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

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

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

home solar panel installation

Understand the Basics of Solar Energy

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

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

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

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

Assess Your Home’s Solar Potential

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

Here are some things to consider:

1. Roof Condition

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

how to maintain your solar panel

2. Sun Exposure

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

3. Shading

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

4. Roof Space

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

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

Calculate Your Energy Needs

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

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

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

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

weatherization strategies for solar panels

Research Different Solar Systems

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

1. Grid-Tied Solar System

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

2. Off-Grid Solar System

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

3. Hybrid Solar System

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

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

Install the Solar Panels and Test the System

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

Step 1: Mount the Panels

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

Step 2: Install the Panels

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

Step 3: Wire the System

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

Step 4: Connect to the Grid

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

Step 4: Test the System

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

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

Maintain Your Solar Panels

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

solar panel maintenance

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

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

Conclusion

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

Exploring the UAE’s Natural Wonders: A Student’s Guide to Six Pristine Sites

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What many don’t realize is that the United Arab Emirates, despite its desert reputation, is an incredibly biodiverse place. My journey exploring the indigenous species of the Emirates took me from the rugged mountains of Al Ain to the thriving wildlife sanctuary of Dubai and the lush mangroves of Umm Al Quwain.

This exploration revealed a surprising tapestry of ecosystems, each teeming with life adapted to the unique conditions of the region. From resilient desert plants to migratory birds and marine life in the coastal areas, the UAE’s biodiversity is as rich as it is unexpected.

The following six sites of natural beauty are my favorites, each offering a glimpse into the emirate’s ecological treasures and guaranteed to leave visitors in awe of the UAE’s surprising natural heritage.

natural wonders in UAE

1. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

Located at the mouth of Dubai Creek, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a slice of nature nestled in the heart busting metropolis. It covers a space of 6.2 square kilometers and is a renowned site for birdwatching, especially known for its large population of Flamingos.

The sanctuary is a crucial stopover for migratory birds on the East African-West Asian Flyway, hosting over 450 species of fauna and 47 species of flora. The presence of salt flats, mudflats, mangroves, and lagoons creates a diverse habitat supporting a rich biodiversity.

2. Mushrif Park

Covering 5.25 square kilometers, Mushrif Park is an extensive family-oriented recreational ground in Al Khawaneej (close to Dubai International Airport). It is known for its groves of Ghaf trees, the national tree of the UAE, which number over 40,000 inside the area. The park also includes an international village, containing over 13 types of traditional houses from around the world.

mushrif park uae

This urban oasis is a haven for birds and various small mammals, making it a biodiversity hub within the city. Commonly spotted birds include Arabian babblers, Yellow-throated Sparrows and Rufous-tailed Robins. Lastly, the park’s zip lining compound and 10+ biking trails add an adventurous touch that helps people build a closer connection with nature.

3. Eastern / Jubail Mangrove Park

Situated within the heart of the nation’s capital, the Eastern Mangrove and Jubail Mangrove Parks offer a serene escape from the bustling city life. Birdwatchers, nature lovers, and aspiring photographers often come to enjoy their time at these two nature reserves.

Without direct  access, daily kayaking tours are available to appreciate the nature of the Eastern Mangrove Park. On the other hand, Jubail offers boardwalks that wind through the Mangrove forest it is located on, which makes it one of the best Instagram worthy spots in the entire city.

4. Jebel Hafeet

Jebel Hafeet National Park rises over 1,249 meters above sea level, and is Abu Dhabi’s highest peak and the UAE’s second tallest. The mountain is home to many rare to endangered species, including the Dwarf Palm, one of the rarest plants on the Arabian Peninsula. In fact, as of 2024, The Arabian Caracal was recently sighted in the area for the first time in 35 years.

natural attractions in UAE

In addition to the local flora and fauna, the mountain offers 360 degree views of the surrounding city of Al Ain. Lastly, the Jebel Hafeet is also historically significant because over 500 ancient burial tombs dating back 5,00 years were discovered there.

5. Al Ain Oasis

Sprawling over 1,200 hectares and containing more than 147,000 date palms, Al Ain Oasis makes it easy to forget you in the middle of a desert. The oasis offers a cool retreat from the desert heat and is a biodiversity hotspot supporting over 100 different species of vegetation.

The quietness of the oasis amplifies the sounds of nature, especially the birds chirping above. On another note, the location also is a display of the traditional Falaj irrigation system, one of the many reasons why the city of Al Ain is a UNESCO Cultural Site.

uae natural wonders

6. Mangrove Beach

On the coast of Umm Al Quwain, the Mangrove Beach is a hidden gem that allows visitors to get within walking distance of a sprawling mangrove forest. In addition, tourists during the day can sip a cup of coffee or tuck into a carrot cake at the Mikoko Hut. The restaurant’s wooden interior is inspired by the surrounding nature and offers remarkable views of the sea beyond. Lastly, the more adventurous can kayak around the pristine forest or swim at the nearby beach.

حصاد مياه الأمطار: فيض من المنافع

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حصاد أو تجميع مياه الأمطار ليس بمفهوم جديد. ويعني ببساطة تجميع المياه في المناطق التي تتمتع بانهمار مطري متكرر ومنتظم حول العالم، حيث تخزن كميات المياه التي يتم تجميعها ليصار إلى استخدامها في وقت لاحق. عادة ما تجري المياه عبر أسطح المباني لتتجمع في خزانات مياه الأمطار. ويمارس هذا الأسلوب بشكل شائع في الأرياف للاستهلاك المحلي. كما يمكن تجميع المياه في السدود والخزانات لاستخدام المجتمعات على المدى البعيد.

يمكن بسهولة جمع مياه الأمطار في المدن والضواحي، من خلال توجيه التدفق عبر المزاريب ومن ثم إلى أماكن التخزين، ويمكن تصميم هذا الأسلوب للاستخدام المنزلي وتوسيع نطاقه لتطبيقات أكبر مثل الصناعة والزراعة. في الأماكن التي تعاني من شح المياه مثل منطقة الشرق الأوسط، يعتبر هذا الخيار ناجعا وجديرا بالاهتمام. وبحسب  الاستخام المطلوب للمياه فإن الأمر قد يتطلب معالجة مياه الأمطار وتنقيتها. وسيتم التركيز في هذا المقال على جدوى الحصاد المائي.

مستقبل حصاد مياه الأمطار

حقيقة أننا نستخدم الكثير من الماء هو واقع في جميع أنحاء العالم. مع النمو السريع في عدد السكان وتأثير التغير المناخي، يستوجب علينا جميعًا كأفراد ومجتمعات أن نكون أكثر مسؤولية عندما يتعلق الأمر بكمية المياه التي نستخدمها أو نهدرها.
يجري الآن إعادة اختراع حصاد مياه الأمطار وخاصة في قطاع الإنشاءات. هناك تحرك واضح نحو المباني الخضراء والاستخدام المستدام للمياه في خطط التطوير الحضري . لقد أصبحنا معتادين على فتح صنبور المياه حيث تتدفق المياه النقية والصالحة للشرب. والحقيقة هي أن الماء مورد ثمين يتناقص بسرعة من حيث الوفرة والجودة.

The concept of rainwater harvesting

إن رصد استخدام المياه وقياس كميات الأمطار تحتاج لأن تكون أكثر قوة من حيث توقعات الطلب على المياه على المدى الطويل. تحتاج إدارة الموارد المائية والطلب على المياه إلى التعامل مع السعات الحجمية للهطول المطري؛ كون هذه الأرقام أكثر قيمة وأهمية  للتخطيط طويل المدى ولإدارة مواردنا المائية المحدودة والثمينة.

كما أن هنالك حاجة ماسة إلى طرق متكرة وخلاقة لحصاد الأمطار مثل الطرقات وأسطح الرصفة المنفِّذة ي والتي يمكن أن تغذي مباشرة مصادر المياه الرمادية البلدية، أو أن يتم تحويلها إلى مناطق التخزين. ينبغي تحسين تقبل العامة للمياه الرمادية وتعميمها على نطاق أوسع كخيار  ناجع وآمن  للمياه المستخدمة في أغراض غير الشرب، مثل: الري والنياجرا (مياه شطف المرحاض) وما إلى ذلك.. ومع المعالجة المناسبة يمكن أيضًا استخدامها في تبريد العمليات الصناعية.

فوائد حصاد مياه الأمطار

بمكن من خلال  جمع مياه الأمطار بشكل مباشر أو غير مباشر، تقليل الاعتماد على مصادر المياه الجوفيه بشكل كبير. كما يمكن لمياه الأمطار المجمعة أن تشكل مصدرا  لتجديد طبقات المياه الجوفية التي تم استهلاكها بالكامل بسبب الاستنزاف الشديد لموارد المياه الناتج  عن الزيادة السكانية.
هذا علاوة على أن حصاد المياه هو أحد الطرق المتبعة لإدارة الفيضانات السطحية والتحكم بمياه الأمطار الغزيرة.

أما على الصعيد المنزلي فيمكن من خلال تجميع واستخدام مياه الأمطار تقليل قيمة فاتورة المياه المنزلية بشكل كبير حيث يمكن استخدام مياه الأمطار لري المساحات الخضراء وتنظيف الأسطح الخارجية.

ومن أهم الفوائد الناتجة عن حصاد مياه الأمطار::

  1. الكلفة المنخفضة.
  2. خالية من المواد الكيميائية في حالة وُجدت في أماكن طبيعية خالية من الأنشطة الصناعية.
  3. تؤدي إلى تعزيز الأمن الغذائي من خلال خفض كلفة ري المحاصيل.
  4. تقلل الطلب على البنية التحتية المقدمة من الحكومات والبلديات من حيث توفير مصادر المياه.
  5. مساعدة المزارعين على زيادة الدخل وتقليل النفقات اللازمة للزراعة.
  6. تقليل تآكل التربة بفعل الرياح وما إلى ذلك من استنزاف التربة في المناطق الزراعية.
  7. تقليل التدفق السطحي (الناتج عن زيادة هطول الأمطار على الأراضي) والتلوث الناتج عن التربة في المرات المائية م.
  8. تقليل تلوث المياه الناتج عن الممارسات الزراعية. حيث تشق المواد الكيميائية (الأسمدة والمبيدات) طريقها إلى المجاري المائية والتي يمكن أن تؤدي بعد ذلك إلى زيادة المغذيات في المياه وبالتالي التأثير على جودتها. .

أكبر فائدة عائدة من جمع مياه الأمطار هي أنها تقلل من نطاق الفيضانات (وليس خطرها)، خاصة خلال موسم الأمطار، هذا إذا كانت هناك بنية تحتية كافية لالتقاط وتحويل وتخزين مياه الأمطار. حتى وإن لم تتمتع المنطقة بانهمار مطري كثيف،  فإن الأمطار الغزيرة التي يمكن أن تهطل بشكل دوري قد تتسبب  في حدوث فيضانات شديدة. لذلك، من حيث الحجم، فإنه من الأهمية بمكان دراسة إمكانيات الحصاد المائي لا سيما في المناطق التي تعاني من شح المياه مثل ي مملكة البحرين.

حصاد مياه الأمطار في البحرين

يتم إجراء هذه الدراسة الطموحة  في مملكة البحرين لتقييم جدوى حصاد الأمطار مع إمكانية إعادة تغذية المناطق الاحتياطية للمياه الجوفية. حيث يعد هذا التحقيق عنصرًا مهمًا في الاستراتيجية الوطنية للمياه التي بدأت عام 2017 وستقوم الدراسة بتقييم الخيارات الحيوية للاستفادة من هطول مياه الأمطار عند حدوثه. إن هطول الأمطار ليس حدثا عاديًا أو سنويًا كون البحرين منطقة جافة للغاية ومن المناطق التي تعاني ندرة في المياه على مستوى العالم.

ومن العوامل التي حفزت المباشرة في مثل هذه الدراسة، سقوط المطر الغزير الذي واجهته المملكة شتاء عام 2017 عندما مرت بفيضانات شديدة في جميع أنحاء المملكة. تعد الاستراتيجية الوطنية للمياه أحد مكونات الاستراتيجية الإقليمية، وهي استراتيجية موحدة للمياه في دول مجلس التعاون الخليجي للفترة الزمنية 1996-2035.

إن الهدف العام هو إدارة أي مياه متوفرة، رغم أنها تهطل على فترات.

وهي محاولة للحفاظ على المياه وإدارتها بكفاءة قدر الإمكان، على ضوء معرفة قيمة هذه المياه وشح مواردها. إن الحاجة الملحة إلى نظام كفؤ لإدارة مياه الأمطار تزداد تسارعا نتيجة النمو السكاني في المنطقة والذي يتم التعامل معه فقط من خلال تحلية مياه البحر

إن هطول الأمطار على الجزيرة متفاوت للغاية ومتقطع من حيث الزمان والمكان. كما أن عدم الانتظام في سقوط الأمطار مقرونا بمعدل التبخر المرتفع للغاية يعتبر تحديا كبيرا. إلا أنه ومع الهطول المطري شديد التطرف نتيجة التغيرات المناخية، فإن ذلك التحدي يولد إمكانية لتنفيذ طرق مستدامة.
إذا كانت نتائج الدراسة مواتية؛ فإن ذلك سيساعد في تخفيف العبء عن البلديات وكذلك تقليل الطلب على محطات تحلية مياه البحر. وثمة بديل آخر قابل للتطبيق هو رفع كفاءة وتكثيف إعادة استخدام المياه الرمادية.

الخلاصة

إن القوى الدافعة خلف اعتبار تجميع مياه الأمطار خيارا هي الزيادة المتسارعة في عدد السكان حول العالم، والحاجة إلى المزيد من محطات تحلية مياه البحر، ومخاوف الأمن الغذائي، والاستنفاذ السريع لمصادر المياه العذبة-

ترجمة وتدقيق: هبة الشطناوي؛

طالبة في السنة الرابعة في جامعة العلوم والتكنولوجيا الأردنية /

كلية الزراعة قسم الموارد الطبيعية والبيئة.

صيانة الألواح الشمسية: الأساسيات التي يجب أن يعرفها اصحاب المنازل

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في الوقت الحاضر، ينضم الناس إلى ركب الممارسات المستدامة. واحدة من أكثر هذه الممارسات شيوعًا هي استخدام الألواح الشمسية لتوفير الطاقة المتجددة للمنزل بأكمله. وعلى الرغم من أن شراء الألواح الشمسية قد يكون مكلفًا، إلا أنه يمكن أن يكون استثمارًا ذا جدوى على المدى الطويل بفضل الفوائد العديدة التي توفرها.

واحدة من هذه الفوائد هي توفير فواتير الكهرباء، حيث تقوم الألواح الشمسية بتجميع الطاقة من الشمس وتخزينها لاستخدامها في منزلك. ومع ذلك، لتعظيم استثمارك، يجب أن تكون على دراية بالأساسيات التي تساعدك في الحفاظ على جودة الألواح الشمسية.

how to maintain your solar panel

كم تدوم الألواح الشمسية؟

بشكل عام، يمكن للألواح الشمسية أن تحتفظ بـ 80% من كفاءتها المثلى لمدة تصل إلى 25 عامًا تقريبًا. وعادةً، لا تتعطل الألواح الشمسية التي تتعرض للاهتراء والتآكل تمامًا، بل تعمل بقدرة منخفضة. على سبيل المثال، إذا كنت تمتلك ألواحًا شمسية بقدرة 300 واط، فستظل قادرة على إنتاج 240 واط من الطاقة خلال السنوات الأخيرة من عمرها الافتراضي البالغ 25 عامًا.

ومع ذلك، تكمن المشكلة في المعدات التي تستخدمها مع الألواح الشمسية، مثل المحولات والبطاريات. هذه المعدات لها عمر افتراضي أقصر وتتعطل بشكل أسرع. يمكنك توقع استبدال المحولات الشمسية مرة أو مرتين على الأقل خلال العمر الافتراضي الكامل لنظامك. والخبر الجيد هو أن المحولات عادةً ما تكون مشمولة بضمان يصل إلى 10 أو 20 عامًا.

إذا كنت تستخدم البطاريات أيضًا، فاستعد لتحمل تكاليف إضافية نظرًا لأنها تحتاج إلى استبدال بشكل دوري، وذلك يعتمد على كيفية صيانتها. عادةً ما يتم استبدال بطاريات الرصاص الحمضية كل ثلاث إلى سبع سنوات، في حين أن البطاريات الليثيوم تتمتع بعمر افتراضي يتراوح بين 10 و15 عامًا.

بالإضافة إلى ذلك، قد تؤثر تركيب الألواح الشمسية المنزلية على عمر الألواح. لكن إذا تم التركيب بشكل صحيح، فلن تتعطل الألواح بسهولة. وبالمقابل، يمكن أن تزيد التركيبات ذات الجودة المنخفضة من فرص تعطلها بسرعة. ننصح بالبحث عن شركات شمسية محلية موثوقة وتتمتع بضمانات جيدة.

كيف تضمن دوام الألواح الشمسية لفترة طويلة؟

على الرغم من أن الألواح الشمسية تحتاج إلى القليل من الصيانة لتعمل بشكل جيد، من الضروري الاهتمام بها لضمان دوامها لفترة طويلة. فيما يلي بعض الطرق للحفاظ على نظام الطاقة الشمسية بشكل صحيح:

  1. قم بفحص الألواح الشمسية بانتظام في معظم الأحيان: تكون الألواح الشمسية مثبتة في أماكن مرتفعة، مما يجعلها أقل عرضة للتلف الناتج عن الحطام. لكن من الجيد اتخاذ تدابير وقائية وفحص الألواح بين الحين والآخر للتأكد من خلوها من تراكم الأوساخ أو المواد الطبيعية مثل اوراق الأشجار أو حبوب اللقاح او مخلفات الطيور. عامل آخر يمكن أن يؤثر على جودة الألواح الشمسية هو الأحوال الجوية القاسية، مثل العواصف الرملية كانت او البَرَدية. الفحوصات المجدولة يمكن أن تضمن عدم تعرض الألواح لأي ضرر بعد العواصف أو الكوارث المماثلة.
  2. نظف الألواح الشمسية: على الرغم من أن تنظيف الألواح الشمسية قد يكون مرهقًا، إلا أنه ضروري لاستمرارية أدائها. تنظيف الألواح الشمسية بانتظام يضمن عدم وجود أي عائق يمنع وصول أشعة الشمس إليها. إذا كانت الألواح محجوبة، فقد لا تتلقى الاشعاع اللازم، وبدون هذا الاشعاع المناسب، لن تتمكن من الاستفادة القصوى من إنتاج الطاقة. تحديد جدول لتنظيفها يعتمد على كمية الأوساخ أو الحطام التي تتراكم خلال فترة معينة. وبالتالي، من الضروري الفحص الدوري للتأكد مما إذا كانت الألواح بحاجة إلى تنظيف. إذا كانت بحاجة، تأكد من استخدام قطعة قماش ناعمة وصابون قابل للتنظيف. إذا كانت المشكلة تكمن في تراكم الغبار، يمكنك تمرير الماء عبر خرطوم الري. بهذه الطريقة، تتجنب التسبب في تلف الألواح. ولضمان ترشيد استهلاك المياه يمكن استخدام قطعة قماش جافة فقط لو كان هناك تراكم اتربه علي الالواح.
  3. تأكد من أن الألواح في أماكن مشمسة: يمكنك تحقيق أقصى قدر من كفاءة الألواح الشمسية إذا تم تركيبها بشكل صحيح. لذا، تأكد من وضعها مباشرة تحت أشعة الشمس وعدم تغطيتها بالظل. تذكر أن الطاقة المنتجة من الألواح الشمسية تنخفض بشكل كبير إذا كان هناك عائق بين الألواح والشمس. لذا إذا كانت هناك شجرة تعوق وصول الشمس، فكر في تقليمها إذا أمكن. بالإضافة إلى ذلك، تأكد من إزالة أي أشياء غير ضرورية بالقرب من الألواح.
  4. مثل أي معدات أخرى، تحتوي الألواح الشمسية على أجزاء صغيرة مثل المسامير والوصلات التي قد ترتخي مع مرور الوقت. حاول التحقق منها بقدر ما تستطيع لضمان إنتاج الطاقة بشكل مثالي دائمًا. إذا كنت ترغب في بذل جهد إضافي، فكر في استخدام جهاز لمراقبة إنتاج الطاقة. هذا الجهاز سيتيح لك تتبع الطاقة المنتجة من الألواح. عند ملاحظة اختلافات كبيرة في الإنتاج، قد يكون ذلك علامة على وجود خلل في الأجزاء. قد تؤدي المكونات المتضررة في أسلاك الألواح إلى حوادث. تأكد من فحص الألواح فورًا لأن الأجزاء التالفة قد تؤدي إلى صدمات كهربائية أو حتى حرائق.
  5. تتبع أداء الألواح يوميًا استراتيجية فعالة أخرى لصيانة: الألواح الشمسية هي تسجيل أي معلومات مهمة تحصل عليها. قد يكون ذلك متوسط إنتاج الطاقة خلال فترة زمنية معينة أو كمية الطاقة المنتجة يوميًا في وقت محدد. إذا كنت تتبع البيانات بنفسك، قد تلاحظ وجود تناقضات في السجل. في هذه الحالة، من الأفضل استخدام نظام مراقبة معتمد من الشركة المصنعة للحصول على نتائج أكثر دقة. باستخدام هذا النظام، يمكنك التحقق مما إذا كانت الألواح تعمل بشكل صحيح وكفاءة.

الخلاصة

تركيب الألواح الشمسية قد يكون من أفضل الطرق لتوفير تكاليف الكهرباء. ومع ذلك، إذا لم تكن تعرف كيفية صيانتها، فقد لا تحقق النتائج المثلى. لذا، يمكن أن يساعدك النظر في الأساسيات المذكورة أعلاه في تحقيق أقصى استفادة من استثمار الألواح الشمسية الخاص بك.

ترجمه: هبة احمد مسلم

أستاذ مشارك في الطاقة المتجددة وتدقيق الطاقة – قسم الميكانيكا الكهربائية، كلية الهندسة – جامعة هليوبوليس للتنمية المستدامة

Note: The original English version of the article is available at this link.

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 injunctions and Prophet’s Sunnah.

food waste in ramadan

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.

food waste management

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.

food wastage during Ramadan

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.

Bottom Line

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!

Industrial Cardboard Baler Problems and How to Fix Them

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Industrial cardboard balers are a vital part of waste management for businesses that generate large amounts of cardboard. They compress cardboard into tight bales making it cheaper and easier to recycle. But like any piece of kit, industrial cardboard balers can have problems. This article will explore some common issues with industrial cardboard balers and guide how to troubleshoot and fix them.

industrial cardboard balers

Problem #1: Won’t Turn On

If your industrial cardboard baler doesn’t turn on, there could be several reasons for this. First check the baler is plugged in and the outlet is working. Check the circuit breaker or fuse box to see if the breaker has tripped or a fuse has blown due to overload. If the baler has a key switch check it’s in the “on” position. Also check the control panel for any error lights or messages. Refer to the user manual to see what these mean. If you’ve checked all of the above and the baler still won’t turn on, it’s likely a more complex electrical issue. In this case it’s best to call a baler technician.

Problem #2: Slow or Struggling to Compact

If the baler seems to be slow or struggling to compact cardboard the problem may be a blockage or jam. Turn off the machine and unplug it. Open the loading door and inspect the compaction chamber for any stuck cardboard or debris. Use a safety tool like a long handled scraper or picker to carefully remove any obstructions you find. Never use your hands to clear a jam. Also check the cardboard is being fed into the baler correctly and evenly. Only feed in cardboard that’s the right size for the baler. Oversized cardboard can cause jams and slow compaction. Finally check there’s enough material in the baler. The MACFAB 100, for example, may need a certain volume of cardboard to compact properly.

Problem #3: Won’t Eject Bales

If the baler won’t eject bales, the problem is likely with the ejection system. Check the ejection ram for any signs of leakage or damage. Hydraulic leaks are common with balers. Check the hoses, fittings and seals. If you find any leaks, tighten the fittings. If the leak persists you may need to replace the hoses or seals. Call a professional if you’re not sure. Make sure the bale straps are properly secured and not obstructing the ejection process. Sometimes straps can get tangled or bunched up and prevent ejection. Finally, lubricate the ejection system as per the manufacturer’s instructions to keep it running smoothly.

Problem #4: Excessive Wear and Tear

Like any machine with moving parts, industrial cardboard balers can wear out over time. Regularly inspect the baler for wear on parts like the ram, wires and straps. Look for any corrosion, rust or damage. Keep the baler clean and well lubricated to reduce wear. Grease or oil moving parts as per the manufacturer’s schedule. Replace any worn or damaged parts as soon as possible to avoid breakdowns. Don’t replace worn parts and it will cost you more in the long run.

Problem #5: Safety

Safety should always be the number one priority when operating an industrial cardboard baler. Make sure all operators are trained on the safe use of the baler. Always use the baler’s safety features like guards, interlocks and emergency stops. Never reach into the compaction chamber or try to clear jams with your hands. Keep loose clothing and long hair tied back and avoid wearing jewelry that can get caught in the machine. Make sure the work area is well-lit and clear of clutter. Post safety signs near the baler as a reminder to operators.

Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is the key to minimizing problems with your industrial cardboard baler. Here are some tips:

  • Daily:
    • Clean the baler, especially the loading area and compactor ram.
    • Check for any wear or damage on moving parts.
  • Weekly:
    • Grease moving parts as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
    • Check the hydraulic system for leaks.
  • Monthly:
    • Deep clean the interior and exterior.
    • Check the control panel and electrical system.

Buying a Reliable Industrial Cardboard Baler

While problems can happen with any machine, some industrial cardboard balers are more reliable than others. When buying a baler, look for one with a good reputation for durability and low maintenance. The MACFAB 100 is a great option. It has auto compaction, key locked E-stop and safe strap bale ejection. With proper care and maintenance a good baler like the MACFAB 100 will give you years of trouble free service.

Now you know the common problems that can happen with industrial cardboard balers and how to fix them. Always follow safety guidelines when working with the machine, and if unsure call a technician.

The Destruction of the Dead Sea

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Dead Sea is the lowest point on the planet and one of the most unique environments around the world. It lies on the borders of Jordan, the West Bank and Israel. Known for its high-density waters and mineral rich soils, the Dead Sea is visited by a large number of tourists from all over the world. Its soils contain minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, and salt. These minerals are used in cosmetics, chemical products such as industrial salts and are even used in table salts for home use.

biodiversity in dead sea

Sorry State of the Affairs

The once mineral-rich Dead Sea has shrunk to the size of a small and pitiful pond. Water levels have been dropping at a rate of 1 meter per annum. Currently it lies 1,300 feet below sea level and if the rate of decline continues it will reach 1,800 feet below sea level before the end of the century. This sharp decline is due to the over-exploitation of its minerals, the use of its water for desalination, and the large increase in agriculture in both Jordan and Israel.

Many environmental casualties have been associated with the rapid retreat in the shoreline of the Dead Sea. An example is the emergence of sinkholes. Many residential areas and roads around the Dead Sea have been destroyed because of sinkholes. Sinkholes are natural depressions in the Earth’s surface caused by the chemical dissolution of nutrients in the soil. These sinkholes endanger the lives of locals and tourists alike.

In an attempt to save the Dead Sea, the governments of Jordan and Israel plan to implement a project called the “Red to Dead Water Conveyance Plan” which involves building of a pipeline that connects both the Red and the Dead Sea and pumping around two thousand million cubic meters (mcm) of water per year into the latter which is equivalent to the water produced by 60 desalination plants in a day. However, many scientists are skeptical of this project due to the many problems that would arise including:

  1. The different densities and minerals in the waters would cause algal blooms that would be detrimental to the environment while also causing the water to turn red/green.
  2. Large water withdrawal from the Red Sea would have a detrimental effect on the coral reefs, sea level, and nutrient levels.
  3. The pipeline carrying the water from the Red to the Dead Sea might leak salt water into groundwater reserves along its route thereby increasing salinity in both the groundwater and the surrounding soil.

On the basis of these apprehensions it seems that this project would do little to help rectify the problem and might even add to it. An alternative way to save the Dead Sea would be to rehabilitate the Jordan River. As it stands today, only 50 mcm of water from the Jordan River reaches the Dead Sea as opposed to 1.3 billion cubic meters in 1950.

jordan river

Jordan River is now a mix of sewage, saline water and agricultural run-offs

The Jordan River is a shadow of what it once was. The river acts as the main water source for Jordan, Israel, and the West Bank. As a result, 90% of the fresh water that replenishes it is diverted to agriculture.  Another problem facing it is pollution from agricultural and wastewater run-offs. About 50% of the agricultural run-offs from the surrounding areas are dumped into the river which has caused its water levels to drop dramatically.

Action Plan

Unfortunately, with limited sources of water, it will be difficult to ask concerned governments to stop relying heavily on the Jordan River. Some of the actions that governments may initative include:

  1. Improve irrigation systems and abandon the traditional systems that waste more than 25% of the water that is used.
  2. Renovate pipe systems in cities to reduce the number of leaks from the pipelines and to supply clean drinking tap water for the public.
  3. Plant local plants, which do not require much water and refrain from planting water intensive plants (e.g. rice).
  4. Harvest rainwater by manufacturing storage Pillars or tanks.

The Dead Sea has a geological importance in the region, and has many important aspects that make it significant. It is the saltiest and most mineral rich water body in the world. It also has a biological importance as it is home to many unique biological bacteria that are not present anywhere else on Earth. Regenerating the Jordan River, less water desalination, and improving water management practices will help regenerate the Dead Sea and help maintain this unique and important environment.

How Landscaping Adds Value to Your Property

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There is no way of predicting what might happen in your life. Not to mention, the housing market is always prone to fluctuations. In other words, the option of selling property is always on the table. This is why if you’re a person who thinks ahead, you should always be looking for ways to add value to your property. While there are a lot of ways, a simple, foolproof, way to boost your property’s value is landscaping.

alhambra-garden

A proper, well-maintained garden can easily add up over a thousand dollars to the value of your property because, as you probably know, a good looking landscape can accentuate the look of a house. On the other hand, a neglected landscape can ruin everything.

Now that we have established the importance of landscaping, in order for you to properly increase the value of your house, you need to understand how does landscaping actually increase your property’s value.

1. It gives off a good first impression

Imagine that you’re going to look at a property. What is the first thing that you encounter? Almost always the answer would be the landscape. If the grass is healthy, good-looking, and evenly trimmed, the impression you’d get is that if the owners take that much care of the grass, the inside of the house must be in perfect shape too. This can make buyers more willing to offer more for the house.

2. It allows the owner to increase their selling price

A house increases in value according to what it offers. A house with a pool, for example, is expected to be sold at a higher price than a regular house. It’s the same thing when it comes to houses with a decent looking landscape construction.

A landscape with a professional look simply gives you all the more reason to bump up your selling price. After all, all that care for your landscape must have cost you something.

importance of landscaping

3. It is a time-proof feature

What sets apart landscaping from other home value-boosting alterations is that it never goes out of style. People will always want a decent looking landscape in front of their house. You never hear anyone saying, “my wife and I are looking for a patchy, sunburnt garden,” right?

Nevertheless, it is possible to hear people complaining about a house design being too tacky, or too old. Not to mention, good landscaping provides a good foundation for plants to grow in a healthier, and more even manner.

Final Thoughts

After going through all of the above, it is easy to feel that you want to take your landscaping game to the next level. It is important, however, that you remember to not get carried away. Too much landscaping is simply going to look overwhelming for buyers.

Think of it that way. If you workout everyday until you sculpt an amazing body, you would need to keep working out everyday, with the same intensity, in order to maintain it. To house buyers, an overly done landscaping would seem like too much of a high maintenance feature.

How to Estimate the Effectiveness of an Outsourcing Team?

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Developing applications and games without outsourcing teams is practically never done nowadays. If the project is large enough, the company almost always engages outsourced workers to help. It may be cheaper, more efficient, and more profitable, but only if the outsourcing team fulfills the set tasks accurately and if these tasks are clearly formulated. Working with an outsourcing team is similar to cooperating with a writing service like payforessay.net, where students order papers. At the same time, they must describe the task to the writer in as much detail as possible to get the desired result. So it is with outsourcing. Setting the right goal and properly determining the hired staff’s professionalism will be part of your project’s success.

effective outsourcing team

Setting Goals and Voicing Expectations

Before hiring an outsourced team, you should clearly understand what part of the job they are expected to accomplish. You can’t hire employees and talk about theoretical goals. Your tasks should be specific, measurable, and achievable within the budget and timeframe you set. If you phrase the task poorly, set unrealistic deadlines, or allocate an inadequate budget, a good result will be a miracle. This triangle of deadlines, complexity, and funding should be equilateral, and only then can you be sure of success.

Apart from this, all your assignments for the outsourcing team should be documented and approved. You need evidence and confirmation of your requirements to monitor and keep the work productive throughout the entire project. This can be technical specifications, timelines, and specific quality terms and conditions.

If your project involves multiple phases of development, regular discussion of the work and checking intermediate results is essential. You should follow one simple truth that doctors most often repeat: “Prevention is much easier and cheaper than cure.”

Assessing Productivity

The first thing to say is that you must first decide on the team. To do this, you need to do a preliminary valuation and review the performance of external employees. Once you have decided on the team, you need to determine the criteria for evaluating their productivity.

KPI, or key performance indicators, should become your deskbook for working with an outsourcing team. With these metrics, you can literally feel the productivity of the team. In general, performance metrics can be evaluated using three main metrics.

For mid-market companies, adopting IT outsourcing services strategies tailored for 2026—such as fully managed, co-managed, and staff augmentation models—can tighten KPI alignment, stabilize cycle times, and reduce defect density. Clear engagement models also set expectations for budget, timelines, and quality, making productivity reviews more objective.

Cycle Time

This metric gives you the ability to play with time. Not in the literal sense of the word, of course, but it shows how much time the outsourcing team takes to complete tasks. It is important to remember that this metric is not about individual numbers but about stability throughout the work. If a team fulfills one task before the deadline and fails all extra deadlines for another, you should look for the problem and fix it in order not to get a defect at the end of the project.

Budget and Timeline Adherence

This metric often gets the most attention in an audit because it directly relates to costs. However, it doesn’t always mean poor-quality work if a team goes over budget or over schedule. Before reprimanding or terminating contracts, return to the imaginary triangle and ensure you have provided realistic deadlines and funding.

Defect Density

This indicator evaluates the back end of the work, namely the development process itself. Here, you can notice the number of defects in the code and the speed of their correction. A small number of defects and quick fixing time are not a problem. The problem is when defects are constant and extensive. This can speak about the professionalism of developers and may require adjusting the staff, as critical errors on the final tests can ruin the whole project.

Assessing the Work Quality

Assessing the quality of the outsourcing team’s work should include regular code reviews, automated testing, and user feedback analysis.

Code Review

Regular testing is worth conducting before the code is integrated into the project’s main branch. This process improves the quality of the code. In addition, it involves communication between outsourced developers and the core team, which helps build relationships and improve understanding of the final goals for everyone.

outsourcing team

Automated Testing

This is a mandatory part of the quality assessment of the work. The more tests the code undergoes, the more stable and reliable the build you will get. This is especially important for projects where stability and security are critical, such as financial or medical applications.

Users Feedback

This step is important to understand whether you will cooperate with this development team in the future. If users complain about the stability or quality of the product created by the outsourced part of the team, there may be errors in planning and tasking or in the programmers’ work themselves.

Project Management and Communication

The more productive conversations, the better. It is important to realize that these should not be empty rallies discussing obvious things. Each time, you should prepare specific questions and clarifications for the outsourcing team and demand the same questions and requests for improvement. In this case, it is worth establishing a system of regular reports from developers to indicate the specific stage of task fulfillment and plans for the next period. It is also equally important to synchronize the outsourcing team’s work with the project’s core. For example, daily stand-ups help maintain a common work rhythm and quickly respond to emerging problems.

The second, and no less important, stage of project management is transparency. Employees should know about the final product and understand what is expected of them, and you should be open to criticism and suggestions to improve the project’s work and achieve the desired product at the end.

Conclusion

Program development in management control is not much different from other businesses at its core. Development has nuances of performance measurement, quality control, and task scheduling, but the basic steps, such as communication, openness, and analysis, remain common. Also, it remains a common and complex approach, thanks to which it is possible to create quality products that will help users and work stably.

Mutual Aid and Moral Behaviour in the Animal Kingdom

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“A good deed done to an animal is as meritorious as a good deed done to a human being, while an act of cruelty to an animal is as bad as an act of cruelty to a human being.” – Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)

One regularly hears people describe a dangerous and violent person as an “animal.” This is always an injustice, not to the person, but to all animals.

There is most often nothing harmful and attributed to “animals” that is done by them, but which is done on a daily basis by humans. Only in cases of disease and of human interference do other animals behave contrary to their nature, for example in captivity and under stress and suffering caused by human activity, often blindly and without concern, and often even with outright malevolence.

moral behaviour in animals

Carnivorous animals need to hunt in order to eat. One meal will last them a long time. What we see when lionesses stalk and capture their prey is a high level of co-operation, showing an advanced level of social cohesion within the extended family. The kill is as instant as possible, with one bite to the prey’s throat. It is not the predator’s aim to cause suffering, but to obtain food to feed her family. Yet the fact that lions, tigers and leopards are carnivores is used as justification by humans to use the word ‘animal’ as an epithet and term of abuse and an indicator of mindless and superfluous violence.

Hunters shoot elephants for their tusks, and also for their feet. Those who seek to justify this say they only shoot the oldest elephants, who have the longest tusks, and whose deaths don’t matter. They have no idea, and care even less, of the injury done to the extended elephant family and the social fabric of the herd.

The decimation of wildlife is not just about numbers. Elephants and lions grieve. They suffer loss, just as humans do. The eldest have an important place in their societies. Elephants are regularly seen congregating round the sites where elephants have died, and revisiting those sites. Lions, robbed by death of loved members of their pride, attend and cry out at places frequented by their dead fathers and brothers. And, lest this be read as mere supposition, there are human naturalists and experts in the behaviour of other animals who can attest to it.

biodiversity in jordan

The complex social lives of these animals have come to be more understood in recent times, by George Adamson (who was murdered by poachers) and Tony Fitzjohn, who learned from him and who continues to work among lions and other animals. Thanks to their work, the George Adamson Wildlife Preservation Trust continues to work with local people, upgrading schools, and seeking to resolve conflicts between other animals and people over land and resources to the mutual benefit of both.

The above-named pioneers learned, from living with lions and other animals, the social clues necessary to mix with them safely, as other pioneers have done with bears in Kamchatka and Alaska.

Jane Goodall has done the same with chimpanzees and Dyan Fossey with gorillas, establishing lifelong friendships with members of these species and coming to understand their language (language is much more than just the spoken kind) and social intricacies. Mark Bekoff from Colorado is the author of numerous works on ethology (animal behaviour and societies), including The Emotional Lives of Animals and other pioneering works.

Beyond mammals, too, complex relationships and behaviours and advanced consciousness has been observed, and details published, on octopuses, who recognise individual humans who have befriended them, after long absences, and who delight especially in play. They too grieve and suffer from separation, which can cause them to die from sorrow.

The story of Delphinus, after whom the dolphin is named, was one of the earliest recorded instances of dolphins saving the lives of drowning humans.

moral behaviour among animals

Beyond the relationships of these animals and many others with humans, mutual aid, so important to our own survival, is in evidence as a guiding principle of their own societies, from sea animals to primates, and even insects.

Elephants communicate over long distances through vibration, and whales through song. Birdsong is beautiful to our ears but is not as a rule for our benefit, but to communicate with their fellows. Wolf song too. Wolf song has been successfully used by humans to communicate with wolves.

Humility is a virtue we do well to learn. If we wish to cherish, rather than destroy, then humility on our part is now more than ever a necessity.

Our Earth: A Gift for Humanity Which Should be Protected

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Ecological living is about protecting and preserving the environment of planet Earth, through recognizing the uniqueness of its various eco-systems and species. Every individual habitat supports all manner of life. Awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgement and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. For only we can hear the language of other beings as we can understand the generosity of the earth and learning to give our own gifts in return.

Earth was given as a gift for humanity and the human being was created and established on this earth as vicegerent. My heart pains to see that earth has become a commodity, land or real estate, or capital of natural resources, in today’s material world.  What we are witnessing in our world is the failure of humanity to maintain the balance.

The Holy Quran declares:

“Corruption has appeared on the land and in the sea because of what the hands of humans have earned” (Ar-Room 30:41).

Balance of Nature in Islamic Teachings

The Essence of Interdependence

Interdependence is a fundamental feature of all living creatures. This universal law or sunnah gives meaning to life as all living things are, in essence, a synthesis of relationships with all other living things. Life in the absence of such communities is void of meaning and in all cases impossible. Islam nurtures and regulates the intricate web of relations that life depends on for the general welfare of all.

The ultimate accountability of every being or nafs is closely associated with its role, behavior and contribution to the preservation and advancement of these relations. As creatures endowed with choice, the Quran exhorts us to recognize that all creatures form communities similar to ours so that our regard for communal relations is not limited to the human realm.

Protecting the environment must include an appreciation of the relationships within and among communities of other living creatures and the dependence of human welfare on understanding this universal law.

And there is no treading creature in the earth or a flying creature that flies with its wings except that form communities like yours; We have not overlooked anything in the Book, then to their Lord shall they be gathered (Al-Anaam 6:38)

The Importance and Value of Creation

The Quran is comprehensive and its teachings draw our attention to the importance and value of all creation. In this verse we are clearly reminded that the earth was established for all living things, not just humans. Humans are situated among a magnificent web of life, elevated but not necessarily at the top. Other creation is valuable in and of itself in the divine scheme; not in relation to human needs but as communities that know and worship their Creator.

The earth is a repose for all of us, human and non-human. Our ability to benefit from animals in various ways does not negate their intrinsic value in the divine scheme. The Quran urges us to recognize the rights of other creation thereby respecting and preserving the balance that enables all of creation to live in peace and plenty.

The theme of balance in the Quran is critical for the establishment of mercy, equity, justice, beauty, and all other values that are necessarily impacted by the prevalence of balance. Balance must therefore be understood both literally and figuratively.

People are exhorted to explore, understand and respect the qualitative and quantitative measures that give balance to all forms of life with its communal character and inseparability from nature. They are also commanded to be equitable in weighing, as a balance compares the mass of two or more different elements. Diminishing the value of any element upsets the natural balance, which in turn has negative consequences, not only for the perpetrator of such an injustice, but more broadly for the balance that sustains all of our lives.

Do Not Corrupt the Earth

That you not transgress the Balance. And establish measure with equity and do not negatively alter the Balance (Ar-Rahman 55:8-9)

The Earth Demands Respect and Nourishment

The Quran exhorts people not to corrupt the earth. It is notable that in the Arabic language there is no “it”; everything has a form which is either masculine or feminine. The earth is a “she” – a feminine form. This linguistic device not only maintains the autonomous character of all creation, it infuses each element no matter how minute or massive with a spiritual and sacred dimension. The earth is not an “it”, she is Allah’s creation, beautiful, decorated, autonomous, yielding only to Allah’s command.

We are commanded to take care of her, to respect her and to protect her from vice and destruction. But with our limited knowledge and shortsightedness, we can only turn to Allah in fear and hope; our fear that we are not adequately fulfilling this trust or demonstrating our worth as inhabitants on her lands and consumers of her riches; our hope that Allah will guide and forgive us and that He will preserve her for us and for generations to come. He is the Merciful.

The Way Forward

Having created us, and then through the institution of religion oriented us towards Him, our Creator then situated us in a delicate, intricate system where our success, and indeed the perpetuation of that system, rests in maintaining a balance between all things.

Do not disrupt the balance of Nature holding the Earth together. Do not be wasteful and excessive in enjoying its bounties. Always consider and accommodate the other creatures we share this home with. Finally, always, and forever shower praise upon the owner who so graciously allows us to enjoy it, while thanking Him profusely for His generosity.

 

Note: This article has been written from the excerpts of my book Our Earth: Embracing All Communities which is a humble effort to amplify awareness of the imbalance that humans have created in nature, and to encourage people to care for the Earth and live in harmony with other living things.

Visit http:s//www.salmaarastu.com/ to know more about my book and my artistic journey.

النظام الواعد للري بالقُلة (الانية الفخارية)

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تُعد طريقة الري بالقٌلة (إناء فخاري مدفون) واحد من أكثر الأنظمة المعروفة كفاءة وهي مثالية للمزارعين الصغار، بالرغم من أن العمل بالانظمة التقليدية الفعالة وذات الفائدة الكبيرة في المزارع والحدائق صغيرة ومتوسطة الحجم لم يكن معروفاً في وقتنا الحالي إلا مؤخراً. لقد تعلمت هذه الطريقة خلال قرائتي لكتاب صيني عن الزراعة من قبل 2000 عام، حيث كانوا يستخدمون ري القُلة بإناء طيني مدفون وغير مصقول مليء بالماء للتحكم بالري للنباتات، حيث يتسرب الماء من خلال الجدران الطينية بمعدل كمية استهلاك النبات للماء.

clay pot irrigation

لماذا القٌلة؟

أثبتت دراسة أجريت في كينيا عام 2013، أن نظام الري بالقُلل كان اكثر كفاءةً من الري بالحفر، حيث وفر هذا النظام 97.1% من المياه لمحاصيل الذرة والطماطم. وكانت غلة الذرة أعلى بنسبة 32.2% وللطماطم 43.7%. وفي دراسة أخرى أجريت في الهند، بلغ 97.8% من محصول البطيخ المروي بنظام القلل 25 طن/هكتار باستخدام 2 سم مكعب فقط من الماء، بالمقارنة بمحصول 33 طن/هكتار باستخدام 26 سم مكعب بطريقة الري بالغمر. إن رطوبة التربة التي يحافظ عليها نظام الري بالقلة تمكننا من زراعة المحاصيل في التربة المالحة أو حتى استخدام المياه المالحة لأن الري التقليدي لا يعمل بفعالية. تم الحصول على غلال عالية من الطماطم في الهند حيث بلغت النسبة 27 طن/هكتار باستخدام مياه مالحة EC10.2 mmhos/cm.

بالإضافة إلى كونها أكثر كفاءة من أنظمة التنقيط، يمكن استخدام القلل دون الحاجة إلى إمدادات مياه مفلترة مضغوطة. يمكن صنع أواني الطين بمواد ومهارات متوفرة محليًا وهي أقل إتلافاٌ من قبل الحيوانات وأيضاً أقل انسداداً بسبب الحشرات التي من شأنها أن تسبب هذا الإنسداد بالاواني مقارنة بأنظمة التنقيط. وأخيرًا قد تحتاج الأواني الطينية إضافةالماء مرة واحدة فقط كل بضعة أيام أو مرة واحدة في الأسبوع. وهذا يجعلها مثالية للمزارعين المنشغلين بمحاصيل أخرى أو اللذين لديهم أطفالاً و مسؤوليات منزلية أو حتى اللذين يعملون بعيداً عن منازلهم معظم أيام الأسبوع.

إن إستخدام الري بالقُلة يسمح بتحسين التربة فقط للمحاصيل وليس للاعشاب الضارة، أفادت معظم الدراسات التي اجريت على أنظمة الزراعة التقليدية أن ما يقارب 30% من العمالة يذهب لإزالة الاعشاب الضارة والتخلص منها، وهذه النسبة ممكن أن تفيد في أعمال أكثر إنتاجية من ذلك.

توصلت دراسة أجريت في الهند إلى أن الوزن الجاف للأعشاب الضارة بلغ 62 كجم/هكتار فقط باستخدام الري بالتنقيط مقارنة بـ 465 كجم/هكتار باستخدام الري بالأحواض. وفي أحد التجارب التي قمت باجرائها كان هنالك القليل من الكيلوغرامات من الأعشاب الضارة بدلاً من الأطنان لكل هكتار.

كيف نبدأ؟

  1. قم بشراء القُلة، وتأكد بقيامك باختبار بسيط أن المياه تتسرب عبر المسامات وتبلل الجزء الخارجي.
  2. قم بحفر حفرة أوسع واعمق من القُلة واخلط بها السماد والسماد العضوي ان امكن.
  3. قم بملئ الحفرة بالماء واتركها تُستنزف.
  4. قم بغرس ساق النبات داخل الحفرة بعد إضافة كمية كافية من التربة بها، قم بتثبيت الساق على ارتفاع حوالي 5 سم فوق السطح.
  5. إملأ الحفرة حول القُلة وقم بتثبيت التربة حولها بالضغط عليها.
  6. إملا الوعاء بالماء وقم بتغطية فتحة الوعاء بغطاء أو حجر.
  7. راقبها في اليوم التالي وانظر لأي مسافة تصل رطوبة التربة بعيداً عن القلة.
  8. قم بإعادة ملئ القُلة حسب الحاجة.
  9. وبعد انتهاء الموسم، قم بتنظيف الاواني وتخزينها بالمقلوب (رأساً على عقب).

إن أي صانع فخار جيد سيكون قادرًا على صنع الأواني الفخارية. إذا كانت الأواني الفخارية مصنوعة خصيصًا للري، فلا ينبغي تسخين الطين إلى درجة حرارة أعلى من 1000درجة مئوية وإلا ستكون المسامية محدودة، وإن قمنا بإضافة سيراميك مطحون إلى الخليط فإن هذا سيؤدي إلى زيادة المسامية. إن من عيوبالأواني الفخارية  التكلفة العالية والجهد  اللازم لصنعها. وممكن حدوث انسداد بالمسام  بتلك الأواني بمرور الوقت وتتطلب التنظيف والنقع بالخل أواعادتها لنار الافران.

clay pot irrigation

سيكون من الممتع أن تقوم بتجربة الري باستخدام القُلة، نظام فعال للنباتات المزروعة في أصص، قم بتجربة لزراعة البقدونس والنعناع والثوم والكزبرة والباذنجان والطماطم الكرزية، أو حتى الازهار المنزلية. أو يمكنك تجربتها في حديقة منزلك الصغيرة.

نبذة عن ديفيد باينبريدج

هو عالم بيئة، مؤلف، معلم ومؤرخ مرموق. مجالات خبرته للذكر وليس الحصر هي إعادة تأهيل الصحاري والزراعة المستدامة والاقتصاد البيئي والمزيد. له من الخبرة أكثر من 50 عاماً ولديه أكثر من 300 مقال والعديد من الكتب وفصول الكتب. يواصل باينبريدج الريادة في مجال الاستدامة.

ترجمة: ماجدة هلسه

أردنية متعددة الإهتمامات، لديها من الخبرة ما يقارب السبعة وعشرون عاماً في مجال المالية والإدارة في المؤسسات المحلية والدولية، وتعمل ماجدة حالياً مع التعاون الدولي الالماني كموظفة مالية. ومع ذلك كله وعلى الصعيد التطوعي، فإن لديها شغفاً كبيراً بالترجمة في كافة المواضيع والمجالات، وقد بُني هذا الشغف بالخبرة الشخصية والعملية على مدى هذه السنين.

Note: The English version of the article is available at this link.