Sustainable Waste Management: What Every Homeowner Should Know

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Waste management is often the most overlooked process in homes. Most homeowners in urban areas typically rely on rubbish removal services because of the convenience they bring.

Sustainable waste management is everyone’s responsibility. As the human population rapidly grows, the consumption of various goods increases, producing more waste. Although some organizations and government institutions develop solutions, they still require active individual participation.

Here are some environmentally-friendly waste solutions every homeowner should know:

sustainable waste management for homeowners

1. Intentional Waste Reduction

Most types of waste are produced and, therefore, can be reduced. These are plastic bags, food packaging, packets, straws, and other disposable items. These usually end up in rivers and oceans, harming marine life.

Waste reduction should start in every home. A simple change everyone can make is buying unpacked items and goods in biodegradable packaging. For instance, you may purchase fruits and vegetables in your local farmer’s market. Doing so will lessen the use of plastic compared to purchasing peeled and sliced ones in supermarkets.

Another home essential you can replace with an eco-friendly option is food wraps. Instead of single-use cling wraps, you may use beeswax wrap as an alternative. You can wash and reuse it until it wears out, then it’s compostable.

For unavoidable nonbiodegradable waste, create a proper segregation bin for collection. If you want to dig deeper into efficient waste collection systems, you can get the facts here.

2. Composting

Composting is a traditional yet effective way of managing biodegradable and food waste. Its byproduct can serve as fertilizer for your garden.

Learning different types of composting will help you determine which works for you. Not everyone has large backyards for a compost pit. However, some alternatives like a covered compost bin prevent bug and pest infestation.

composting-food-waste

Managing food waste at home is highly beneficial to reducing rubbish ending up in landfills. You can also reap the benefits of self-sustainability when growing vegetables and fruit trees in your garden.

3. Biogas Digester

Another way to deal with biodegradable waste is using a biogas digester. It provides an efficient composting solution that takes sustainability to a different level.

A biogas digester decomposes organic matter like biodegradable waste and food scraps into biogas through anaerobic digestion. The methane gas it produces by the end of the process can fuel a stove cooktop.

Biogas from MSW

Anaerobic digestion is a reliable technology for treatment of organic fraction of MSW

Setting up a biogas digester in your backyard can solve many problems. Aside from being a sustainable waste management tool, it also helps reduce the amount of methane gas released into the atmosphere. Instead of letting organic waste decompose in landfills, you can use them for growing and cooking food.

4. Recycling And Repurposing

Nonbiodegradable waste is more challenging to dispose of sustainably. Home items like appliances and gadgets usually end up in scrapyards. Although environmental institutions are taking action to repurpose them, the amount of waste the world produces every day makes it more challenging.

You can start recycling and repurposing at home. You can find some easy DIY projects using recycled materials like plastic and glass bottles. When you recycle, you’re giving these items a new purpose while helping the environment.

However, recycling isn’t limited to small items. Some tiny house DIY-ers often use reclaimed materials to save construction costs. These may include windows, doors, sinks, and even floor planks. Repurposing is a wise solution for tiny living as it is rooted in reducing a home’s carbon footprint.

5. Hiring Bin Collection

Hiring trash collection should be every homeowner’s last resort for managing waste. Only a few rubbish removal services practice sustainable waste collection, so you have to be mindful of hiring one.

Some garbage collectors practicing eco-friendly waste management bring their collections to different recycling plants. Unfortunately, the rest usually take a shortcut by simply dumping the rubbish in landfills.

When hiring bin collection services, know where they’re dumping the waste. It’s also best to hire one near your area, so they don’t have to consume more fuel to get to your house. Looking at sustainable waste management from a broader perspective makes it efficient and in keeping with the goal.

Also Read: Rubbish Removal in Sydney – What to Expect?

6. Greywater Filter

Wastewater is often overlooked when tackling sustainable waste management. For some, it’s easy to take clean water consumption for granted in locations with abundant water sources. However, water conservation should be everyone’s priority because we have no idea when its supply will remain unlimited.

greywater recycling

Installing a greywater system in your household can help save the environment and your budget. The water coming from your shower, sink, and laundry can be collected and filtered through a system. Then, you can reuse it for watering plants.

Furthermore, you may install a more complex water filtration system to purify greywater for home use. Some new technology allows the reuse of filtered and purified grey water for laundry and showers. You may also collect and filter rainwater as another sustainable water conservation option.

Conclusion

Sustainable waste management is one of the best solutions to lessen the effect of climate change. This responsible act can help you live with a purpose—to help save the earth for you and the future generations.

10 Greenest Ways of Traveling

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From plastic waste to carbon emissions, travel isn’t the most environmentally friendly activity. However, the benefits of venturing far from home to experience other cultures are priceless. Many millennials see travel as necessary. Fortunately, there are ways you can make your trips more eco-friendly!

1. BYOE (Bring Your Own Everything)

Coffee cups, water bottles, utensils, take-out containers, napkins, and so much more can be brought in your personal item and used throughout your trip. By replacing single-use items with reusable ones, you drastically cut down on the waste you produce while traveling. Also, be sure to bring a reusable grocery bag with you if you plan to hit the markets.

plastic bag alternative

 

2. Travel to Eco-Friendly Locations

Some countries are more environmentally-friendly than others. Traveling to eco-friendly destinations like Spain helps you spare the planet while experiencing another culture. The country’s natural beauty is living proof of its people’s dedication to green living. You can take in the beauty of Spain while being green at your holiday home at https://www.interhome.co.uk/spain/mallorca/. Countries like India, Pakistan, and Moldova don’t rank as high on the eco-friendly scale.

3. Take the Train

When you are traveling from country to country, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint by taking a train instead of an airplane. Europe has an efficient railway system that makes intercontinental travel a breeze. Why fly from country to country when you can experience the countryside on a relaxing train ride? You will see more of the area and help the planet!

ecofriendly mode of travel

4. Eat and Drink Local

Importing and shipping foods make a huge carbon footprint on our planet. When you are traveling, you can reduce your environmental impact by chowing down on local delights. Coastal areas offer fresh-caught fish; other areas boast fresh produce. If you want to taste some local dishes, opt for local restaurants rather than big chains.

Let’s take Danville city in Georgia, for example. While tourists may opt for familiar places to eat, we recommend checking out the local diner called Me’s Burgers and Brews; it’s easily one of the best restaurants in Danville. It’s a family-owned joint that serves gourmet burgers, and they source local products from Melrose Bison Farm and the Windmill Farm Bake Shop. This means they provide fresh ingredients while lessening the waste from packaging and logistics as well. So no matter where you go, be sure to fill up on foods that are native to the region.

food-waste-ramadan

5. Take Direct Routes When Flying

Here is your excuse to avoid layovers. You can’t avoid flying, but you can cut your greenhouse gas emissions significantly by only taking flights that go directly to your destination. Planes emit the most harmful gas and use the most fuel when they are taking off, so you make your trips a little more eco-friendly when you reduce the number of takeoffs. Also, fly with budget airlines. They usually fill more seats per flight than their expensive counterparts, saving the environment and your wallet.

6. Take the Bus

Taking an Uber everywhere isn’t the most efficient way to get around. One of the best ways to get around locally is to use public transportation. Taking the bus or subway is a great way to meet the locals and get from place to place. The metro produces 76% fewer gas emissions than cars. Some cities even use electric buses that reduce smog and cut back on natural gas usage.

7. Don’t Go Off the Beaten Path

When you are hiking, don’t stray from the marked trekking trails that are designated for hikers. Leaving the trail is risky, and you might accidentally stomp on fragile plants or animal homes. Avoid unfortunate encounters with powerful animals and keep the wildlife around you safe by only hiking on the set path.

sustainable trekking trails

8. Take Tours That Give Back

Plan your tours with organizations that contribute to the community in some way. Local tours often donate part of their proceeds to great causes. If you can take a river cruise that teach you about the local environment while helping it out, that’s a win-win. When you take tours, be sure to ask about the size of the tour group. Small groups harm the environment less than large ones, and tours with fewer people give you a more intimate experience and a chance to ask questions.

9. Go Electric

If you need to rent a car for your trip, consider renting an electric-powered car. It usually does more harm than good to replace your car at home with an electric one if it is still in good condition, but why not spare the environment some stress by driving an ecofriendly car on your vacation?

electric-car

10. Treat Your Holiday Home Like a Home

You wouldn’t wash a towel after one use or leave the lights on when you leave your home; could you imagine the laundry and the electric bill? When you are traveling, it’s important to maintain your at-home eco-friendly practices. Always hang your towels back up so that housekeeping doesn’t wash them, turn off lights when you leave a room, and don’t spend an eternity in the shower!

Whether you reduce your environmental impact by bringing your own food containers or cutting out layovers, anything you do helps. Together, we can significantly reduce the environmental footprint we make when traveling while still being able to experience the big, wonderful world.

Solar Panels for Commercial Buildings: 5 Things to Consider

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Society and technology have truly come a long way. From fixed fires in the hearth to gas and electric lighting, it makes sense to want to upgrade your business with a commercial solar energy system.

However, like with any early adoption, it pays to conduct a thorough evaluation. In fact, it’s likely the only way to determine the best process to incorporate solar in your commercial building.

commercial solar energy system

A rooftop solar power project in Abu Dhabi

1. Solar Technology

When considering a solar energy system, it’s important to differentiate between solar technologies and solar power systems. Solar technology has two dominating categories — solar thermal power (CSP) and photovoltaics (PV). When you see residential homes and commercial buildings with solar panels, it’s likely using PV. On the other hand, CSP, which uses mirrors and heat, is typically found in large power plants.

2. Solar Cells

Most people don’t realize that it’s not the solar panels that convert energy. Rather, it’s the solar cells contained in arrays that make up a solar panel.

Arrays are thousands of individual solar cells grouped together. Currently, there are about 24 unique types of solar cells that can be broadly categorized into three groups.

Crystalline Silicon

The majority of PV cells are crystalline silicon (c-Si) wafers. They come from lab-grown ingots, which take approximately a month to grow fully and can form into single or multiple crystals.

From these large ingots, the single crystals are used for monocrystalline silicon (mono-Si) cells and solar panels. At the same time, the polycrystalline cells and solar panels (poly c-Si) use the multi-crystals.

Monocrystalline cells have a distinctive color and are cylindrical. They provide the most efficient energy conversion, but cutting the cells to shape can be somewhat wasteful.

On the other hand, polycrystalline cells don’t go to waste because they’re melted and poured into the arrays. However, this process diminishes some of its effectiveness.

types of solar cells

Thin Film

Thin-film solar cells are also PV cells but are about 100 times thinner than c-Si. These use amorphous silicon (a-Si). However, they’re not limited to a-Si. They can also be made from organic PV, copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) or cadmium-telluride (Cd-Te).

They’re by far the cheapest and most flexible option because they can be laminated onto various surfaces. These surfaces include glass, skylights and roofing tiles. However, the benefit of flexibility means decreased levels of efficiency compared to c-Si cells.

Third Generation

Third-generation cells are the latest and greatest in solar cell technology. These solar cells pick, choose and combine the best qualities of c-Si and thin-film cells. The end result is a sustainable product that’s efficient, practical and cheaper to produce.

3. Types of Solar Energy System

There are three types of systems that dominate the industry. Depending on your building’s location and usage requirements, one type will be better suited than another.

Grid-Tied Solar Energy System and Power Outages

First, you have a grid-tied solar system that connects to the local power grid. This system is excellent for those in cloudy places who worry about not having enough electricity or suffer from power outages.

You save money on your energy bills by first using up all your converted energy from the sun and can then tap into the grid on an as-needed basis.

Another benefit is net metering. This is when your system produces excess energy and sends it back to the grid in return for credits on the next electricity bill. However, not every state or municipality offers net metering, in which case a hybrid system may be more advantageous.

Being tied to the grid also means that these systems require less equipment, which reduces the overall cost. If the upfront costs are a deterrent, consider calculating how much a grid-tied system would be and how much you could save in the long run.

Off Grid House

Off-Grid Solar Energy System and Battery Storage

These systems are best for commercial buildings that use some means to be completely energy independent. Off-grid systems can be more expensive because they require larger batteries and other materials.

They work best with smaller commercial buildings designed to conserve energy in any way possible. For example, a solar panel generator and energy-efficient windows are extra measures you can take.

However, off-grid systems aren’t an end-all-be-all to your remote commercial building. That’s because the batteries have limited storage capacity that can get quickly used up.

Hybrid

Finally, there’s a hybrid system which is a combination of the other two. They’re connected to the grid but also come with extra battery storage.

Hybrid systems may prove the most beneficial if you find your commercial building uses a lot of power. The system first uses the energy stored in batteries and then calls on the grid when demand exceeds solar energy production. As an added benefit, hybrid system owners can take advantage of net metering.

4. Does Your Commercial Building Require Battery Storage?

It may seem like the obvious answer is to get a solar system with battery energy storage, but it’s not necessary in some cases. For example, battery storage has minimal financial benefit if you have a grid-tied system in an area that offers net metering.

On the other hand, commercial buildings prone to constant blackouts will certainly benefit from a hybrid system. That way, you have energy stored for blackout conditions and net metering to assist with monthly costs.

5. DIY or Professional Installation?

While the commercial solar panel cost isn’t cheap, it’s never recommended to install it yourself. More often than not, the DIY installation ends up costing more than hiring a professional.

Installing solar panels comes with risks easily overlooked that can cause significant issues down the line. For example, incorrectly connecting a single wire can lead to electrocution, fires or your panels not working at all.

Without adequate roofing knowledge, a DIYer can accidentally damage the roof and cause leaks. Additionally, many solar panels require a licensed professional to install for the warranty to be valid.

solar panels maintenance

By taking the chance and doing it yourself, you run the risk of voiding your warranty and missing out on compensation if anything goes wrong. However, if you’re adamant about self-installation, double-check for building permits and regulations.

The last thing you want is to complete a perfect job, only to have your local authorities come and tell you to take it down within a week.

Ordering a Solar Panel System for Your Commercial Building

As you can tell, a lot goes into solar panels and determining which type is best for your commercial building. However, you shouldn’t let that deter you from making your building eco-friendly.

The most efficient way to determine the best system is to shop around. Your local companies can present valuable insight into any specific incentives offered by your state.

Environment as a Peace-Building Tool

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The world is changing demographically, economically, politically and environmentally. The acquisition of natural resources, such as water, can be viewed as a threat to the international security. Severe environmental degradation can deepen regional divisions and trigger social conflicts for communities that depend on these resources for their livelihoods and fulfillment of basic needs. Moreover, the environment itself can be dramatically affected by such conflicts.

environment as peace-building tool

The unprecedented demand for natural resources is fuelling ethnic conflicts, causing large-scale displacement and is a severe threat to the lands, livelihoods and the way of life of indigenous people. Infact, many of the bloodiest conflicts in Africa and Asia in recent years have been fuelled by profits from the exploitation of natural resources, including diamonds, timber and minerals.

Indigenous communities ranging from the Batwa of Central Africa to hill tribes in northern Thailand, Bedouin in the Middle East and Uighurs in China’s Xinjiang province face a grave risk of being forced from their land and resources by activities taking place in the name of industrial development.

Locally, tensions over non-extractive natural resources that have an impact on livelihoods can also drive conflicts. Tension can result from the decline of limited sources and inequitable distribution and utilization within a given context; this may spill over into wider instability and violence. In the case of Darfur, one of the reasons that led to violence is competition between herders and farmers over land; historical ethnic divisions compounded this conflict.

A New Approach to Stability

Recognizing the linkages between the environment and insecurity, former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan called for integrating environmental initiatives to solve conflict and instability into the U.N.’s conflict prevention policy. So, if environmental degradation can trigger conflict and violence, then environmental cooperation initiatives can be used as peace-building tool. This can create a dialogue between parties in conflict.

Environmental challenges, such as industrial pollution, are global issues that ignore political boundaries. These challenges require a long-term perspective to achieve sustainable management, encourage local and nongovernmental participation, and extend community building beyond the polarization of economic linkages. Furthermore, environmental cooperation can build bridges across boundaries and between people, and enhance building a more sustainable peace and stability.

indigenous-communities-deforestation

Environmental cooperation can be initial building blocks for increasing confidence and enhancing trust between communities, hence, reducing uncertainties and mitigating tensions. Cooperative sharing of resources encourages common goals, and establishes recognized rights and expectations. Moreover, initiatives of cooperation to manage environmental resources will promote peace between disputing parties and may establish sustained interaction and long-term relationships, encouraging stability. The more environmental initiatives exist, the more conflicts will be resolved in a non-violent manner. Environmental initiatives can be used to initiate dialogue between disputing parties even for non-ecological conflicts.

Shared water supply is an important domain for environmental conflict resolution. Sharing of water resources represents an opportunity to keep the dialogue alive between disputing parties such as in the Nile river case. Management of biodiversity conservation in disputed areas is a major aspect of environmental peace-building strategies. This may help to achieve win-win solutions between local communities. It is worthy to mention that NGOs can enhance the chances of sustainable peace by promoting awareness and motivation of local community participation. Therefore, their influence must be strengthened in policy decisions that are related to environmental security.

Environment and the Arab Spring

In the wake of historic Arab Spring, a new approach to sustainability is required in the Middle East. The Arab world offers a fertile ground and ample opportunities to prepare a sustainable mechanism for peace and regional security using environment as a tool. Traditional tools of wildlife conservation, such as Hima and Haram, produce a promising opportunity for environmental synergies in the region.

wildlife protection in islam

Climate change and human intervention is threatening many wildlife species in the Middle East

In order to protect land, forests and wildlife, Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) created inviolable zones in which resources were to be left untouched. Haram areas were drawn up around wells and water sources to protect the groundwater from over-pumping. Hima applied to wildlife and forestry and designated an area of land where grazing and woodcutting was restricted, or where certain animal species (such as camels) were protected.

Adopting natural environmental initiatives, such as Hima and Haram, has multiple direct and indirect benefits for overall development in the Middle East. It can enhance trust, build confidence, and reduce uncertainties in the Arab world, which may help in finding an amicable solution to multiple and unending problems faced by this strategic region.

Rediscovering the Natural World – The Islamic Approach

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Today more than half the world’s population live in cities. Our increasingly urban lives have ensured an almost total disconnection from the natural world to the extent that it is not uncommon to meet children who believe that milk originates in plastic supermarket cartons. It is as well to be conscious of this as much is left out in their education, both religious and secular, to the extent that we are continuing to cause irreparable harm to the Earth.

Muslims are no exception to this, having also adopted urban lifestyles and modern modes of living that reveal an almost complete lack of awareness as to where this is all going. Taking children to the zoo or visiting national parks is more in the nature of recreational activity and actually reinforces the idea of otherness. The educational aspects remain lamentably superficial, and the spiritual is nowhere to be seen.

Islam and environmental conservation

Care for the Natural World

In the Islamic order, care for the natural world expresses itself in every aspect of personal behaviour. The guidance for this comes from the Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad’s teachings (Sunnah). It is integral to life, an expression of existence in submission to the will of the Creator in harmony with the cosmic pattern. There is a code of conduct that governs interpersonal behaviour and an individual’s rights and responsibilities within a community; it also deals with an individual’s behaviour towards other sentient beings and the rest of the natural world.

Holistic Expression of Life

As Muslim interaction with the environment evolved, it manifested itself in a range of rules and institutions, embodying a truly holistic expression of life. It took into consideration the importance of reducing waste, being abstemious, generous, considerate, moderate, unselfish, caring, and sharing.

The qualities of love, humility, trust and justice remained preeminent. Over the centuries these values have been elaborated upon by a succession of mystics, scholars, jurists and teachers responding to real problems experienced by the growing community of Muslims in various parts of the world.

Sustainable development-Islam

Erosion of Sacred Nexus

However, this Islamic mode of expression is now severely attenuated, having been swept aside by the forces of history – like the other older traditions – into a domain which treats the natural world exclusively as an exploitable resource. As the secular ethic progressively seeped into the Muslim psyche, and as industrial development, economic indicators and consumerism became the governing parameters of society, there has been a corresponding erosion of the Muslim perception of the holistic and a withering of its understanding of the sacred nexus between the human community and the rest of the natural order.

Environmental Approach of Quran

As the Islamic tapestry unfolded in its expression over the centuries, we discover that there are no references in the Qur’an to the environment or its -isms, as we now understand them. The context in which we discuss this subject today originated as recently as the second half of the last century and Rachel Carson is recognized as having given impetus to this movement since her research was published in 1962 (see chapter 2, ‘A Delayed Reaction’). Neither can the word ‘nature’, which is an abstraction, be found in the Qur’an. The closest term in modern Arabic usage is bi’ah, which connotes a habitat or a surrounding.

Nevertheless, the Qur’an is inherently environmental and holistic in its approach. It speaks of creation (khalq) and contains over 250 verses where this word is used in its various grammatical forms. Derived from the root kh–l–q, it is used in many ways to describe what we see, feel and sense in the world. The verses contain references to the natural world from herbs to trees, from fish to fowl, to the sun, stars and skies.

He (Allah) created everything and determined them in exact proportions (25: 2).

The human community is but an infinitesimal part of the natural world but we have now lost sight of this through our proclivity for dominating it. The Qur’an observes:

The creation of the heavens and the earth is far greater than the creation of humankind. But most of humankind do not know it (40: 57).

Multi-faceted Response

Creation is the fabric into which the tapestry of life is worked. An Islamic approach to environment provides us with a three-faceted response:

  1. The first is to approach the Earth as sacred and identify how through abusing it we have desacralized our understanding of it. Hence we can rediscover what it is that we have lost in the process.
  2. The second is to formulate an ethical understanding of our relationship with the natural world and build a knowledge base that enables us to resolve the immediate crisis and motivates us to lay down a basis for long term behavioural change.
  3. The third is to look at this through the prism of political economy and discover what it is that an Islamic approach to this subject can do to both improve our understanding of the current malaise and provide some answers as to how we can create a model of well-being without having to subvert our own existence.

Note: The excerpt has been published from Fazlun Khalid’s latest book Signs On The Earth: Islam, Modernity And The Climate Crisis, published by Kube Publishing. The book can be purchased from the Amazon website.

Things You Should Know About The Disposal of Waste Tires

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Tens of millions of tires are discarded across the Middle East every year. Disposal of  waste tires is a challenging task because tires have a long life and are non-biodegradable. The traditional method of disposal of waste tires have been stockpiling or illegally dumping or landfilling, all of which are short-term solution.

waste tires disposal

The Menace of Waste Tires

Stockpiled tires provide perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes, vermin and snakes. Accidental fires caused in tire dumps can rage for months releasing toxic fumes. For example, a massive fire broke out at Jahra dumpsite in Kuwait in April 2012 where more than 5 million waste tires were stored.

Landfilling of tires is a major problem as tires come up to the top of landfill and can damage caps and liners. Tires are not desired at landfills because of their large volumes and 75% void space which quickly consumes valuable space. Many countries in North America and Europe have banned landfilling of whole tires and made recycling mandatory.

Tire recycling is the process of recycling vehicles’ tires that are no longer suitable for use on vehicles due to wear or irreparable damage (such as punctures). These tires are among the largest and most problematic sources of waste, due to the large volume produced and their durability.

landfill in kuwait

Tire Recycling Technologies

There are three major technologies for recycling of waste tires – ambient mechanical grinding, cryogenic grinding and pyrolysis.

Ambient mechanical grinding

In ambient mechanical grinding process, the breaking up of a scrap tire happens at ambient temperature. Tires are passed through a shredder, which breaks the tires into chips. The chips are fed into a granulator that breaks them into small pieces while removing steel and fiber in the process. Any remaining steel is removed magnetically and fiber through a combination of shaking screens and wind sifters. Finer rubber particles can be obtained through further grinding in secondary granulators and high-speed rotary mills.

Cryogenic grinding

Cryogenic grinding refers to the grinding of scrap tires at temperatures near minus 80oC using liquid nitrogen or commercial refrigerants. Cryogenic processing generally uses pre-treated car or truck tires as feedstock, most often in the form of chips or ambiently produced granulate.

When the tires are exposed to such low temperatures, they become brittle and can be easily crushed and broken. It can be a four-phase system which includes initial size reduction, cooling, separation, and milling. This process requires less energy than others and produces rubber crumb of much finer quality.

Rubber crumbs or crumb rubber, the product obtained from ambient/cryogenic grinding of scrap tires, is used for manufacture of new tires or in a variety of landscaping applications including path paving projects, playground surface cover, running tracks, and athletic field turfs.

pyrolysis of waste tires

Pyrolysis

Pyrolysis refers to the thermal decomposition of scrap tires either in the absence or lack of oxygen. Pyrolysis uses pre-treated car or truck tire chips as the principal feedstock. It is a two-phase treatment which uses thermal decomposition to heat the rubber in the absence of oxygen to break it into its constituent parts, e.g., tire-derived fuel (TDF), synthetic gas and char. Cracking and post-cracking take place progressively as the material is heated to 450-500 °C and above.

The use of tire-derived fuel in cement kilns, paper mills or power plants is one of the best uses of scrap tires. The char can be used in low value production processes as a colorant or filler.

أنسنة العمارة – بعيون معمارية أردنية

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عبر شوارع اللوبيدة (في عمان – الأردن) العابقة برائحة الياسمين، وجدت طريقي إلى ستوديو عبير صيقلي، في منزل قديم يعكس الهوية الأصيلة والملهمة للأردن. عبير صيقلي هي معمارية أردنية شابة برزت مؤخرا على  العديد من المنصات الإعلامية المحلية والعالمية بسبب ابتكارها “حياكة منزل weaving a home” والذي رشح لجائزة LEXUS Design  2012.

Abeer's Studio

تأثيرالتعليم والمعرفة المحلية

تتأثر افضل كليات الهندسة المعمارية في الوطن العربي الى حد كبير بالتوجهات  العالمية في مجالي البيئة المبنية والاستدامة. ولسوء الحظ فان المراجع العربية مهملة بشكل كبير في عملية التدريس. ان التفكير الحديث حول البيئة المبنية وعلاقتها مع الناس والطبيعة تعتمد بشكل اساسي على التطبيقات الرقمية والافتراضية (الحاسوبية) تاركةً تفاعلا محدودا للطلاب  مع المجتمعات ومواد البناء . ضف الى ذلك عدم المواءمة بين البحث العلمي ومتطلبات السوق في معظم الدول النامية مما يعظم الفجوة ما بين الهندسة والتنمية المستدامة. الاعتراف بتفرد  العمارة العربية التراثية واهميتها التاريخية في تشكيل مبادىء البناء المستدام  يدعونا الى القلق اليوم على الدور المتناقص للمعرفة المحلية في التصدي لتحديات الاستدامة المعاصرة.

بالنسبة لعبير، فقد زودتها دراستها في الخارج برؤى جديدة ليس فقط حول الهندسة المعمارية ولكن وبشكل خاص حول طاقاتها وقدراتها ضمن سياق اكبر. وما قدمته لها البيئة الغنية بالثقافة  والتي نشأت فيها هو احترام وتقدير الفن والابداع والبيئة المحيطة. بمرور الوقت واكتساب الخبرات والتجارب طورت عبير الاسلوب المعماري الخاص بها. مشيرة الى المعنى الحقيقي للتكنولوجيا وهو الحرفة والحياكة والصناعة، تعرف عبير العمار المبتكرة بأسلوب يدمج كلا من الحداثة والقدم، التراث والتجديد. واخيرا فهي ترى الهندسة المعمارية كتكنولوجيا اجتماعية.

إعادة تعريف النجاح

عندما نركز على المنتج النهائي، عادة ما نميل كأشخاص إلى إهمال المتعة والفائدة  من العملية أو الطريقة بحد ذاتها.ان التركيز على العملية (الطريقة)  يعزز الثقة بالنفس والوعي الذاتي كما ويتطلب  ذلك الاجتهاد والتفكير العميق بينما نستمتع بالتجربة. بذلك يمكننا الانخراط بشكل أكثرعمقا مع الحاضر، وبالتالي التعلم بشكل أسرع وتجربة الحياة على أكمل وجه.

وفقا لعبير صيقلي، لا تتمحور العمارة حول المبنى نفسه وانما الدخول الى ذلك المبنى وتجربة طبيعتة الميتافيزيقية (الغيبية) مع مرور الزمن. “المهندسين المعماريين التقليديين في الوقت الحاضر يميلون الى استخدام برامج الكمبيوتر لتصميم المباني بينما يجلسون في مكاتبهم المغلقة. وبالتالي فان ذلك يبقيهم بعيدين عن الناس والطبيعة. كمعماري حقيقي، عليك أن تتواجد فعليا في المكان الذي تصصمه لتشعر به وتتفاعل معه وتختبر تصميمك على ارض الواقع”. تتابع صيقلي: “الابداع يكون في العملية التصميمية بمراحلها وليس في النتيجة النهائية.”

التفكير من خلال التطبيق: الخيمة

عبير صيقلي وهي احد المؤمنين بهذه المنهجية حيث عملت على مدى عدة سنوات على تطوير نسيجها الانشائي الفريد من نوعه (مادة نسيجية ذات خواص معمارية وانشائية) بشكل مستمر.  وفي الوقت المناسب، قامت عبيرباستخدام هذا العمل الابداعي لسد حاجة انسانية غاية في الاهمية. ان مشاركتها في مسابقة LEXUS Design  كانت جزءا من عملية تقديم منتجها للناس ودمجه  مع الطبيعة. 

صممت مآوي الكوارث عبر العصور من مجموعة كبيرة من المواد، ولكن عبير توجهت في اختيارها للمواد التي تستخدم في حياكة المأوى  الى “الانسجة التي تمتص أشعة الشمس” كما ستزود المآوي المستوحاة من ثقافة البدو الرحل  بالطاقة الشمسية. ان استخدام النسيج الهيكلي يشير إلى عادات قديمة متمثلة في ربط الألياف المستقيمة لتكوين منتج معقد  ثلاثي الأبعاد.

View of tent structures

ان معالجة مشكلة هامة  مثل مشكلة تأمين المأوى المناسب للانسان هي بالتأكيد من المواضيع والقضايا المرتبطة بمفهومي العمارة المبتكرة والتنمية المستدامة. وفي الاردن بشكل خاص كأكبر الدول المستضيفة لللاجئين السوريين بما يزيد على 1.4 مليون لاجىء، لا يمكن اعتبار هذا الاختراع مجرد منتج متوفر بالاسواق. بل ان هذا الابتكار سيلبي ابسط الحاجات الإنسانية ويسهم في أنسنة الهندسة المعمارية او يمكن القول إضفاء الطابع الانساني عليها.  تتحدث عبير بشكل مفصل عن نسيجها واستخدامه في الاغاثة الانسانية على مدونتها ولكنها كانت اكثر شغفا بمشاركتنا  في #InspireMENA  بالهامها الاساسي وهومبدأ التفكير من خلال التطبيق. “التجربة العملية، مراقبة اداء المادة، التحليل وبشكل بطيء ستجد نفسك هناك”. وتضيف صيقلي ” يتأتى الالهام الحقيقي من خلال العمل الجاد لسنوات طويلة والاستمرارية والمثابرة في العمل”.

وصفة للإبتكار

لا يوجد وصفة موحدة للابتكار ،  توضح عبير صيقلي، لكن المهندسين والمعماريين الأردنيين بحاجة لأن يسألوا أنفسهم الأسئلة التالية: مالذي يميزني أنا؟ ما هو تعريف المحلي أو المستدام؟ ومالذي يميز الأردن من ناحية معمارية ومستدامة؟
وعندما سألناها عن دور الشركات الهندسية، شددت صيقلي على حقيقة أن أكثر المؤسسات في هذه الأيام لا توفر للشباب بيئة للتعلم والنمو. مؤكدةً على أهمية الإبتكار  قالت عبير:بدون اهتمام شخصي وتدريب سوف ينفصل المهندسون عن أنفسهم وعن المجتمع من حولهم. بغض النظر عن كل الصعوبات التتي نواجهها في بلادنا، يعتمد الإبتكار على قوة المحرك والدافع الشخصي: إذا احتجت شيئا، سوف تصنعه .”

“اعرف دورك كمعماري في دولة نامية. لقد اكتشفت دوري وأصبحت انسانة أكثر وعيا: أن أخدم المجتمع وأحسن نوعية الحياة – هذه هي أنا” – عبير صيقلي.

العمارة والتنمية المستدامة

الرابط المباشربين العمارة وأهداف التنمية المستدامة هو الهدف العالمي رقم 11؛ المدن والمجتمعات المستدامة؛ الا أنه وبنظرة أكثر تعمقا على  العمارة وكيف تؤثر وتتأثر بالعناصر الأخرى، سيقودنا ذلك إلى ما يربطها  بأغلب الأهداف العالمية السبعة عشر. ان العلاقة الفريدة بين البيئة المبنية والناس والطبيعة توفر فرصة  لتوضيح مفهوم التنمية المستدامة الحقيقية، كما تَوَضَح في ابتكار عبير.

بحلول عام  2030، سيعيش 60% من سكان العالم في المدن، مما يستوجب ايجاد طرق جديدة ومتكاملة للتفكير بالعمارة والتصميم الحضري.

ترجمة

معاذ  وحيد الزعبي درس هندسة الطاقة المتجددة من الجامعة الالمانية الاردنية، يعمل حاليا كمهندس تصميم لمحطات الطاقة الشمسية. تدرب في احدى اكبر شركات الطاقة المتجددة العالمية وهي JUWI. وعمل سابقا في غرفة صناعة الاردن على المساعدة في انشاء وحدة الطاقة والاستدامة البيئية.

يهتم بمصادر الطاقة المتجددة بشكل عام وكيفية الاستفادة منها بشكل مستدام.

أثار التغير المناخي على مصادر المياه

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النقص الحاصل في كمية المياه العذبة في الشرق الأوسط و شمال إفريقيا يمثل خطرا حقيقيا في النمو الإقتصادي , التلاصق الإجتماعي , السلام و الإستقرار السياسي . علاوة على ذلك , إستهلاك المياه العذبة في هذه الأيام لم يعد يقتصر على توافرها الحالي و المستقبلي و إنما تعتمد على إحتياجات الإستهلاكية التنافسية قطاعياً و جغرافياً .

و ما يزيد الأمر سوءا , أن هذا الوضع الرهيب بدأ بالتفاقم بسبب التغيرالمناخي السريع . التغير المناخي يؤثر على مصادر المياه من خلال تأثيره العميق على كل من كمية المياه , التوقيت  , التغير , الشكل و شدة الترسيب .

climate-change-water-scarcity

منطقة الشرق الأوسط و شمال أفريقيا تحديداً هي الأكثر عرضة لأثار التغير المناخي التخريبية و ذلك بسبب أن دول هذه المنطقة بلا شك هي من الدول التي تعاني  شدة في النقص للمياه عالمياً , حيث أن نصيب الفرد للمياه أقل من المعدل الطبيعي .

بالإضافة إلى أن دول الشرق الأوسط و شمال إفريقيا تعاني من وضع حرج بالنسبة لإنخفاض تساقط الأمطار و تفاوت شديد في هطولها مكانيا و زمانيا , غير أن لبنان هي الأفضل حالا من ناحية الهطول , و قطر هي الأسوء في تغير نسب هطولها .

كيف يؤثر التغير المناخي على مصادر المياه

درجات الحرارة المرتفعة تزيد من نسبة تبخر للمياه الموجودة في الجو , مما يؤدي إلى زيادة قدرة الجو على حمل المياه .هذا يسبب حدوث مواسم جريان مبكرة و قصيرة و زيادة في المواسم الجافة . كما أن زيادة التبخر يقلل من مستويات الرطوبة في التربة , والتي بدورها تزيد من نسبة تكرار الجفاف الحاصل في المنطقة , و زيادة أرجحية حدوث التصحر . بالإضافة إلى نقصان نسبة الرطوبة في التربة أيضا و حدوث إنخفاض في نسب الترشيح مما يؤدي إلى إنخفاض معدل التغذية في المياه الجوفية .

التغير المناخي أيضا يؤثر على مستويات البحر . إن إرتفاع مستويات سطح البحر قد يؤدي إلى إنخفاض في طبيعة و وفرة المياه في المناطق الساحلية . إرتفاع مستويات سطح البحر قد يؤثر سلبا على نوعية المياه الجوفية من خلال تسرب المياه المالحة إليها . بالإضافة إلى ذلك إرتفاع مستوى سطح البحر يؤثر على دورة المياه تحت سطح المناطق الساحلية  مما يؤدي إلى إنخفاض تدفق المياه العذبة و قلة نسبة المساحات المائية العذبة .

و من ناحية أخرى فإن إرتفاع مستويات سطح البحر يزيد من مستوى المياه في خزانات المياه الجوفية , مما قد يزيد نسبة الجريان السطحي لكن على حساب تغذية الخزانات الجوفية . إنه من المتوقع أن يرتفع مستوى سطح البحر ما يقارب 19 إلى 58 سنتيمترا في نهاية القرن الواحد و العشرين . و الذي بدوره سيؤثر على 12 دولة من أصل 19 دولة من دول الشرق الأوسط و شمال أفريقيا . إرتفاع سطح البحر على هذا النحو من المحتمل أن يكلف جمهورية مصر , حيث أنها من الدول الرئيسية التي ستتأثر بهكذا إرتفاع , 10 % من سكان دلتا نهر النيل مشمولين مع الأراضي الزراعية و الأنتاج .

هذه الأنخفاضات في مصادر المياه ستؤدي إلى عواقب اجتماعية واقتصادية مكلفة . المياه المستعملة في تصنيع الأغذية , إنتاج الطاقة , الصناعات التحويلية , الملاحة , استخدام الأراضي , و إعادة التصنيع . و بناءا على ذلك فإنه من الصعب أبقاء توازن بين جميع إحتياجات الإنسان بإستمرار حصول نقص في مصادر المياه . على سبيل المثال , إنه لمن المتوقع في حال زيادة درجات الحرارة حدوث زيادة في إحتياج المحاصيل للمياه  بحدود من 5 إلى 8 % بحلول عام 2070 , و الذي يجب أن يعوض عن طريق إستخدام المياه المستعملة في تصنيع الطاقة , و بالتالي يهدد أمكانية إنتاج الطاقة . كما أن النقص في مصادر المياه يشارك في زيادة أسعار المياه , من خلال فواتير المياه الشهرية أو خدمات توصيل المياه مرة واحدة شهريا للمنازل و الشركات .

و أخيرا , إن النقص المتزايد في مصادر المياه سيؤدي إلى لجوء الحكومات لإتباع مشاريع إقتصادية شديدة مثل محطات تحلية المياه , الأنابيب ( مشروع نقل مياه البحر الأحمر – البحر الميت ) و السدود . هذه المشاريع ليست الوحيدة الشديدة إقتصاديا بل أيضا غير مستادمة بيئا و سوف تساهم بالنهاية إلى إحتباس حراري و تغير مناخي ( انبعاثات غاز ثاني أكسيد الكربون من محطات التحلية ) .

نقاط مفتاحية سريعة

الإحترار العالمي لا ينكر , و الزيادة في إنبعاثات الغازات الدفيئة سيكون له أثر عميق مناخيا , بيئيا , و إجتماعيا بشكل عالمي , خصوصا في مجال مصادر المياه . هذا من أكبر إهتمامات دول الشرق الأوسط و شمال إفريقيا , حيث أن هناك تزايد في تسجيلات الجفاف المتكررة , كما أن توافر المياه من المتوقع أن ينقص بنسبة 30-50% بحلول عام 2050 .

و من الواجب على دول المنطقة أن تقلل من إنبعاثات غازاتها الدفيئة و تحويل مصادر طاقتها إلى الطاقة النظيفة . و ينبغي على هذه المناطق عمل جهود عاجلة و طويلة الأمد للحفاظ على الماء عن طريق تقليل  المتطلبات و الإستهلاك , من خلال تحسين البنى التحتية للمياه بهدف التقليل من التسريب , تحسين تقنيات إدارة المياه ,  و إزالة دعم المياه .

كل فرد يعتمد على شيئ موثوق, دعم نظيف للمياه العذبة للحفاظ على حياته . المياه شيء أساسي لكل جزء في الحياة من الطاقة لإنتاج الغذاء و حتى الحفاظ على النظام البيئي . الإجراءات يجب أن لا تكون فقط لإيقاف النقص , لكن أيضا لتحسين الوضع , لأنه بدون ماء , ليس هناك حياة .  

ترجمة

علا محمود المشاقبة , حاصلة على درجة البكالوريوس تخصص ” إدارة الأراضي و المياه ” من الجامعة الهاشمية – الأردن بتقدير جيد جدا , عملت تطوعيا كعضو إداري مع مجموعة ” مخضّرو الأردن  JO Greeners – الجيل الأخضر حاليا -”   منذ ثلاثة سنوات, و متطوعة أيضا مع منظمة  EcoMENA  . موهبة الكتابة شيء أساسي في حياتي و قمت بتوظيفها في  خدمة القضايا البيئية

Catastrophic Impacts of Biological Warfare on Biodiversity

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Biological weapons are considered the most dangerous of all known weapons of mass destruction. They are used to deliberately cause epidemics among humans; destroy the environmental components, including water, air, and soil; and target crops and livestock. Examples of diseases used in biological warfare include anthrax, smallpox, plague, cholera, and avian flu. In addition to the catastrophic effects of biological warfare on the biodiversity and the environment, their danger lies in their low cost and rapid spread, as well as their easy preparation, transport, and use.

dangers of biological warfare

Unlike nuclear and chemical bombs, biological bombs are without odor or color and therefore cannot be detected. Additionally, bioweapons are dangerous because of their effects on untargeted organisms in a military attack, and the clinical symptoms they create may be difficult to distinguish from normal diseases. Bioweapon pathogens remain in nature for several years and are able to survive in harsh environmental conditions.

Threat to Natural Resources

Bioweapons spread germs that contaminate air, food, water, and the environment, causing epidemiological diseases for different living organisms.

  1. Air: A wide variety of germs can contaminate air and are used in biological warfare. Fungi are the most common, and they travel by air over long distances to infect healthy plants.
  2. Food: Food contamination is also one of the most powerful methods used to carry out biological warfare attacks. Disease is transmitted either directly to humans through contaminated food or drink or indirectly by hosts.
  3. Water: Water can spread a number of lethal infectious agents as well. For example, one gram of Clostridium tetani poison is able to kill eight million people within six hours.

Threats to Biodiversity

Diseases are one of the main drivers of extinction in endangered species; therefore, disease control is fundamental to preserve biodiversity. Despite the presence of vaccines and drugs for most bioweapons, they may not be available in adequate quantities to cope with an epidemiological disease outbreak.

Biological attacks pose a threat to naturally rare wild plants and animals and to species whose natural habitats have been degraded by human activities. Furthermore, diseases that humans, domestic animals, and domestic plants have been able to develop immunity to can be fatal in wild animals and plants. Bioweapons are not only having direct effects on the genetic biodiversity of indigenous species but also are having direct and indirect catastrophic effects on vital plant and animal communities.

Threats to Animal Biodiversity

Conservation of livestock breeds is essential to maintaining genetic diversity, which in turn is vital to increasing the ability of living organisms to adapt to environmental changes. The danger of bioweapons regarding animal biodiversity is summarized in three main points:

1. The direct impact of diseases on wild species

Some deadly diseases in humans or domestic animals can infect wild animals. For instance, an epidemic destructive impact on endangered species is reflected in the effects of Canine distemper, a natural viral disease that infects wild dogs and wild animals belonging to the same group. Canine distemper was also developed in bioweapon laboratories.

Over the past decade, the spread of this disease has resulted in habitat loss and in the extinction of a large number of wild species in North America. Additionally, it led to the elimination of about one-third of the lion population in Tanzania and had serious impacts on the endangered leopard population.

2. Invasive species

The history of rinderpest in Africa provides a model for predicting the potential effects of lethal diseases on wild species and livestock. In 1887, European colonial armies introduced the rinderpest virus to Africa through imported cattle, which led to a rinderpest outbreak among domestic cattle breeds and wild species, killing an estimated 90–95% of African cattle and buffaloes within three years.

To control the epidemic, African herds and buffaloes have been destroyed in most parts of Africa. Despite efforts to combat rinderpest over the past century, the disease is still strong, and its outbreak in the region occurs frequently.

3. Elimination of animal species, hosts, and vectors

Threatened species may be destroyed in areas that have been subjected to biological attacks with the aim of eradicating the disease. For example, in the United States, programs to control brucellosis in livestock have resulted in killing large numbers of wild animals, including the Bison and the white tailed deer.

biological warfare

Threats to Plant Biodiversity

Microbes can be used in crop destruction. For instance, “Rice blast” is a disease affecting rice and therefore leads to crop destruction and genetic changes in the plant.

Conclusion

The discussion about controlling destructive bioweapons is growing, as they pose a vast danger to both humanity and the environment alike. Any failure to prevent biological attacks can lead to the deterioration of genetic diversity in animals and plants, the extinction of endangered species, and the destruction of human livelihoods and traditional cultures.

Biotechnology has increased the economical value of genetic diversity of living organisms; hence, it has increased the risk of eliminating genetic diversity through the use of GMO bioweapons. Most of all, the environment will be the silent victim of this war.

It is not easy to put an end to the biological arms race, so global efforts must be consolidated to combat these threats. Countries must strengthen their ability to detect early attacks. Biologists and economists need to communicate with decision makers to convince them of the importance of developing defense systems to face bioweapons and limit their environmental and socio-economical effects. Certainly, it is necessary to raise awareness regarding the dangers of biological warfare.

Interdisciplinary and international efforts are required to increase the surveillance, monitoring, and identification of pathogens and to better understand the dynamics of disease transmission within human, plant, and animal populations. This will greatly enhance our ability to combat the effects of bioweapons and emerging diseases on biodiversity.

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  • Hobbs, G. and T. Cross (1983). Identification of endospore-Forming bacteria. In Hurst and Gold (Eds.) , The bacterial spore, Vol. 11, Academic press, London, pp. 49-78.
  • Norris , J , R , R , C , W , Berkley ; N . A . Logan and A.G. Donnell ( 1983 ) . The genera Bacillus and Sporolactobacillus . in Starr, Stolp , trüper , Balows and Schlegel ( Eds . ) , the procaryotes . A Handbook on habitates, Isolation and Identification of Bacteria. Springer – Verlag , Berlin , PP . 1711 – 1742.

Innovative Eco-Friendly Meal Solutions Inspired by Global Cuisines

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Imagine savoring dishes from around the globe while making choices that benefit both your health and the planet. From vibrant Mediterranean mezze platters to hearty Moroccan tagines, global cuisines offer an array of delicious, eco-friendly meal solutions.

These diverse recipes not only tantalize your taste buds but also embrace sustainable practices like using locally sourced ingredients and reducing food waste. Dive into these ten innovative meal ideas inspired by international flavors that prove you can enjoy mouth-watering meals while maintaining a commitment to environmental stewardship.

international environment friendly cuisines

10 Eco-Friendly Meal Solutions Inspired by Global Cuisines

1. Japanese Bento Boxes

Japanese bento boxes are an excellent way to enjoy a balanced, eco-friendly meal on the go. These compact lunch boxes feature compartments that neatly organize various small portions of food. Typically, you’ll find a mix of rice, vegetables, pickled items, and lean proteins like tofu.

The emphasis is on fresh, seasonal ingredients which support local farming and reduce food waste. Besides promoting portion control and variety in your diet, bento boxes also minimize the need for disposable packaging by using reusable containers. This traditional Japanese dining practice combines health-conscious eating with environmental mindfulness seamlessly.

2. Mediterranean Mezze Platters

Mediterranean mezze platters showcase a vibrant array of small dishes that are perfect for sharing and snacking. These platters often include fresh, colorful vegetables, olives, whole grains like bulgur or quinoa, and protein-rich dips such as hummus or baba ghanoush. They emphasize fresh, local ingredients that reduce the carbon footprint associated with transport.

By focusing on plant-based components and healthy fats from sources like olive oil, mezze platters promote both health and sustainability. Meal kits from Green Chef offer a Mediterranean diet meal plan that perfectly captures these principles while making preparation easy.

3. Mexican Veggie Tacos

Mexican veggie tacos provide a delicious and eco-friendly twist on a classic favorite. By opting for plant-based fillings, such as black beans, grilled peppers, or roasted sweet potatoes, you significantly reduce meat consumption while still enjoying rich flavors.

Corn tortillas filled with fresh ingredients like avocado, pico de gallo, and cilantro not only burst with taste but also promote sustainable eating practices. Using locally sourced produce further decreases the environmental impact by cutting down on transportation emissions.

4. Indian Thali Plates

Indian thali plates offer a delightful and sustainable dining experience by presenting a variety of small dishes on a single platter. Commonly, a thali includes lentil-based dal, sautéed or curried vegetables, yogurt, pickles, rice, and freshly made roti. The focus is on using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, which enhances flavor and reduces the meal’s carbon footprint.

This method of serving ensures balanced nutrition through diverse textures and tastes within one sitting. With minimal food waste due to portion-controlled servings, thali plates embody both the richness of Indian cuisine and eco-friendly eating habits.

5. Middle Eastern Falafel Wraps

Middle Eastern falafel wraps offer a tasty and sustainable alternative to meat-based dishes. Made from ground chickpeas or fava beans mixed with herbs and spices, falafel is high in protein and fiber, making it both nutritious and filling.

green cuisines

These wraps often include fresh, locally sourced vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce, topped with tangy tahini or yogurt sauce. Using pita bread or flatbreads also reduces reliance on plastic packaging. By focusing on plant-based ingredients that can be grown locally, falafel wraps support sustainable agricultural practices while delivering a burst of flavor.

6. Italian Pasta Primavera

Italian Pasta Primavera is a celebration of fresh, seasonal vegetables tossed with pasta in a light, flavorful sauce. This dish typically features ingredients like zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. Using local produce enhances the taste and supports regional farmers while reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transport.

A simple olive oil or garlic-based sauce keeps it light and lets the natural flavors of the vegetables shine through. By incorporating vibrant veggies into a classic pasta dish, Pasta Primavera combines traditional Italian cuisine with sustainable and healthy eating practices.

7. Thai Coconut Curries

Thai coconut curries are a flavorful and eco-friendly meal option that incorporates a rich blend of spices, fresh herbs, and coconut milk. These curries typically feature vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, and snap peas or proteins such as tofu, all simmered in a fragrant sauce.

Using locally sourced ingredients enhances the dish’s freshness while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and lemongrass add layers of flavor and can be grown in home gardens to reduce the environmental impact further.

8. Korean Bibimbap Bowls

Korean Bibimbap bowls are a vibrant and nutritious way to enjoy a variety of flavors in one meal. This dish features a base of steamed rice topped with an assortment of seasoned vegetables like spinach, carrots, bean sprouts, and zucchini.

It often includes protein options such as tofu or a fried egg, all brought together with gochujang (a spicy red pepper paste). The focus on using fresh, local ingredients makes it eco-friendly, while the colorful presentation ensures a visually appealing meal.

9. Moroccan Tagine

Moroccan Tagine is a slow-cooked stew that combines spices, vegetables, and often legumes or tofu for a plant-based twist. Named after the earthenware pot in which it’s cooked, tagine emphasizes low-energy cooking methods and retains maximum flavor with minimal waste.

Ingredients like chickpeas, tomatoes, carrots, and onions meld together with spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Using seasonal vegetables further minimizes the environmental impact while enhancing the dish’s depth of flavor. With its rich taste and sustainable preparation method, Moroccan Tagine offers a delectable way to enjoy responsible global cuisine.

10. Peaceful Peruvian Quinoa Salads

Peaceful Peruvian quinoa salads celebrate the superfood treasures of the Andes. Quinoa, a nutrient-rich grain, serves as the star ingredient, providing protein, fiber, and essential amino acids. Mixed with colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, tomatoes, and avocados, these salads are both nutritious and visually appealing.

Fresh herbs like cilantro and a zesty lime dressing add vibrant flavors while staying true to traditional Peruvian cuisine. The emphasis on local produce and plant-based components makes this dish eco-friendly and health-conscious.

sustainability benefits of low-calorie meal planning

Try These Eco-Friendly Meals Today

Embarking on this journey of eco-friendly, globally inspired meals is not just a treat for your palate – it’s a meaningful step toward a healthier planet. By embracing these diverse recipes, you can make a positive impact through mindful ingredient choices and sustainable cooking.

Start experimenting in your kitchen today; each meal is an opportunity to support local farmers, reduce waste, and enjoy culinary traditions from around the world. Get creative with flavors and ingredients, and take pride in knowing that your dining choices contribute to a greener future.

Top Trends in Environmental Sustainability to Watchout For

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Environmental sustainability occupies an increasingly important position on the corporate agenda around the world. The major ingredients of environmental sustainability are elimination of waste and emissions, maximizing energy efficiency and productivity and minimizing practices that may adversely affect utilization of natural resources by coming generations. More and more companies are realizing the importance of environmental initiatives in business development and brand promotion.

Decrease in energy and raw material usage combined with reduced emissions and waste generation can tackle a host of environmental challenges facing the world. Leading IT companies, like Microsoft, Adobe, Apple and Google, are investing in renewable sources of energy that can generate power directly on-site. Clean manufacturing practices and energy-efficient design of equipment are also hallmarks of environmental sustainability. Water conservation is one of the most important environmental issues of this century and growing number of companies are using it to educate and change consumer behavior.

sustainability-communication

Let us take a close look at some of the major developments in the arena of environmental sustainability.

1. Eco-Friendly Packaging

Packaging is an important concern for consumers, particularly those who are interested in converting to eco-friendly buying behaviors. Packaging plays a great role in environmental sustainability by protecting  products, preventing waste and enabling efficient business conduct.  Reduction in the amount of packaging and use of eco-friendly food packaging for  use as food wrapping paper or protection of goods is an attractive  opportunity to promote environmental sustainability.

sustainable-packaging

Sustainable packaging is a relatively new addition to the environmental considerations for CSR. Companies using environment-friendly packaging materials are reducing their carbon footprint, using more recycled materials and minimizing waste generation. Companies that highlight their environmental initiatives to consumers can increase sales as well as boost product reputation.

For example, Cisco outsources all of its manufacturing and has over 600 suppliers. To avoid any problems, Cisco’s packaging team undertakes a painstaking process to create more effective and environmentally friendly packaging. In 2012, the company eliminated 757,000 pounds of paper and plastic waste for one product line alone. For its total shipments during 2012, Cisco reduced its use of cardboard, plastic and paper by as much as 466 metric tons.

2. Clean Energy

Deployment of renewable energy systems can make a big impact on CSR activities of companies as clean energy is one of the best methods to mitigate climate changes. Decentralized power generation using renewable resources is rapidly gaining popularity among world’s top companies.

Most of the world’s largest companies, like Microsoft, Apple and Google, are adopting renewable energy as it makes good business sense to lower emissions, diversify energy supply, mitigate fuel cost and above all portray a green image. Many companies in the Western world are resorting to use of biogas, biodiesel, bioethanol and hydrogen to power vehicle fleets.

solar energy systems

World’s leading IT companies are rushing to develop renewable energy projects to power their giant data centres, Google has entered a 10-year deal with utility company Grand River Dam Authority to supply 48 MW of wind power to its Oklahoma data center. Apple’s data center in Maiden (North Carolina), which draws staggering 20MW power, will run entirely on solar energy and biogas.

Likewise, to meet tremendous energy needs, Adobe has invested in alternative energy sources that can generate power directly on-site, such as small wind turbines and fuel cells at its California facilities. Microsoft has also unveiled plans to utilize biogas generated from wastewater treatment facilities to power its research center at Wyoming.

3. Environmental Reporting

Environmental reporting, voluntary as well as mandatory, is also getting prominence in the context of corporate social responsibility. Environmental information like greenhouse gas emissions, waste generation, energy consumption, use of transport can improve the transparency of industrial activities, thereby, providing a powerful tool to fight environmental degradation. Business can save significant costs in areas like use of raw materials and supplies, reduction in waste, water, energy use, transport, travel and packaging.

There are several countries in which the private sector is required to report greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption to the government. Australia’s National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act requires corporations to report information on their greenhouse gas emissions, energy production and energy consumption to the Greenhouse and Energy Data Officer.

United Kingdom’s Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme forces all organizations and companies having electricity demand greater than 6,000 MWh per year to participate in the mandatory scheme, which applies to more than 5,000 entities until now. The Perform, Achieve and Trade scheme in India has established consumption targets for energy-intensive industries as well as the cap-and-trade structure.

Conclusions

Pollution prevention, energy efficiency, eco-friendly design, and industrial ecology are emerging as top priorities for companies across all industrial sectors. Reduction in the amount of packaging and use of eco-friendly packaging material provide an attractive opportunity to promote environmental sustainability.

Water, waste, packaging, energy and transport are being integrated into mainstream operations to facilitate sustainability. Use of clean energy is also an attractive proposition to reduce carbon footprint and project a ‘green’ image of a particular company.

How to Install Solar Panels For Your Home: A Beginner’s Guide

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Have you ever thought about powering your home with the sun? Solar panels are more popular than ever, and they’re not just for eco-enthusiasts. If you’re ready to lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint, installing solar panels might be the perfect solution.

In this beginner’s guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know, from understanding the basics to making installation a breeze. Read on to embrace a more sustainable home!

home solar panel installation

Understand the Basics of Solar Energy

Solar energy works by capturing sunlight and converting it into electricity through Photovoltaic (PV) cells. These cells are embedded in solar panels, which absorb sunlight and generate Direct Current (DC) electricity. However, homes run on Alternating Current (AC), so an inverter is used to convert the DC power into AC, making it usable for your home’s electrical systems.

The amount of energy your panels produce will depend on how much sunlight they receive. Luckily, even if you live in a place with occasional cloudy weather, solar panels can still capture indirect sunlight and produce power.

What about the solar installation costs? Home solar costs can vary depending on factors like the size of the system and local incentives. While the initial investment may seem high, solar panels often pay for themselves over time through energy savings and available rebates.

Regardless of the solar cost, it’s essential to ensure that your solar setup aligns with your energy needs. The correct placement, angle, and type of panels will help you maximize efficiency.

Assess Your Home’s Solar Potential

Before you install solar panels, you’ll need to determine whether your home is suitable for them, as not every roof is perfect for solar power.

Here are some things to consider:

1. Roof Condition

Your roof should be in good shape for proper home solar panel installation. If it needs repairs, it’s best to handle them before installation. Why? Solar panels last for 20-25 years, so the roof needs to be able to support them for that time.

how to maintain your solar panel

2. Sun Exposure

Solar panels need direct sunlight to be effective, so check how much sunlight your roof gets throughout the day. South-facing roofs receive the most sun, but east- or west-facing roofs can also work well.

3. Shading

Tall trees or nearby buildings can cast shadows on your roof, reducing the effectiveness of the panels. Consider trimming trees or adjusting the location of your panels to maximize exposure to sunlight.

4. Roof Space

Make sure you have enough roof space for the number of panels you need. Larger homes typically require more panels to meet their energy needs.

Solar power offers a bright future for homeowners looking to reduce their energy costs and environmental impact. Assess your home to ensure it’s in good condition and receives ample sunlight to make the most of your solar power system.

Calculate Your Energy Needs

Calculating how many solar panels you’ll need starts with understanding your home’s energy consumption. To do this, review your electricity bills and check how much energy you use each month, typically measured in Kilowatt-hours (kWh).

For example, if your household uses around 900 kWh per month, you’ll need enough panels to meet that demand. Having this information will give you a good starting point for estimating your solar energy needs.

Next, consider how much sunlight you receive. Different regions get varying amounts of sun, which will affect how much electricity your panels can generate. Factoring in your location’s sunlight levels will help you better understand how many panels you need to produce sufficient electricity.

You can use online solar calculators to simplify this process. However, for more precise numbers, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional solar installer who can assess your specific needs and recommend the right system for your home.

weatherization strategies for solar panels

Research Different Solar Systems

There are different types of solar panel systems, and choosing the right one is crucial for maximizing your energy savings. Here are some of the most common options:

1. Grid-Tied Solar System

Grid-tied systems are the most common type of solar setup. It connects to your local utility grid, which allows you to use solar power during the day and switch to grid power when the sun isn’t shining. With this system, you can often sell any excess electricity your panels produce back to the grid, reducing your electric bill further.

2. Off-Grid Solar System

Off-grid systems are entirely independent of the utility grid. They’re a great option if you live in a remote area, but they require battery storage to store the energy produced during the day for use at night. Because of the need for additional equipment, such as batteries, off-grid home solar systems are typically more expensive.

3. Hybrid Solar System

A hybrid system combines the best of both worlds. It stays connected to the power grid and includes battery storage. This way, you can store energy for later use but still have the grid as a backup.

Each solar energy system type has its own set of pros and cons. When making your decision, carefully weigh your specific needs, budget constraints, and location factors to determine which system will serve you best.

Install the Solar Panels and Test the System

Once you choose the system you want for your home, it’s time to install your panels. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to go about it:

Step 1: Mount the Panels

Start by installing the mounting system on your roof. This involves drilling holes into the rafters to secure the brackets that hold the panels in place. Make sure you align these brackets correctly to keep the panels stable during bad weather.

Step 2: Install the Panels

After securing the mounts, place the home solar panels onto the brackets and fasten them with bolts. Double-check that you installed the panels at an angle to capture the maximum amount of sunlight.

Step 3: Wire the System

With the panels installed, the next step is to wire the system. Connect the panels with the wiring, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, run the electrical wiring down to the inverter. You should install the inverter close to your main electrical panel for easy access.

Step 4: Connect to the Grid

If you’re installing a grid-tied system, the final step is to connect the solar inverter to your electrical panel. This step is crucial and may require a professional electrician to integrate the solar panel system safely with your home’s power grid. You’ll also need to coordinate with your local utility company to get permission to connect the system.

Step 4: Test the System

Once you install and connect everything, it’s time to test your system. Turn it on and monitor how the panels are performing. Check to see if the solar power inverter is converting the power correctly and if your home is receiving electricity from the system. The good thing? Many inverters have monitoring systems that allow you to track the energy production and efficiency of your panels.

Installing solar panels is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail at every step. With proper installation and thorough testing, you install a reliable system that’ll power your home for years.

Maintain Your Solar Panels

Solar panels are generally low-maintenance, but regular checks are essential to keep them performing efficiently. One critical task is keeping the panels clean. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate on the surface, reducing their ability to absorb sunlight. To avoid this, gently clean them with water and a soft brush every few months or after a storm.

solar panel maintenance

In addition to cleaning, it’s crucial to monitor your system’s performance. Most solar inverters come with a monitoring system that shows how much energy your panels are producing. A noticeable drop in energy output could signal an issue that needs addressing. Staying on top of this ensures your home solar system is operating as it should.

Finally, schedule a professional annual inspection. These solar contractors can assess the overall condition of the system, checking for loose solar panel wiring or any other potential problems. Regular inspections help catch minor issues before they become costly repairs, ensuring your home solar panels last as long as possible.

Conclusion

Installing residential solar power is an investment that benefits your wallet and the environment. With proper preparation and understanding of your home’s needs, you can make the installation process smooth and effective. Remember, with proper installation and maintenance, your solar panels can provide you with clean energy for years to come. So, start planning today, and soon, you’ll enjoy the benefits of solar power in your home.