe

To add a touch of luxury to your master’s bedroom, you should consider a wardrobe with tinted glass and wooden accents. You can also add LED light strips inside the closet for easy access. Depending on your budget, you can add wooden accents made from laminate or veneers. If you’re looking for a unique design, you can choose a bedroom wardrobe with a soft-gold tone framing or a colour that blends seamlessly with the aesthetics of your bedroom.

5. Wardrobe with dressing table

A bedroom wardrobe with a dressing table attachment has been a hot trend. You can install the wardrobe in a corner for space optimisation. A dresser also enhances efficiency since you can prepare, from outfit selection to doing your makeup, in just one space.

6. Classic mirror bedroom wardrobe

A mirror for a bedroom wardrobe door gives an antique look to your bedroom. Additionally, a mirror also creates the illusion of a bigger space in small bedrooms.

Final thoughts

Bedroom wardrobes combine functionality and aesthetics. Whether you opt for fitted wardrobes, freestanding, or a traditional style wardrobe, it is recommended to choose one that perfectly matches your style, storage needs, and budget. Choose a company that specialises in customised wardrobes. Being involved in the material selection and design process will ensure you get the right wardrobe for your needs.

5 Ways To Become A Conscious Consumer

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In recent years, an increasing number of individuals have become more aware of what is known as conscious consumerism and have begun to practice it. People’s shopping decisions are impacted by their desire to positively contribute to economic, environmental, and social movements when they are aware of consumers. As a result, the work of many sectors to protect the environment and improve the living conditions of the economically and socially downtrodden will be aided. Simply said, aware customers, are increasingly purchasing firms that wish to make a difference and safeguard the planet’s, animals’, and employees’ well-being across many social sectors.

Conscious consumerism has quickly gained popularity and businesses are slowly transforming to cater to this trend. For instance, there are many sustainable brands that support this movement. This is why there are now many options to choose from if you’d like to start incorporating it into your lifestyle as well. Here are some of the ways you can become a conscious consumer and make your contribution in transforming the world into a much better place to live in for everyone:

Ways To Become A Conscious Consumer

1. Become A Minimalist

Living a minimalist lifestyle requires a person to only use things that serve a purpose. It’s about leading a simpler life and limiting your possessions to only the essentials. To become a minimalist, you can start by identifying if the item that you want to buy is a necessity or a discretionary purchase. This way, you’ll be able to trim down your shopping list to the basics that you need to minimize your consumption overall.

2. Support Environment-Conscious Businesses

Many businesses are now making a conscious effort to use more natural products, decrease packaging, and encourage customers to recycle. These are all considered to be effective ways consumers can help take care of the environment, and the present market naturally gravitates towards brands that support this advocacy. As such, you can support these types of businesses by learning more about them and finding ways to incorporate their products into your lifestyle.

3. Buy Fair Trade Products

Supporting fairtrade products is an effective way to help disadvantaged farmers and workers in developing countries. Fairtrade certification is awarded to products that meet global ethical criteria, and the fairtrade label is presented in the product packaging to make it easier for consumers to know about them. Some of the ethical criteria include safe and supportive labour conditions for workers, environment-friendly waste disposal, and fair pricing. This is why many consider buying fair trade products as a way to advocate for ethical consumerism.

Important Environmental Metrics

Simply look for the fair-trade label on the package if you want to know if the goods, you’re buying meets fair-trade criteria. You can also search online to learn more about a particular brand and if they support the fair-trade movement.

4. Travel Responsibly

Air travel is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions on a global scale. This is why many consider it a luxury that’s harmful to the environment. Apart from this, all modes of transport that use fossil fuels negatively impact the environment. This is why conscious consumers opt to limit their travels to only the necessary trips and use eco-friendly travel options instead.

For instance, many advocate ridesharing, biking, and using public transportation as they’re effective ways to minimize carbon emissions. As such, you can use these guidelines to help you decide on your mode of transportation the next time you have to travel.

5. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

This motto has been around for a long time and continues to have an impact on many families. The idea behind this notion is to urge individuals to reduce the amount of garbage they generate in their homes, offices, or businesses. Composting biodegradable kitchen wastes, for example, is one method a family may minimize the amount of garbage they produce. This not only helps homeowners grow more plants in their backyards but also reduces the overproduction of greenhouse emissions.

How To Become A Conscious Consumer

On the other hand, the concept of reusing common items such as bottles, shopping bags and others can also help in waste reduction by prolonging the usefulness of each item before they are disposed of. Many commercial establishments applied this concept in enterprise-level processes by minimizing or completely eradicating the use of single-use utensils and containers that greatly contribute to the garbage problem worldwide. On a household level, this might be accomplished by purchasing used products or fixing broken items rather than purchasing new ones.

When it comes to recycling, you can help your local waste management services by segregating recyclable materials and letting them be processed in a recycling plant.

Conclusion

Consumerism has become an integral part of modern society. As a result, it has an undeniable effect on how the majority of the globe handles the earth and its resources. While many other things may be done to preserve the globe, becoming eco-conscious consumers is one step closer to the global of a greener, safer, and healthier environment. Additionally, even though the road to conscious consumption may not be easy or convenient, it’s still a worthwhile cause to support because of how the world and mankind can benefit from it in the long run.

10 projets écologiques destinés aux écoliers

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Prendre soin de notre écologie, c’est important. Notre propension à exterminer la nature de jour en jour doit cesser. Dans de nombreuses écoles, les petits écoliers apprennent à protéger la nature. Divers projets écologiques ont été lancés afin de sauver la nature: Nous propose 10 idées de projets écologiques destinés à encourager un comportement « vert » chez les écoliers. Les instituteurs pourront aussi se servir de ces informations afin de trouver plus d’idées.

how companies can become more eco-friendly

D’abord, nous aimerions attirer votre attention sur les principaux facteurs de risque qui nuisent à l’environnement. Prenez connaissance de la liste ci-dessous:

  • Réchauffement climatique ;
  • Catastrophes naturelles ;
  • Pollution en tout genre ;
  • Diminution de la flore et de la faune ;
  • Déforestation ;
  • Droit et politiques de l’environnement inefficaces ;
  • Effluents ;
  • Technologie et production, etc.

Cette liste n’est pas exhaustive. Passons maintenant en revue les meilleures idées de projets environnementaux.

Projet nº 1

La construction d’un potager constitue une première idée de projet vert. Consacrez une partie du terrain de l’école à la croissance de légumes organiques. Cette idée peut servir à la cantine ou devenir un don aux banques alimentaires, afin d’aider les gens en situation de précarité alimentaire.

Les écoliers devront s’occuper de ce potager : ils se chargeront de la plantation, de la croissance et de la surveillance. C’est une bonne occasion de leur faire découvrir chaque légume planté, joignant ainsi travail et pédagogie. Apprenez-leur les qualités principales de chaque légume et leurs bienfaits sur la santé.

Conseil: si vous n’avez pas de quoi financer ce projet, essayez de contacter les collectivités et organismes locaux.

Projet nº 2

Encouragez les enfants à recycler. Nombreuses sont les personnes qui jettent leurs déchets en tout genre sur la voie publique, ce qui contribue à détruire l’environnement. Il faut apprendre aux enfants que c’est mal et qu’il faut utiliser des poubelles spéciales pour chaque déchet.

Visitez la décharge ou le centre de recyclage locaux pour qu’ils puissent voir comment les déchets sont exploités. Ils développeront ainsi l’habitude de jeter les déchets en vue de leur réutilisation ou de leur recyclage. N’hésitez pas à leur fournir quelques chiffres sur la durée de décomposition de plusieurs déchets. Expliquez-leur quels déchets sont les plus toxiques et comment leur recyclage libère l’espace et purifie l’environnement.

Conseil: organisez une zone pour rassembler les déchets et triez-les dans les poubelles appropriées avant de les envoyer vers les centres de recyclage.

Projet nº 3

Autre projet écologique important : planter des arbres, activité écolo favorite des enfants. Les enfants aiment planter des arbres, il sera donc facile de leur inculquer l’utilité de cette démarche. C’est l’occasion parfaite de leur apprendre que les arbres absorbent du dioxyde de carbone et produisent de l’oxygène.

Conseil: au cas où l’école ne disposerait pas de son propre espace, convenez de planter des arbres dans des parcs locaux ou dans le jardin de chaque élève. Choisissez des arbres à croissance rapide pour que les enfants puissent assister au fruit de leur labeur au plus vite.

environmental education in Middle East

Projet nº 4

Vous pourriez aussi lancer une « compétition verte », projet idéal pour impliquer davantage d’élèves et nourrir leur esprit compétitif de façon saine, prix et éloges à la clé. Les élèves développeront un certain sens de l’effort et s’en retrouveront encouragés. Le tournoi se baserait autour de divers projets : potager, plantation d’arbres, rédactions sur l’écologie, etc.

Conseil: permettez aux enfants de laisser libre cours à leur créativité et de manifester leur propre engagement.

Projet nº 5

Et si les enfants proposaient quelques systèmes de nettoyage écolos ? Les systèmes de nettoyage servent à laver les produits et les vêtements, mais nombre d’entre eux sont en réalité nocifs pour l’environnement. Les instituteurs pourront inviter leurs élèves à réfléchir à des modes de nettoyage alternatifs et sans danger pour l’environnement.

Conseil: demandez aux enfants de proposer encore au moins un système ou programme sans danger. L’énergie solaire, par exemple.

Projet nº 6

Veillez également à la qualité de l’air : installez des appareils pour mesurer la qualité de l’air avec vos élèves. C’est un bon moyen de déterminer la propreté de l’air et les mesures potentielles à prendre pour améliorer la situation. Profitez aussi de cette occasion pour découvrir les principaux polluants de l’air et les facteurs responsables de la pollution de l’environnement par voie aérienne.

Conseil: si vous manquez de fonds, sollicitez la participation de l’administration scolaire, des parents et des organisations locales.

Projet nº 7

Organisez une journée gastronomique ! Les écoliers apporteront des produits naturels et sans danger. L’évènement devrait avoir lieu de façon régulière. Donnez un prix aux élèves qui auront apporté des produits sains et mettez-les en garde contre les aliments et produits dangereux.

Conseil: obtenez le soutien des fermes et des restaurants locaux pour vous procurer certains produits et organiser des festivals gastronomiques uniques.

Projet nº 8

Créez un club écologique. Il s’agira d’une communauté spéciale d’élèves qui se chargeront de prendre soin de l’environnement dans l’enceinte scolaire. Les enfants s’apprendront mutuellement à protéger la nature.

Projet nº 9

Installez un compteur d’énergie. Ce projet se rapproche des moniteurs de la qualité de l’air. Expliquez aux enfants en quoi il est important de conserver l’énergie et apprenez-leur à l’utiliser de façon raisonnable.

Conseil: faites une liste des sources d’énergie alternatives potentielles qui ne représentent pas de danger pour notre environnement.

environmental justice in islam

Projet nº 10

Lancez une campagne autour des bouteilles d’eau. Les élèves rassembleront des bouteilles en plastique pour les envoyer dans des centres de recyclage. Expliquez comment le plastique et les autres contenants à eau nuisent à l’environnement.

Conseil: encouragez les enfants à n’utiliser que des contenants écologiques.

En conclusion

Nous estimons qu’il faut sensibiliser les enfants afin de leur inculquer l’importance de protéger la nature. Les instituteurs sont invités à utiliser nos idées pour « faire germer » les graines du savoir.

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.

15 Inspirational Quotes On The Environment

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With the New Year’s upon us, global citizens are beginning to think about their goals and what they want to accomplish in 2025. Many people focus on their finances, while others may be thinking about their health and relationships, students are more likely to think, “who could help with my homework” or “how to get a good grade”. Yet there is still one relationship that many people have forgotten: our relationship with Earth.

In May of 2006, the film “An Inconvenient Truth” was released and for the first time in a long time, our environmental needs and causes was on everyone’s mind. But since then, it seems as though many of our sustainability challenges have been forgotten or swept under the rug.

environmental-quotes

Now more than ever, our planet needs us to step up and take action towards cleaning up many of the messes we have made through irresponsibility. Whether it be from oil spills, air pollution, plastics, or toxic chemicals leaking into our water, there is still a lot that must be done to bring our ecosystem back into balance. Environmental justice for one and all should be our core mission.

Unfortunately, because so many people are living in survival mode, the importance of our environment has taken a back seat while most focus on their food and shelter needs. It’s unfortunate that only a film that reflects the severity of our problem through fear of annihilation is what brings the importance of our environment to the forefront of our communities psyche.

So we decided to compile a list of 15 inspirational quotes about the environment that will hopefully spark people’s desires to want to take more action and make their voices heard in 2026 to bring this cause back to the forefront of what is important right now.

Want more inspirational environmental quotes? On Quote Catalog there’s an amazing list of inspirational quotes collected by the essay helper that he often uses in his writings.

  1. We won’t have a society if we destroy the environment. – Margaret Mead
  2. Environment is no one’s property to destroy; it’s everyone’s responsibility to protect. – Mohith Agadi
  3. We don’t have to sacrifice a strong economy for a healthy environment. – Dennis Weaver
  4. A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people. ― Franklin D. Roosevelt
  5. What is the use of a house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on? ― Henry David Thoreau
  6. Saving our planet, lifting people out of poverty, advancing economic growth… these are one and the same fight. We must connect the dots between climate change, water scarcity, energy shortages, global health, food security and women’s empowerment. Solutions to one problem must be solutions for all. – Ban Ki-moon
  7. If all mankind were to disappear, the world would regenerate back to the rich state of equilibrium that existed ten thousand years ago. If insects were to vanish, the environment would collapse into chaos. E. O. Wilson
  8. What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and to one another. ― Chris Maser
  9. Our planet’s alarm is going off, and it is time to wake up and take action! – Leonardo DiCaprio
  10. To waste, to destroy our natural resources, to skin and exhaust the land instead of using it so as to increase its usefulness, will result in undermining in the days of our children the very prosperity which we ought by right to hand down to them amplified and developed. ― Theodore Roosevelt
  11. Sooner or later, we will have to recognise that the Earth has rights, too, to live without pollution. What mankind must know is that human beings cannot live without Mother Earth, but the planet can live without humans. – Evo Morales
  12. Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed. ― Mahatma Gandhi
  13. It is horrifying that we have to fight our own government to save the environment. ― Ansel Adams
  14. The most important thing about global warming is this. Whether humans are responsible for the bulk of climate change is going to be left to the scientists, but it’s all of our responsibility to leave this planet in better shape for the future generations than we found it. – Mike Huckabee
  15. The only way forward, if we are going to improve the quality of the environment, is to get everybody involved. – Richard Rogers

Friendly Tips

On June 5 every year, World Environment Day, the United Nations encourages people around the world to participate in environmental protection activities, which is conducive to raising everyone’s awareness of environmental protection.

Environmental protection organizations and agencies can make customized pins in bulk and send them members who participate in the event. Manufacturers like The Monterey Company are fantastic vendors for customized pins, custom hats, and all types of eco-friendly promotional gear. This will not only encourage everyone to actively attend in the activity, but also a reward for participating in the Environmental Protection Day activities. Custom made pins at GSJJ are the best and choosing them will not disappoint.

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Solar Water Disinfection For Times of Crisis

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One of the most critical health problems during natural and human induced disasters is finding safe drinking water. Disease and illnesses result from contaminated water supplies, poor hygiene, lack of safe water for washing, and/or environmental conditions that support water borne diseases.

What is Solar Water Disinfection

There is no simple solution for these problems in the midst of crisis; but there is a little known but effective water treatment process that has enormous potential. Solar disinfection (SODIS) is economical, requires no exotic or expensive chemicals, and does not require expensive and limited fuels for boiling water (Lawand et al., 1988). Solar disinfection uses the near ultra-violet radiation of the sun, 300-400 nm wavelength, to kill pathogens (Acra et al., 1984).

water being disinfected by solar heating

Before it is solarized cloudy water should be filtered (cloth or?) and/or allowed to settle. The water is then placed in a thin-walled plastic container that transmits a high percentage of UV radiation. One liter water bottles of Type 1 plastic PETE will work. Clear glass will also work but takes longer. The bottles are placed where they will receive full sun. Six hours of bright sun are desirable. In most arid lands this is not a problem. Directions could be printed on bottle labels.

UVA radiation from the sun is lethal against many bacteria, and UVB radiation is good against bacteria, viruses, and some protozoa (Garcia-gil et al. 2021). Studies showed complete destruction of Salmonella enteritidis and S. typhi in just 60 minutes, S. flexneri in just 15 minutes, Escherichia coli in 75 minutes, and comparable results against a number of other pathogens.

Treated water should be consumed within the 24 hours following exposure since bacteria can regrow in the dark if the water is stored (Garcia-Gil et al, 2021). Cloudy water (turbidity) decreases the solar disinfection efficiency and prolongs treatment time. Since the water is generally treated, stored, and often drunk from the same container, there is a decreased risk of recontamination.

Solar disinfection offers a worthwhile reduction in disease risk under real life conditions, but is not a panacea (Mcguigan et al., 1999). A central problem is the difficulty people have in matching laboratory protocols around family life. People may not leave the water in the sun long enough before drinking it. Well designed and presented studies show what can be done. The compliance in a study in Ethiopia was 91% and the incidence of diarrhea in children under 5 was cut in half (Bitwe et al.,2018).

Solar Disinfection of Food

This process can also be of benefit with solid foods. The food, such as bread, is covered with a clear plastic lid and placed in the full sun. The tabag, as it is known in the Sudan, has been found to kill most intestinal bacteria and could help protect pilgrims and large crowds at religious gatherings.

solar oven

Solar Ovens

A wide range of solar ovens have also been developed to cook food or heat water. Most work very well. The challenge is more often social than technical. Most advocates of solar cookers have failed to take into account the impact their product may have on people’s cultural, social, and economic lives. Project proponents that provided solar ovens to people were often disappointing when the ovens weren’t used.

Future Perspectives

Further research is urgently needed on the effectiveness of solar disinfection against viruses, giardia, other parasites and pathogens. The added effect from a reflective backboard should be studied. The impact of combining solar disinfection with antimicrobial extracts of common herbs is also of interest. The potential added benefits from including small amounts of tea, herbs, and other traditional medicines that are bactericides, virucides, and amebicides, would be of particular interest (Soliman et al., 2021). If these local resources and SODIS can provide disinfection comparable to chlorination, the benefits would be enormous. Research has been limited because there is no marketable gadget to sell.

References

Acra, A., Raffoul,  Z., Karahagopian, Y. 1984. Solar disinfection of drinking water and oral rehydration solutions. UNICEF. Beirut, Lebanon. 56 p.

Bitew, B. D., Gete, Y. K , Biks, G. A.., Takele, T. A. 2018. The effect of SODIS water treatment intervention at the household level in reducing diarrheal incidence among children under 5 years of age: a cluster randomized controlled trial in Dabat district, northwest Ethiopia. Trials. July 31. 19(1):412. doi: 10.1186/s13063-018-2797-y. PMID: 30064489; PMCID: PMC6069566.

Lawand, T.A., Alward, R, Odeyemi, R. O., Hahn, J., Kandpal, T. C., Ayoub, J. 1988. Solar water disinfection : proceedings of a workshop held at the Brace Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 15-17 August. https://www.ircwash.org/sites/default/files/254.1-90SO-7144.pdf

García-Gil Á, García-Muñoz, R. A. McGuigan, K. C., Marugán, J. 2021. Solar Water Disinfection to Produce Safe Drinking Water: A Review of Parameters, Enhancements, and Modelling Approaches to Make SODIS Faster and Safer. Molecules. 2021 Jun 5;26(11):3431. doi: 10.3390/molecules26113431. PMID: 34198857; PMCID: PMC8201346.

Mcguigan, K., Joyce, T. M., Conroy. R. M. 1999. Solar disinfection: use of sunlight to decontaminate drinking water in developing countries. Journal of Medical Microbiology 48:785-787. DOI: 10.1099/00222615-48-9-785

Soliman, M. M., Elsaba, Y. M., Soliman, M. S.A. et al. 2024. Composition and antimicrobial activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Artemisia monosperma L. leaf essential oils and methanolic extracts from plants grown in normal and saline habitats in Egypt. Science Reports 14:7342.

El Agil, A. A. R., Erwa, H.H. 1974. Decontamination of foodstuffs by solar energy: bacterial counts in food samples following exposure to sunlight in airtight containers. IRCS 2, 1270.

Sarangi, A., Sarangi, A., Sahoo, S. S., Nayak, J., Mallik, R. K. 2024. Advancements and global perspectives in solar cooking technology: A comprehensive review. Energy Nexus. 13:100266, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nexus.2023.100266.

Eco-friendly Ways To Prevent Pests From Entering Our Homes

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Pests are universally considered as undesirable and unwanted housemates. This is rightfully so because not only do pests partake in your food uninvited, they also leave destruction in their wake and they are dangerous vectors of diseases. Termites leave the most significant amount of destruction among household pests. Termites can wreck entire rooms if left uncontrolled. Some pests like mosquitoes, ants, bed bugs and ticks just hang around in your house to cause pain and discomfort. Rats, mice, flies and cockroaches not only steal or freeload on your food items, they spoil food or leave undesirable traces of their bad habits like droppings, bad smell or bite marks on foods or food items.

a piece of wood infested by termites

If that isn’t enough, rats, mice and cockroaches find their way into your dressers and wardrobes, nibbling holes into kitchen utensils and clothes. Most importantly, pests such as mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, mice and rats are vectors of deadly diseases. This is why, every homeowner should know the importance of getting rid of these pests and preventing them from entering houses and doing so in a natural and green way.

Eco-friendly Ways to Prevent Pest Infestations

There are a lot of pesticides, poisons and chemical repellents in the markets and stores, but due to the synthetic and poisonous nature of these anti-pest treatments, they can also pose health risks for household occupants like humans, pets and other insects or animals not considered as pests. These treatments can also be potentially harmful and polluting to the environment.

Not only that, anti-pest treatments can lose effectiveness over time and can risk re-infestation of pests into the house. This can be a problem for homeowners who are considering selling their houses and for buyers interested in getting a house. It may cost the homeowner or the buyer more for paying for building pest inspections and paying extra for hiring exterminators. Thus, there is a need for green and environment-friendly ways to prevent pest invasions and infestations.

1. Spices

The spices in our kitchens can have other uses other than enhancing food flavor. Garlic is a natural repellent for ants, mosquitoes and cockroaches. Rosemary and sage are also natural mosquito repellents. Bay leaves, cloves and basil leaves provide effective repellent solutions for pesky house flies.

2. Plants and Plant Extracts

Cucumber and citrus oil are natural repellents for ants. Catnip is a natural repellent to cockroaches, but is an attractant to cats, so make sure your home doesn’t have cats before using this plant. Neem tree extracts such as neem oil and products from neem tree such as mosquito coils are effective mosquito repellents. Mint and eucalyptus plants and their extracts are effective deterrents for houseflies. Lemongrass, especially its extract citronella, is also a very effective mosquito repellent.

3. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is made from fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms. DE is mined from riverbeds and lakes. This rock is soft and crumbly and forms a soft powder. Fine powdered form of DE is used as a natural pesticide. It is effective against garden and home pests such as silverfish, darkling beetles, wasps, ants, bedbugs, crickets, fleas, ticks, cockroaches and many other pests. Little is known about this natural pesticide, but users that have utilized this natural pesticide can attest to its effectiveness.

mosquito-control-measures

There is a growing need for green and safe ways of preventing pest infestation and invasion. As synthetic and chemical based pesticides and repellents can be toxic and could cause adverse health effects such as cancer and brain defects, the long-term effectiveness of chemical treatments are not always reliable.

Aside from saving money from buying expensive insect repellents, homeowners can also help the environment by going natural and using biodegradable products. Prevention is better than cure, and so make the necessary preparations to prevent a full-blown pest invasion in your homes.

Environmental Impacts of HVAC Manufacturing

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HVAC manufacturing is pivotal to providing comfort to people inside their homes, workplaces, and other indoor environments. But how often do heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) manufacturers consider their impact on the outdoor environment? According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, more than half of the energy homes use is for heating or air conditioning. That’s a lot of energy! Such a big impact means HVAC manufacturers also have a big responsibility to evaluate and improve their environmental impact.

hvac manufacturing facility

How HVAC Manufacturing Impacts the Environment

Like other production lifecycles, HVAC manufacturing can have a significant impact on the environment. Primary concerns are related to energy use, the types of refrigerants used in production, and related waste.

  • Energy consumption. Over half the energy that homes use is related to cooling or heating. What’s more, manufacturing HVAC units also requires a lot of energy.
  • Refrigerants. Many HVAC products use refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP), meaning they contribute significantly to air pollution—some are even ozone-depleting.
  • Waste. Many HVAC manufacturers don’t have an end-of-life process in place for their machines, leading to waste when old systems are disposed of.
  • Safety. Using potentially polluting materials can be dangerous to the safety of workers and the community surrounding a plant at large.

Reducing HVAC Manufacturing Carbon Footprint

While the environmental impacts of HVAC manufacturing may seem imposing, there are many steps an HVAC manufacturer or production engineer can take to reduce their company’s carbon footprint.

1. Use “Green” Materials

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency is imposing laws on HVAC manufacturers beginning in January 2025. The new laws mandate that all new refrigeration systems must use flammable refrigerants. These flammable refrigerants, also called A2L refrigerants, are characterized by their low flammability and low toxicity, making them a safer and more environmentally friendly option. A2L refrigerants also have an extremely low global warming potential (GWP).

HVAC manufacturers may consider an A2L system installation to reduce their carbon footprint—or, in the case of the United States, to comply with the new laws.

2. Create More Energy Efficient Products

Because the majority of energy costs inside a home are related to heating and cooling, making HVAC products more energy efficient can have a huge impact on overall energy consumption. Research has shown time and again that consumers are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products. That includes HVAC systems!

If HVAC manufacturers focus on creating more energy-efficient products, they’ll reduce waste, reduce overall energy use, and maintain a loyal and happy customer base.

negative impacts of AC

3. Reduce Waste

There are innumerable ways to reduce waste in HVAC manufacturing. For example, creating and implementing an “end-of-life” process can lead to less wasteful, full-loop manufacturing. HVAC manufacturers can also consider using recycled materials, producing HVAC systems that can run off renewable energy sources, and creating products that last longer.

4. Educate

As with any movement, education is a critical step to addressing the environmental impact of any system. By educating others on the importance of recognizing the environmental impacts of HVAC systems, HVAC manufacturers can do their part. Examples here include training technicians, employees, and clients on the benefits of sustainable practices and how they can implement them.

Rethinking Wind Energy: The Case for Small Wind Turbines

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Thinking about wind power brings up pictures of massive turbines sprawling out over wide fields. Yet this classic scene doesn’t show the whole story. Wind tech is getting better, and small wind turbines (SWTs) are on the rise. This technology has the potential to shake things up with a new way to use wind power. It makes it easier and more adaptable for individuals and companies to make their own clean energy, gain more energy independence, and add some green energy to the energy mix.

small wind turbines by freen

Problems with Green Energy Wide Application

Renewable energy setups like wind and solar have a bunch of challenges, high initial costs being among the biggest ones. Large wind projects require huge investments in land, permits, construction of additional infrastructure – limiting their feasibility to major energy sector players or heavily subsidized projects. They also demand specific wind conditions and extensive land area, which further restrict their potential installation sites.

Environmental worries present a whole other set of problems. Big turbines and solar panels often become hard-to-recycle waste after reaching the lifespan, which messes with renewables eco-friendly reputation. Solar energy is tops for renewing itself, but it demands stable sunlight, which makes it less viable for spots that get less daylight. Additionally, in places like Europe, market limits make it tough for little towns and companies to go for the green energy shift since finding solid local sources of clean energy gear is difficult.

The rise in popularity of small wind turbines

Small wind turbines (SWTs) are changing the renewable energy industry, solving some of the problems associated with large energy projects. Small wind turbines suit rural, residential and densely populated areas, don’t require as much initial investment, are quiet, and environmentally friendly. All of this means that wind energy can cease to be the domain of the big players, but a viable option also for communities, small businesses or even households.

Small wind turbines are an affordable option. Small turbine technology is still developing and the price for wind energy can approach that of solar. This is a key factor for households considering power from renewable energy mainly to reduce costs. It means more people, such as small businesses and ordinary people at home, can jump on the renewable energy train.

Harnessing Wind Power Locally

Local individuals and groups can gain more opportunities to meet their energy needs with small wind turbines. These devices support local power generation and help gain greater energy security through independence from the standard grid. Their presence reduces dependence on these traditional power systems and increases resilience in the event of a power failure. The compact size of the small turbines allows quick and easy installation, which is another advantage of these solutions. The process of erecting a wind turbine on ready-made foundations is just 24 to 48 hours. They are very useful in locations that are too remote or simply do not fit into the considerations of large power grids.

Local energy generation has many advantages. It makes access to energy more equal where it is not available, offering cheaper and greener ways to generate energy. This not only levels the energy playing field, but also reduces environmental damage, as the local environment does not have to be changed in order to build all the infrastructure. In addition, small wind turbines make less noise than large farms, allowing them to be installed close to households.

A Worldwide View on Little Wind Spinners

By 2012, more than 806,000 of these small wind turbines had been erected worldwide, and things have only accelerated since then. Countries such as China are erecting small wind turbines in both villages and cities to solve energy harvesting problems. As technology gets better and better, wind turbines are becoming smarter and cheaper.

The positive environmental impact of these innovations is also worth mentioning. Small wind turbines produce green energy that reduces our dependence on fossil fuels, which are behind the planet-destroying carbon dioxide emissions. A one megawatt turbine reduces more than 1,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year that would have been emitted by fossil fuels. Each small wind turbine adds to this total.

Conclusion

As the world transitions to renewable energy, small wind turbines are gaining recognition as a key solution in decentralized energy production. Offering a sustainable, cost-effective and versatile source of energy, small wind turbines are not only accelerating the global energy transition but are doing so in a way that is accessible to individuals, communities and industry alike.

Upgrading wind power with small wind turbines is a breakthrough in the green energy game. It is a much easier, cheaper and more accessible way for local communities and businesses to get energy from wind.

Everything You Should Know About Atmospheric Rivers

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Atmospheric rivers actually mean rivers of water in our skies. But what is the science behind this phenomena that can become a very serious threat across regions of the globe. An atmospheric river (also known as AR) is a long and narrow flowing stream of water, actually condensed water vapour, in the atmosphere. It is capable of producing significant levels of rain and snow. When the atmospheric river moves across land and over mountainous terrain, the water vapour rises and cools to create very heavy precipitation or snowfall.

atmospheric river

Many atmospheric rivers are of moderate size but some are exceptionally powerful and extremely large producing excessive rainfall and floods. These extreme occurrences are responsible for severe and almost instantaneous downpour of flood waters that disrupt normal lifestyle. The extreme rainfall results in extreme, serious flooding that is often associated with destructive mudflows, and mudslides down steep terrain causing extreme damage to property and severe loss of life.

A strong AR transports water vapour equivalent to 7.5-15 times the average flow in the Mississippi River in the United States. An atmospheric river system is part of the global water system and on occasions, its severity has devastating impact on the land terrain it traverses.. They make a serious contribution to the water supply but are also associated with very severe and extreme flooding.

The term, atmospheric rivers came into existence in the 1990’s when these narrow moisture plumes became more pronounced in our atmospheric systems. On average, an AR is between 250 – 375 miles (400-600km) wide. They are typically very long in comparison to their width. There are typically 3-5 such moisture plumes or ‘rivers’ present in the global moisture system at any one time.

The actual modelling of these moisture systems is based on the integrated water vapour transport (IVT) associated with these systems. The models predict the measure of water vapour over a series of multiple time steps (or sequences). This is more informative that the static value of water vapour depth in a column of air, known as the integrated water volume. The IVT is also more in keeping with the formation of orographic precipitation. This is when moist air is forced up over mountainous terrain producing rainfall.

schematic of atmospheric river

There is a five-level scale introduced by the Script Institution of Oceanography in 2019. This scale is based on the 3-hour average of maximum vertically integrated water vapour transport (IVT).  The atmospheric river is categorised from “weak” to “exceptional” in strength,  and from “beneficial” to “hazardous” in impact. The amount of water vapour transported and the duration of the event are incorporated into the scale. The initial ranking is based on the 3-hour average IVT.

The severe flooding and devastation associated with these systems is capable of massive destruction across the area impacted, yet it can also provide significantly to the regional water supply and snow pack in mountainous areas. The more severe occurrences of these moisture plumes are those that reach the main news streams and weather forecast channels as they are predicted to result in extensive power outages, as well as massive destruction to natural environments and human infrastructures.  This destruction is typically in the form of rapid flooding, mudslides and road slips, rock displacement and mudflows over powering waterflows. This is further exasperated  by the almost instantaneous flooding that occurs.

A well documented occurrence of this phenomena is the “Pineapple Express” that originates over the waters of Hawaii. The tropical waters are transported across the Pacific to the west coast of the US.