شهر رمضان والتحول نحو الأستدامة

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شهر رمضان محطة للتزود بالوقود ومساحة لتغيير نمط الأستهلاك والعيش ببساطة على هذا الكوكب.  أن سبب الأزمة البيئية وأزمة الماء والطاقة والغذاء هو فشل الإنسان في مُهمة الخلافة وادراك دوره الحضاري كشاهد ومستخلف. التحول نحو الأستدامة يتطلب تغيير أنماط الأنتاج والأستهلاك للتصدي للفقر والتغير المناخي وهذا يستلزم التحول الكلي في نمط التنمية والعيش و تسخير المعرفة المحلية و الإبتكار والقيم والأخلاق وتطير  نماذج محلية للتنمية الطيبة  من خلال الحراك الأخضر أو الجهاد، و الإبتكار الأخضر أو الاجتهاد، و أسلوب الحياة الأخضر أو الزُهد كما هو موضح أدناه.

sustainability-islam

الحراك الأخضر يعني النضال ضد الإختلالات و الظلم و الفساد التي تُخِل بالحياة وبالفطرة والطبيعة. يجب على المجتمع المسلم أن يُظهِر الأسلوب الأمثل و المتوازن للحياة كأمة وسط بعيدا عن الأفراط والتفريط لقوله تعالى “وكلوا وأشربوا ولا تسرفوا”. إن الدور الرئيسي للأمة الوسط  هوتقديم وتجسيد نماذج مستدامة للحياة عبر الكلمة الطيبة والبلد الطيب والتنمية الطيبة. والسؤال هو الى اي مدى نستمد من رمضان هذه الطاقة المتجددة للتحول في الوعي والأدراك والعيش والتعاطف والتراحم والبر.

شهر رمضان يمثل وسيلة للوصول والأرتقاء الى درجة  الإحسان  والذي يعبر عن حالة الجمال الداخلي الذي ينعكس إلى الخارج، و يحوِّل كل نشاط إنساني إلى فن، و يحوِّل كل فن إلى ذكر لله تعالى. يتّصل مفهوم الجمال إتصالا حميما بالله تعالى، و يمكن أن يتجلى الإحسان من خلال العطاء للمحتاجين والرحمة للعالمين بل ويتعدى ذلك الى التصالح مع المحيط الخارج وتقدير قيمة الجمال  من هندسة العمارة و الحدائق و الخط العربي.

ramadan-environmental-spiritual-benefits

يُعتبر الحراك الأخضر في جوهره قوة إيجابية هادفة لضمان التوازن و الفطرة و حماية مجتمع الحياة و لضمان الطيبة و العدالة ونصرة الحق والمظلوم والضعيف. فنحن البشر عندما نسبب تهديد لأي كائن حي  فنحن في الواقع نُسكِت فئة كاملة من المسبِّحين لله، أو ما أسمِّيه إزعاج أو خلل لسمفونية الحياة. يُخبرنا القرآن الكريم أن الإنسان عندما يسيئ إستخدام القوة فهذا يؤدي إلى تدهور كل من رأس المال الطبيعي و رأس المال الإجتماعي لقوله تعالى “فهل عسيتم ان توليتم أن تفسدوا في الأرض وتقطعوا أرحامكم”. إن شهر رمضان يمثل منتدى انساني للتعاطف الأنساني والحوار بالكلمة الطيبة في عصر الفوضى التي نعيشها. لأن المسلمين يشكِّلون جزءا من المجتمع المدني العالمي، فهذا من شأنه أن يُعزِّز دورهم كسفراء للتغيّر من أجل السلام العالمي و الديمقراطية و الحرية والعيش المستدام من خلال احياء ومأسسة الزكاة والصدقات والوقف واحياء الأرض الموات.

و بالتالي، فإن التصدي لقضية تغيّر المناخ والفقر من منظور إسلامي يتطلب ادراك الأنسان لدوره وغايته كشاهد ومستخلف في الأمة الوسط. شهر رمضان هو المقياس والباروميتر الذي نتوق اليه لضمان الإنسجام و التوازن والتراحم والعطاء والزهد. شهر رمضان هو امتحان للخيارات البشرية وتغليب المصلحة العامة على الأنا حتى لا “يهلك الحرث والنسل” ولا نصل لحالة “بئر معطلة وقصر مشيد” بما كسبت أيدي الناس. لقد حدث إختلال في هذا التوازن نتيجة لإختيارات الإنسان التي أدت إلى الإستهلاك المفرط و و الإفراط في إستخدام الموارد ولكن هناك فرصة للعودة والتعلم من عظة التاريخ “لعلهم يرجعون”. إن البعد الأخلاقي للإسلام يتمثل في تطوير الوعي الجديد لحالة التصالح مع النفس والآخر والمحيط.

شهر رمضان دورة عملية ميدانية  لتأكيد مفهوم الزهد و الحد من الإسراف و التبذيروتقدير نعم وخيرات الله الظاهرة والباطنة، وهذا التأمل في أحوال البلاد والعباد يحفز على الإبتكار لتوليد فقه الواقع والموازنات والمآلات والمصلحة العامة.

خلاصة القول ان رمضان فرصة للتحول الى نمط الحياة الخضراء و التنمية المحلية الطيبة التي تعمل على المحافظة على الموارد كوسيلة للحياة و تدعم نماذج إنمائية صغيرة لعلنا نشكر ونرشد بعد أن نرنتقي لمرتبة التقوى.

أ.د عودة الجيوسي – مستشار دولي في التنمية المستدامة

Cleanliness is Next to Greenliness

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There are usually many objectives of cleaning a home or office and the things in it. One of them is to achieve a certain level comfort and freshness while the other is to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the space around. However, when it comes to choosing the right cleaning products and technologies, it is important and beneficial to go the eco-friendly way.

Many manufacturers, in a bid to reduce their carbon footprint, are striving to come up with cleaning products that are made from environmentally-friendly ingredients. Such products are not only safer or less toxic to use, but also smell good and provide sustainable cleaning solutions too. So, when shopping for cleaning products and tools or hiring a cleaner, green solutions should be your number one priority.

Identifying the right cleaning solutions

If you are an environmentally conscious individual, you will want to do research to find out which cleaning products are green and non-toxic and which chemical-based ones to avoid. Whether the products you want to buy is for kitchen surfaces, laundry, fabrics, drain, appliances or even for body cleaning, there are certain ingredients you need to watch out for.

Most chemically-formulated cleaners may contain carcinogens, endocrine disruptors and neurotoxins that can cause cancer, disrupt brain activity, lead to ADHD and more. Aerosols are, in particular, highly toxic to the environment and to the body too. Hence, should be avoided like a plague. Much as you might want a shinier and fresh smelling, you shouldn’t do so at the expense of your health and comfort.

Some cleaning products and ingredients to check out and avoid include the following:

  • Ammonia
  • Ethylene glycol
  • Sodium hypochlorite
  • Monobutyl acetate
  • Chlorine
  • Sodium hydroxide

Guide to eco-friendly cleaning

Eco-friendly cleaning is all about combining the right cleaning products, tools and techniques. But the products form the backbone of the entire process. When choosing green products to use in cleaning, always consider the ones made from all-natural plant ingredients. Such products might not have the fancy fragrances, but they are friendly to the environment and offer better cleaning and sanitation solutions.

Key ingredients to look for in green cleaning products include, but not limited to, the following:

  • Vinegar
  • Peroxide
  • Baking soda
  • Essential oils
  • Lemons

Green-inspired cleaners are free of chemicals, synthetic ingredients, foaming agents and preservatives. When such plain natural solutions are paired with proper cleaning techniques, they ensure a cleaner, germ-free and comfortable environment. That’s the direction most household and commercial cleaning companies are headed to.

A company like Cleaner Cleaner Ltd., has its services centered on staff and equipment, which are highly important in achieving fully-guaranteed spotless results. With its focus being regular cleaning, the company doesn’t have to use or employ harsh chemicals to achieve a cleaner surface or space.

Tools and techniques for green cleaning practice

The market is filled with a range of cleaning tools, equipment and techniques that can offer effective and eco-friendly cleaning solutions. For instance, there’s a machine that can ionize regular water into a disinfectant that can clean just about any surface. Other green tools you can make use of when cleaning at home are backpack vacuums and treated dusty clothes. These options are not just safer and easy-to-use but are cost-friendly too.

As you can see, there are countless environmentally-friendly cleaning options you can utilize in cleaning and sanitizing your office. The most important thing when shopping for the cleaning products is to check the ingredients and ensure no harmful ingredients or additives have been used in making them. Cleanliness is next to godliness and so it is to greenliness.

The Impacts of Climate Change on Water Resources in MENA

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Freshwater shortage in the MENA region is posing a serious threat to economic growth, social cohesion, peace and political stability. Furthermore, today’s freshwater usage does not account for its present and future availability but rather is based on sectoral and geographical competing consumption needs. To make matters worse, this already dire situation is being exacerbated by the rapidly changing climate. Climate change affects water resources by its profound impact on water quantity, variability, timing, form, and intensity of precipitation.

climate change effect on water resources

Climate change is profoundly affecting water resources in the Middle East

The MENA region, in particular, is highly vulnerable to the disruptive climate change effects because countries within this region are unarguably among the most water-stressed worldwide, with water availability per capita well below the global average.  In addition, most MENA countries belong to a critical combination of low rainfall and high spatial and temporal rainfall variability, with Lebanon being better off among the group in terms of precipitation, and Qatar being worst off in terms of both precipitation and rainfall variability.

How Climate Change Affects Water Resources

Warmer temperatures increase the rate of evaporation of water into the atmosphere, in effect increasing the atmosphere’s capacity to “hold” water. This causes earlier and shorter runoff seasons and increases dry seasons. Increased evaporation also decreases soil moisture levels, which in turn increases the frequency of droughts, and increases the likelihood of desertification. In addition, a decrease in soil moisture also lowers infiltration rates, consequently reducing underground aquifer recharge rate.

Climate change also impacts sea levels. Rising sea levels could reduce water quality and availability in coastal areas. Rising sea levels can affect the quality of groundwater through saltwater intrusion into the aquifers. In addition, a rise in sea level will affect above ground hydrology of coastal areas thus reducing freshwater run offs and the presence of above ground freshwater bodies.

On the other hand, rising sea levels could also cause water tables in groundwater aquifers to rise, which could increase surface runoff, but at the expense of aquifer recharge. It is predicted that sea levels will rise by 19 to 58 cm by the end of the 21st century, which will affect 12 out of the 19 MENA countries. Such an increase in sea level could cost Egypt, one of the main countries to be affected by sea level rise, 10% of the Nile Delta population together with agricultural land and production.

These decreases in water resources will have costly socio-economic consequences. Water is used in food production, energy production, manufacturing, navigation, land use, and recreation. Therefore it will become increasingly difficult to maintain balance between all human needs while water resources keep diminishing.

water scarcity

For example, it is predicted that increased temperatures will increase crop water demand by 5-8% by 2070, which will have to be compensated by using water that was allocated to energy production, thus harming energy production capabilities. The decrease in water resources would also precipitate an increase in the price of water, through monthly water bills, or one-time connection fees for new homes and businesses.

Finally, Decreasing water resources will also lead governments to resorting to economically intensive projects such as desalination plants, pipelines (Red – Dead Sea conveyance project), and dams. These projects are not only economically intensive, but also environmentally unsustainable and will eventually contribute to global warming and climate change (CO2 emissions from desalination plants).

Key Takeaways

Global warming is undeniable and the increase in greenhouse gas emissions will have profound climatic, environmental, and societal impacts worldwide, especially in terms of water resources. This is of great concern for MENA countries, where there has been a recorded increase in frequency of droughts, and where water availability is expected to decrease by 30-50% by 2050.

Therefore MENA countries must reduce their respective GHG emissions and make a transition to and clean sources of energy. Regional countries must make urgent and long-term efforts to conserve water by reducing demand and consumption, improving water infrastructure to reduce leakages, improve water management techniques and remove water subsidies.

Every individual depends on a reliable, clean supply of freshwater to sustain his or her health. Water is essential in every part of life from energy and food production to ecosystem maintenance. Therefore actions must be taken not only to stop its decline, but also to improve its status, because without water, there will be no life.

Information Resources:

ICBA: http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTMENAINFRENCH/Resources/Shawki.pdf

FAO: http://bit.ly/1vAZuWK

Choices: http://www.choicesmagazine.org/2008-1/theme/2008-1-04.htm

UNEP: http://www.unep.org/geo/geo_ice/PDF/GEO_C6_C_LowRes.pdf

Far-Reaching Implications of Conflict in World’s Breadbasket

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Pre-pandemic era, pre-Ukraine war months, the Ukraine referred to as the “Breadbasket of Europe” and of course Russia, thrived on agricultural activities suppling the world with wheat, other grains, vegetables, oils, seeds and meats. According to the CIA World Factbook, the Ukraine was producing 25% of staple foods for across the globe. By 2022, this figure had risen to 30%. Ukraine produced for nations across the globe. In addition to the pure grain production, there is food processing and especially sugar processing. Over a quarter of the Ukraine population was employed in agricultural and forestry activities.

Today, these figures are all aschew as the grain fields have all been turned into war zones. Food production at all levels is halted, squashed and destroyed.

implications of conflict in world's breadbasket

So, this conflict between the Ukraine and Russia is not a self-contained, isolated disagreement between two nations. The impact of this destructive action will give rise to the largest food crisis the globe as yet to face. The globe is very dependent on these rich, fertile soils of the Black Sea region. Not only are the Ukrainian pushed into total insecure situations, but this will eventually spill across the globe raising enormous concerns of food insecurity and impoverishment.

The Ukrainian people are fleeing, fighting, foraging to deal with their present infliction, while the rest of the globe are sitting as spectators, fearful of action and the consequences. Whether the world is directly involved in the conflict zone or not, the consequences are going to be the same. Global food shortages. While the global breadbasket has been shut-down, the Russian production line of global food supply, is subjected to global sanctions. That nation will also be part of the global impacted by the food crisis as well as a failing nation unable to contribute to global food demands.

As yet, the actual global access to food supplies have not diminished but the pricing soared by 55% in the weeks leading up to the conflict state in this region. This conflict has been raging now for over five weeks. Such food prices have not been seen since 2011, and now the two global producers (over one-third of global supply) of wheat, barley and other grains are in a state of conflict.

Can the situation across the globe be spelt out more clearly?  Egypt is the largest wheat importer where a nation of nearly 106 million people relies heavily on imported grains, where one-third of the existing population in this land is already struggling to survive at poverty levels.

The mathematics in war situations are simple. Conflict equates with shortages. Shortages equate with price inflations. Increased prices mean greater poverty. Poverty leads to more hunger and starvation especially in poorer nations while more developed nations incur greater expenses and inflation, and result in poorer sectors of their communities also.

wheat-lebanon

One can move from nation to nation that are heavy importers of grain whether for basic breads, a staple food in most nations, for noodles in the east, for animal feed, all will be impacted. Along with the sunflower oils and processed foods. Both the Ukraine and Russia contribute around 70% of the global sunflower market which makes up about 10 percent of the global oil industry.

The consequences of the current Ukraine-Russia conflict will have dramatic impacts across the globe for all nations at one level or another. This may influence nations to be far more pro-active in seeking diplomatic solutions to conflict in the “breadbaskets of the globe”.

Food Waste in Ramadan: Trends and Counter-Measures

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Muslims countries, Arab nations in particular, generate huge quantities of food waste which increases substantially during the month of Ramadan. As per conservative estimates, around 15-25% of all food purchased or prepared during Ramadan find its way to the garbage bin before even being used or consumed.

food waste in ramadan

Food Waste Trends in Ramadan

The trend shows that during Ramadan, the demand for beef, mutton, chicken and related meat products increases by almost 50% of the normal demand, which in itself is very high. Similar is the fate of other related food items like vegetables, fruits and dairy products etc. which are out of shelves quickly in the super markets and cold stores during special religious occasions.

The enormous food waste generation can be witnessed at all socio-economic levels. It is environmentally and morally considered offensive that as a society we have become so casual about the basic raw materials of life.

Over the past few decades, the society and people have become more wasteful due to rise in income, living standards, consumerism and affordability. But affording does not mean that wastage should increase as it is contrary to the Islamic principles of sustainability.

During Ramadan, people tend to buy more than their normal requirements for self consumption plus for taking care of guests. Due to the limited quantity of food to be consumed by people this additional quantity of cooked or made food becomes waste as Fatoor is not usually eaten as midnight snacks or as sahoor the other day. The demand for fresh food increases as majority of people are willing to spend an extra amount for the better quality of food.

food wastage in ramadan

The rich also sympathize greatly in this month and donate more food for charity which at times is not consumed by the poor section of the society due to late delivery and evening prayers. This trend again leads to more wastage, as the food items bought are not being fully and efficiently utilized and ultimately end up in garbage bins.

Ways to Reduce Food Waste in Ramadan

We need to change our attitude of not laying the table with more food than people can eat. This is not hospitality and welcoming the guests.

  • People should not buy in excess to avoid another trip to the grocery store or super market.
  • We need to develop better food habits and respect for the Mother Nature. The problem of food wastage lies in socio-cultural sensitization and behavioral change.
  • Buying in actual quantities especially fruits and vegetables. Making a shopping list first before going to the market will be more useful.
  • Buying items with a longer expiry dates for ease in using it during a longer period.
  • Daily checking of the food items in our fridge/ deep freezer to ensure its utilization before it becomes waste.

Inculcating good food utilization and storage habits can also play a key role in waste minimization during the holy month of Ramadan.

The Dangers of Asbestos

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The use of asbestos has been a widespread issue that continues to impact countries on a global scale. As a favored material used in buildings and construction projects throughout the 20th century, asbestos held an incredible appeal as a mineral known for its heat and fire resistant properties.

For decades, this substance was synonymous with manufacturing and development. However, it was soon discovered that once asbestos was disturbed or damaged, the fibrous material could have a fatal effect on those that came into contact with it.

Asbestos in the United States

Despite its known dangers, asbestos continues to pose a threat, especially in the construction industry. Every year, around 125 million people around the world experience occupational exposure to asbestos. Much has been done to raise awareness about the substance, yet asbestos is still allowed in construction materials and supplies throughout the United States as 1 percent of the product. Along with this, its more prominent presence in older buildings presents a high risk to construction workers during the renovation and demolition of these structures.

As a result, asbestos exposure remains the primary cause of occupational cancer in the U.S. Construction workers are one of the leading groups that suffer from asbestos exposure, with demolition crews at the forefront in their frequent contact with damaged and contaminated rubble. However, the same can be said for a variety of professionals that repair and refurbish structures built before 1970.

The construction industry can be broken down into a number of specialized vocations, from home renovators to tile setters, carpenters, and plumbers. Asbestos fibers can spread throughout a jobsite through contact, which can further expose family members and loved ones if the material is brought into the home.

There are an estimated 4,000 construction materials that once regularly contained some form of asbestos, including shingles, pipe insulation, paints, and cement. Across such a broad spectrum of supplies and substances, this means that a wide array of construction workers risk exposure to asbestos on a daily basis. Today, these materials may still contain asbestos, given that they meet governmental guidelines.

Asbestos Globally

The risks of asbestos also continue to plague many nations around the world. The Middle East was once used as a hub for asbestos well into the late 20th century, along with the boom in oil drilling. As more and more urbanization and infrastructure projects were taking place, asbestos was being continually brought into the environment.

In the 1960s around 20 percent of asbestos could be found in the Middle East. Although almost 60 individual countries around the world have taken measures to ban asbestos, the material is often still found on construction sites due to global regulation disparity and misinformation or ignorance.

Additionally, in places like South Africa and Canada that once thrived on the mining of asbestos, the dangers of exposure remain prevalent. Because the effects of asbestos inhalation can take decades to present themselves, those who worked with the mineral years ago may still be at a high risk.

Towns neighboring these mines and other construction sites often see the negative impact of asbestos as it is carried out and spread into the environment. Since mining asbestos can send the particles into the air, secondhand exposure was also very common. Despite South Africa’s prohibition of asbestos in 2008, much of the region’s environment is polluted and in some cases, unlivable.

Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, has direct correlation with asbestos exposure

Impact on Public Health

Why is this naturally sourced mineral so harmful? Over time, asbestos has been linked to serious cases of asbestosis, mesothelioma, and various cancers. Once the fibrous material has been inhaled, they attach to the lining of the lungs and other respiratory organs. As time passes, these fibers cause irritation and can have a serious impact on health.

Mesothelioma, specifically, is known for its direct correlation to asbestos exposure. This rare form of cancer is especially fatal, as symptoms can take anywhere from 20-50 years to develop. As mesothelioma has a low survival rate, few patients survive more than five years once the symptoms are present and just about 55 percent live longer than six months. There are three strains of Mesothelioma: pleural (in the lung lining,) peritoneal (in the abdomen lining,) and pericardial (in the heart lining).

Asbestos has made a significant impact on the world at large. Despite its beneficial fire resistant properties, the material has too negative of an impact on the health of those exposed to it to be fit for use.

Despite the stricter regulations many nations have put into place, asbestos is still found in numerous older buildings and homes, putting those who renovate and inhabit them at risk. To this day, asbestos is continuously used and mined in several countries. However, if legislation continues towards a global ban on asbestos, and the construction industry moves to educate and take extra precautions when handling materials containing the substance, these harmful effects may become less detrimental.

Information Resources

http://www.asbestosnation.org/facts/

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs343/en/

https://www.ecomena.org/asbestos-waste-management-in-mena/

http://www.afro.who.int/news/asbestos-use-continues-africa-despite-severe-health-warnings

10 Top Ways to Make Your Life Green

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No one is small enough to make a difference. When it comes to protecting the planet, each and every individual matter. Being green is not only good for the environment, but it also helps in saving money and safeguarding our health. We can do a lot of ‘green’ things in our daily lives to reduce waste generation, clean the air, conserve natural resources, save energy and protect wildlife. Here are 10 top ways to make your life green, and thus becoming good environmental stewards for the Earth:

green_living_middle-east

1. Turn Down the Heat

Reducing domestic energy consumption can help in minimizing environmental footprint, besides cutting down your expenses on the electricity bill. During winter, simple measures like setting the thermostat of the water heater at a lower temperature and insulating the hot and cold water pipes will significantly reduce heat loss.

A cheap and effective method is to wrap insulating blankets around the water heater in order to reduce heat loss. Washing your clothes in cold water, instead of hot water, will also have a positive impact on your energy bills. Read this article to know how to wash your car in an environmentally-friendly manner.

2. Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle

It is always worthwhile to buy products that can be reused or repurposed. Try to get rid of unwanted items by repurposing or donating, rather than sending them to landfills. Your old clothes, furniture, appliances, utensils, and stationery can be put to a good alternative use. Organize a garage sale or a donation drive so that the unwanted items can be used by someone else.

3. Avoid Paper

Avoid the use of paper, as much as possible. And if you can’t avoid paper at home or at your workplace, try to use recycled paper as it will not only help to reduce the deforestation of Earth but also decrease the amount of paper waste going to landfills. Make it a habit to pay your bills online, use recycled paper, and use cotton napkins and towels instead of paper towels.

4. Unplug Electronics

Unplug your electronic gadgets before you go to bed and avoid charging electronic devices endlessly. Electronic items consume power even when they are turned off if they are plugged in, so you need to switch off the power switch from where they are plugged in. This will a significant impact on your electricity bills by preventing power wastage from standby-mode devices.

5. Home-based Water Filtration

There is nothing like the convenience of fresh clean healthy water right at your tap in your home. A home-based water filtration device will provide clean water for drinking, washing and all kinds of hygienic uses. A million plastic water bottles are bought around the world every minute, with less than 20% of them being recycled. Instead of using bottled water, save resources and money by drinking from your own home filtration system with a reusable water bottle.

6. Eat Local, Organic Foods

The food industry has a huge carbon footprint as most of our meals travel long distances before they reach our plates. More and more people want to eat organic nowadays and it is actually becoming the norm in many parts of the world. Eating local, organic foods will help you to avoid processed and chemical-laden foods, and thus ensure a healthy lifestyle.

7. Green Your Personal Care

There is a good scope to go green in personal care. Use a minimal amount of water during bathing, use green hygiene products and avoid chemical-laden soaps and shampoos. Do remember that healthy food leads to healthy skin and body.

8. Raise Eco-Conscious Children

Make your children environmentally smart. It involves an element of education and leading by example, and the end result will be a better planet for them to grow up in. A great way to start is to get out and about and explore and experience nature.

Another interesting idea is to involve your children in choosing which items they think need to be recycled when you are clearing up in the kitchen and around the house. It will make them feel that they are making an active contribution.

environmental-education

9. Support Eco-friendly Businesses

Eco-friendly small businesses are coming up all over the world, helping to benefit local communities in more ways than one. The benefits of buying locally are generally far greater than what you’d get from buying at large shopping malls. Small businesses are more likely to support other businesses within the community, care for their environment, and conduct business in an environmentally-responsible way.

10. Go Solar

Solar panels are a great way to reduce energy costs, minimize the carbon footprint impact of your home and decreasing your dependence on the grid. Many homeowners in USA choose ZenSolar to finance their solar panels with one of the “pay-as-you-go” financing options. This means that a third-party company – the solar provider – owns the solar system and takes care of installation, maintenance, monitoring, and repairs.

Bottom Line

These are a few simple tips that anyone can follow and make a meaningful contribution towards the global environmental movement. Your green lifestyle may not mitigate climate change overnight, but collectively, green living can ensure a sustainable and greener future for the entire humanity.

Solar Energy in Saudi Arabia: Perspectives

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Saudi Arabia, the epicenter of global oil industry, has been showing keen interest in solar energy in recent years. Saudi Arabia has one of the world’s highest solar irradiation in the world, estimated at approximately 2,200 thermal kWh of solar radiation per m2. The country is strategically located near the Sun Belt, in addition to plentiful availability of empty stretches of desert that may accommodate infrastructure for solar power projects.

Vast deposits of sand can be used in the manufacture of silicon PV cells which makes Saudi Arabia an attractive location for solar industry. “The resource is stunning; land is abundantly available; the transmission grid system is relatively new, highly resilient and capable of accommodating intermittent loads; and the creditworthiness of KSA is unbeatable as demonstrated by response to the nation’s first ever international bond offering”, explains Paddy Padmanathan, CEO of ACWA Power, one of the world’s leading solar developers.

Another important driver for solar energy deployment in Saudi Arabia is astonishingly high per capita primary energy consumption, four times higher than the global average. The total energy consumption in the Kingdom is rapidly rising at a rapid rate of 6 percent per annum which also presents a strong case for diversification of energy sources.

Slow Progress Yet Ambitious Goals

Despite its tremendous potential, solar energy sector in Saudi Arabia is still in early stages. “Saudi Arabia is yet to turn its huge solar potential into reality”, says Makio Yamada, Research Fellow at King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (Riyadh). In 2012, the government unveiled plans to invest more than $100 billion in clean energy projects till 2030 in order to generate 41GW, a third of its power requirements, from renewable resources, primarily solar energy.

However, the government drastically scaled back the program in January 2015 and set a more realistic renewables target 14% of current generating capacity (9.5GW) by 2030.  “The installed solar capacity is less than a fifth of that in the UAE which can be attributed to institutional fragmentation and lack of effective collaboration between relevant state and semi-state organizations”, adds Yamada.

The newly launched Vision 2030 document puts forward a strong regulatory and investment framework to develop Saudi solar energy sector, financed in part by $2 trillion sovereign fund. “Vision 2030 highlights renewable energy as a strategic priority for Saudi Arabian economy which would help in economic diversification away from oil revenues, increasing energy security, diversify energy mix, free up oil for export, enhance regulatory framework, and support development of renewable energy industry, thus paving the way for a low-carbon economy in the Kingdom”, say Eaman Abdullah Aman, a Saudi energy expert and writer.

Infact, Saudi Arabia’s long-term goal is to become the leading exporter of solar energy in Middle East and Vision 2030 is expected to play a key role in realizing this objective. “What makes Vision 2030 and King Salman Renewable Energy Initiative different from previous programs is that they represent the highest level commitment to renewable energy ever seen from the Kingdom”, emphasizes Nada.

Under the King Salman Renewable Energy Initiative, the government will review the legal and regulatory framework for private-sector investment in order to encourage public-private partnerships and promote local manufacture. “The new targets and strategy outlined in Vision 2030 and National Transformation Plan is very much in sync with fuel mix trends around the world”, observes Padmanathan.

Winds of Change

The first renewable energy initiative from the Saudi government was the establishment of King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KA-CARE) in 2010, which is the official agency in-charge of promoting clean energy in the Kingdom. One of its major achievements has been the establishment of 3.5MW PV project at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center. 

Saudi Arabia’s long-term goal is to become a leading exporter of solar energy

Saudi Arabia’s first competitive global tender for utility-scale solar power projects was recently launched – two 50 MW solar power plants at Al-Jouf and Rafha. Though current installed solar capacity in the country is a measly 25MW, world’s leading solar energy companies are already active in the local market, mainly due to the promise and potential of Saudi solar sector. “We already have two pilot projects in place: the first is solar-powered irrigation project at Al-Jouf while the other one is a carport solar power plant for the Saudia Dairy and Foodstuff Company (SADAFCO) in Riyadh”, informs Ahmed Nada, Vice President and Region Executive – Middle East at First Solar.

In addition to solar PV, concentrated solar power (CSP) is an interesting option for Saudi Arabia due to its strong dependence on desalination plants to meet its water requirement. Waste heat of a CSP plant can be used to power seawater desalination projects. In 2015, Saudi Electric Company selected CSP to produce electricity with 550MW Duba 1 project, an integrated Solar Combined Cycle Power Plant located near Tuba. The plant, still in tendering phase, is designed to integrate a parabolic trough unit of around 20 to 30MW. 

Outlook for the Future

Due to its regional dominance, Saudi Arabia can play a vital role in the proliferation of solar energy in the entire Middle East. “The Kingdom needs to urgently move forward with its renewable energy plans and start the production of solar energy on a large-scale”, says Padmanathan. “The current focus is on increasing levels of efficiency, reducing subsidy and slashing government expenditure and on doing things that truly add value”, he adds.

“Vision 2030 target suggests that the country will grow its renewable energy capacity in increments, taking advantage of future cost declines and efficiency improvements, while also leaving the door open for emerging technologies”, says Nada. Under the new leadership of King Salman, the country is making a concerted effort to develop its renewable energy sector. “The reorganization of stakeholders and decision makers on energy policy and renewables, under one umbrella, should accelerate KSA’s renewable energy program”, observes Nada. The government restructuring in May 2016 placed necessary administrative functions under the newly-created super-ministry, the Ministry of Energy, Industry, and Mineral Resources which will eventually pave the way for implementation of solar projects.

However, there are several critical areas which Saudi Arabia should tackle for a smooth transition to renewables-focused energy mix. “Saudi Arabia should take a consultative approach on its renewable energy policy framework by leaning on capable, credible industry partners to share their expertise which will help the country avoid the steep learning curve that other markets have faced”, explains Nada. Lenders and financiers are an integral part of any industry, and they should be properly informed about green financing. “It will be particularly important for banks and lenders based in the Kingdom to better understand the solar energy industry, ensuring that they’re comfortable with providing competitive financing for the program”, stresses Nada.

It is also essential to adapt solar energy systems to meet specific energy-intensive applications. “Saudi Arabia could provide long-term solar energy targets for certain, energy-intensive industrial sectors such as cement, steel and petrochemicals”, says Nada.

Lastly, a well-trained and performing workforce is crucial for the development of solar market. “Saudi Arabia needs to invest wisely in technical education to overcome the skills mismatch between schools and the labour market and ensure the supply of rightly-trained human resources to the solar industry”, stresses Yamada.

Green Marketing: How To Improve Your Sales Performance

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The sales performance of your company should be improved for your business to grow. Whether you are trying to increase your LinkedIn connections or other social connections, building connections is vital in every business. You could be having a great product and a great team but without making sales, your business will ultimately fail. For this reason, you need to come up with green marketing strategies that will help your business improve your sales performance. Some strategies have been formulated to help you accomplish that, and they include the following:

1. Make sure you generate enough leads

Generating leads is probably one of the most difficult processes of the sales process. Also, it is the first step in the process. As a business, you must decide how many prospects you need in the funnel at a time in order to achieve your sales goals. Not every prospect will buy and you need to know how many calls you need to make one sale. For instance, you may realize that when you make ten calls, you can make one or two sales. If you want ten sales then you must make a hundred calls.

green-business

2. Show the benefits of your products to your prospects

After getting a prospect from the leads, you want them to buy. Prospects don’t care about the contents or the technology used in making the product. They buy the benefits of the products; hence show them the benefits of your products and you will make sales.

3. Know your target customers

You have to define your customers clearly. Know their age, gender, religion, place of residence, level of education and income among other factors. This information will help you get the right leads and prospects hence saving yourself time and money.

4. Define the problem that your product solves

Sometimes identifying the problem that your product solves may be difficult. It is necessary, therefore, that your sales people attend a sales coaching class to be taught to identify the problem being solved. If your product does not solve any problem, making sales becomes an uphill task. Prospects may not know if a problem exists and, therefore, it is your duty to educate them and persuade them to buy the product.

5. Learn to handle objections and rejection

Many people fear objections in the sales process. The good thing is that anyone can be trained to handle any objection so you don’t have to fear. Common objections include: not having money, time and having a similar product among others. If you own a business then it is good you train your sales people on how to handle these common objections.

Also, not everyone you talk to will yes to your product. In fact, a bigger percentage of your prospects will say no to you. You, therefore, need to be prepared to hear the no and move on to the next prospect.

6. Learn to negotiate

You should know how to negotiate with your buyers so that you can persuade them. Good negotiators are well prepared; know how to ask the right questions and exercise patience. This skill will help you to identify or create a win-win situation so that both you and your buyer are happy.

7. Follow up

Money is in the follow-up. Very few prospects will buy your product the first time they learn about it. However, when you follow up, you show them that you are there to serve them; you are dependable, you believe in your product and that you do not just want their money. This strategy may help you sell more products. If you have many prospects but your sales are low, develop this skill of following up and your sales will dramatically increase.

8. Ask for referrals

This is one effective way of generating leads, yet it is usually ignored by many people. Here you simply ask your satisfied customers to refer someone they know to you. They may refer some people and they buy, hence you gain; or they may refuse to refer people to you, you still lose nothing.

These green marketing strategies have been tested over and over again and they have shown results. You just need to apply them effectively and your sales performance will soar.

Ramadan: A Catalyst for Green Living

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The true meaning of Ramadan is to take care of our body, soul, people, surrounding and ecosystems. The month of Ramadan is a golden opportunity to make a real shift towards ‘green living’ that is environmental friendly, non-polluting, non-wasteful and aim towards conservation of natural resources. During Ramadan, let us create awareness on use of resources, think and act positively towards our environment and change our unfriendly habits which are impacting our ecosystem.

Let us seize this opportunity to adopt a model for a green and environmentally responsible behavior that addresses urgent environmental issues.

green-ramadan

Ramadan witnesses an over-consumption of meat, vegetables and fruits together with drinks, juices and syrups. We become more extravagant in terms of using food and resources. So, let us be patient on these consumptions, eat healthy and organic food in manageable quantities. Let us grow vegetables and fruits at our available land/ space. Use food items judiciously and avoid any wastage.

Let us be away from our routine habits that pollute our air, soil and water resources. Let us be aware of our wasteful habits which are affecting the environment and our future generations. We need to understand that any mismanagement of our precious available resources will be having an irreversible impacts on our ecology and for our future generations. Let us make concerted effort to encourage and embrace “green” practices, especially during Ramadan.

environment-protection-muslims

Ramadan presents the perfect opportunity to recharge our spiritual batteries for the year. It is a time to seek forgiveness for our misgivings and to reflect upon the signs of creation from Allah. As human beings, we have a duty as stewards over this planet, and it is our responsibility to ensure that the resources and environment are used in a sustainable manner.

Let this month not only harness our mental and physical ability but also be a turning point fosr respecting our resources and environment. Some basic thoughts are:

  • Support and utilize local produce.
  • Plan food usage with no wastage.
  • Reducing the water usage, especially during making ‘wadoo’/ ablution. Be vigilant that the tap is closed. Any dripping should be eliminated to conserve precious water.
  • Generating less quantity of waste especially food waste. Support & practice recycling and reuse.
  • No littering especially in common areas, commercial and religious places and shopping areas.
  • Minimum or no use of plastic bags. Using less paper and stationery.
  • Switching off appliances after use like lights, ACs, fans, heaters, iron etc.
  • Using electrical appliances like washing machines, iron, vacuum cleaner and dishwashers in off peak hours.
  • Eliminate use of disposables plates, cutlery, cups, containers etc. Avoid using Styrofoam containers and plastic cutlery.

The Challenges of Public Health and Environmental Stability

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The environment and the climate are all part of our daily life. We live and interact with the environment and the climate also influences our lives by moderating and impacting our environment. Regardless of which continent one focuses one, the concerns are similar across the globe.

Many, many people across the globe live off the land. A large portion of the global population is totally dependent on agriculture and livestock farming. We call this subsistence farming. Regardless of nomenclature, these lives are hinged to and dependent on farming in an environment that is rapidly changing as the temperatures rise and the climate patterns keep changing. Their struggles are compounding.

environmental degradation

Rains are less frequent, less reliable or overwhelming inundating. The seasons are tending to be hotter, the soils more parched, the production levels of the land are wanning. There may even be more families dependent on securing food from the same land area. Yet the land is producing less in terms of food crops. Much of the land is under greater environmental stress and strain resulting in poor nutrient value of the soils resulting is lower crop yield. While malaria is still rampant and locust swarms are of biblical proportions, rising temperatures, lowering rainfall, all play their part in reducing the people’s capacity to provide for their families, and for the local and global market from these exhausted soils.

It is widespread knowledge that people across the globe are facing greater threats to public health, livelihood, sustainability from the lands due to climate change and environmental degradation. Climate change is not just an environmental threat that impacts the people, but it is also a public health threat that is also increasing in severity each year.

For example, increasing temperature means that local climates are warming up,  and there are seasonal shifts with longer lasting seasons. This means that mosquitoes can now survive in places were previously it was not feasible. This warming climate extends the breeding season and the period of biting activity of the mosquitoes. It is not just nature that is embracing longer warmer and wetter seasons conducive for disease transmission, but disease such as Zika and Dengue fever,  are moving more aggressively into urban areas.

mosquito-control-measures

As climate changes, the issues that threaten the populace include extreme weather events such a rain bombs, and more frequent and more severe mudslides and flooding. This follows with reduced security in food supplies and access to drinkable water. These factors all give rise to human triggers for catastrophes such as political conflict, human trafficking, within and cross border wars, followed by internally displaced people and refugees fleeing across borders, as well as regulated people movement and migration in formal channels.

The usual listing of health-related concerns impacted by climate variability include water-borne disease, malnutrition, heat-related illnesses, air pollution and vector-borne diseases. The issues are the same, but the level of severity is compounded each year. Deadly water-borne diseases such as cholera and hepatitis are very familiar.  But as the water sources warm and the air temperatures also increase, there is a significant increase in the pathogens that cause these deadly diseases, where diarrhoea is one of the most common causes of death in children.

Climate change is impacting the level of food production such that there are greater food shortages leading to greater malnutrition and starvation. Less water availability means it is more difficult to grow and produce healthy food. The food quality is diminishing. On the other hand, excess water due to flooding may lead to greater pest and fungal disease which damages the crops also.

Rising temperatures results in heat waves of greater intensity and duration, as well as increased frequency. This leads to heat related illnesses such as heat stress and heat stroke. This targets both the very young and the elderly sectors of any population.

Next is the air pollution. The levels of pollutants are exacerbated by natural fires, burning of crop stubble and clearing of lands of rainforests, or simply dense vegetation for next season’s farming. The burning processes enhances the increase in air temperature leading to further climate change. Many of the fumes are carcinogenic and detrimental to the health of persons with chronic health conditions.

climate-change-public-health

As the climate patterns change with increasing temperature, higher humidity levels, greater areas exposed to stagnate pools of undrinkable water, diseases are readily transmitted, survive for longer, infect greater numbers of the local populations, and transmit more diseases.

Chain reactions escalate across the biosphere at all levels within the population and natural ecosystems. These collective scenarios threaten the resilience of the local communities. And in term, impact the scant or fragile health systems especially in poorer regions of the globe. People’s basic needs already are not being meet and are now being threatened by increased pressures on the natural environment. The situation is increasing in severity as now there are both the long-standing physical health concerns which are being intensified, and new unravelling environmental health issues and concerns that need to be managed or compensated for.

This growing instability in basic survival capacity raises the need for decisive action across the globe, concern for the most vulnerable communities, and an urgent need for mitigation to reduce environmental emissions and environmental footprints if we wish to ensure the survival of all people on the planet. This requires not just more reports on Climate Change and Sustainability Development Goals, but real action on the ground.

media and sustainable development

It all sounds good to reduce carbon footprint, reduce waste, embrace clean energy solutions, manage people movement efficiently. We have bandied these terms for decades now. It is time for real implementation with community-driven models, decentralised and locally empowered solutions that use local resources to solve local problems on community scale. The local people need to be involved in the local solutions to ensure the future of local communities within the natural local environs. These solutions need to address both the future of the local communities, the health of the environment, and especially the future health of the global communities.

Energy Efficiency Implementation in GCC’s Residential Sector: Actions and Technical Requirements

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The huge existing stock of residential units in the GCC region, and the expected growth in residential construction projects, convey different challenges at the time of energy efficiency implementation. New developments require the definition and the enforcement of standards to be included at the design process; while owners and users of existing units require motivation and financial strategies to implement different levels of energy efficiency actions.

A set of actions and requirements have been identified to improve energy efficiency in residential buildings, these include core management actions and specific technical requirements; and are defined for new developments and for already existent residential units.

New developments

New developments have the advantage of being able to incorporate energy efficiency features from the design, including improved building techniques, careful material selection and installation of control features that convey into lower energy requirements during the lifetime of the unit. Seven management actions have been defined for the achievement of energy efficiency in new residential units. Most of these actions must be initiated by the administration (or government) and then reach momentum with the developers.

Awareness raising implies communicating to the public the need for being less oil dependent and motivating such transition trough economic incentives and taxes. These steps also require the administration to design and enforce minimum building standards and to support the availability of service providers, suppliers and materials in line with the defined standards. A great example in some countries of the Gulf are the strict requirements for imports, manufacturing and installation of air conditioning.

Actions and technical requirements for energy efficiency implementation in the residential sector – New Developments

During the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the units is where the energy efficiency tasks are implemented and where specific adherence to technical requirements is due. The main categories of such requirements are included within the building envelope and building orientation, mechanical and electrical features, HVAC systems and thermal insulation. Minimum standards for these categories have been already defined within the Building Codes of some countries.

For the lifetime usage of the residence, other aspects are to be taken into consideration. Amongst these we find the acquisition of energy efficient home appliances such as refrigeration units, freezers and water heaters. It is also important the exclusive use of LED lighting, the inclusion of daylight control systems and even the consideration of PV systems. Equally important are the maintenance, monitoring and verification tasks to ensure that the design efforts reflect in energy savings during the occupancy of the building.

Existing residential units

Implementation of energy efficiency measures in existing residential units has an added level of complexity due to the cost involved and the additional work required. Core management actions for energy efficiency implementation of existing residential units. It is very important to motivate current owners and users to make the transition pointing out their personal and financial well-being from the modifications.

The odds for energy efficiency implementation increase when financing schemes for capital investment, that will be offset by future savings, are made available and broadly communicated.

Every housing unit differs in performance and needs; therefore, a basic energy audit is required to identify the opportunities for each situation. According to the resources available and the desired outcome, the opportunities are then selected for implementation. Three levels of interventions or technical requirements have been defined and grouped from ease of implementation and lower cost to more costly and efficient options.

Actions and technical requirements for energy efficiency implementation in the residential sector – Existing Units

The first level interventions include housekeeping, such as behavioral changes for switching off unnecessary lights and appliances, repairs of air leaks and filtration, and basic weatherization of the unit shell. It is important to run maintenance on air conditioning systems and regular cleaning and replacement of filters. Installation and proper setting of thermostats and LED lighting retrofit are other easy but effective measures.

Second level interventions include the replacement of energy inefficient appliances (i.e. refrigerators and freezers) and the installation of at least standard efficiency cooling systems. Building features shall be adjusted for minimum adherence to the building code.

Third level interventions are higher in cost but greater in savings. These include the implementation of a high-performance cooling system which can save up to 35%, and insulation of walls and roofs with close to 25% in energy savings. Other interventions include daylight control systems, and windows and door replacements to add shading features, glazing or adjustment of the dimensions window to wall ratio.