Muslims and the Environment: A Mischance

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sustainability-islamThe detachment of the modern-day man from the environment can be attributed to the desacralization of nature, and the modernist destitution of the inner state of the soul which, according to the scholar Seyyed Hossein Nasr in ‘Man and Nature’, accounts for the phenomenon of the ‘prostitution of nature’: “For modern man, nature has become like a prostitute ─to be benefited from without any sense of obligation and responsibility toward her.”

Eradication of Natural World

Mankind has surrounded itself with square walls and barren concrete structures for the sake of creating this artificial industrial world. Its constant need to feed the badgeringly ravening consumerist lifestyle, is rapidly and dangerously eradicating the natural world ─humanity’s very own cradle.

Drifting along into this new design of a world, are Muslims who today, have been alienated from the roots of their own religion. It is harrowing to see the population of one of the world’s biggest religions, so acutely uninformed about the current dilapidated state of the natural world, so cavalier about the fact. But why is this the case?

Seemingly, the Quran never outright demanded the ‘jihad’ to conserve nature, or what some are calling, eco-jihad. No verse can be found that literally calls for Muslims to mobilize every tool in their hands for the sake of saving the environment. But this was obviously the case as the state of the world in which the Quran descended, was not in disrepair. Ergo, this fact does not only apply to the Muslim world.

Notion of Nature in Islam

Never has there been in the past, a philosophy, literature, religion or societal movement intensively committed to the idea of ‘saving’ nature before the advent of the industrial revolution. Nature simply did not need much saving back then.However, the primal essence of Islam as a religion, encapsulates and engulfs the notion of Nature in the extending intricacies of its own doctrine.

The very message of Islam is conveyed by the Quran through the use of Nature as its auxiliary pedagogical tool. God honors Nature in the Quran by elevating its position as ‘Aayah’ or ‘Sign’, which is so imperative that it is termed to validate His very existence:

“We will show them Our Signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth.” (41:53)

In another example, after establishing the orbital paths of the sun and moon, God explains that these celestial objects are Signs that he uses:

“…He explains the Signs (in detail) so that you may be certain of the meeting with your Lord.” (13:2)

The Quran constantly utilizes natural elements to impart its canonic principles. It refers to inanimate creations and living species as serving their purposes in the larger scheme of this world:

“There is not a thing that moves on the earth, no bird that flies on its wings, but has a community of its own like yours.” (6:38)

Additionally, God remarks how every creation is subservient to Him in their own ways:

“Do you not see that Allah is He, Whom obeys whoever is in the heavens and whoever is in the earth, and the sun and the moon and the stars, and the mountains and the trees, and the animals and many of the people.” (22:18)

And the Quran goes on to address the grave magnitude and the vibrant eminence of this natural world, mentioning how most people could not even understand it:

“The creation of the heavens and earth is greater than the creation of mankind, but most of the people do not know.” (40:57).

Mizan – The Philosophy of Balance

Subsequently, in regulating our interaction with the natural world, the Quran introduces its philosophy of miizan or balance, stating:

“And the heaven, He raised it and He has set up the Balance (mizan). So that you transgress not in the Balance (mizan).”

It stresses this warning against the upsetting of the terrestrial miizan:

“Do no mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order.” (7:56)

Further than that, the Quranic dogma teaches Muslims that their existential purpose in this world is to serve as the position of ‘viceroy’ or ‘khalifah’ who is responsible for the preservation of the Earth:

“Then We appointed you viceroys in the earth after them, that We might see how you behave” (10:14).

It becomes clear that the natural world, living species and the ecosystems are regarded as being more dignified than our devalued and secularized perception of them. Veritably, Nature which the Quran imbues with effervescent spirituality, is more exalted than the industrial mankind’s current treatment of it. Against the backdrop of our current age of excess and overconsumption, these verses certainly leave us but with an unnerving sense of disgrace.

Detachment of Muslims from Natural World

There is no grain of doubt then that the responsibility of preserving the balance of Nature serves as an integral part of the Muslim faith. To say the least, a Muslim who professes to espouse the Islamic creed should have fundamentally grasped the spiritual import of Nature to begin with. In other words, so conspicuous is the significance of the natural world in the Islamic scripture that it never had to spell out the blindingly obvious. The conscious Muslim should already instinctively be alarmed at the current precipitating deterioration of the ecosystems, wildlife populations and their habitats.

Clearly this has not happened with the majority of Muslims, considering how muted their worry for environmental protection is. But why? The majority of clerics, who supposedly are the flag-bearers of Islam, do not even arduously champion campaigns for environmental conservation. This, at a time when scientists have been presenting fact after fact on the damages caused by detrimental everyday human activities on the environment.

Imagine for a second if this enormous section of the world population is energized by clerics who actually comprehend the spiritual intimacy between Islam’s Revelation and the world’s nature. Vast areas of the natural world could be saved from anthropogenic crimes and benefit from sustainable attitudes emanating from the Muslim world’s endearing concern for the environment.

This evidently tragic detachment of Muslim societies from the natural world will not only affect the lives of future generations, but ultimately, demerit the quality of their very own faith. It is an injustice to the Islamic doctrine that Muslims remain aloof from the destruction of these Quranic Signs of God.

The Way Forward

Now is high time to disseminate awareness among Muslim scholars and preachers around the globe, to revitalize the discourse on the spiritual bearing of Nature to a Muslim individual’s faith, in the endeavor to once again sacralize Nature in the eyes of mankind. Realizing this spiritual connection between Nature and the Islamic faith, it can never be too late to initiate sustainable development and the preservation of the environment.

The Quran reiterates this, as even when it foreshadows the destruction of the environment by the hands of mankind, it closes the same argument with a reconciling persuasion that we will be able to learn from our mistakes:

Corruption doth appear on land and sea because of (the evil) which men’s hands have done, that He may make them taste a part of that which they have done, in order that they may return. (30:41)

The Unending Benefits of Wetlands

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Wetlands are wonderful for numerous reasons but these wonders weren’t always known to man and it was often common to overlook the importance of this distinct ecosystem. The mention of a wetland used to bring to mind images of murky, mosquito-riddled swamps or unused lands that needed to be developed into a space which would be more useful to humankind.

Wetlands were grossly undervalued which led to loss of many and provoked the Convention on Wetlands to be signed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971. The Ramsar Convention still serves as an international wetland conservation movement and currently holds over 160 nation signatories.

azraq wetland in jordan

Late Nelson Mandela illustrated the biological diversity that exists in a wetland when he once mentioned the St. Lucia Wetlands in a speech:

‘The wetland park must be the only place on the globe where the world’s oldest land mammal (the rhinoceros) and the world’s biggest land mammal (the elephant) share an ecosystem with the world’s oldest fish (the coelacanth) and the world’s biggest marine mammal (the whale).’

Wetlands can be natural or artificial, can be saturated with freshwater, saltwater or brackish (which is water that contains salt but not as much as seawater) and supports vegetation that is especially adapted to grow in saturated soils. But apart from a wetland having such unique characteristics, the real wonders of a wetland lie in all the functions it has that benefit people and the environment.

The Importance of Wetlands

One of its most amazing characteristics is that it acts as a sponge or natural flood control system. The structure of wetlands enables them to absorb rainfall and thus reduce the volume of water that enters into rivers and streams which naturally lowers the risk of flooding. Wider floodplains also help to pan out and store the rainfall.

Another amazing feature of a wetland is its ability to purify water by trapping pollutants in its soils and vegetation. Wetlands are so effective at purifying water that they are used to purify wastewater from industry, mining and sewerage.

Wetlands replenish groundwater supply which is an important water source as well. Wetlands also support a large variety of animal and plant species. Sadly however, whilst wetlands have so many wonders that enhance the environment, there are many factors that threaten this landscape type. Wetlands in South Africa are threatened by overgrazing, pollution from pesticides, commercial development, alien plants and poor urban storm water management.

In the dry regions of the Middle East inland wetlands like rivers and lakes are vanishing due to the increased demands for fresh water. Azraq Lake, the sole Ramsar site in Jordan and Mujib River are good examples of water stress in the Middle East. Wetlands in Iraq are also facing extinction due to decades of conflicts, mismanagement and overlapping oilfields.

benefits of wetlands

Flamingos at Dohat Arad marine reserve in Bahrain

The loss of wetlands is a clear indicator of larger problems from declining water availability; a problem for both nature and the people who used to depend on these areas.

Bottom Line

As custodians of the Earth we should take time not only to visit and learn more about these environments but should try and become actively involved in projects to help preserve, protect and rehabilitate the remaining wetland ecosystems around the world.

May Allah guide us and bless us abundantly in our efforts to conserves and restore our environment (Aameen).

Fracking – A Risk Analysis

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Recent events in the Europe and the United States have propelled fracking up the public and political agenda. Is the case for drilling full of holes? Despite apparent economic benefits, fracking has got entangled in a good deal of controversies with some countries outrightly banning or suspending it. Public health concerns, environmental issues, geomechanical risks, groundwater contamination, air pollution and waste management are some of the issues are coming under increasing public scrutiny.  

fracking-impacts

No Sense of Well-being

The oil and gas industry does not inspire huge public confidence, as attention focuses on major incidents like the Deepwater Horizon blowout, which have cost lives, caused huge environmental damage, and bolstered the arguments of green campaigners. Concerns about engineering methods and well integrity are more serious than any number of dubious YouTube clips showing people setting light to gas from their water taps.

Fracking is often carried out at considerable depth and involves pumping high pressure water into the rock. Deep wells and high pressures place strain on the engineered infrastructure and reduce the margins for error. The average depth of a fracked well in the US is around 2,500 metres, while the Bowland Shale in Lancashire is at a depth of some 4,750 metres. North Sea reserves are typically 3-5km below the seabed, but all are shallow compared with Deepwater Horizon, the deepest oil well in the world, extending more than 10,600 metres down into the rock. The Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineers have produced a report on shale gas extraction, which highlights the need for good construction and well integrity.

Water Mess

Engineering challenges are not the only risk to account for in an Environmental Impact Assessment – contamination, water impacts and even radiation need to be considered. The evidence to quantify them may not yet be available in all cases, but the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence, especially in a developing industry.

The fracking process requires a huge amount of water, some 2-5 million gallons per well – although this estimate may be somewhat low due to the way data is collected and the fact that some wells are fracked multiple times. An MIT researcher has calculated total water use for US wells in 2011 to be around 135 billion gallons, based on a 5 million gallon average. It’s a lot of water – but represents just 0.3% of US water consumption, rather less than is used by golf courses. Fracking’s additional demands are not trivial: the industry’s impact on aquifers in some Texan counties is starting to foment concerns amongst previously pro-fracking populations.

The process of pumping large quantities of high pressure water, sand and sundry drilling additives produces a lot of waste water, which also contains toxic material brought up from the shales. Common toxins include heavy metals (such as barium, strontium and arsenic) along with a number hydrocarbons and bromides.

Evidence being amassed in the US shows that fracking operations have polluted groundwater and released fluids and gas into drinking water aquifers. As early as 1984, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported a case in West Virginia, which rendered an aquifer unusable. In 2011, the EPA also reported extensive contamination of groundwater in Wyoming, and similar events have been recorded in Canada. In each case, the causes have been identified as faulty well installation, with seepage back into the ground from inadequately engineered waste water storage. There are of course also reports of cases where no contamination has taken place, which may serve as case studies of good practice, but the evidence suggests a degree of inherent risk.

Ill-Treatment

A recent study by the University of Texas at Arlington found elevated levels of arsenic and other heavy metals in groundwater near fracking sites in Texas’ Barnett Shale. Whilst the study is not conclusive, elevated arsenic levels have also been detected by the EPA in domestic well water near a fracking site at Dimock, PA, necessitating additional treatment systems to be installed by householders.

In Pennsylvania, state authorities have responded to EPA concerns by requiring fracking waste water discharges to stop unless properly treated. Some had been discharged to sewage works that were incapable of dealing with the pollutants and therefore affecting river quality. Some US fracking wastewater is not treated: much is re-used and then stored, whether temporarily pending treatment, or long-term in deep wells. Above ground storage in open (and sometimes leaky) lagoons carries the highest risk of land being contaminated, but underground storage also holds risks.

Menace of Radionuclides

There are two sources of radionuclides from fracking: those deliberately injected to trace and profile wells, and those occurring naturally in the shale that are brought to the surface. Around a dozen short half-life isotopes are used in controlled quantities for injection. Their use is of less concern than the naturally occurring radionuclides, such as Radium, Radon, Thorium and Uranium, which have a longer half-life. These materials require careful management to avoid environmental and health impacts.

The EPA has detected higher than permitted levels of these radionuclides in the outfall from wastewater treatment plant, and drilling industry studies have found that dilution in rivers may not be effective, meaning that radionuclides could enter drinking water inlets. Workers and local residents at drilling sites and wastewater treatment plants are exposed to health risks, most obviously cancers of the internal organs and the lungs, where Radon escaping as a gas has the opportunity to evaporate from storage or at the well head.

Fluid Situation

An extensive range of additives may be injected with the sand and water during the drilling and extraction processes in varying dilution and mixtures depending upon the geology of the fracked well. Most are quite widely used in industry, as operators are keen to point out, although they may have toxic characteristics: ammonium persulfate, hydrochloric acid and mineral oil being examples.

These additives constitute around 1% of the fluid, a significant quantity given the large amounts of water and sand being pumped. In the US the makeup of fracking fluids can remain unknown under commercial sensitivity laws, but UK rules include better disclosure on what chemicals are being used, allowing them to be vetted for toxicity and other hazardous properties.

Shaking Shale

Fracking is thought to cause seismic activity, and operations at the Cuadrilla site in the north west of England were suspended after a minor earthquake hit the news last year. A DECC report co-authored with the British Geological Society concluded that “the risk from these earthquakes is low” in terms of structural damage, but I would have concerns about the risk posed to the integrity of the well lining itself.

A recent report in the journal Science concluded that a large earthquake many miles away may trigger a swarm of smaller earthquakes around a drilling site. The resulting destabilisation of the fracked area can later lead to a larger earthquake. Fracking wells might act like seismic lightning rods; but there’s no safe path to earth for an earthquake and they could pose a more serious threat to habitations and structures than previously thought.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has published a set of ‘golden rules’ for fracking that include examples of best practice in policy and regulation. These controls will be costly to establish and maintain – the IEA estimates that implementing its rules would increase the costs of a well by around 7% – which may harm the business case for unconventional oil and gas. However, without such measures it is doubtful whether even residents of the desolate north will be induced to welcome fracking, whatever its economic benefits.

Note: The article is being republished with the kind permission of our collaborative partner Isonomia. The original article can be viewed at http://www.isonomia.co.uk/?p=2204

Humanizing Architecture – Through the Eyes of Abeer Seikaly

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Through the jasmine-scented roads of L’weibdeh (Jordan) I navigated my way to Abeer Seikaly’s studio, an old house that resembles Jordan’s genuine and inspiring identity. Abeer Seikaly is a young Jordanian architect who has been featured on several global and local media platforms because of her innovation “Weaving a Home” that was shortlisted for the 2012 Lexus Design Award.

Influence of Education and Local Knowledge

Top architecture schools in the Arab world are heavily influenced by international trends in built environment and sustainability, and unfortunately Arabic reference material is largely ignored in teaching. The emerging thinking around built environment and its relationship with people and nature rely largely on digital and virtual practice leaving students with minimal interaction with communities and building materials.

Architect-Studio

Moreover, the growing disconnect between research and market requirements in most developing countries magnifies the gap between engineering and sustainable development. Acknowledging the uniqueness of traditional Arab architecture and its historical importance in shaping sustainable building concepts raises concern on the diminishing role of local knowledge in responding to contemporary sustainability challenges.

For Abeer, having the chance to study abroad provided her with new insights not only about architecture but more importantly about her own potential and abilities within a larger context. What her culture-rich home environment gave her, on the other hand, was respect and appreciation for art, creativity and surroundings. With time, exposure and experimentation, Abeer defined her own architecture. Emphasizing that the pure definition of technology is craft, weaving, and making, her definition of innovative architecture combines old and new, traditional and contemporary. It is also thinking about architecture as a social technology.

Re-defining Success

When people are focused on the product, they usually tend to neglect the joy and benefit of the process itself. Focusing on the process boosts self-confidence and self-awareness and yet requires diligence and mindfulness while enjoying experimentation. It enables us to engage more deeply with the present, and thus, allow us to learn faster and experience life to the fullest.

According to Abeer Seikaly, architecture is not about the building itself but more about getting into it and experiencing its metaphysical nature with time. “Ordinary architects nowadays are inclined to use computer software to design buildings while sitting in closed offices. This is only dragging them away from people and from nature. As a real architect, you need to be out there to feel, interact and test your designs”, says Seikaly. “Creating is about the process and not about the outcome.”

Thinking through Making: The Tent

As a firm believer in the process, Abeer Seikaly has been working on her creative structural fabric for years. When the time was right, she used this creative work to bridge a gap in human needs. Participating in the Lexus Design Award was part of engaging her fabric with people and nature.

Disaster shelters have been made from a wide range of materials, but Abeer turned to solar-absorbing fabric as her material of choice in creating woven shelters that are powered by the sun and inspired by nomadic culture. The use of structural fabric references ancient traditions of joining linear fibers to make complex 3-D shapes.

Study Model_AbeerSeikaly

Study model showing movement of the system and its collapsibility

Tackling an important issue like shelter for a humanitarian purpose can’t be more relevant to both innovative architecture and sustainable development. With Jordan being host to more than 1.4 million Syrian refugees, this is about humanizing architecture and meeting basic human needs.

She passionately mentions her ultimate inspiration: thinking through making. “Experimenting, looking at material’s behavior, testing, and slowly you are there”, says Seikaly. “It is about thriving and not about surviving. Revelation results from years of hard work and continuous perseverance throughout the process”, she adds.

Recipe to Innovate

There is no recipe for innovation, Abeer Seikaly explains, but Jordanian engineers and architects need to ask themselves the following: What are you about? What is local/sustainable? What is Jordan about?

When asked about role of engineering firms, Seikaly stressed the fact that most corporations nowadays do not provide an enabling environment for youth to learn and grow. Emphasizing the importance of innovation, she says “With no personal attention and coaching, engineers are disconnecting from themselves and from community. Despite all the difficulties we face in our country, innovation goes back to personal drive and motivation: if you need it, you will make it”.

“Define your role as an Architect in a developing country, I have discovered mine and became an aware human being. To serve society and improve well-being is who I am”, concludes Abeer.

Architecture and Sustainable Development

The straightforward link between architecture and SDGs is Global Goal No. 11 i.e. Sustainable Cities and Communities; nevertheless, a deeper look at how architecture influences and gets influenced by other elements brings about a link with almost each of the other Global Goals.

The unique relationship between built environment, people and nature makes it an opportunity to demonstrate real sustainable development, as highlighted by Abeer Seikaly’s innovation. Around 60% of the world’s population will be living in cities in 2030 which dictates a new and integrated way of thinking about urban design and architecture.

How Security Lights Enhance The Protection Of The House?

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Security lights come with many benefits. When the natural lights of the day turn to night and spread darkness, you can opt for Olown security lights. When you get the fixtures mounted outside the house, they can cover the large area of the house.

During the night, the darkness may feel safe and secure. It is what you cannot see that is the primary concern. When you choose the outdoor lights, you will get a simple and efficient method of protecting the house. There are still many people who look at the benefits of adding the security lights outside the home.

How Security Lights Enhance The Protection Of The House

Why Are Security Systems Essential?

When leaving for work, you go with the expectation to come back to the smiling family and a safe house. There has been the growth of crimes across many cities. For this reason, it is highly essential to opt for the security system so that you are always protected and get the peace of mind to assure that your family is safe when you are out.

Choosing the home security system may be tricky, as selecting the most appropriate method is essential for house protection. If you’re not in the condition to invest in the tight security system, just having the security lights will be sufficient to increase the house’s security.

Adding the LED lights and the camera will be the most efficient security method to opt for. With the help of the security light systems, you will get various benefits such as:

1. Security

Having outdoor lights will become the best way to expose the burglars in the shadows they usually try to hide. Lights will leave them exposed and reduce the potential of a burglar to be deterred once they know that they do not have any other way to break in the house without being seen.

Your neighbors and the pedestrians will also be able to alert you when someone is lurking outside of your home. If you have security cameras, lights can help you capture them quickly.

2. Longevity

Security lights, particularly LED, tend to last long. You won’t be required to change them for many years to come, which can help you save money in the long term.

The reliability of the outdoor lights will provide you with ease of mind and keep the thought of maintenance away for a long time. Whereas, when you have the traditional light bulbs, they come with limited lifespans, and you will have to change them frequently, which will consume more time and cost for the investment.

There are also some lights with batteries in them. You can opt for the best light from the HlcBattery. They have the best batteries, which will last you a lifetime.

4. Energy Savings

When you have LED lights, these lights tend to consume low voltage that can help you to save a significant amount of energy. Operating at a lower voltage than any other type of bulb, LEDs not only use less energy and reduce the bill but also get rid of the chances of them catching fire.

The extra energy will be required to keep the house lit from the outside, so there will be no reason not to have the LED lights experience the benefit by themselves.

5. Increase Property Value

When adding the exterior lighting, you should consider it an investment for the house as it can help you to boost the property value. It will also help you increase the demand for the house, and the potential future buyer will look at your property and consider buying it.

Another way it boosts the value lies in reducing the insurance rates allowing you to save over time. You will save money on unexpected costs when break-ins occur.

6. Control

There are different types of control options varying from on/off switches to time-controlled switches that you can program to go on at night at particular times. Others also include the photocells that can detect the dark, and it will turn on the light by itself due to the motion detector.

When it is on, it will turn on the light when it detects the motion nearby and turns it off when everything is settled.

7. Weather Resistant

Most fixtures can withstand dampness, but some are more resistant to weather. They will generally work whether it is rainy, dry, or snow. They can work at any weather changes during any type of season.

solar-powered-street

Conclusion

Having security lights can be the best way to protect the house, as you will always be able to see outside the house and leverage the benefits of tight security. Security lights can be the way to protect your family members and kids because the burglars think they will know that they will be caught.

10 Ways to Efficiently Heat and Cool Small Spaces

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Efficient heating and cooling of space save energy and money. Luckily, you don’t need expensive traditional heating and cooling systems to efficiently heat and cool small spaces. These are pretty powerful and will quickly overheat a small space.

So how can you efficiently heat and cool spaces? There are several options. Below are ten permanent and portable solutions for heating and cooling small spaces.

1. Mini-Split Heating and Air Conditioning Systems

Currently, no permanent HVAC solution for small spaces is more popular than mini-split HVAC units. They’re the perfect option as a super-efficient, all-in-one heating and cooling system for a small setup.

How to Efficiently Heat and Cool Small Spaces

Heat ducts lose a lot of heat (25% to 40%) via the duct system. This is pretty inefficient and an unnecessary wastage of fuel. On the other hand, mini-splits don’t need any ductwork to provide heat. They do it directly, resulting in less fuel usage. This is not only better for your pocket, but the environment too.

Mini-split systems are great for small rooms and apartments. Since you mount the unit on the wall, it makes them great space savers because they won’t take up any floor space within your already compact setup.

Additionally, mini splits replace the need for separate window AC units, saving you more space. Therefore, you don’t have to look for a place to store another unit once winter is here.

In addition to a mini-split HVAC system’s efficiency in heating and cooling, it comes with modern electronics features, including remote control, a built-in dehumidifier, and a timer. Of course, you’ll never have such conveniences with other heating options such as an underfloor heater or a fireplace.

A mini-split is relatively inexpensive compared to other permanent heating and cooling options. Though you must have an HVAC technician do it for you, it doesn’t involve extensive installation.

Granted, mini-splits aren’t the cheapest option for heating and cooling small spaces. However, they may be the most effective and efficient option in the long run.

2. Electric Panel Heaters

An electric panel heater is another great option to heat small spaces. These low-watt heaters feature several advantages, one being affordability. Indeed, you can purchase an electric panel heater from your local home goods stores for as little as $100, or even less.

In addition, once you acquire an electric panel heater, you don’t need any special skills or help from an HVAC technician to install it. All you have to do for the heater to start working is plug it in. And since most come in low wattages, an electric panel heater is cheap to operate.

An electric panel heater is a perfect choice for heating small spaces. That’s because it hardly takes up any space. It also heats up quite fast. These two qualities make these electric heaters ideal for small spaces, especially in areas that don’t get extremely cold.

3. Wood Fireplaces

A wood fireplace is a great way to heat a small space quickly and add character to your small apartment. It’s also a permanent small space heating solution.

The good news is that heating your small space with wood is quite inexpensive. Better yet, it’s free for those with readily available wood at their homes.

The only disadvantage of heating a small space with a wood fireplace is the cost of installation. It can be pretty expensive. Also, in some places, installing one in an apartment is illegal or impossible.

Remember, you need a chimney for the heater. That means for a small apartment, you must be on the top floor.

Consider a wood-burning stove too. It’s a viable heating option for small spaces too.

While these are old-fashioned ways, they can go a long way in cozying up your space. All you need is to load your fireplace or wood-burning stove.

4. Gas Space Heaters

Small spaces also have spots that can be colder than others. This is where a small space heater, especially a gas heater, comes in. Propane or natural gas space heaters burn cleaner than kerosene, making them a better alternative than kerosene heaters.

In most cases, running a gas space heater doesn’t require electricity. This is good news because your small space heater will work even amidst a power outage.

If you live in areas where natural gas is abundant, purchase a gas space heater to run with this gas. You can also use propane gas- it’s widely available throughout the country.

Gas space heaters are pocket-friendly, costing less than $150. Besides, they’re small, thus ideal for small apartments. Since they burn clean, you don’t have to worry about cleaning the gas space heater’s components or changing its filters every time you run it.

On top of all these benefits, portable gas space heaters can generate a lot of heat within a short time. You’ll also enjoy the scene of live fire as it warms your small space up.

warm home in winter

5. Electric Underfloor Heaters

An electric underfloor heater is an ideal heating solution for a small space. You can install the heater underneath carpeting, ceramic floors, or laminate floors.

This home heater is quite comfortable as it heats your small apartments from the floor up.

The good news is that electric underfloor heaters don’t consume much power. For instance, an electric underfloor heater will only use about 180 watts if you live in a small space of 6 by 3 feet. This is a minimal amount of power.

Another benefit of heating a small space with an underfloor heater is that the heat it radiates off spreads uniformly throughout your small house. Rising from the floor upwards means you’ll have no cold space left out within your home.

Also, nobody likes a noisy heater. But as this underfloor heating is on the floor, it operates quietly and unobtrusively, taking up minimal space.

It’s worth mentioning that although these heaters are not expensive, installing them can be costly. You either have to pull up your flooring or install another flooring over your existing one after laying your heating mat.

6. Ethanol Fireplaces

An ethanol fireplace is a small fireplace that runs on a bio-ethanol liquid or gel fuel. You can get yourself one of these fireplaces and install it in your small space.

They’re a great option, providing a clean-burning fire. Besides, ethanol fireplaces don’t require ventilation. You’ll hear people saying running an ethanol fireplace is just like running a candle, which shows how clean this solution can be.

The fact that ethanol fireplaces produce live flames means you’ll need another heater for your small space to use while asleep or away for safety reasons.

7. Gas Fireplaces

Instead of using a wood fireplace, you can go for a gas one. This is a great alternative that comes with more convenience because you’ll not have to add fuel manually now and then.

In addition, a gas fireplace doesn’t produce ash and smoke like a wood fireplace. It’s also easier to vent.

But remember, you must hook a gas fireplace to a gas line. Therefore, installation can be a bit more expensive than a wood fireplace. In addition, it might not be legal to install one in your small apartment.

8. Electric Fan Heaters

Electric fan heaters heat a small space by blowing hot air around your apartment through fans. The heater is usually more powerful than an electric wall heater. Regardless of the size, an electric fan heater will operate at high watts (over 1500).

An electric fan heater is cheap. The good news is that you can even purchase it like a fireplace model. This is good for aesthetic purposes. Moreover, you can use a remote control to operate it.

However, you should note that running an electric fan heater can be expensive. Additionally, the heater gets so hot that it can damage a child, pet, or anything else near it. So, you must keep them away from the electric fan heater at all times.

9. Kerosene Heaters

Another great option to heat a small space is a kerosene heater. These heaters are extremely portable and produce a lot of heat.

Though kerosene heaters will go a long way in heating your small apartment, be wary of their drawbacks.

Remember, they produce a live flame which can deprive a small space of oxygen. This means ventilation is necessary if you must use one.

Many apartments will not allow kerosene heaters too. Besides, you might have one but lack fuel to run it. Kerosene is not only becoming costly but rare to find with each passing year too.

Cleaning kerosene heaters and replacing their wicks is also costly.

10. Cooling Options for a Small Space

Apart from heating, you may require to cool your small space, especially during summer. Some of the options available for small apartments include:

  • Mini-split system: As discussed above, mini-split HVAC units have cooling capabilities alongside heating ones.
  • Using a PTAC unit. Make sure you use a PTAC of the right size to adequately cool your space.
  • Window air conditioner: A window AC will go a long way in cooling your small space. Whether it’s a small apartment, room, or house, window ACs make a great, reliable, efficient, and cost-effective cooling option. Luckily, they take no additional space in your small apartment. The good news is that there are window air conditioners with heat that you can use for year-round climate control for your small apartment.
  • Wall air conditioner: Wall air conditioners will also cool your small space. Just like window ACs, they don’t sacrifice space as they run through your apartment wall.
  • Opening your windows.
  • Using oscillating fans.

Wrap Up

When it comes to heating and cooling a small space, there are many options at your disposal. Of course, many factors will go into determining the one you choose for your small apartment, including ownership, budget, preferences, and your local climate. More important is to make your small space cozy with heat or AC.

إجعل رمضانك أخضر

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في شهر رمضان نشهد إختلافاً كبيراً في العادات والأنشطة اليومية سواء من عادات الأكل أو الصلاة . وتأتي الدعوة لعدم الأكل والشرب من شروق الشمس إلى غروبها في هذا الشهر لتعزيز قدرات التحمل البدني والعقلي، وفهم الصعوبات التي يواجهها المحرومين ممن ليس لديهم ما يكفي من الموارد لتلبية حاجاتهم الأساسية. ويتجلى المعنى الحقيقي لشهر رمضان بتنقية أنفسنا مع الحرص على صحة الجسم، والروح، وعلاقاتنا الانسانية  بالإضافة إلى علاقتنا مع النظم البيئية التي تدعم وجودنا على هذه الارض.

green-iftar

شهر رمضان هو فرصة ذهبية للتفكير في إمكانية التحول نحو “نمط الحياة الخضراء” الذي يتمثل بأسلوب حياة صديقة للبيئة، تتجنب التلوث والإسراف، وتهدف إلى التوفير في استهلاكنا للموارد الطبيعية. نمط الحياة الخضراء يعني تحسين نوعية الحياة وتحقيق التنمية المستدامة.

دعونا نخلق الوعي حول استخدامنا للموارد الطبيعية خلال شهر رمضان، ونبدأ بالتفكير والتصرف بشكل إيجابي لحماية بيئتنا وتغيير عاداتنا التي تؤثر على النظام البيئي حولنا. دعونا نغتنم هذه الفرصة التي يوفرها رمضان ونعتمد نموذجا للسلوك الأخضر والمسؤول الذي يعالج القضايا البيئية الملحة.

من المعروف أن استهلاك اللحوم والخضار والفواكه بالإضافة إلى المشروبات والعصائر يشهد إزدياداً كبيراً في هذا الشهر. لذلك، دعونا نتأنى بقراراتنا الاستهلاكية ونتناول الطعام الصحي والعضوي بكميات مدروسة. دعونا نزرع الخضراوات والفواكه بالمساحات المتاحة لدينا، ونستخدم المواد الغذائية بحكمة. دعونا نبتعد عن عاداتنا الروتينية التي تلوث الهواء والتربة والمياه. هذا وعلينا أن ندرك أن أي سوء إدارة لمواردنا المتاحة سيكون له آثار لا رجعة فيها على التوازن البيئي وعلى أجيالنا المقبلة.

يقدم رمضان فرصة مثالية لإعادة شحن طاقتنا الروحانية كل عام. فهو أنسب وقت للتكفير عما فات والتفكر في خلق الله. حيث حمل البشر مسؤولية عمارة الأرض التي تتضمن الاستخدام  الأمثل للموارد والبيئة بحيث نضمن استدامتها.

ليكن هذا الشهر نقطة تحول في سبيل احترام مواردنا والبيئة من حولنا. وفيما يلي بعض الأفكار الأساسية:

دعم المنتجات المحلية.

التخطيط لاستخدام أمثل للغذاء، دون أي هدر أو إسراف.

ترشيد استهلاك المياه، وخاصة أثناء الوضوء، وتصويب أي مسبب للهدر.

ترشيد استهلاك الطاقة والتنبه لبصمتنا الكربونية.

توليد كمية أقل من النفايات خاصة النفايات الغذائية. بالإضافة إلى ضرورة دعم وممارسة إعادة التدوير وإعادة الاستخدام.

عدم رمي القمامة في المناطق العامة، كالأماكن التجارية والدينية ومناطق التسوق.

الحد من أو عدم استخدام الأكياس البلاستيكية، وتقليل استخدام الورق والقرطاسية.

إطفاء الأجهزة بعد انتهاء الحاجة منها مثل الأضواء، وأجهزة التكييف، والمراوح، والسخانات، وما إلى ذلك.

استخدام الأجهزة الكهربائية مثل الغسالات والمكواة والمكنسة الكهربائية وغسالات الصحون خارج ساعات الذروة.

استبدال المصابيح العادية بمصابيح أقل استهلاكاً للطاقة وإطفاء الأنوارعند عدم الحاجة لها.

القضاء على عادة استخدام المواد المخصصة لاستعمال مرة واحدة، من صحون وأكواب، الخ. وتجنب استخدام الأوعية المصنوعة من الستايروفوم وأدوات المائدة البلاستيكية.

ترجمة: سمر طه

أخصائية في مجال البيئة  ودراسات تقييم الأثر البيئي في الأردن، حاصلة على درجتي الماجيستير في التقييم والمراقبة البيئية والعلوم البيئة وإدارتھا وبكالوريوس في إدارة المياه والبيئة.

فوائد لا تحصى للأراضي الرطبة

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لطالما أغفلنا روعة وأهمية الأراضي الرطبة بسبب جهلنا للميزات العديدة لهذا النظام البيئي. و لطالما استخدم مصطلح الأراضي الرطبة   للتعبير عن المستنقعات العكرة  المليئة بالبعوض أو الأراضي غير المستغلة التي تحتاج إلى بعض التحسينات لتكون أكثر إفادة للإنسان. و قد أدى هذا التقليل من شأن وأهمية الأراضي الرطبة إلى فقدان الكثير منها، الأمر الذي استلزم التوقيع على معاهدة الأراضي الرطبة في رامسار، في إيران عام 1971. ولا تزال تلك المعاهدة تعد بمثابة الحركة الدولية للمحافظة على الأراضي الرطبة، حيث تضم أكثر من 160 دولة موقعة.

wetlands in arab countries

لقد وضح الراحل نيلسون مانديلا روعة التنوع البيولوجي الموجود في الأراضي الرطبة عندما ذكر منطقة القديس لوسيا في خطاب له قائلاً: “نستطيع القول أن الأراضي الرطبة هي المكان الوحيد على الكرة الأرضية الذي يتعايش فيه أقدم الثدييات البرية في العالم (وحيد القرن) وأكبر الثدييات البرية (الفيل) مع أقدم الأسماك في العالم ( سمك سيلكانث) وأكبر الثدييات البحرية في العالم الحوت)”.

و يمكن أن تكون الأراضي الرطبة طبيعية أو اصطناعية، كما يمكن أن تكون مشبعة بمياه عذبة أو مالحة أوآسنة (و هي المياه التي تكون نسبة ملوحتها عالية ولكن ليس بقدر ملوحة مياه البحر)، هذا وتدعم هذه الأراضي الغطاء النباتي الذي يتم تكييفه خصيصا للنمو في التربة المشبعة. و بصرف النظر عن خصائصها الفريدة، فإن الأسرار الحقيقية لهذه الأراضي تكمن في منافعها المتعددة للإنسان وللبيئة.

و تعد واحدة من أهم خصائص هذا النظام البيئي المدهشة هو أنه يعد بمثابة اسفنجة أو نظام طبيعي للسيطرة على الفيضانات. حيث أن طبيعية الأراضي الرطبة تمكنها من استيعاب مياه الأمطار وبالتالي تقليل كمية الماء التي تصل إلى الأنهار والجداول مما يقلل بشكل طبيعي من خطر الفيضانات. ويساعد اتساع السهول الفيضية  أيضا على التحكم في حركة و تخزين مياه الأمطار. و بالإضافة إلى ذلك، فإن الميزة المدهشة الأخرى للأراضي الرطبة هي قدرتها على تنقية المياه من خلال احتجازها للملوثات داخل التربة والغطاء النباتي. وعليه فإن الأراضي الرطبة تعتبر فعالة جدا في تنقية المياه ولذا يتم استخدامها لتنقية المياه العادمة الناتجة عن الصناعة والتعدين و مياه الصرف الصحي.

azraq wetland in jordan

و علاوة على ذلك، تساهم الأراضي الرطبة في تجديد إمدادات المياه الجوفية والتي تعتبر مصدرا هاما لتزويد المياه. كما تدعم حياة مجموعة كبيرة ومتنوعة من الأنواع الحيوانية والنباتية. و على الرغم من المزايا الإيجابية  المتعددة لهذه لأراضي إلا أنه وللأسف، هناك العديد من العوامل التي تهدد هذا النوع من المناظر الطبيعية. فعلى سبيل المثال،  تعاني الأراضي الرطبة في جنوب أفريقيا من عدة مشاكل تهدد ديمومتها منها: الرعي الجائر، والتلوث بالمبيدات الحشرية، والنمو التجاري والنباتات الدخيلة وسوء إدارة مياه الأمطار في المناطق الحضرية..

و في المناطق الجافة في الشرق الأوسط، و نظرا لزيادة الطلب على المياه العذب فإن الأراضي الرطبة الداخلية، مثل الأنهار والبحيرات، بدأت في طريقها إلى الاضمحلال، و تعتبر واحة الأزرق (وهي موقع رامسار الوحيد في الأردن) ونهر الموجب من الأمثلة الجيدة على  الوضع الحرج للمياه في الشرق الأوسط. وتواجه الأراضي الرطبة في العراق أيضا خطر الاندثار كنتيجة لعقود ممتدة من الصراعات وسوء الإدارة بالإضافة إلى قربها من الحقول النفطية. ويعد فقدان الأراضي الرطبة مؤشراً واضحاً على مشاكل تتعدى كونها مشاكل انخفاض وفرة المياه؛ فهي مشكلة تهدد البيئة والناس الذين كانوا يعتمدون على هذه المناطق.

وبوصفنا حماة لهذه لأرض، فإن من مسؤوليتنا أن نخصص بعض الوقت ليس فقط للزيارة ومعرفة المزيد عن هذه البيئات ولكن ينبغي أن نشارك في مشاريع للمساعدة في حفظ وحماية وإعادة تأهيل النظم البيئية للأراضي الرطبة المتبقية في جميع أنحاء العالم. وفقنا الله وبارك لنا بوفرة في جهودنا لتحافظ على واستعادة بيئتنا(آمين).

ترجمة 

سمرطه

أخصائية في مجال البيئة  قامت بدراسات أثر بيئية لعدة مشاريع مختلفة في الأردن، حاصلة على درجتي الماجيستير في التقييم والمراقبة البيئية والعلوم البيئة وإدارتھا وبكالوريوس في إدارة المياه والبيئة.

E-Waste Management: Perspectives from Egypt

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

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

ewaste-mobiles

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

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

Why isn’t this industry picking up?

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

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

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

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

The Way Forward

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

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

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

Gas Flaring in Iraq: A “Burning” Issue

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

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

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

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

Gas Flaring – A Wasted Resource

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

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

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

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

Islamic Principles on Waste Minimization

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Since the beginning of time, waste has been an environmental issue for humans. Waste is often equated with trash, but even before the existence of trash, there was waste. Understanding the various forms of waste can help us identify ways to avoid and reduce it. Muslims have had lessons on avoiding and reducing waste for over 1,400 years and we can all benefit from the guidance offered in Islam through Quranic injuctions and Prophet’s Sunnah. The Holy Quran says:

It is He Who has brought into being gardens, the cultivated and the wild, and date-palms, and fields with produce of all kinds, and olives and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and variegated. Eat of their fruit in season, but give (the poor) their due on harvest day. And do not waste, for God does not love the wasteful. [Quran 6:141]

From this verse we comprehend that food is a primary source of waste. Leftover food in the days before refrigeration was probably a perilous invitation for predators to come visiting. However, not only does God command us not to waste, but in the same verse He also teaches how to avoid it. God instructs us to share our food with the poor — not from leftovers after it’s been to the market, but on the same day it is harvested.

This verse also identifies waste that occurs with consumption of food outside of its natural season. “Eat of their fruit in season” implies that this is better for us than, for example, importing grapes from halfway around the world. It is possible that this one simple command might have spared us all from global warming had we simply followed the guidance from Islam. Just think of all the fossil fuel emissions we might have avoided from only eating what is in season locally.

Waste as a Result of Excess

Waste is also a problem resulting from having too much. It may be the most sweet cantaloupe you will ever eat in your life, but if the farmer planted too much cantaloupe, it’s going to go to waste. Allah addresses this problem of excess in the Quran:

O you who believe! Do not make unlawful the wholesome things which God has made lawful for you, but commit no excess for God does not love those given to excess. [Quran 5:87]

Excess produce is a problem every farmer tries to cope with in a variety of ways. In the case of small family farms, neighborly sharing always was, and still is, a regular practice. In Islam, Allah requires that Muslims share a portion of every harvest with the poor in our neighborhoods. But, sadly, industrialized commercial farming practices have led to the worst forms of food waste due to excess.

Many acres may ripen their produce all at once, and often laborers can not physically harvest fast enough to avoid food spoilage. Sometimes whole fields of produce lay rotting in the sun, and it’s a very depressing sight. Next, the produce that does get harvested and packaged is distributed to wholesale produce markets in huge quantities. This also is far more produce than can be distributed to grocery stores and restaurants without avoiding another huge loss of food to spoilage. Men drive forklifts around all day in the wholesale markets, carrying pallets of rotten produce to the dumpsters. The dumpsters are also patrolled, and it is illegal to remove any produce from them.

Drive behind your local grocery store and you will witness the next round of food waste from huge quantities of fresh produce on permanent display inside the store. But if it gets one little black spot on it, out it goes, onto the heaping, rotting pile out back. There are some grocery stores where poor people can stealthily grab from the dumpster out back, but in most communities this is definitely illegal trespassing, and I have no idea where poor people can turn for food. Thank God for religious organizations and food banks because harvest day sharing isn’t happening on commercial farms, wholesale markets, or out behind the grocery stores.

Gluttony as a Form of Waste

From the two verses above, we can understand that God has provided a wide variety of delicious and lawful, or halal, food for us to eat. We can infer from this that God intends for us to enjoy our food, and understands our pleasure in having a wide variety of flavors. This is confirmed by the fact that He gave us taste buds to appreciate the various flavors of food which He provides. But eating excessively, on the other hand, carries a terrible penalty:

Eat of the wholesome things We have provided for your sustenance, but commit no excess therein, lest My condemnation fall upon you; he upon whom My condemnation falls has indeed thrown himself into utter ruin. (20:81)

Gluttony is a form of personal sabotage, leading to a large number of health risks. Overeating may be seen by many as a simple act of self-indulgence in the presence of delicious food, but God obviously doesn’t see it that way. It is easy to understand that unwholesome consumption, like taking drugs, clearly carries dangerous health risks. But the 1,400-year-old lesson here is that even the good, wholesome foods carry dangerous risks when eaten excessively.

Obesity and diabetes, among other life-wasting conditions related to overeating, are risks that God clearly would like us to avoid. And, just as we put the spoon in our own mouth with our own hand, God makes it clear that we are responsible for our own condemnation: “he upon whom My condemnation falls has indeed thrown himself into utter ruin.”

Conspicuous Spending is another form of Waste

Conspicuous spending for the sake of prestige, is not an evil born of 20th century, Western society. It was clearly present in the earliest days of Islam, in the Saudi Arabian desert society of 600 A.D., as we see in the following verses of the Holy Quran:

Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer and eat and drink. But do not be excessive – verily God does not love the wasteful. [Quran 7:31]

Not only are we provided with delicious food, but we are also encouraged to wear our beautiful clothes when eating, drinking, and praying. Clearly this is community socializing, and donning your duds is not discouraged. On the other hand, in Islam showing off your personal fortune by spending it on an outrageously expensive outfit is both excessive and wasteful.

Social spending can spiral out of control when being seen as Mr. or Ms. Big Spender becomes more important than enjoying a community gathering. Peer pressure is a trigger for conspicuous spending throughout a community, leading to envy, jealousy, and back-stabbing. Families and whole communities can be destroyed this way, but God provides a warning against this hateful form of waste. And, in fact, even the cycle of peer pressure can be broken easily by following the simple words of the Prophet of Islam:

“When you see one who has more, look to one who has less.” [Prophet Muhammad]

It is easier to count our blessings when we focus more on the poor people around us, rather than the rich. When God is our mentor, our peers become less impressive. And when we read all this down-to-earth guidance about avoiding waste, it becomes clear that the answers in Islam are simple. They are personal and self-evident.

Parting Shot

We need only to focus on our own personal attempt at avoiding waste, and the net effect is possible to ripple through the entire population. Our environment will not change. We will not wake up one morning to a lovely clean environment without each one of us turning our attention inward.

I am not responsible for anyone else’s waste but my own, and no one else will clean up my waste for me. But, God willing, if I clean up my mess and stem my own flow of waste, then I’ll be free and very happy to help out wherever I can!

10 Ways Seniors Can Save Money by Green Living

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

1. Save Energy

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

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

2. Bicycles

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

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

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

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

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

3. Pool Your Cars

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

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

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

4. Mass Transit Options

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

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

5. Avoid Excessive Use of Bottled Water

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

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

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

6. Save on Food

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

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

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

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

7. Living in a Small Home

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

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

8. Eco-Camping

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

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

9. Visiting Libraries

Libraries are great places to make use of free services. There, you can read a book and leave it for the next person. You do not have to buy the book you so want to read. You can do the same for music and movies.

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

10. Retirement Communities

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

Conclusion

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

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