Future of Smart Sustainable Cities in the Middle East: Case Studies from NEOM and Masdar City

The techno-urban phenomenon we now call a smart city became widespread in the 2010s. Many metropolises worldwide have risen to the challenge of several interconnected global shifts, driving new developments that set the latest benchmarks for truly smart and sustainable living. However, some cities go beyond merely meeting expectations — they redefine them. NEOM and Masdar City in the Middle East are among the most ambitious pioneers, reshaping urban living through intelligent design aimed at minimizing the negative impacts of modern cities while creating ideal model communities for the future. Redefining Urban Movement Today, traffic congestion is worsening in the … Continue reading

Alimenter les écoles à l’énergie solaire: investir dans l’éducation et l’environnement de façon éclairée

L’énergie renouvelable s’est largement intégrée au mix énergétique mondial, et on assiste à un virage vers des sources d’alimentation pour maisons et commerces plus propres et plus fiables. L’énergie solaire, notamment, est en première ligne de la révolution renouvelable, à travers les panneaux solaires pour toit et les technologies subséquentes disponibles partout, que ce soit votre domicile, votre lieu de travail ou votre établissement d’enseignement. Les écoles du pays ont vite compris qu’il était essentiel d’adopter l’énergie solaire afin de réduire leur empreinte carbone, de réaliser des économies et de fournir des conditions d’apprentissage optimales. Voici pourquoi il est pertinent … Continue reading

Trash Talk from Doha

On arriving a few years ago from a town in the UK that boasts a university course in waste management, and a very efficient weekly recyclable waste collection from our houses, I was a bit shocked, like many Europeans by how difficult it was to recycle in Doha. Having had the moral obligation to recycle drummed into me since I was quite young, I felt guilty throwing away all my waste into one bin, destined to fill up a huge smelly hole in the desert, where it would take a long time, if not forever to biodegrade. The Real Picture … Continue reading

How Low-Carb Eating Helps You Lose Weight and Save the Planet

In recent years, low-carbohydrate diets have gained popularity primarily for their weight loss benefits. However, what many people don’t realize is that reducing carbohydrate consumption can also have significant positive impacts on the environment. This dual benefit makes low-carb eating an attractive option for those concerned about both personal health and ecological sustainability. Low Carb Diets and Weight Loss Connection Low-carb diets work by reducing insulin levels in the body. When you consume fewer carbohydrates, especially refined ones like white bread, pasta, and sugar, your body produces less insulin. With lower insulin levels, your body more easily accesses stored fat … Continue reading

How to Protect Green Spaces in the Middle East

One of the ecological benefits brought by green spaces is its capability to combat urban heat. The increasing urban heat is usually caused by the high number of heat reflective substances that are emerging in the cities. Green spaces such as gardens and parks can significantly reduce heat and promote natural cooling through an efficient ventilation and dynamic absorption. Some green spaces could even help prevent urban flooding, air pollution, and storm water run-off. So, how can we protect these beneficial green spaces in Middle East? Spread Awareness Dubai is expected to plant an estimated of 50 million flowers in … Continue reading

5 Eco-Friendly Business Practices to Foster a Sustainable Company Culture

People are becoming more conscious of the effect of global warming and are thus finding ways to help in preserving the environment. Even companies in various fields do their share by going green. If your business has not adopted some measures or strategies to become more eco-friendly yet, it’s time that you consider this step. There are several benefits that you can get, including the following: Do your part in saving the environment. Improve your brand as more clients prefer businesses that support a good cause. Attract the right employees as they also tend to choose companies that care for … Continue reading

Glass vs. Plastic Pipettes: Which One is Best for Your Experiment?

Are you struggling to choose between glass and plastic pipettes for your experiments? Are you looking to optimize your research with the most dependable tools? Selecting the right pipette can make a significant difference in your laboratory work by impacting precision, cost, and environmental sustainability. Understanding Pipettes: An Essential Laboratory Tool Pipettes are indispensable in laboratories, used to transfer measured volumes of liquids accurately and consistently. These tools come in various forms and types, each serving different purposes depending on the experimental requirements. Glass and plastic pipettes stand out as the primary materials, each with unique properties and advantages. Laboratories, … Continue reading

The Ultimate Checklist for a Successful and Eco-Friendly Move

Moving to a new home can be an exciting experience, but it’s also a significant environmental challenge. The logistics, packing, transportation, and settling-in process all contribute to your carbon footprint. However, with the right planning and eco-conscious choices, your move can be both successful and sustainable, benefiting both you and the environment. This checklist provides you with practical steps to make your next move as eco-friendly as possible. From choosing the right moving company to reducing waste and energy consumption in your new home, these tips will ensure your transition is smooth, green, and stress-free. 1. Planning Your Move A … Continue reading

لماذا يجب إدراج التعليم البيئي في المناهج الدراسية

يعد إدراج التربية البيئية في المناهج الدراسية أمرًا ضروريًا لأنه يغرس في الطلاب قيم الحفاظ على البيئة و يمكّنهم من إحداث فرق في مدارسهم وفي المجتمعات المحيطة بهم. كما أنه يوفر لهم فرصة لفهم التحديات التي تواجه البيئة بشكل شامل بالإضافة إلى تدابير الحد من آثارها والتي يمكنهم توظيفها للتغلب عليها. هناك مزايا عديدة لإدراج التربية البيئية في نظم التعليم في المدارس وهذه بعض الأسباب الرئيسية التي تدعم ذلك: تعزيز نمط الحياة الصحي: تنبثق مشاكل مثل السمنة والاكتئاب من عدم الخروج من المنزل في كثير من الأحيان. فالطبيعة لها قوة علاجية و يمكن لأنشطة التربية البيئية أن تضمن عدم تكاسل … Continue reading

إعادة استخدام الكتب المدرسية للمساعدة في إعادة توظيف المعرفة للطلاب المحتاجين

مع بداية كل سنة أو فصل دراسي، فإنه يتم طباعة الالاف من الكتب المدرسية الجديدة لشرائها واستخدامها، وبنفس الوقت فإنه يتم التخلص من نفس العدد تقريباً من هذه الكتب والمواد الدراسية بعد أن تم استخدامها حيث تذهب لصناديق القمامة ومكبات النفايات ليتم دفنها، او ضغطها والتخلص منها هناك وتشغل مساحات واسعة. وبالعادة فإنها لا يتم إعادة استخدام هذه الكتب والمواد أو إعادة تدويرها حتى، مما يؤدي إلى توليد كميات مهولة من النفايات الورقية. وفي بداية الفصول الدراسية وفي العديد من المدارس الخاصة فإنه يتوجب على الاهل أن يشتروا لأبنائهم كتباً مدرسية جديدة وذلك لتغيير الطبعة أو بعض التعديلات الطفيفة التي … Continue reading

النفايات الغذائية وروح رمضان

في السنوات الأخيرة، أثارت  الكميات الهائلة من النفايات الغذائية خلال شهر رمضان المبارك جدل كبير في البلدان الإسلامية وغيرها. وفقا تقديرات متحفظة، نحو خمس المواد الغذائية التي يتم شراؤها أو التي أعدت خلال شهر رمضان تجد طريقها إلى صناديق القمامة أو مقالب النفيات. وهذا يمثل الاف الأطنان من المواد الغذائية الثمينة التي كان يمكن استخدامها لتغذية عشرات الملايين من الجياع في الدول الفقيرة في آسيا وأفريقيا وأماكن أخرى.هذه الكمية المذهلة من النفايات الغذائية خلال شهر رمضان تتطلب استراتيجية قوية وعاجلة للتقليل منها ،و استغلالها بشكل مستدام و كذلك التخلص منها  بكيفية صديقة للبيئة. خطورة الوضع تعتبر دول الشرق الأوسط  أكبر … Continue reading

Food Wastage in Ramadan: An Urgent Call to Action

The month of Ramadan witnesses a great rush of frantic buyers who are buying and storing food items and allied commodities. Unfortunately, Muslims countries, especially Gulf nations, generate huge quantities of food waste which increases manifolds during the month of Ramadan and festivals like Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha whereby the consumption and wastage of food increase at an alarming level. Firstly, the food habits change in the month of Ramadan whereby Sahoor or breakfast/ meal is taken early in the morning. Later after sunset Iftar/ Fatoor (opening of the fast) is taken usually with specially cooked food, … Continue reading