Bioremediation: Fighting Pollution with Bacterial Assistance

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Bioremediation is an engineering process which uses microorganisms to degrade a material. It can be used to treat contaminated media such as water, air and soil, by altering the environmental conditions to stimulate growth of microorganisms and degrade the target pollutant and enhance the quality of the media. In this age of rapid industrialization and depleting natural resources, there is an alarming need for a much effective sustainable development model and new ways to decontaminate and re-energize our surrounding land, water and air. Bioremediation provides an efficient and environment-friendly treatment compared to various other remediation technologies involving chemicals and radiation.

A popular application of bioremediation is in oil spill clean-up. Since oil spills can have grave repercussions to the aquatic eco-system, oil eating microbes are introduced into the affected regions or the conditions are altered to conduct the growth of such microbes. Another popular and widely used bioremediation application is the treatment of contaminated soils and land.

Bioremediation in Agricultural Sector

The recent statistics suggest that there has been significant decrease in the use of these harmful chemicals in the developed countries like China, but the usage rates are still the same in the developing ones. These developing countries are among the top importers of fertilizers and pesticides. The use of such fertilizers and pesticides may ensure a short term benefit, but in the long term it is suicidal for the human health and natural ecosystems.

Extensive use of chemicals shoots up the amount of nitrates, sulphates, phosphates in the soil, depleting the nutrients required for plantation and affecting the water holding capacity of the soil. Moreover these mixed with rainwater can turn the soil acidic which might then infiltrate into both ground and surface water affecting the people and animals around. Apart from the chemical related issues, the percentage of uncultivated and unused lands is staggeringly high in many countries and the deforestation rates in many quickly urbanizing countries are alarming. Thus there is a desperate need of convert these unused lands to high cultivating ones , rejuvenate damaged soils and treat various industrial wastes, emissions , as Bob Brown, a respected political figure and environmentalist once said “The future will either be green or not at all “.

Wide Array of Processes

Bioremediation processes ranges from simple home remedies to highly engineered complex ones. Bioremediation helps in converting the harmful hydrocarbons, sulphates, nitrates etc into much simpler, useful and easily degradable elements like sulphur, nitrogen etc that can be used as fertilizer and can be easily degraded too. Bacteria and Fungi are the two main microorganism classes that assist in such processes. The use of bioremediation techniques for decontaminating ground water resources has found to be cost-effective, saving millions of dollars.

The most popular and cheapest home bioremediation method is the use of compost. Rich in nutrients, the compost is very beneficial for land in many ways. It can act as a soil conditioner, a natural pesticide and helps in reducing soil erosion. The composting process also provides a favorable condition for the growth of essential bacteria, fungi and protozoa that further enhances its uses. Nowadays many governments are promoting the use of compost by helping to set up compost plant in houses at subsidized prices. In general, use of organic fertilizers and pesticides help in maintaining the health of the soil and the yield from it.

Another common practice is crop rotation using legume plants like peas, beans etc. Crop rotation is a practice of growing different classes of crops in same area as per the respective seasons. The legumes roots contain bacteria called Rhizobia that fix the atmospheric nitrogen and converts it into ammonia, improving the health of the soil.

The more advanced form of bioremediation includes In-situ and Ex-situ bioremediation. In-Situ, the cheapest and more efficient among the two, involves collection of soil samples, studying its characteristics and pollutants, and then applying the appropriate bioremediation technique to the land. Ex-situ deals with extreme contaminations like an oil/chemical spill, for which the contaminated part of the land is physically removed and treated in bio-reactors and also with some of the home techniques mentioned before like composting. Various bacteria (like E.coli) have been found to be effective against heavy metal pollutants like cadmium, lead etc that have adverse effects on the growth of plants. There are many Biosensor bacteria that help detecting the presence of such heavy metals. Microorganisms and even plants are also genetically modified to remove harmful pollutants.

Relevance for the Middle East

In the Middle-East countries, where the petroleum industries are the backbone of their economy, there are large numbers of on-site oil rigs and oil storage tanks, emissions of by-product gases, mismanaged waste disposal, increased chances of oil spills and unfortunate fire accidents leaving the surrounded soil with high quantity of hydrocarbon pollutants. Even the lack of natural vegetation and plantations leave the cities unguarded against the sandstorms, periodic droughts and temperature rise.

There are reports claiming that the Middle East countries will be uninhabitable after the next 50 years due to these reasons. Mainly these hydrocarbon polluted soils are washed with conventional reaction agents and bleaches. It helps to get rid of the pollutants but does nothing to enhance the quality of the soil and make it healthy enough for plantation uses.

Bioremediation is a popular method to treat oil spills in seas and on beaches.

Use of bioremediation techniques not only remove the pollutant but improve the overall nutrition of the soil and with continuous effort the soil could be healthy enough for other productive activities. The bacteria used for these purpose beaks the hydrocarbon and then degrade the same. Growth of fungi also accelerates the oil degradation rates as they can grow in low pH /nutrient environments and work alongside bacteria to degrade twice as much.

Second alternative involves growing certain classes of plants that tolerate oil and whose roots are associated with oil degrading microorganisms. This would work well in moderate and weakly contaminated areas, but heavily contaminated areas would first have to be mixed with clean sand to dilute the oil to tolerable levels for plants.

Future Outlook

Contrary to what some people in the industry believe, bioremediation really does work to remove different pollutants for soils, water bodies as well as atmosphere. But the success of bioremediation depends on more people- environmentalists, researchers and government representatives – working towards this cause and spreading awareness and educating other about it. The scope of bioremediation is endless. More aggressive researches need to be done for treating radioactive contaminants and genetically developing defense mechanisms against newly emerging threats to the natural resources. As research and development of bioremediation continues, many governments are easing their regulations on the use of such technologies.

It is expected that more and more matches between microbes and the pollutants they can remove will be made in the near future. Eventually a standard method of directly comparing bioremediation techniques will be developed. For now, the industry is left with the task of choosing between the degree of biodegradation and cost effectiveness of the method.

Strategizing Water Security in the GCC to Meet the Needs of a Growing Population

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Water security has become an increasingly hot topic in the GCC as regional governments struggle to meet the water needs of a rapidly increasing population. If population and development levels maintain their fast-paced upward trajectory, so too will the demand for water, food, and energy increase at the same rate. The Gulf region as a whole remains geographically handicapped in the sense no major rivers flow through it, and it possesses few renewable aquifer endowments. Therefore, there is an urgent need for these states to manage their scarce water resources efficiently.

aquifer-mena

Currently, the states rely heavily on groundwater sources, followed by desalination, as the primary means of obtaining potable water. However, as groundwater depletion continues and technological advancements in desalination maintain a relatively slow pace, these countries will have to take drastic steps to improve their water security.

Areas for Improvement

Unplanned rapid urbanization is a huge water usage culprit, as it requires large amounts of water, placing undue stress on resources. For many Gulf nations, unprecedented development and urbanization has occurred during the past few decades, leaving no time for aquifers to replenish themselves. This poses challenges to satisfying water needs for domestic, agriculture and industrial sectors. Given that much of the region is made up of desert, a plausible solution is to increase the number of drought-resistant crops grown that require only minimal amounts of water to produce. As such, investing in GMO technology to design crops better adapted to the desert climate should be a top regional priority.

In addition, the states can improve upon existing agriculture policies so as to more effectively allocate water supplies and promote laws expanding the use of modernized irrigation systems while reducing the area of crops high in water consumption. Strides have also been made in the direction of promoting the farming of crops tolerant of brackish water as a form of irrigation.

Another related area of untapped potential is that of increasing the use of recycled water, which currently only makes up around 2% of the region’s water consumption. This reused water is taken from either agricultural or industrial sources, and treated to a different degree depending upon its intended usage. To reach potable levels, it must be treated to a high degree, but lesser levels of treatment are needed for other purposes, such as landscape irrigation or toilet flushing.

drip-irrigation-gcc

Unfortunately, there remains a low demand for recycled wastewater in the region, as potential consumers perceive a high difference in quality between conventional and recycled water. Proposed attempts to counter this include the implementation of a targeted reuse plan, through which wastewater effluents would be combined with conventional water, and a differentiated water-delivery policy will be adopted.

Virtual Water

Agricultural sector is responsible for around 70% of water consumption in the GCC, following a trend to increase food security, as GCC nations realize they would economically benefit from cultivating their own crops, as opposed to importing. However, this is not necessarily the case, as states could benefit greatly from ‘virtual water’ trade.

Virtual water refers to the hidden embedded cost, in terms of water volume, used to produce a product. By importing water-intensive products while exporting products that are not as water-intensive, GCC countries can then ‘save’ this water for other uses. For Oman in 1998, the country’s virtual water imports accounted for triple the total annual replenishment of the country’s water resources. The case of Oman proves the potential of virtual water trade in helping the Gulf countries protect their water resources.

Steps Forward

Several GCC states have taken steps to implement new and innovative educational campaigns educating their populations on water conservation, in attempts to limit consumption. The UAE in particular, being the most water distressed country in the region, has designed and implemented several campaigns. One of these is ‘Peak Load,’ which attempts to limit the amount of unnecessary water and energy appliances during ‘peak-load’ hours, 12-6pm over the summer.

Qatar has also made achieving sustainable development goals a national priority as part of the Qatar National Vision 2030. Such initiatives as these are important since states will likely need to use both bottom-up and top-down approaches to adequately deal with water scarcity issues, and cooperation from the public is vital.

Traditionally, water security in the GCC has been directly tied to fossil fuel exports. A sizable portion of revenue collected through these exports goes towards improving water sustainability measures and investing in technologies to help them do so. However, as oil resources continue to be depleted, the states grow increasingly vulnerable in terms of energy, water, and food security. By focusing on disentangling water security from fossil fuel exports, the region will be better equipped to address water scarcity as a stand-alone issue.

دور الشركات الناشئة في التعافي المستدام في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا

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أوشكت العديد من الشركات على الانهيار بسبب جائحة كورونا. في عالم ريادة الأعمال، تجد العديد من الشركات الناشئة والتي لا تمتلك شبكة أمان اجتماعي نفسها فجأة معتمدة كليًا على مدخراتها. وحيث يركز العالم الآن على مرحلة التعافي من آثار الجائحة، يدرك أصحاب الأعمال أهمية بناء نماذج عمل وهياكل أكثر مرونة ومنعة لمواجهة أزمات مشابهة ولتجنب أي صدمات اقتصادية.

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التكيف مع الواقع الجديد

تسعى الشركات الناشئة الخضراء إلى تطوير حلول مبتكرة تهدف إلى استغلال النفايات أو إعادة استخدامها، وتقليل تكاليف التصنيع، وتخفيف الضغط على نظامنا البيئي الطبيعي وموارده. علمتنا جائحة كورونا كذلك أهمية الاستعانة بسلاسل الامداد المحلية أينما كان ذلك ممكنًا، مما أدى إلى خلق فرص عمل جديدة وقلل من البصمة الكربونية الناتجة عن وسائل النقل.

  1. كريم – وفرت شركة كريم ٥٠٠٠ وظيفة في عام ٢٠١٨. وخلال الفترة التي كان هناك توقعات لرفع الحظر عن قيادة الإناث للسيارات، دربت شركة كريم سائقات في المملكة العربية السعودية.
  2. مزارع برديا – تستخدم مزارع برديا تقنية الزراعة المائية والتي تستخدم كمية مياه أقل بنسبة تصل إلى ٨٠٪ من طرق الزراعة التقليدية.
  3. شركة (Seramic Energy) – تقوم الشركة بتطوير مشاريع قائمة على عملية المعالجة الحرارية والتي تعتبر مهمة لإدارة نفايات الصناعات الثقيلة.
  4. شمسينا – تصمم الشركة وتصنع تقنيات خلايا شمسية بأسعار معقولة.

وفقًا للآنسة ألين بوسمان من منظمة سيواس، اضطرت الشركات الناشئة البيئة في مجال المياه والصرف الصحي والنفايات والزراعة أن توقف عملها أو أن تتكيف مع الجائحة وتبعاتها. اختار معظم هذه الشركات التكيف من خلال تنويع نماذج أعمالها أو توجيه منتجاتها لمساعدة المجتمعات الأكثر تأثرا.

لا تتمتع الشركات الكبرى بالمرونة وسرعة الحركة التي تتمتع بها الشركات الناشئة. لذا، يجب على الشركات الناشئة التي تعد محركات للنمو المبتكر إعطاء الأولوية للجوانب التالية:

  1. الخروج من مرحلة إدارة الأزمة إلى التعافي والمنعة
  2. تضمين مبادرات ترتكز على البيئة والمجتمع والحوكمة الرشيدة من أجل تطوير حلول طويلة الأمد وبناء القدرات
  3. التركيز على الحلول الموجهة بالمجتمعات المحلية
  4. تبني أهداف ذات أثر مجتمعي لا تقتصر على الربحية او قابلية التوسع
  5. الاستغلال الأمثل للموارد الموجودة لاستكشاف قيم جديدة
  6. التوجه نحو الاقتصاد الدائري الصديق للبيئة
  7. ضمان خلق فرص عمل
  8. الاعتماد على القيادة الواعية مجتمعيا
  9. الاستفادة من الاستراتيجيات التسويقية الرائدة لتقليل تكلفة الترويج للخدمات او المنتجات

نوافذ الدعم الخارجي

تقدم المنظمات العالمية والإقليمية الدعم المالي وخدمات الاحتضان والتسريع للشركات الناشئة الواعدة إدراكًا منها للإمكانات الهائلة التي يمتلكها رياديو الأعمال في حل المشكلات المتعلقة بالوصول إلى الموارد.

تعهد مجلس الأعمال الإقليمي التابع للمنتدى الاقتصادي العالمي بتخصيص ١٠٪ من ميزانيته السنوية للشركات الصغيرة والمتوسطة والشركات الناشئة وريادي الأعمال.

يساعد برنامج مسرعة (C3) للأثر المجتمعي في تمويل الشركات الناشئة التي تساهم بشكل كبير في تحقيق الأهداف العالمية التنمية المستدامة ولديها مسار واضح لتحقيق الربح. في العام ٢٠٢٠، وصل للمسرعة أكثر من ٦٠٠ طلب دعك من منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا.

تساعد سيواس، الحاضنة العالمية الأولى من نوعها في مجال المياه والصرف الصحي والتي تتميز ببرنامج التدريب على الابتكار في مجال الأعمال البيئية، في إعادة التركيز على إدارة الموارد.  لسيواس – الشرق الأوسط أهمية عظيمة في ضوء النقص الحاد في الموارد المائية الذي تعاني منه المنطقة والحاجة الكبيرة لإدارة الموارد المائية والصرف الصحي.

العقبات أمام الشركات الناشئة

أظهر تقرير صادر عن ستارتاب جينوم (Startup Genome) أن هناك انخفاضًا في رأس المال الاستثماري العالمي بنسبة ٢٠ ٪ على الأقل منذ شهر كانون الثاني ٢٠١٩، وهو تاريخ بداية جائحة فيروس كورونا. العقبات الرئيسية التي تواجه الشركات الناشئة اليوم هي:

  1. التمويل البذري
  2. التعامل مع البيروقراطية الحكومية
  3. التدفق النقدي
  4. دعم الحكومة والقطاع الخاص
  5. التخفيض من القوة العاملة

لم يعد بإمكان الشركات الناشئة الاعتماد فقط على الأموال الناتجة من الوعي العام أو على الدعم المقدم من الحكومة والقطاع الخاص، فاليوم يعتمد أصحاب هذه الشركات على أنفسهم في تطوير وسائل بديلة لتوليد الدخل وللمساهمة في إيجاد فرص العمل الجديدة. تتركز معظم البؤر الساخنة في الابتكار وريادة الأعمال ضمن المناطق الحضرية في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا. لذا، لابد من جعل عملية الابتكار المجتمعي أكثر ديموقراطية بحيث يدعم وينطلق من القواعد الشعبية المجتمعية.

ترجمة

درست رويدة الهندسة المعمارية وبيئة البُنيان في الأردن، ثم إدارة التقنيات والموارد مع التركيزٍ على إدارة المناطق الحضرية والإقليمية في ألمانيا. ساهمت رويدة خلال سنين عملها ودراستها في مبادرات ومشاريع مختلفة حول التصميم البيئي؛ الأمر الذي ساعدها على بناء شخصيةٍ داعيةٍ لقضايا البيئة. تتطلّع رويدة للمساهمة في ترويج الابتكار في قطاعي المياه والبيئة في الأردن وفلسطين والمنطقة. رويدة مديرة مشروع بمنظمة سيواس. إلى جانب هذا العمل؛ تدرس رويدة الدكتوراة في ألمانيا في مواضيع المرونة الحضرية ومخيمات اللاجئين.

Note: The English version of the article was published by egomonk on egomonk insights. The curator and host of this series is Ruba Al Zu’bi

Mercury Spill Control

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Mercury finds widespread use in medical devices, industrial instruments, lighting etc. The most common applications are in high-pressure sodium lamps and fluorescent bulbs, thermostats, spent batteries, sphygmomanometers, thermometers and dental amalgams. The amount of mercury going into landfills is increasing every year because of the growing use of mercury-based healthcare, lighting and industrial products and lack of sustainable hazardous waste management practices. Tens of millions of fluorescent bulbs are discarded across the world which usually ends up in dumpsites.

Mercury is a toxin that attacks the central nervous system when ingested or inhaled.  Mercury evaporates very slowly.  If it is spilled or stored improperly, mercury evaporation can cause continual contamination of the air.  Mercury also readily seeps into lakes and waterways.  It builds up in the tissue of fish and animals that we eat, which contaminates the food chain and puts humans at risk. Mercury is toxic even in very small amounts.  It only takes 3 grams (1/25 of a teaspoon) of mercury to contaminate a 60-acre lake.  A typical mercury thermometer alone contains about 2 grams or mercury.

The most common form of a mercury spill is in liquid form. When liquefied, the small beads that form are difficult to pick up and contain, and measures should be taken accordingly to insure workers are protected and do not come in contact with the contaminated area without wearing proper protection. A broken light fixture, while not spread out, is just as much of risk to the employees as the dust very readily spreads and can be inhaled.

Cleanup Procedure

Cleaning up this spill can be done in one of two methods, via amalgamation or insolubilization. Both methods will turn mercury in a non-vaporizing form. Insolubilization requires the mercury to be mixed into a sulfide, where amalgamation mixes the mercury with one or more metals into a solid, which is easier to collect and dispose. Three major surface areas that are encountered in spills are hard, such as concrete or tile, soft, such as carpet, and soils.

Before a spill takes place, the proper materials need to be in order for preventive maintenance. A spill kit should be on hand at any workstation where the risk of mercury spillage and exposure exists at all times. The first step when a spill occurs would be to isolate the contaminated area, evacuating all personal away from the building until the spill can be contained and corrected. The marking off of the area by tape or signs is followed by an immediate interview and spill inquiry report filled out with the workers assistance.

Ventilation is the primary concern of the contaminated area, as the free mercury will readily vaporize and continue to do so until collected. It is recommended to shut down the air conditioning or heating, if applicable, and open the windows to get the maximum amount of air in the room and allow the vapors to flow outside.

After the process of applying personal protective equipment on and the removal of all metallic objects from the worker, use mercury sensing gauges or a gas vapor analyzer to determine the areas of contamination and residue. An alternative method is to use a high intensity halogen light to detect the presence of mercury droplets or powder. A final method would be the application of a Sodium Sulfide solution to the contaminated area. Discoloration in the form of dark reddish brown stain will indicate the presence of mercury.

Upon completion of the spill area, collect all contaminated materials that have been amalgamated into a bucket with sealed lid. This container will be the primary device to return the objects to the mercury recycler. Inspect the area, and atmosphere for any residual indication of mercury vapors. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards limit the exposure risks to vapor to be no more than 0.2 mg/L.

Great care must be taken to inspect all the areas before declaring the site now safe for return. Collection of the tools, gloves, boots, etc., can now be done and put into separate containers for disposal. A final protective application from any residual mercury would be to put down a wax like sealant over the surface area, if applicable.

Another common spill situation occurs when mercury has been spilled in a doctor’s office and winds up on carpeting. The same skill and observation to detail must be followed in order to complete the task. Application of the amalgamation powder, and then collection with a mercury only vacuum is the preferred method. The carpet area affected is then cut out and ripped up, with all items, including the vacuum cartridge, contaminated into disposal containers for return to the recycler. Again, as with the hardened surface area, vapor analyzing will indicate if additional treatment is needed.

Occasionally, mercury is spilled outside and into the surrounding soil. Great care must be taken to set up a perimeter around the contaminated area and to collect the soil for cleaning. Soils vary in type and consistency, and commonly, the mercury is found very close to the surface. The soil can be taken off site for reclamation via distillation or by using a combination of forming layers of the amalgamation powder and sand, making a slurry of the soil and water, and passing the mixture through the filter media. The effluent should be tested for mercury contamination and the filter media retained for processing at the recycler.

دليل المبتدئين للطاقة المتجددة

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إن الطاقة المتجددة متوفرة في كل مكان حولنا، لكن علينا أن ندرك كيف نستخدمها ونتعامل معها في حياتنا اليومية. جميعنا سمعنا عنها وعن الفوائد المتعددة لاستخدامها من الوقود الاحفوري كالفحم والنفط والغاز الطبيعي إلى طاقة الرياح، والشمس والوقود الحيوي والطاقة الكهرومائية وايضاُ خلايا وقود الهيدروجين. لكن، ماهي الطاقة المتجددة؟ ومن أين تأتي؟ حسناً، نحن نستطيع تسخير واستغلال هذه الطاقة من خلال توربينات الرياح والالواح الشمسية في المنزل او العمل، وأيضاً نستطيع الاستفادة من حقيقة أن الشركات مطالبة بتوليد وتوفير جزء من الكهرباء بإستخدام مصادر الطاقة النظيفة.

حتى إن كانت بعض الشركات – إن لم يكن معظمها – لا تقدم برامج صديقة للبيئة، فلتعلم انه بامكانك وبسهولة أن تقلل من انبعاثات الكربون عن طريق تبديل نوعية المصابيح او الاجهزة التي تستخدمها، الخطوة الاولى تتمثل في فهم الطاقة المتجددة والتعرف على كيفية عملها، لذا هذا هو دليلنا حول الطاقة المتجددة للمبتدئين.

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ما هي الطاقة المتجددة؟

الطاقة المتجددة هي نوع من انواع الطاقة التي يمكن تجديدها بسهولة، على عكس الوقود الاحفوري، وتشمل الطاقة المتجددة مصادراً عدة منها الشمس والرياح والحرارة الجوفية والمياه، وتشمل الطاقة غير المتجددة الفحم والنفط والغاز الطبيعي.

مصادر الطاقة المتجددة

  • الطاقة الشمسية: تحويل ضوء الشمس إلى كهرباء بواسطة الخلايا الكهروضوئية أو الإشعاع الحراري (الألواح الشمسية) المستخدمة في أنظمة التدفئة الشمسية
  • طاقة الرياح: توليد الكهرباء عن طريق تسخير طاقة الرياح من خلال توربينات الرياح
  • الطاقة الكهرومائية: إنتاج الكهرباء من المياه المتساقطة أو نقل المياه المستخدمة كمصدر للطاقة
  • طاقة الكتلة الحيوية: تشمل الكتلة الحيوية المواد النباتية مثل المحاصيل الزراعية والأشجار المستخدمة لتوليد الطاقة عن طريق حرقها لمكوناتها الكيميائية مثل الإيثانول

كيفية استخدام الطاقة المتجددة في المنزل أو العمل

الألواح الشمسية

إذا قمت بتركيب الالواح الشمسية الكهروضوئية على سطح منزلك فإنك ستستفيد منها لتوليد الكهرباء لمنزلك أو مكتبك، حيث تعمل هذه الالواح على تسخير أشعة الشمس وتحويلها إلى كهرباء، وبعد ذلك تستخدمها للتدفئة أو تشغيل الاجهزة والمصابيح.

تولد الالواح الشمسية الكهرباء خلال فترة النهار حتى لو كانت السماء غائمة، وتولد المزيد من الطاقة في الايام المشمسة، بعد ذلك فإنه بإمكانك تخزين الكهرباء المتولدة في بطاريات، لذا ستبقى قادراً على استخدام الطاقة المولدة أثناء النهار في الليل. وبذلك يمكن أن توفر ما مقداره 700 جنيه استرليني سنوياً عن طريق استخدام الالواح الشمسية، وسيقل اعتمادك على شبكة الكهرباء المحلية.

التسخين بالطاقة الشمسية

يستخدم التسخين الشمسي الألواح الشمسية التي تم تركيبها لتوليد الحرارة في الماء المخزن في أسطوانة الماء الساخن فوق الألواح الشمسية.  هذه الاسطوانات تحتاج إلى بضع ساعات من ضوء الشمس المباشر للحصول على ماء دافئ، والذي يمكن استخدامه بعد ذلك للحصول  على الماء الساخن في الحنفيات.

المضخات الحرارية

تستخدم مضخات الحرارة  الهواء الخارجي الحار لتزويد المنازل والشركات بالتدفئة والماء الساخن. تعمل المضخات الحرارية في جميع درجات الحرارة – مثل الثلاجة العكسية.

تعد المضخات الحرارية أكثر استدامة من أنظمة التدفئة التقليدية ويمكن أن تقلل بشكل كبير من انبعاثات الكربون وتجعل منزلك أكثر كفاءة في استخدام  الطاقة. وبالرغم من التكاليف المرتفعه لتركيب مثل هذا النظام إلا أن المضخات الحرارية توفر أكثر من 1000 جنيهاً استرلينياً على التدفئة.

توربينات الرياح

تتوفر توربينات الرياح الصغيرة للمنازل والمكاتب ويمكن تركيبها إما على عمود قائم أو على سطح المبنى. عندما تدور الشفرات ، يتم تنشيط التوربين الداخلي الذي يولد الكهرباء.

الكتلة الحيوية

تحرق أنظمة الوقود الحيوي المواد العضوية لتوليد الحرارة وتوفير الماء الساخن، إنحرق الكتلة الحيوية مثل (قطع وكرياتالخشب) له بصمة كربونية أقل بكثير من حرق الوقود الأحفوري، حيث تشير التقديرات إلى أن حرق الأخشاب بهذه الطريقة لا ينتج الا كمية الكربون التي تمتصها الشجرة خلال حياتها، مما يجعلها محلول تسخين كربوني متعادل.

wind-energy

الطاقة الكهرومائية

إذا كان منزلك أو مكتبك يقع بالقرب من مجرى متدفق، فيمكنك استخدام محطة طاقة كهرومائية صغيرة الحجم لتوليد الطاقة للمبنى الخاص بك.

مزايا وعيوب الطاقة المتجددة

المزايا

  • مصدر نظيف للطاقة
  • من حلول الطاقة المستدامة
  • أسعار معقولة مقارنة بالوقود الأحفوري

العيوب

  • ليست فعالة من حيث التكلفة في إنتاج الكهرباء مثل الوقود الأحفوري
  • يمكن أن تكون غير ثابتة أو موثوقة فإنهاعلى سبيل المثال، في الأيام الممطرة أو الأيام بدون رياح، فإن الالواح الشمسية أو توربينات الرياح لن تكون ذات فعالية عالية.

افكار اخيرة

نأمل أن تكون هذه  المقتطفات  قد زودتك بمعلومات كافية وجيدة عن الطاقة المتجددة، حيث يعد استخدامك لهذا النوع من الطاقة خطوة رائعة لتقليل بصمتك الكربونية وتسخير مصادر الطاقة التي توفرها الطبيعة لك.

ترجمه – ماجدة هلسة

أردنية متعددة الاهتمامات، لديها من الخبرة ما يناهز العشرون عاماً في مجالي المالية والإدارة في المؤسسات المحلية والدولية وتعمل ماجدة حالياً مع الوكالة الألمانية للتعاون الدولي كموظفةٍ ماليةٍ. ومع ذلك كله وعلى الصعيد التطوعي، فإن لديها شغفاً كبيراً بالترجمة في كافة المواضيع والمجالات، وقد بُني هذا الشغف بالخبرة الشخصية والعملية على

Solar in Colorado: 3 Things to Know

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Coal is one non-renewable energy source that people have long used. But due to industrialization and the increasing population, these sources of energy are decreasing at a fast rate. Additionally, non-renewable energy sources may have a negative impact on the environment. Due to these reasons, there was a need to develop a more sustainable and renewable energy source. Enter solar energy.

going solar in Colorado

States such as Colorado have made an effort to harness this non-depleting energy source, which is no surprise as it’s one of the sunniest states in the US. As technology advances, it has become easier for most Colorado residents to install this cleaner energy to power their home and business operations. However, as a newbie, it might be challenging to go to Solar Colorado. The good news is that the following article outlines the three things you need to know before going solar in Colorado. Keep reading.

1. Solar Incentives

Going solar is not a cheap investment and may leave a huge dent in your hard-earned bucks. However, the total cost of installing a solar system will depend on your energy needs. Due to the high cost of installing solar systems, the government is offering incentives to encourage Colorado residents to go solar. Some of the incentives include:

Federal Solar Tax Credit

In this incentive, a homeowner can claim back a percentage of the capital cost of a solar system. In other words, it affords your dollar-dollar reduction on your owned income taxes. At the moment, the federal is offering a 26% tax credit, but you’ll be eligible for this if you buy and install your solar system on or before 31st December 2022. If you purchase your solar system after the set date you won’t enjoy the tax credit unless the government extends the same.

How To Qualify For Federal Solar Tax Credit

  • One of the qualifications is that you should be paying taxes to the federal government yourself. That makes sense, right?
  • Another qualification you should meet is that you must own solar systems. The panels themselves should be new or at the very least, you’re the first one to use them. There are several ways you can own solar systems in Colorado. They include cash, loans, and more. On the other hand, leasing a solar system may bar you from this incentive.

Sales and Use Tax Exemption

This is another incentive to encourage Colorado residents to go solar. When purchasing goods or services, there is a certain tax you’re expected to pay. However, with this exemption, you’re not expected to pay taxes when you purchase and use solar systems. This incentive plays a huge role in reducing your upfront costs of installing and using a solar system.

2. Factors To Consider in A Colorado Solar Company

Getting a reputable solar company in Colorado can be daunting, especially for a newbie. However, you might employ the following tips to simplify the process.

Reputation

A reputable company will ensure you get quality products and services at a pocket-friendly cost. It’ll also utilize advanced solutions such as artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure they follow all the set rules and regulations, saving you from non-compliance fines and convictions, which could disrupt your production line. Take your time to go through the provided reviews to gauge whether the company is capable of meeting your needs and expectations.

Warranty

As mentioned above, a solar system is not a cheap investment. For this reason, it’s important to ensure it’s covered in case anything happens. Go through their warranty coverage to understand what is covered, their policies, and more. This guarantees you have peace of mind even if anything happens to your solar system. Some of the common warranties include equipment, performance coverage, and more.

3. The Benefits Of Going Solar In Colorado

The following are the benefits you might enjoy after installing solar systems in Colorado. They include:

1. Save Money

As mentioned above, Colorado is one of the sunniest states in the US. Thus, you’ll have access to a free energy source. Although it might have a higher upfront cost, it’ll reduce your dependence on utility providers, saving you money in the long run. Also, the federal tax credit may help save you some bucks.

Benefits of Incorporating Solar Energy Technology In Construction

2. Environmental-Friendly

Over the last few years, people have acknowledged the need to protect the environment. Solar energy produces little to no pollutants. Thus, installing a solar system will play a huge role in reducing carbon emissions, and reducing the chances of contracting diseases caused by pollutants.

Wrapping Up

As discussed above, solar energy has become one of the sources of clean energy. Residents of Colorado have harnessed this energy source to power their home and business operations. However, you should conduct extensive research to understand what you need to know before going solar in Colorado or your locality.

Waste Prevention in Middle East – Prospects and Challenges

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The best way of dealing with waste, both economically and environmentally, is to avoid creating it in the first place. People and businesses that use resources wisely not only save money but also have much less impact on the environment. That is why waste prevention rightly occupies the top spot in the so-called “Waste Hierarchy” set out in EU and national waste legislation. 

Waste prevention is about the way in which the products and services we all rely on are designed, made, bought and sold, used, consumed and disposed of. For example:

  • Making products that are more durable, repairable, re-usable and recyclable would help cut down on the amount of waste being created
  • Encouraging people and businesses to re-use goods via charity shops or other re-use networks would help boost markets for second hand items
  • Reducing the amounts of hazardous, harmful, or difficult to recycle substances in products or materials would help to protect the environment as well as improve the efficiency with which resources are used. 

The aim of the waste prevention is to break the link between economic growth and the environmental impacts associated with the generation of waste. This is sometimes referred to as “decoupling”, as in the past there has been a link between economic growth and increases in the amount of waste being produced.

Present Scenario

The per capita production of solid waste in Arab cities such as Riyadh, Doha and Abu Dhabi is over 1.5 kg per day, placing them among the highest per capita waste producers in the world. In urban areas, waste management is particularly pressing. Over the last few generations the Arab world has seen a rapid increase in its urban population, with some countries, such as Kuwait and Qatar’s population being urbanized at over 90%. Governments in those regions are struggling to keep a pace with population growth.　

Consumer waste, however, is not the only, or even the main, culprit. Construction waste is hugely dominant. It’s the main component of waste in the Middle East region. At the height of the building boom, among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), 55% of waste was estimated to come from construction and demolition. Currently across the region overall, less than 20% of solid waste is properly treated, and less than 5% is recycled. The Middle East’s growing waste problem has started a debate among the region’s officials and environmentalists, some of whom are eager to see schemes such as pay-as-you-throw implemented. 

Major Challenges

For a good waste prevention plan to work for cities like Dubai, Muscat and Doha, it is important to say that there is going to have to be a high number of different initiatives that will work together in order to build up a waste prevention plan.  There has to be a commitment from all parties to create a ‘Waste Prevention Programme’.  Governments should propose policy, which include proposals for tool-kits on waste minimisation, business waste reduction trials and a Waste Prevention Fund.

It is not going to simply take one thing from governments saying ‘adopt this’, as that is not going to be enough. While a waste prevention programme is required from governments and businesses, what is also needed is to develop a plan in order to gauge future policies that could tie in with the waste hierarchy.

Municipal officials in the region should urge residents to help tackle the significant environmental challenge posed by increasing volumes of waste by changing entrenched habits and taking personal responsibility to ensure clean surroundings. There are people from many different cultures. It is important to keep the awareness and waste prevention campaigns high because each new resident will bring in their own habits and there will no doubt be some people who have no regard for the environment. In return, governments should make it easier for householders and businesses and everyone to do the right thing.

A study by the top four global custom market research firm, Synovate, on ‘green’ behaviour shows that consumers in the UAE are among the top purchasers of ecological and organic products, but rank near the bottom when it comes to recycling household waste. The survey also found women and older consumers are more environmentally conscious.

With a large expat community, many residents come to Middle Eastern countries where recycling is already part of everyday life. “The challenge is one of communication to generate awareness of recycling amongst a transient community and to create commitment from homeowners and residents to participate in the local initiatives being launched by both the public and private sectors. Most resident communities in the Middle East do not have the household recycling collection that exists in other countries.”

Action Plan

Middle Eastern governments should agree a responsibility deal with the business sector which should include a commitment by businesses to promote the waste hierarchy and the need to place greater emphasis on waste prevention and resource efficiency in their dealings with their waste producer customers. Also, there should be discussions  looking at issues such as how to decide which products and materials to target as waste prevention priorities, how to extend re-use, repair, and leasing business models, and how to make the idea of "waste prevention" more meaningful to people and businesses.

Priorities products and materials for waste prevention could include electrical and electronic equipment, clothing and textiles, construction materials, food waste, and packaging. The governments should put in place the much-needed recycling infrastructure and make segregation of waste at source compulsory. But a problem still remains in getting the recycling message across.

Correlation of green habits likely has a lot to do with availability. Middle East countries are quite good at buying ecological and organic products but could do better at recycling. That’s because they don’t have a well-developed system for collecting recyclables, which helps explain this. So the results don’t necessarily mean that people don’t want to be greener – it may just be that they can’t. Governments across the region could certainly help increase their population’s ability to engage in more green behaviour, whether by promoting recycling programmes, or by offering incentives to producers of ecological and organic products.

An issue that I have stressed to the officials during my visits to Dubai is that there still isn’t a watchdog monitoring green companies in the UAE as there is in European countries. Recycling is not cheap but there are ways and means to mitigate the cost. If it is managed properly, implemented correctly, and there is awareness among stakeholders, it will not be a burden on the malls.

Good waste management systems and plans are currently being implemented in the Middle East and the regulations will definitely bring positive benefits on the regions waste programme as it presents an opportunity to review recycling and ensure it is in line with each government’s regulations.

Why You Should Consider Switching to LED Christmas Lights

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The number one decor that creates a festive atmosphere are Christmas lights. And even though no other decorations are included, these lights are going to make you imagine about Christmas. They are usually installed on Christmas trees but there are various techniques on how to use them as indoor decorations. They can be hung above your windows, hallways, doors and can even be installed on your stairways. These will surely fill your space with shimmering lights!

Source: https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/647673990141529588/

Furthermore, you can make absolutely fabulous-looking wreaths and lanterns for indoors easier especially when you make use of LED lights. With exceptional durability and a wide range of dazzling colors, LED Christmas lights for holiday displays are much more than energy-saving alternatives.

Discussed in this article are the benefits of using LED Christmas lights and some tips and ideas for a festive indoor decoration on Christmas holidays. Read on to know more!

Why Use LED Christmas Lights?

Almost all people are aware that LED Christmas lights are one of the most energy-efficient Christmas decors. But aside from this, there are more reasons why you should consider switching to LED lights. To know more about what LED lights are and how they work, read on this article.

Why do you think the majority of Christmas consumers prefer LED lights over incandescent ones? Below are five reasons why.

1. LEDs Have an Exceptionally Long Life

There are many sets of LED lights that are proven to last more than a thousand hours. This is much more beyond traditional sets of miniature incandescent lights that usually last for only one or two seasons.

Want to know more about the difference between LED lights and incandescent ones? This article provides a comprehensive comparison between LED and incandescent lighting.

2. LEDs Have Visually Parallel Output Light

LED light bulbs emit brighter and a more vivid light compared to conventional incandescent bulbs. Moreover, the stunning output light of LEDs is among its most complimented feature by customers.

3. LEDs Have More Advanced and Innovative Designs

LED lights are accessible in a wide color spectrum and have a number of varieties. They feature unique capabilities regarding light display including their ability to be dimmed and change in color.

4. LEDs Produce Less Heat

LED light bulbs produce less heat or no heat at all. This means they are always cool when touched making them safer for animals and children even if these are around during all seasons.

5. LEDs Can Be Connected in Long Strings

When you use LED lights, you can connect strings of LED lights together while using only one power outlet. Many conventional mini Christmas lights only allow the connection of 4 to 5 sets. But with various mini LED light strings, the end-to-end connection of 40 to 50 strings together can be done depending on your light count. If you are decorating large displays for Christmas, LED lights make this a lot easier.

Now, before we go on to the Christmas lighting styles and ideas, discussed below is our most recommended LED lighting style: LED strip lights. Wondering why? Read on the next section.

Why Use LED Strip Lights as Christmas Lighting?

There are various options to decorate your Christmas displays using LED lights. The 7 advantages of using LED strip lights rather than traditional Christmas lights are listed below.

1. They have a longer service life.

The lifespan of LED strip lights can reach up to 50,000 hours or more. This saves you maintenance costs and effort of changing your lights frequently.

2. They blend in easier.

LED strip lights are easier to blend in the displays or surroundings so they can be left up throughout the year. Buy Christmas jumpers and start your big and bright celebration.

3. They are very safe.

LED strip lights only have low voltage which is 12 volts. Furthermore, they are available in various colors you can choose from making the creation of festive light atmosphere a lot easier on your furniture, TV, monitor or even outdoors by elaborating effects on color changes.

4. They are suitable for light installations.

LED strip lights are intended for light installation effects and only take a few steps for the installation to complete.

5. They are very flexible.

LED strip lights are very flexible. Strips make it easier to light separate and curved spaces. All you have to do is remove its adhesive back and then stick in on any surface to illuminate your office or home with RGB and white led strip lights.

6. They can withstand weather extremities.

LED strip lights can withstand bitter winters and harsh winds. They are among the most sturdy lighting solutions.

7. They are available in white colors.

LED strip lights are available in static white colors so they can also be used as additional lighting for your properties to make them more elegant at any time period. You can use them as lighting for Thanksgiving and Halloween too.

Wondering where you can buy LED strip lights? Check out this manufacturer.

Other Christmas Lighting Decorating Ideas

2. Use Fairy Lights

Fairy lights may be small due to their tiny bulbs but they are mighty. Don’t be fooled by their size because they produce an incredible glowing, bright light! You can pick both new plug-in and battery operated options on green or silver wires for:

  • Wrapping around greenery,
  • Brightening craft projects, or
  • Illuminating glass jars.

#2 Use LED Icicle Light Bulbs

This is among the most popular outdoor LED list styles for Christmas. They are used to line roofs and in indoor decorations for ambient lighting in bedrooms. They are also increasing in popularity in wedding decors to produce a romantic mood. LED icicle lights come in a wide spectrum of colors and fun combinations such as green and red for Christmas. A color combination of purple and orange is also available for Halloweens!

Also Read: Sustainable Weddings: Making Your Big Day Eco-Friendly

#3 Use Falling Icicles and Grand Cascades

This is a twist on conventional icicle lights! These can be attached in stringers to imitate dripping ice and falling snow. Grand cascades are composed of diodes that light up and descend. This, simulating snow showers and shooting stars!

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed why you should use LED bulbs as Christmas lighting, specifically LED strip lights. These are suitable for spaces that need very flexible installations and have a longer life span and can withstand extreme weather conditions compared to other Christmas lights. Then we gave you other five Christmas LED light styles you can use to decorate your home or office.

Want more? Here are 30 Christmas Decor DIYs using string and fairy lights you can follow. Have fun transforming your house or office into a fairyland!

الإعلان الإسلامي للمناخ يدعو للتخلص من الوقود الأحفوري

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أطلق قادة المسلمين من ٢٠ دولة الاعلان الاسلامي من اجل التغير المناخي لدعوة 1.6 مليار مسلم في جميع أنحاء العالم للنهوض بواجبهم الأخلاقي في التصدي لمسألة تغير المناخ في اطار واجباتهم الدينية .تم تبني هذا الإعلان من قبل ٦٠ مشارك في الندوة الاسلامية المعنية بتغير المناخ المنعقدة بإسطنبول في ال١٧ وال١٨ من شهر أغسطس لعام 2015 ، حيث دعا كافة الأطراف في “مؤتمر اتفاقية الأمم المتحدة الإطارية بشأن تغير المناخ”، الذي سيعقد في باريس في شهر ديسمبر القادم ويحضره زعماء العالم، ان يقوموا بإتخاذ قرارات والتزامات طموحة وملزمة قانونياً للدول المشاركة، لوقف التغير المناخي واستخدام الوقود الاحفوري عن طريق توفير مسار لوقف الاحترار العالمي بدرجتين او درجة ونصف عن ما قبل الثورة الصناعية.

ويعرض الإعلان قضية أخلاقية، تعتمد على التعاليم الإسلامية للمسلمين و الأشخاص من جميع الأديان في جميع أنحاء العالم لإتخاذ إجراءات عاجلة بشأن تغير المناخ. الإعلان تمت صياغته من قبل فريق متنوع من علماء الدين الإسلامي من جميع أنحاء العالم بعد فترة مشاورات مكثفة قبل الندوة. وقد سبق إقراره من قبل أكثر من 60 مشاركا بما في ذلك مفتي أوغندا ولبنان. الإعلان الاسلامي يتفق مع الاعلان البابوي للحد من التغير المناخي وحصل ايضاً على دعم من المجلس البابوي للعدل والسلام من الكرسي الرسولي.

يدعو الإعلان إلى التخلص التدريجي السريع للوقود الأحفوري والتحول إلى الطاقة المتجددة بنسبة 100٪ وكذلك زيادة الدعم للمجتمعات الاكثر تضرراً من آثار تغير المناخ. هذا الاعلان يمثل شريحة واسعة من المجتمع من مختلف الاطياف التي تدعو الحكومات إلى الحد من بصمتهم الكربونية والتخلص التدريجي من استخدامهم للوقود الأحفوري من خلال التحول إلى مصادر الطاقة المتجددة بنسبة 100%. وتحث الدول الغنية والمنتجة للنفط للتخلص التدريجي من جميع إنبعاثات الغازات الدفيئة بحلول عام 2050.  وتدعو الشركات للالتزام بالطاقة المتجددة 100٪ من أجل التصدي لتغير المناخ والحد من الفقر وتحقيق التنمية المستدامة.

من بين المتحدثين الرئيسيين في الندوة هم ثلاثة من كبار مسؤولي الامم المتحدة – من برنامج البيئة للأمم المتحدة، و اتفاقية الأمم المتحدة الإطارية بشأن تغير المناخ وفريق الأمين العام للأمم المتحدة بشأن تغير المناخ. واشتملت الندوة على عروض من قادة مسلمون مؤثرون، بمن فيهم رجال دين، وناشطون،وعلماء، وأكاديميون، وصناع قرار، وممثلو مجتمع مدني من مختلف أنحاء العالم.

ردود الفعل

“بالنيابة عن مجلس أندونيسيا  للائمة و 210 مليون مسلم نرحب بهذا الإعلان، ونحن ملتزمون بتنفيذ جميع التوصيات. إن أزمة المناخ التي يتعين معالجتها من خلال تضافر الجهود، لذلك دعونا نعمل معا من أجل عالم أفضل لأطفالنا، وأطفال أطفالنا. “- دين شمس الدين، رئيس مجلس أندونيسيا للائمة.

“أنا فخور بأن إسمي مرتبط بالإعلان الإسلامي حول تغير المناخ و الذي صدر في اسطنبول اليوم. حيث أني مسلم و أحاول اتباع التعاليم الأخلاقية للإسلام للحفاظ على البيئة ومساعدة ضحايا التغير المناخي. إنني أحث جميع المسلمين في جميع أنحاء العالم للتصدي لمشكلة تغير المناخ العالمية “- الدكتور سليم الحق، مدير معهد الدراسات البيئية

“اساس الإعلان هو تجديد مبدأ الإسلاميين البيئيين وهو ما سيحفزنا على التحرك مستقبلاً وسوف نكون سعداء عند تبني المجتمع لهذا الاعلان و التطوير  منه ايضاً.” – فازلن خالد، مؤسس، المؤسسة الإسلامية للحفاظ على البيئة والعلوم البيئية.

“ بفرح كبير وبروح من التضامن أنني أعبر لكم عن دعم من الكنيسة الكاثوليكية للصلاة من أجل نجاح المبادرة الخاصة بكم ورغبتها في العمل معكم في المستقبل لرعاية بيتنا المشترك، ولتمجيد الله الذي خلقنا “- نيافة الكاردينال بيتر تركسن، رئيس المجلس البابوي للعدالة والسلام، الفاتيكان.

“طاقة نظيفة ومستقبل مستدام للجميع يعتمد على تغيير جذري في فهمنا كيف نقدر الطبيعة وبعضنا البعض. تعاليم الإسلام تؤكد على خلافة البشر في الأرض ،على واجبهم بتصحيح السلوكيات والتحرك من اجل وقف التغير المناخي،”- كريستيانا فيغيريس، الأمين التنفيذي للاتفاقية الإطارية بشأن تغير المناخ.

” ما يسعد المجتمع المدني من خلال هذا الإعلان انها قادمة من المجتمع الإسلامي، الذي يمكن ان يغير قواعد اللعبة، كما أنه يتحدى جميع قادة العالم والدول وخاصة المنتجة للنفط، للتخلص التدريجي من انبعاثات الكربون، وتدعم التحول العادل إلى 100٪ طاقة متجددة باعتبارها ضرورة لمعالجة تغير المناخ، والحد من الفقر وتحقيق التنمية المستدامة في جميع أنحاء العالم. “- وائل حميدان، المدير الدولي لشبكة العمل من أجل المناخ.

أداء الحج الأخضر

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يعتبرالحج أكبر تجمع من الناس في العالم حيث يتلاقى المسلمون من عدة بلدان لأداء الشعائر الدينية، ويؤدي ما يقرب من ثلاثة ملايين مسلم فريضة الحج كل عام. إن اتخاذ الترتيبات اللازمة سنوياً لعدد الحجاج المتزايد يشكل تحدياً لوجستياً بالغاً للحكومة والسلطات المعنية المكلفة بتوفير احتياجات السكن والنقل والصرف الصحي والغذاء والرعاية الصحية للحجاج.

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للحج أثر هائل على البيئة. فأثناء الحج، تتولد كميات ضخمة من النفايات التي يجب جمعها وإدارتها بطريقة مناسبة. تتعلق الآثار الضارة الأخرى باستخدام المياه المفرط وإنتاج المياه العادمة ومركبات النقل التي تسبب تلوث الهواء ورمي النفايات والزجاجات البلاستيكية والحفاضات المستخدمة ومغلفات المواد الغذائية. كل هذه الملوثات ليست فقط ضارة بالبيئة ولكنها أيضاً موذية للعين. وتتفاقم المشكلة بسبب الجهل وانعدام الوعي وعدم التزام الحجاج  بالتعامل السليم مع الموارد البيئية.

للأسف، لا يدرك غالبية الحجاج أن مفهوم حماية البيئة وواجبات الحفاظ على المحيط البيئي كامنة في الإسلام. وفقاً للقرآن، أوكل الله البشر بالحفاظ على الأرض والبيئة. بإمكان الحج أن يكون مستداماً إذا تصرف الحجاج بطريقة صديقة للبيئة وتجنبوا كل التصرفات الملوثة.

تقوم السلطات المعنية بالتخطيط وإنفاق الأموال وتوفير المرافق لتتناسب مع عدد الحجاج، ولكن الموقف غير المسؤول للكثير من الناس يهدد الموارد البيئية.

ستساعد الجوانب التالية في جعل الحج أكثر استدامة وأكثر حفاظاً على الموارد الطبيعية:

•الشراء الأخضر: شراء ما هو مطلوب فقط والحرص على شراء المنتجات الصديقة للبيئة.

• استخدام الحد الأدنى من الماء للوضوء والاستحمام وغسل الملابس والاستخدام الشخصي. فتح صنبور المياه للسماح بتدفق محدود.

• الإبلاغ عن أي تسرب مياه إلى السلطة.

• إعادة تعبئة وإعادة استخدام عبوات المياه.

• شراء الطعام بكميات تتناسب مع الحاجة، وتجنب الطعام الفائض.

• تجنب المواد الغذائية المغلفة.

• تجنب استخدام أدوات المائدة القابلة للرمي.

• تجنب رمي النفايات، وجمع كل النفايات والتخلص منها في المواقع المخصصة.

• تجنب استخدام أكياس التسوق البلاستيكية.

• استخدام وسائل النقل الجماعي.

• تقليل استهلاك الكهرباء.

• عدم ترك الأضواء مشعلة في الغرف الفارغة.

• إطفاء أجهزة الشحن عند الانتهاء من استخدامها.

• شراء الأجهزة الموفرة للطاقة إذا لزم الأمر.

على خلفية تجمع العالم في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية لمناقشة آثار تغير المناخ والاتفاق على التزامات دولية، يمكننا أن نتعهد على المستوى الفردي بمساعدة كوكبنا الوحيد. البيئة هي خلق الله ويجب أن يتم احترامها. دعونا نساهم في حج أخضر وفي إحداث تأثير جذري على النظام البيئي لجعله أكثر استدامة ولإظهار أن الإسلام هو منصة مثالية للحفاظ على البيئة.

ترجمة

نادين كتخدا هي مسؤولة المعلومات والتواصل والتدريب في جمعية إدامة للطاقة والمياه والبيئة في الأردن. حصلت على شهادة البكالوريوس في العلوم البيئية ودراسات التنمية الدولية من جامعة ماك غيل  في مونتريال. وتشمل تجربتها العمل البحثي والميداني في كندا والأردن، إعداد حملات توعية حول الطاقة والمحافظة على المياه، تنظيم الفعاليات، وإطلاق مشاريع الطاقة المتجددة في قرى الأردن. تتعدد اهتمامات نادين لتشمل موارد الطاقة المتجددة والإدارة المستدامة للمياه بالإضافة إلى التغذية والرعاية الصحية في البلدان الأقل حظاً.

Environmental Impacts of Seawater Desalination

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Desalination is a process that removes salt and minerals from seawater and turns it into a potable resource. It is extremely helpful in areas experiencing rising water demands due to water scarcity, droughts, growing populations and increased water consumption. With the ocean covering most of the Earth’s surface, seawater provides a sustainable, long-term solution to a problem that won’t soon dissipate.

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By 2015, 18,000 desalination plants had cropped up worldwide, producing 22,870 million gallons of fresh water per day. Experts believe desalination, coupled with future advancements in technology, could be the key to establishing drought-proof communities worldwide.

A clean source of water is still a major concern in many places around the world. However, the process of desalination comes with its own environmental risks. Desalination’s role in the future of sustainability will depend on how these risks are addressed and adapted.

The Production of Brine

During the desalination process, half of the collected water will end up as fresh water. The remaining half will be a highly concentrated brine containing a mixture of toxic chemicals. Research shows that desalination plants produce 141.5 million cubic meters of brine each day, compared to 95 million cubic meters of fresh water. Disposal of this brine can be costly and, if tossed back into the ocean, can be deadly to marine life.

But this minor setback could lead to new economic opportunity. Briny discharge is often a source of precious minerals and elements like salt and uranium. Uranium can be resold to reduce overall operating costs and salt can be made commercially available as a de-icing agent. Experts believe this financial benefit could be enough incentive for plants to turn to extraction.

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The amount of brine generated can also be reduced through more efficient desalination processes. A modern kind of membrane technology called reverse osmosis is cheaper, requires less energy and produces less brine. Sustainable desalination practices will depend on plants switching over from outdated methods, such as thermal desalination, which sucks in seawater, heats it up to a vapor and then pushes the remaining brine back out to sea.

The Impact to Marine Life

Another concern in the desalination industry is impingement and entrainment. During the intake process, when water from the ocean is sucked in, marine life like fish and crabs can get sucked in and die against the intake screen, called impingement. During the treatment process, smaller organisms like fish eggs and plankton can also get sucked in and killed, referred to as entrainment.

One way to reduce this threat is to switch from a surface to a subsurface intake process. This means extracting water from beneath the ocean floor instead of on top, where sand can act as a natural filter to protect marine life. This natural filter also reduces the need for chemicals and energy consumption during the treatment process, which can significantly cut costs.

A subsurface intake process isn’t the only solution available to protect marine life. Experts have also found ways to adapt screen openings to incorporate a finer mesh with less space for organisms to enter the intake. Another option is the lower the through-screen velocity. Impingement occurs when the through-screen velocity is so high that crabs and fish are unable to move away when caught. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has determined a velocity lower than or equal to 0.5 feet per second can effectively address marine impacts.

The Consumption of Energy

Energy use is a concern in any industry, and desalination is no different. Worldwide, desalination plants consume more than 200 million kilowatt-hours of energy per day. Energy costs make up about 55% of a desalination plant’s operating costs, making them especially vulnerable to price increases. In comparison, a traditional drinking water treatment plant consumes less than 1 kilowatt-hour per cubic meter. Eighty-five percent of Americans support increasing federal investment to rebuild water infrastructure, indicating how we get our water is of high importance to today’s consumers.

Desalination plants who adopt the reverse osmosis process — which also produces the least amount of brine — see a major decrease in energy usage, down to three to 10 kilowatt-hours per cubic meter. But researchers are still looking for cheaper and more eco-friendly ways to treat seawater. One method being tested is forward osmosis, which uses a solution of salt and gases to create a pressure difference. Experts say this can lengthen the lifespan of reverse osmosis membranes and reduce the need for disinfectants during treatment.

Solar is also being considered as a solution to high energy consumption. Experts are using the sustainable form of energy as a way to improve the thermal desalination process. The desired outcome is a more efficient water treatment method that requires less startup and integration capital.

Bottom Line

Desalination may have some drawbacks. The production of brine and the consumption of waste are at the forefronts of experts’ minds as they determine an efficient way to solve one of the world’s most pressing problems — access to clean drinking water. Luckily, new solutions, like the use of updated filtration and intake systems and solar energy, are being developed and integrated to reduce the impact of the desalination process.

Towards an Eco-Friendly Eidul Adha

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Eidul Adha, like other religious festivals, often has a major impact on the environmental resources. Extra food, drinks and clothes are made, used and consumed which results in a major environmental footprint. The celebrations and festivity are often extravagant and cause pollution of different forms.

The day starts with the special prayers whereby men, women and children gather to offer prayers. The site of praying after the ritual is often plagued by litter, rubbish and waste scattered all over the place and even blowing in the air and migrating to nearby safe heavens for unaesthetic and unhygienic accumulations.

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Muslims on Eid al Adha perform ‘sacrifice of animal’ as a ritual to celebrate the supreme sacrifice given by Prophet Ibrahim to obey God’s command to sacrifice his son Ismael. Many of the residents do the sacrifice at their houses and other communal sites, which often are not cleaned later on from blood, skin, leftover fats, intestines, limbs etc.

After sacrifice or Qurbani, special food and meat in different styles is prepared in houses which are visited by the relatives, neighbours and well-wishers. This cause great food wastage as number of dishes and quantity of food prepared is more than the number of visitors. This practice is repeated in breakfast, lavish snacks, sumptuous lunches and extravagant dinners during the festival days.

We need to understand that the Government makes huge efforts in planning, procuring animals, food stuff and other related items for local consumption. It includes meat, poultry, meat, vegetables, fruits, dairy products etc. Meat and poultry is lavishly eaten during the Eid holidays. The demand of meat (beef and mutton), chicken and related meat products increase to around 50% of the normal demand.

Over the period of years, the festivities are increasing with more buying of consumable items and eatables per head. Consumption of eatables has increased manifolds and people have become more wasteful due to rise in income, living standards and affordability.

But affordability does not mean that wastage should increase. While planning for Eidul Adha celebrations, it is now imperative that we need to think twice before buying, procuring any food items, clothing etc. and taking environment into consideration.

Let us change our attitude towards Eid al Adha festivities and celebrate  it in the right spirit by:

  • purchasing limited number of clothes and dressings with minimum packaging,
  • preparing planned meals based on the actual requirements and number of guests to be served,
  • making small or limited servings to the guests to avoid wastage,
  • educating guests in avoiding leftovers and wasting food,
  • serving drinks in small glasses,
  • avoiding disposable cutlery, plates, napkins, tissues etc. and
  • giving leftover food items to the less privileged and poor people.

Let us strive to celebrate Eid al Adha in an eco-friendly way.