Green Ways to Increase Your Property’s Value

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Increasing a property’s value is something that everyone hopes to accomplish during their lifetime. The place in which one owns is usually the biggest asset of a person’s life. Therefore, one should treat it dearly by taking steps to improve its condition over the years. Over the past decade, there has been a huge drive towards achieving sustainability in all facets of our lives. Simply put to be sustainable or “green” means to satisfy your present needs in a way that does not compromise the needs or resources of future generations. More importantly to put this into the context of our home, to be sustainable means to be as efficient as possible and not waste all the resources required for the proper operation and maintenance of it.

In the following paragraphs, we will explore some of the eco-friendly ways to increase your property value in a sustainable manner:

Selecting the right material for sustainable roofs

Yes, there are eco-friendly roofing and the material plays the biggest part of it. In North American houses, roofs are one of the most important and expensive features that need proper maintenance every few years or replacement every 20 to 100 years depending on the roof you have, according to Bartlett Roofing Boise.

Thus, when looking for an eco-friendly roofing most property owners aim for the most cost-effective roofing material, but often times neglect durability and do not think outside the box of how selecting the roofing material can not only improve durability, but also increase your property’s value through other indirect cost savings as a result of having an environmentally friendly green roof.

Some examples of great roofing materials that have a direct effect on both durability and sustainability are discussed below:

1. Cool Roof

It is important to have a white-colored reflective roof, especially when living in hot climates. A light-colored roof does a good job of reflecting and not absorbing UV rays, which can really heat up your home and thus increase your air conditioning bill.

2. Metal Roof

Although metal roofs cost a little bit more than regular roofs, this cost is offset by them being long-lasting, up to 50 years and fire-resistant compared to traditional roofs made out of shingles and wood. Metal roofs are also good for those in dry areas who really want to harvest water from the rain. Another important feature of metal roofs is that they are 100% recyclable at the end of their lives and homeowners can usually get some money back when selling their metal roof for scrap.

3. Recycled Shingles Roof

Recycled shingles come from materials such as plastic, wood, and rubber which can be easily repurposed and reused as shingle materials. Recycled shingles are cheap and are usually the greenest roofing material. They are very durable having a lifespan of about 50 years. The sustainability in this type of roof comes from the low energy used and low pollution in the manufacturing of the recycled shingles.

4. Green Roof

Green roofs are roofs with a vegetative layer that is grown on the rooftop of a house or building. These roofs have grown significantly in the past few years. Green roofs improve your property aesthetics, they reduce energy usage due to the thermal efficiency of the soil and also reduce air pollution. Green roofs can also capture stormwater and return it back through evaporation.

Other green home remodelling ideas that will increase property value

Not every remodeling or renovation type will increase your home’s value when it comes time to sell. The push towards sustainability might make your home a bit different from the others and in general if one can find cost savings within sustainability it will make your home very competitive in a buyer’s real estate market.

The following green home remodeling ideas are what can make a home buyer give you more money when it comes time to sell.

Upgrading Landscape and Curb

The very first thing someone sees when they pull up to your home is the lawn and landscaping. A great luscious green landscape with a proper garden with painted outer fences and walls and adding native plants that reduce water costs and solar lights can drastically make your home greener and improve its appeal to a potential buyer.

Replacing Old Windows

Windows are some of the most expensive things in a home that need replacing every 20 years. However, they are one of the most important features that can save you a lot of money through a reduced energy bill. Old windows tend to leak a lot of air as the sun and environment degrade them over time.

It is important to replace them with a lighter colored Energy Star-rated windows to keep the cold or warm air inside. It is also important to add additional windows to the not so lit areas of your home to brighten it up with some naturally occurring sunlight and get rid of the nonessential lighting within your home.

Low-Flow Faucets and Toilets

These are some of the cheapest things that one can replace in a home and have big savings in their water bill. New faucets and toilets are designed to be as water-efficient as possible by incorporating water with air through an aerator which maintains water pressure.

Solar Water Heater

It is said that water heating usually accounts for up to 20% of a home’s energy bill. Therefore, in places that see a lot of sunlight installing a solar water heater can do wonders to lowering your energy bill. Not to mention installing solar panels on your roof might be expensive, but you can save plenty of money through government programs implemented to buy back the energy that you capture enabling one to save a lot of money and reduce carbon emissions.

Energy-Efficient LED Lighting

Replacing all old light bulbs with LED light bulbs can help a home save roughly $1000 over a 10-year period according to USA Today. LED light bulbs convert electricity into light through the use of a semiconductor. LED light bulbs are much longer-lasting than traditional light bulbs.

Therefore, it is important to not think of green home renovations in terms of costs but it is important to think of them as improving the durability and long term evaluation of your property for the better in a changing world.

Why Community Solar Projects Are Key to Energy Equity

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When you think about clean energy, you probably picture big solar farms or shiny rooftop solar panels. But not everyone can install their own system because they either rent or live in shaded homes. Some can’t afford the upfront costs.

Community solar becomes invaluable in these situations. It gives you a chance to benefit from shared clean energy, even when traditional solar installation isn’t possible. More importantly, it creates a pathway toward energy equity, helping more people access affordable and reliable electricity.

a community solar project in Africa

Renewable energy projects aim to fill the gap by providing fairer access to clean power and reducing long-term barriers that hinder community development.

Why Solar Energy Systems Matter

In 2022, the World Bank estimated that 13 million people in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region had no access to electricity. Many more struggle with high energy costs or unreliable power. Energy equity means that everyone—regardless of income level, housing type, or location—has the opportunity to benefit from clean, renewable energy.

Traditional home-based systems often widen the gap because only homeowners with the right conditions can install them. Community solar levels the playing field by making clean power subscription based.

Imagine two families in the same neighborhood. One owns a home with a sunny roof and can install solar panels at any time. The other rents an apartment and has no option for rooftop systems. Community solar allows both households to participate equally, access lower costs, and shrink their carbon footprint together. Over time, that inclusive approach strengthens neighborhoods and supports a cleaner, more reliable utility grid for everyone.

Community-driven models also encourage more local involvement. Residents often become part of community solar subscriber organizations, which help educate neighbors, distribute subscriptions, and keep the system running smoothly. These groups are crucial for reaching underserved communities that have historically had fewer opportunities to adopt clean technologies.

Addressing Common Challenges in Community Solar

One common issue is the lack of clear, user-friendly comparison tools. Many people want to join, but they struggle to understand different plans, pricing, and benefits. This is where a community solar marketplace becomes helpful. By consolidating multiple projects into a single, accessible platform, marketplaces simplify the process of comparing subscription options, reviewing subscription fee structures, and selecting a reliable community solar provider that suits your budget.

A good marketplace also partners with a trusted solar energy company, which brings essential expertise in design, financing, and long-term operations. This professional support ensures projects run smoothly, deliver promised savings, and maintain their systems for decades. It addresses reliability concerns and gives communities confidence that their subscription will truly support clean power and bill savings.

How Community Solar Expands Access to Clean Power

Community solar projects allow you to subscribe to a portion of a shared solar array located in your region. Instead of placing panels on your roof, you tap into a centralized solar facility and receive solar bill credits based on your share of solar energy generation. It’s a simple idea with a powerful impact: you get clean power and predictable savings without making any changes to your home.

These shared systems are especially valuable for low-income households. When you’re already juggling monthly expenses, anything that helps lower energy costs makes a difference. Through community solar programs, subscribers typically receive a credit on their electricity bills. This cost-cutting measure helps households manage rising prices and seasonal changes in electricity use.

It also boosts solar access for renters and urban residents. Even if you don’t have your own roof, you can still join a project and contribute to carbon emissions reduction. In many areas, policies like net metering strengthen savings, making community solar even more attractive for everyday users.

How Community Solar Strengthens Local Communities

When you join or support a shared solar project, your participation can trigger positive ripple effects. These systems often generate local jobs, from construction to maintenance. They create shared public spaces, such as a solar garden, and they support cleaner air by increasing local renewable electricity output. And as more people join, communities become less dependent on fossil fuels and more resilient during outages.

Community solar even opens doors for innovative technologies. With cleaner energy sources on hand, communities can integrate smarter home upgrades and charging solutions. They can also reduce reliance on traditional power sources that create pollution, helping shape a healthier future for the next generation.

a community solar project in the MENA region

How Broader Goals Shape Community Solar’s Future?

Government targets and energy strategies influence how quickly shared solar spreads. When regions set strong goals for clean electricity, more funding, partnerships, and incentives follow. This momentum helps bring more community solar farms to life, increasing total solar capacity and making renewable power more accessible.

A great example of this is the MENA region’s renewable energy target, which has encouraged countries to accelerate investments in solar generation facilities. These goals create an enabling environment for community-based models, particularly in areas where access to clean electricity remains uneven. Strong policy direction encourages innovation, unlocks financing, and supports more inclusive energy programs that reach disadvantaged communities.

Broader energy goals also help stabilize the power grid. As more projects come online, shared solar reduces pressure on the grid during peak hours and improves long-term reliability. This benefits everyone, even those who aren’t yet subscribed.

Conclusion: Expanding Clean Power for All

Community solar gives you an affordable, flexible, and fair way to benefit from clean energy—even if rooftop systems aren’t an option. These shared projects lower bills, reduce emissions, and expand access for people who need it most. And when combined with strong policy support, innovative marketplaces, and community involvement, they become a powerful tool for delivering long-term energy equity.

By supporting and joining community solar, you help create a cleaner, more inclusive energy future; one where every household has a real chance to benefit from sustainable power.

The Holy Quran: A New Ecological Paradigm

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Among the world scriptures, the Holy Quran provides a unique resource for building a new ecological paradigm. Grounded in the Abrahamic tradition, it presents a harmonious view of nature reminiscent of the Far East.

In the Quran, “whatsoever is the heavens and on the earth glorifies God” (59:1; 61:1; 62:1; 64:1). “The stars and the trees prostrate” (55:6), “the thunder hymns His praise” (13:13), and “unto God prostrates whosoever is in the heavens and whosoever is on the earth, the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the trees, and the beasts” (22:18). In these and many other verses, the whole of creation is presented as a Divine symphony, for “there is no thing, save that it hymns His praise, though you do not understand their praise. Truly He is Clement, Forgiving” (17:44).

Quran-environmental-crisis

Common Cause of Humanity

According to a research from the Pew Research Center, by 2050, over 60% of the world’s population will be Christian or Muslim: 29.7% will be Muslim and 31.4% will be Christian. Muslims and Christians have no choice but to come together to work for the common cause of humanity in confronting this unprecedented challenge. Moreover, to take root in humanity any sustainable ecological worldview must incorporate and address the teachings that much of humanity seeks to follow.

As Pope Francis observed, the solutions cannot come from science and technology alone. The extinction of species and the eradication of pristine environments are like the removal of a section from this orchestra of which we are all a part.

The Quran thus enjoins us to “walk not exultantly upon the earth” (17:63) and to view the whole of nature as “signs for a people who hear” (10:67; 16:65; 30:23), “signs for a people who reflect” (13:3; 30:21), and “signs for a people who understand” (2:164; 13:4; 16:12, 67; 30:24; 45:5).

Yet, in our rapacious approach to nature, we have failed to reflect and thus become like those of whom the Quran says, “they have hearts with which they understand not; they have eyes with which they see not; and they have ears with which they hear not” (7:179). Unable to see, listen and understand, we have become like one of whom the Quran warns, “when he turns away [from God’s signs], he endeavors to work corruption upon the earth, and to destroy tillage and offspring” (2:205).

Relevance of the Papal Encyclical

Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si (“Praised Be”), is a clarion call to all of humanity. It also provides an important opportunity to expand the conversation regarding the relationship between religion and the environment. Many scientists maintain that we have reached “decade zero” for addressing climate change. We thus have no choice but to mine the riches of all the world’s traditions to create new paradigms and new solutions to environmental degradation. As the encyclical states, “We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing and its human roots, concern and affect us all.”

The Papal Encyclical provides an unprecedented opportunity for the people of the world’s faith traditions to turn away from the corruption we have wrought and open our hearts to one another and to the plea of Mother Nature. For her fate will be determined by the decisions of our generation. By drawing upon the shared teachings of our traditions, humanity can again learn to honor the immutable rights of rivers, animals and trees, as well as human beings suffering inhumane working conditions.

By bearing witness of our own transgressions, we can reverse our course and ensure that the rights of God’s creation prevail over the transient interests of corporations. As Pope Francis observed, we have no choice but to take this direction and to work with one another.

For Muslims and Christians, the place of human beings is not to subdue the earth. It is to hear the patterns already established within nature and live in harmony with them, had we but eyes to see and ears to hear. In both Christianity and Islam, human beings are presented as stewards of the earth. In the Quran, this responsibility is both an honor and a trial.

Verse 6:165 states, God it is Who appointed you stewards upon the earth and raised some of you by degrees above others, that He may try you in that which He has given you. From this perspective, being stewards of nature is about our responsibility toward God, not our dominion over creation. Neither the Bible nor the Quran has any place for what Pope Francis calls “a tyrannical anthropocentrism unconcerned for other creatures.

We will thus be held accountable for the degree to which we have carried out our function as stewards. As the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is reported to have said, “The world is a green and pleasant thing. God has made you stewards of it, and looks at how you behave.“

Conclusion

Given the state of the environmental crisis and the alarming increase in environmental degradation, one cannot but conclude that contemporary humanity has failed this test. The world and our children can no longer afford the cost of our failures. It is thus time that people of all faiths unite and in the words of Martin Luther King, “rededicate ourselves to the long and bitter, but beautiful, struggle for a new world.”

Things You Should Know About Mattress Disposal

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When you start to live a greener, more eco-friendly lifestyle, you’ll find that you spend more time recycling and reusing items rather than simply throwing them away. The less waste you can create, the more the environment can thrive. However, there will be times in your life when you’re simply not sure what you need to do to get rid of an old item that you no longer have use for.

If your old and lumpy mattress is far past its best and you can’t donate it to someone in need, then you’ll need to figure out how you’re going to dispose of it without causing any excess damage to the environment.  Here are a few things you’ll need to know about disposing of your old mattress.

1. Always Try Donating First

The average mattress lasts for anywhere between 7 and 8 years. If you’ve decided to get a new mattress, but your old one isn’t completely worn out yet, then you might be able to donate the old product to an organization in need of help.

One particularly good option for international donors is the Salvation Army. This group has thrift stores throughout the world, and the group can provide a furniture pickup service for mattress donations in certain locations. Donations to the Salvation Army are tax-deductible too. If the salvation army isn’t an option, try:

  •       Habitat for Humanity International
  •       Furniture Bank Association of America
  •       Goodwill
  •       Local charity stores
  •       Homeless shelters

Remember, your mattress needs to be in good condition for a donation. That means no tears, no damage that might cause discomfort to a new user, and no bedbugs!

2. Recycling is the Second Best Option

If a donation isn’t possible for you, then you can consider recycling your mattress instead. Up to 90% of your mattress can be recycled and repurposed to create new products. To make sure that you’re recycling your mattress correctly, you’ll need to go online and track down the nearest recycling center that accepts mattresses.

There are likely to be a few options in your local area. For a small fee, some companies will even pick the mattress up for you if you don’t have a way to get the item to them. Remember, most centers will allow you to submit a mattress for recycling if it isn’t in the best condition. However, recycling centers will not take mattresses that have been exposed to pests or bed bugs. Check the terms and conditions of your recycling plant.

recycling-bin-dubai

3. Junk Removal Companies Can Help You Out

Finally, if you’re getting rid of a mattress that can’t be recycled, and isn’t any good for donation, then your only option will be to have it removed by a junk removal company. These businesses will take items to the dump if they need to go there, but most junk removal companies will also try to recycle or donate used mattresses before simply throwing them away.

Residential junk removal services have the right people and expertise to handle the challenging task of decluttering and disposing of unwanted items in your home. These services typically employ skilled and experienced professionals trained to efficiently and safely remove various types of junk, whether it’s old mattresses, furniture, appliances, electronics, construction debris, or general household clutter.

Using these kinds of companies will cost you a small amount of money, depending on the size and weight of the mattress. Many will charge by volume, although others do charge on a per-item basis. You should also consider checking the warranty of your old mattress before you get rid of it, as the manufacturer might offer disposal services.

But how do you prepare your old mattress for junk removal? You can follow some steps to ensure a smooth and efficient pickup by the removal service. Firstly, strip the mattress off all bedding and linens and ensure it’s completely bare. Inspect the mattress for any hazardous materials, like bedbugs, and inform the removal service accordingly if found. In case of rain or moisture concerns, protect the mattress by covering it with a plastic mattress bag or a large plastic sheet.

If your mattress is part of a larger bed frame, disassemble it as needed. Ensure that all hazardous materials, like sharp edges and protruding springs, are out of children’s reach. Communicate with the removal service in advance, schedule a pickup, and discuss any specific requirements they may have regarding size or weight restrictions. On the scheduled pickup day, be present or provide access to the removal team and comply with local regulations for mattress disposal.

Additionally, if you’re replacing your old bed with a new one, see whether the company that you’re buying the new mattress from offer a removal service. Some companies are more than happy to responsibly dispose of your old mattress when they deliver your new one.

نصائح لتقليل النفايات الغذائية

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للنفايات الغذائية آثار بيئية واقتصادية واجتماعية أيضاً. إن ارتفاع معدلات الدخل والإنفاق الفردية، ومستوى المعيشة، والقدرة على الإنفاق، وسلوكياتنا في إهدار الطعام تؤثر سلباً على مواردنا المحدودة. فأصبح من الشائع أن نرى أكوام من الطعام المتبقي في أطباق الطعام في مراكز التسوق والمطاعم. وللأسف فإن القدرة على الإنفاق أدت إلى زيادة متسارعة في إنتاج وتراكم النفايات الغذائية في دول الشرق الأوسط عامة، وفي دول مجلس التعاون الخليجي خاصة.

food-waste-GCC

ويمكن قياس خطورة الوضع من خلال الحقائق التي تبيّن أنه يتم إنتاج أكثر من 300 طن من النفايات الغذائية يومياً في البحرين، مما يشكل حوالي 11% من النفايات البلدية. حيث يتم إلقاء جميع هذه النفايات في صناديق القمامة ثم جمعها من قِبل مقاولي البلدية، ثم تنقل إلى مكب العسكر الواقع على بعد 25 كليوم متر عن المدينة.

يتوجب على سكان دول الشرق الأوسط أن يدركوا أننا نستورد كميات كبيرة من المواد الغذائية ثم نهدرها دون مبالاة في القمامة. و تشير التقديرات إلى أن ربع الأطعمة التي يتم شرائها تتعفن ويتم إلقاؤها في سلة المهملات قبل أن يتم استخدامها أو أكلها.

يميل الناس إلى شراء كميات أكبر مما يحتاجون، أو مما يمكنهم استهلاكه. وغالباً ما يتركون الطعام الذي تم طلبه أو شراؤه نصف مأكول، وهو سلوك شائع ولكنه غير سليم.

إن ترك بقايا الطعام هو توجه خاطئ يؤدي إلى زيادة الهدر للمواد الغذائية المشتراة، التي لا يتم استخدامها بشكل كامل أو كفؤ، فينتهي بها المطاف في صناديق القمامة. بالإضافة إلى ذلك،  فإن هدر الطعام يكون بنسبة أكبر خلال الموائد المفتوحة (البوفيهات)، حيث تكون خيارات الأطباق أكثر وبكميات غير محدودة. يجب أن يكون التوجه نحو اختيار ما نستطيع أكله فقط.

لقد ازدادت تكلفة الأطعمة المطبوخة وغير المطبوخة بشكل ملحوظ في السنوات الأخيرة، مما زاد الضغط على الميزانية المحلية لأرباب الأُسر الذين يكافحون بالفعل لمواجهة تكاليف المعيشة، والسكن، والرعاية الطبية، والنقل وغيرها. مهمتنا الأولى هي تقليل كمية النفايات الغذائية القابلة للتحلل الحيوي من أن ينتهي بها المطاف إلى صناديق القمامة -ومن ثم إلى مكب النفايات. بالإضافة إلى ذلك، إذا قمنا بتطبيق عملية جمع النفايات الغذائية، فإننا نقوم بإزالة جزء كبير من المكونات القابلة للتحلل الحيوي من صندوق القمامة. ويجب علينا أن ندرك أن وصول الطعام إلى المكب وتحلله حيوياً ينتج كمية غازات دفيئة أكثر.

food-waste-qatar

للنفايات الغذائية آثار بيئية واقتصادية واجتماعية

جدية الأمر تتطلب اتباع عادات غذائية وسلوكيات أفضل؛ “أن تأخذ ما تستطيع أن تأكله احتراماً للطبيعة الأم”. يكمن الحل الاجتماعي والثقافي في اتباع طريقة ذكية للتعامل مع الطعام وتجنب إهداره.

دعونا نمارس النصائح التالية للتقليل من النفايات الغذائية في الشرق الأوسط:

  1. اشترِ ما تريد بالفعل وبكميات محددة.
  2. شراء المواد الغذائية وخاصة الفاكهة والخضراوات بكميات قليلة وبناءً على حاجتك فقط.
  3. حاول استخدام الكميات بالشكل الأمثل وتناول ما يتبقى منها أيضا.
  4. لا تخجل من أخذ/تغليف ما يتبقى من الطعام في الحفلات، فهذا لن يؤثر على احترامك لذاتك وسمعتك.
  5. يومياً تفقد المواد الغذائية الموجودة في الثلاجة/المجمّد، وسلة الفاكهة الخاصة بك، وتأكد من المواد القابلة للتعفن وانتهاء الصلاحية. وقم باستخدامها أو التبرع بها قبل أن تصبح من النفايات.
  6. نحن بحاجة لاتباع أجدادنا في أسلوبهم في “شراء الأقل وتناول بقايا الطعام”، والذي أصبح موضة قديمة بحسب ما يعرف بعادات العصر الحديث.

ترجمة: بثينة أبو روزا

ناشطة اجتماعية وبيئية ،رائدة أعمال والمؤسس لشركة قطوف للتدريب التنموي البيئي والتي تعتبر المركز الاول محليا وإقليما  المعتمد من مؤسسة  سيتي أند جيلد ( City & Guilds) البريطانية المختصة بالتدريب والتعليم المهني، وفقا للمعايير الدولية وبشهادات دولية صادرة من بريطانيا وبمسار مهني في إدارة النفايات وإعادة التدوير.

Managing Food Waste at a Global Scale: Technologies and Strategies Transforming Organic Waste into Resources

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One-fifth of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally, amounting to one billion meals a day and costing the global economy roughly US$1 trillion. These statistics give us valuable insight into the food waste crisis, demonstrating the importance of reducing waste to achieve greater sustainability and global food security.

From turning food waste to energy to implementing circular economy frameworks, there are different approaches that businesses and governments can implement to reduce dependence on landfills. Keep reading to learn about the technologies and strategies driving this change.

a bin overflowing with food scraps

Key Technologies Driving Food Waste Transformation

New technologies are constantly emerging. It should come as no surprise, then, that modern tools and solutions are transforming traditional waste management processes.

Let’s take a look at how anaerobic digestion, composting innovations, and artificial intelligence (AI) are key solutions for reducing food waste.

Anaerobic Digestion

Anaerobic digestion is a biological process in which bacteria break down organic matter in an oxygen-free environment. While this process occurs naturally in environments like marshes and swamps, it can also be carried out on a large scale using enclosed vessels called anaerobic digesters.

This process produces biogas, a renewable energy source, and digestate, a nutrient-rich material that can be used as fertilizer. The environmental benefits of anaerobic digestion include diverting waste from landfills, generating renewable energy, improving soil health, and reducing methane emissions.

Composting Innovations

Composting is the biological decomposition of organic materials by microorganisms in the presence of oxygen. In addition to reducing waste, composting decreases methane emissions from landfills, improves plant health, and supports sustainable agriculture.

While traditional systems don’t require technology, innovations in composting technology help turn organic waste into compost on a much larger scale.

compost made from food waste

Automated composting systems monitor and manage factors like temperature and microbial activity to accelerate decomposition. In-vessel composting is another useful innovation, using technology and a controlled environment to enhance the composting process for commercial or community waste.

AI-Powered Technology

AI optimizes a range of processes across the supply chain, helping reduce waste and increase efficiency.

Here are 3 ways companies are using AI today:

  • Smart bins and sensors: Companies use AI-powered bins and sensors to identify patterns, gain real-time insights into how waste is generated, optimize collection schedules, and reduce sorting errors—all of which enhance overall waste management.
  • Predictive analytics: Grocery stores, restaurants, and manufacturers use predictive analytics to improve demand forecasting, optimize inventory, and enhance supply chain efficiency.
  • Computer vision for automated sorting: AI-powered image recognition systems help identify food waste, separate edible from non-edible items, and improve sorting accuracy in real time, allowing companies to recover more usable materials and reduce overall waste.

Strategic Approaches for Managing Food Waste

In addition to adopting innovative technology, there are different strategies that can be implemented on a global scale to reduce waste.

Circular Economy Frameworks

The goal of a circular economy is to keep products and materials in circulation for as long as possible. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation recognizes three key principles of a circular economy: eliminating waste and pollution, circulating products and materials at their highest value, and regenerating nature.

There are many ways a circular economy can be put into practice. For instance, a company may redesign its products using sustainable materials and implement a recycling program to increase resource efficiency. A local government, on the other hand, may invest in infrastructure to support circular activities, such as an anaerobic digestion facility.

Policy and Regulatory Initiatives

Food waste regulations play a critical role in reducing waste. Various initiatives help increase awareness and minimize waste, such as extended producer responsibility, landfill taxes, organic waste bans, incentives for food waste-to-energy initiatives, and more.

While existing regulations help raise awareness of the food waste crisis, additional initiatives are needed to drive lasting, large-scale change.

Increased Public Awareness

Unfortunately, there’s still a widespread lack of knowledge about the food waste crisis. While many people want to support sustainability initiatives, they often lack the tools or awareness needed to make meaningful changes.

Educational campaigns and local initiatives are key to increasing awareness and getting more people involved. For instance, curbside composting programs help households divert food from landfills, while an increase in local infrastructure helps companies manage waste more effectively.

Benefits of Enhanced Food Waste Management

The technologies and strategies discussed above can help countries and companies around the world reduce food waste. Why is this important?

The benefits can be broken down into three main categories:

  • Environmental: Reducing food waste has an array of environmental benefits. From reducing greenhouse gas emissions to conserving natural resources and minimizing pollution, strategies like composting and adopting a circular economy contribute to a more sustainable world.
  • Economic: As mentioned, food loss and waste cost the global economy an estimated USD 1 trillion each year. These losses affect households and companies alike, meaning those that implement waste-reduction strategies can significantly minimize the financial impact. Even more, companies have the opportunity to create new revenue streams by turning waste into useful resources like energy, compost, and animal feed.
  • Social: An estimated 673 million people faced hunger in 2024. At the same time, one billion meals are wasted every single day. By reducing waste through initiatives like donation programs, you can ensure surplus food goes to those in need, supporting communities and contributing to a more sustainable food system.

Final Thoughts

Food waste is a multifaceted issue. Every country has its own challenges, infrastructure requirements, and policies leading these efforts.

When combined with the unique obstacles faced by companies across the supply chain, it becomes clear why food waste reduction remains such a complex challenge. For that reason, it’s important to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution; every government, company, and household must evaluate their specific challenges and goals and create a strategy that works for them.

Whether your household is embracing an AI-powered meal planning app to cut down on waste or your company is partnering with a waste management provider to support an anaerobic digestion project, every effort matters.

So ask yourself: Can emerging technologies help you reduce waste? How might implementing a circular economy framework benefit you?

Beyond the Surface: How Sustainable Pest Control Fits into Green Home Design

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We talk a lot about energy bills, daylighting, and indoor air quality, but a truly green home should also keep uninvited creatures at bay. The chemicals we spray after an infestation undo many of the environmental wins we fought for. So the real trick is to plan, build, and keep homes in ways pests just can’t hang out. Down below, we’re going to dig into how smart, sustainable pest control works hand-in-hand with green design and keeping your home in good shape for the long haul.

a pest control professional making a home pest-free

Why Sustainable Pest Control Belongs in the Blueprint

Traditional pest management is reactive: see a bug, reach for a can. Forward-thinking architects flip the script by “designing pests out.” Pests are more than a nuisance; mites, cockroaches, and rodents trigger allergies, contaminate food, and damage insulation. A single gram of mattress dust can shelter thousands of mites, and recognizing dust mite bites underscores why prevention beats cure.

A growing body of integrated pest management (IPM) research shows that homes with well-sealed envelopes, balanced ventilation, and smart material choices see up to 90 percent fewer infestations over ten years compared with conventional builds. In Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City—one of the region’s flagship eco-districts—developers used airtight façades, insect-screened vents, and borate-treated cellulose insulation. 5-year follow-ups reported negligible termite activity and no need for broad-spectrum insecticides, all while the neighborhood achieved a 40 percent cut in energy demand.

(For a deeper dive into Masdar’s holistic design strategy, see EcoMENA’s primer on green building features.)

Designing a Pest-Resistant Envelope

Seal without suffocating

Continuous air-sealing around sill plates, pipe penetrations, and attic hatches blocks insects as effectively as it blocks drafts. Low-VOC, elastomeric sealants remain flexible through the Gulf’s 50 °C summers and Levantine winters, preventing hairline cracks that morph into ant highways.

Ventilate just enough

Balanced heat-recovery or energy-recovery ventilation (HRV/ERV) keeps relative humidity below the 60 percent that silverfish, mold spores, and mites adore. Crucially, these systems avoid the negative pressure that can suck pests in through gaps when exhaust fans run alone.

Choose materials that fight back

Borate-treated cellulose, recycled-plastic composite lumber, and steel mesh weep-hole inserts deter termites, carpenter ants, and rodents without compromising indoor air quality. In Jordan’s award-winning “EcoHouse,” these measures extended façade maintenance intervals from five to nine years while keeping pesticide applications at zero—a saving of roughly USD 1,400 over the life of the mortgage.

(Related reading: explore EcoMENA’s look at green building trends in the Middle East to see how such envelopes are scaling region-wide.)

Outdoor Spaces That Double as Pest Barriers

A garden can be an oasis—or a mosquito nursery. Landscape with a permaculture mind-set so the yard becomes an extension of the building’s pest shield. Native aromatic plants such as rosemary, basil, and marigold repel insects while thriving on sparse irrigation. Perimeter hardscapes should slope two percent away from walls; dry foundations are termite-unfriendly. In Riyadh’s restored Wadi Hanifa wetlands, planners added gravel “dry zones” beside paths, starving rodents of cover and cutting pesticide use in adjacent neighborhoods by a reported 60 percent.

Irrigation timing matters too. Drip systems scheduled for dawn reduce standing water by midday, thwarting mosquito larvae and curbside weed growth. Compost, an ecological win indoors, can lure flies if left uncovered; sealed bin tops and twice-monthly turning keep the microbiome aerobic and pest-averse.

Maintenance Habits That Sustain the Design

Green detailing only works if homeowners stay committed. Build these tasks into a quarterly rhythm:

  • Inspect high-risk entry points—door sweeps, window screens, weep holes—and reseal any tear or gap larger than two millimeters.
  • Manage organic waste wisely by emptying kitchen scrap buckets daily and keeping compost bins latched; pests thrive on overlooked food sources.
  • Clean with low-impact products so beneficial micro-organisms outcompete pest microbes; harsh bleach can create resistant “superbugs” and drive insects deeper into walls.

For more hands-on pointers, skim EcoMENA’s practical guide to natural pest prevention tips.

an eco-friendly home

When Chemical Intervention is Unavoidable

Even the best design occasionally meets a determined invader. The goal then is precision over volume. Gel baits for cockroaches stay confined to crevices, minimizing airborne residues. Insect growth regulators interrupt breeding cycles without harming pollinators. As the World Health Organization’s IPM framework explains, treatments should begin only when pest populations cross a documented health or structural threshold, not at the first flutter of wings. This threshold-based approach typically halves pesticide use versus calendar spraying while preserving indoor environmental quality.

Conclusion: Sustainable Pest Control is Green Design

A home’s environmental performance is measured not just in kilowatt-hours saved but in the silence of pest-free nights. By weaving sustainable pest control into every layer—from airtight envelopes to climate-wise landscaping and vigilant upkeep—residents protect their health, preserve local biodiversity, and future-proof their investment. The planet breathes easier, the toolbox stays chemical-light, and comfort is never compromised. Build it right, tend it wisely, and the pests will look elsewhere.

How Can Mediterranean Countries Resolve Energy Crisis in Europe

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Europe has been desperately trying to find alternative sources of energy to replace Russian gas. American Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) imports used today, is only a temporary solution and not a long-term one, due to its high costs and transport limitations. However, Algeria, Israel, Egypt, and possibly other transit nations like Libya and Turkey in the future can all contribute significantly to the continent’s increased energy demands. In the Eastern Mediterranean significant amounts of natural gas have recently been discovered recently and could increase gas collaborations with Europe.

European partnership with Mediterranean energy producers

Algeria increased its pipeline supplies to Europe by over 10% on available export routes in the first ten months of this year and is considered as a major gas supplier. Since 1996, Spain has purchased gas from Algeria through the Maghreb-Europe pipeline, which passes through Morocco, and since 2011, it has done so through the undersea Medgaz pipeline. Nevertheless, the dispute between Algeria and Morocco over the Western Sahara, which Morocco claims as its territory while Algeria supports the Polisario Front calling for Sahrawi independence, has consistently impacted relations between Madrid and Algiers, especially the two nations’ energy commerce.

Tensions have progressively gotten worse over the last two years and led Algeria to end gas exports via the Maghreb-Europe pipeline and therefore cut off supplies to Morocco, planning instead to expand the capacity of the Medgaz pipeline[1].

Madrid, which had previously maintained that the UN should decide the status of the area, supported Rabat’s proposal to maintain sovereignty over the Western Sahara while providing it independence to manage its own internal affairs. The Algerian government has repeatedly warned Spain not to re-export gas it receives from Algeria to Morocco[2], which has struggled to make up for shortages caused by the termination of flows via the Maghreb-Europe pipeline and Algerian ambassador in Madrid has been withdrawn following these events.

Moreover, the agreement on gas between the EU-Israel-Egypt[3] comes as European politicians are more concerned about Egypt’s economic stability. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has severely impacted Egypt, especially in terms of food security, and the Egyptian government is working to contain what may become a growing economic disaster. While macroeconomic growth rates have been largely positive, pressure is growing due to inflation and skyrocketing food and energy costs.

Recurring political unrest in Egypt is a nightmare scenario for many European governments, who have been scarred by the experience of the unrest that engulfed the Middle East and North Africa in the wake of the Arab Uprisings in 2010 and 2011. In particular, the migration crisis that was precipitated and made worse by the violent conflicts in Syria and Lebanon.

All in all, while Europe is attempting to diversify energy imports too rapidly, new partnerships with Mediterranean Energy producers must be recognized for their geopolitical complexity and instability that could jeopardize the energy security of future strategies.

[1] https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/opinion/stability-in-the-mediterranean-region-will-bring-stability-to-europe/

[2] https://energynews.pro/en/spain-algeria-concerns-about-gas-relations/

[3] https://www.osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/osw-commentary/2022-08-12/israels-mediterranean-gas-potential-gas-export-to-europe-and

How Asia Pulp & Paper Adopts CDP Carbon Disclosure Standards

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The pulp and paper industry is one that has been deeply impacted by the rise of the eco-conscious consumer. Whether a business produces disposable, reusable, or repurposable paper products, many pulp and paper companies continue to be placed under further scrutiny by consumers. Issues such as resource depletion and carbon emissions are common critiques of the industry, regardless of how useful or necessary their products may be.

At the same time, many pulp and paper companies such as Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) Sinar Mas have proactively moved towards comprehensively integrating sustainability outcomes into their overall operational strategy.

Asia Pulp and Paper CDP Carbon Disclosure

Seeking out awards and standards to integrate into your company’s sustainability strategy is the first step to officiating your business’ efforts, establishing trust with the consumer base, and providing transparency to stakeholders. The inclusion of reliable third-party standards or guidelines into long-term sustainability strategies such as Asia Pulp & Paper’s Sustainability Roadmap Vision 2030 not only provides an external source for validating the company’s claims, but also reassures skeptical consumers.

There is no shortage of internationally-recognised charities, non-profit organisations, and other organisations that provide strict standards that pulp and paper companies can integrate into their sustainability strategies. One such organisation is CDP, a not-for-profit charity that runs global disclosure and corporate environmental reporting systems dedicated to managing environmental impacts.

What is CDP?

Formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project, CDP is an international non-profit organisation that originally focused on encouraging individual companies to disclose their environmental impact and carbon emissions.

Today the organisation helps investors, businesses, cities, and governments evaluate their environmental impact and connects them to accredited solutions providers to take immediate action and create a sustainable economy.

CDP has three key areas of focus: Water Security, Forests, and Climate Change. Each of these categories has further criteria against which participating member companies are assessed and graded. Put together, this results in an overall score that can be a measure of a company’s environmental consciousness, advanced sustainability governance, and outspoken leadership in addressing climate change.

In its annual ranking process, CDP also rewards businesses that provide high-quality disclosure with a place on the so-called “A-list”.

Why should pulp and paper companies disclose with CDP?

CDP disclosure has various benefits for companies in any industry or sector. Compared to other certifications that have a complex and costly accreditation process, CDP primarily relies on audited self-reporting in line with its goals to make risk management and corporate environmental reporting a normative part of global business culture.

Businesses can easily participate in CDP membership provided they are willing to collect their own data and present it for a report – which can be seamless for a company that has already integrated CDP standards into its sustainability reporting.

Pulp and paper companies, in particular, stand to benefit from carbon disclosure and other environmental measures due to the resource-intensive nature of their industry. Under its “Forest” area of focus, CDP specifically recognises the timber industry (including pulp and paper companies) as one of the industries that drives deforestation and forest degradation globally.

To address this, CDP has introduced various critical steps and commitments that pulp and paper companies can adopt to improve the sustainability of their supply chains. This includes public commitments to sustainable development, traceability targets related to larger environmental commitments, and enforcing monitoring systems to assess and assure the company’s compliance.

CDP disclosure can also benefit pulp and paper companies in the following ways:

1. Greater Stakeholder Transparency

Environmental disclosure is highly sought for and in constant demand in today’s eco-conscious economy. Such demands are coming not just from consumers but investors and stakeholders at all levels.

CDP themselves report that 680+ investors with over US$130 trillion in assets and 200+ large purchasers with over US$5.5 trillion in annual procurement expenditure are now looking to CPD participating businesses as a benchmark for transparency and long-term sustainability.

Today’s investors understand the strong link between longevity and environmental sustainability; they want to invest in viable long-term business which, in the context of climate change and emerging sustainability regulations, is only possible with vetted sustainable businesses.

Participating in CDP disclosure standards isn’t just a moral or ethical imperative for companies anymore, but can have a positive impact on their business by improving their standing with stakeholders.

Businesses in the pulp and paper industry will benefit from the transparency that CDP offers when it comes to selling shares and corporate investment. This grading demonstrates a business’ willingness to report data on sensitive topics, and provides a benchmark against which concerned parties can measure progress in sustainability. Asia Pulp and Paper’s Sustainability Report 2020 is an example of self-reporting that other pulp and paper companies can look towards when crafting their own disclosure processes.

2. Improved Brand Reputation and Management

Brand reputation is one of the most important factors when it comes to consumer relations. Brands that destroy trust with their customers through superficial commitments to sustainable development or quality-control shortcuts could also suffer financially as sales decrease alongside their brand reputation.

Pulp and paper companies remain vulnerable to blows to their brand reputation in the context of increased consumer scrutiny, especially as more companies specialising in sustainable alternatives emerge onto the market. The industry can overcome concerning press coverage and the public’s concern around their resource usage by taking responsibility for the environmental impact of their enterprises, choosing transparency, and committing to third-party assessment by external international authorities such as CDP.

3. Keeping Pace with Regulation Standards

Climate change, human rights, and sustainable resource management are now global concerns that businesses of all sizes will need to address in order to stay afloat. State and federal governments are under increased pressure from consumer groups to set and achieve international sustainability goals, which means increased regulations for businesses operating in areas of concern.

sustainability goals of APP Sinar Mas

In a world in which mandatory corporate environmental reporting and disclosure is gaining momentum, disclosing through CDP enables companies to meet reporting rules in multiple regions. It also provides an advantage over the local competition; by adjusting sustainability standards ahead of government regulations, pulp and paper companies following CDP’s standards have fewer adjustments to make if reporting becomes mandatory. This also allows organisations greater flexibility in redirecting their resources to more salient areas in line with larger policy changes.

4. Long-term Benchmarks of Success

Not all businesses are going to start CDP reporting with an A+ grade; sustainable businesses don’t grow overnight, and committing to a long-term sustainable development strategy takes ample time, resources, and effort at every level of an organisation.

Because progress can happen so slowly, it’s easy to lose sight of how far the business has come on a YoY basis. This is where CDP reporting can come in to offer third-party insight into a business’ sustainability progress over time, as well as accreditation in recognition of improved sustainability measures.

Asia Pulp and Paper has been transparent in its improvement in CDP grades across the years, beginning with an A- in supplier engagement and B scores in climate change and forest in 2020, and increasing to Asia Pulp & Paper receiving A- grading in CDP’s Forest category in 2021.

The organisation’s earlier efforts at implementing sustainability into its overall strategy have also been recognised. The case study attributes the organisation’s success to various mechanisms within its Forest Conservation Policy including a sustainable and responsible forestry management plan, bottom-up consultations with stakeholders, and external community-focused projects such as the Desa Makmur Peduli Api (DMPA) programme.

This is an example of an organisation that has made tremendous efforts towards sustainability across multiple aspects of its organisational strategy, and is committed to finetuning its measures to improve its overall grading over time.

media and sustainable development

Pursuing Sustainable Development through CDP Disclosure

The CDP framework provides a point of reference for both businesses and consumers to assess an organisation’s environmental commitments, and can help all parties involved make better decisions about how resources are used as part of the production process.

Companies in the pulp and paper industry need to normalise corporate environmental reporting, carbon disclosure statements, and external auditing if they want to survive the new era of sustainability legislation and eco-conscious consumers and stakeholders. Businesses can also look towards projects by organisations that have already embraced CDP disclosure (such as Asia Pulp and Paper) as a blueprint for what steps to take next – whether or not these organisations have made it onto CDP’s A-List yet.

The Menace of Landfills in Kuwait

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Kuwait, being one of the richest countries, is among the highest per capita waste generators in the world. Each year more than 2 million tons of solid waste in generated in the tiny Arab nation. High standards of living and rapid economic growth has been a major factor behind very high per capita waste generation of 1.4 to 1.5 kg per day.

The prevalent solid waste disposal method in Kuwait is landfill burial. Despite being a small country, Kuwait has astonishingly high number of landfills. There are 18 landfills, of which 14 sites are closed and 4 sites are still in operation. These landfills act as dumpsites, rather than engineered landfills. Infact, landfill sites in Kuwait are notorious for causing severe public health and environmental issues.

Besides piling up huge amounts of garbage, landfill sites generate huge amount of toxic gases (methane, carbon dioxide etc) and plagued by spontaneous fires. Due to fast paced urban development, residential areas have expanded to the edges of landfill sites thus causing grave danger to public health.

Landfills in Kuwait

The total land area of Kuwait is around 17,820 sq. km, out of which more than 18 sq. km is occupied by landfills. Area of the landfill sites ranges from tens to hundreds of hectares with waste deposition depth varying from 3 to 30 meters. All kind of wastes, including municipal wastes, food wastes, industrial wastes, construction and demolition debris etc are dumped at these sites. Infact, about 90 percent of the domestic waste is sent to landfills which imply that more landfills will be required to tackle rapidly increasing volumes of solid wastes.

Most of the landfill sites have been closed for more than 20 years due to operational problems and proximity to new residential, commercial and industrial areas. These sites include Sulaibiyah, Kabed, Al‐Qurain, Shuaiba, Jleeb AI Shuyoukh, West Yarmouk, AI Wafra among others. Migration of leachate beyond landfill site boundaries is a frequent problem noticed across Kuwait. Groundwater contamination has emerged as a serious problem because groundwater occurs at shallow depths throughout the country.

The major landfill sites operated by municipality for solid waste disposal are Jleeb AI Shuyoukh, Sulaibiyah and Al-Qurain. The Qurain landfill, with area of 1 sq. km, was used for dumping of municipal solid waste and construction materials from 1975 until 1985 with total volume of dumped waste being 5 million m3.

The Sulaibiyah landfill site received more than 500 tons of waste per day from 1980 to 2000 with area spanning 3 sq. km. Jleeb AI Shuyoukh, largest landfill site in Kuwait with area exceeding 6 sq. km, received 2500 tons per day of household and industrial waste between 1970 and 1993. Around 20 million m3 of wastes was dumped in this facility during its operational period.

Over the years, most of the dumpsites in Kuwait have been surrounded by residential and commercial areas due to urban development over the years. Uncontrolled dumpsites were managed by poorly-trained staff resulting in transformation of dumpsites in breeding grounds for pathogens, toxic gases and spontaneous fires.

Most of the landfill sites have been forced to close, much before achieving their capacities, because of improper disposal methods and concerns related to public health and environment. Due to fast-paced industrial development and urban expansion, some of the landfills are located on the edges of residential, as is the case of Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh and Al-Qurain sites, endangering the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.

PPP = Permanent Plastic Problem

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The 3P’s of plastic – PPP – first is that the item or object is plastic. The second concern is that plastic is permanent. Not permanently in use, but after is use it has a very long life-span before it breaks down totally. And that leads to the third, and ultimate issue, that plastic becomes a problem.

The issues around plastic are multi-facetted, complex and very diverse. It depends on the composition of the raw materials, how the materials are combined and made into the plastic product. Then it becomes an issue in how the product or object is disposed of. The story then becomes very long in terms of how it breaks down, where it breaks down and what is breaks down into.

permanent plastic problem

Carbon footprint is heard so frequently these days in the context of climate change and global warming. The carbon footprint associated with the production of plastic is huge. Plastic production consumes large quantities of oil, and/or natural gas and energy to power the whole series of production processes. A baseline to start with is that in the production of just 1kg of plastic produces 6kn of CO2. The plastic production process also requires a large quantity of usable, clean water.

There is copious research in plastics, microplastics, accumulation of microplastics in our food chains which translates to our ecosystems in which we live. There are tonnes and tonnes of plastics in our oceans. Figures currently estimated at 8 million tonnes of plastics end up in our oceans. This happens so simply because we are a throw-away society. Instead of disposing correctly or recycling, people literally throw their plastic waste around them. In gutters, streams, alleyways, on the road. Other plastic waste may be carried by wind or washed away by rainwater and overland flow. It may come from wash off from landfills, improper storage and illegal dumping. This can be summed up in one word: trash.

Some plastic is recycled. Although recycling plastic is not a straight-forward and easy option. Different types or composition of plastics require different recycling methods. Unfortunately, only about 9% pf the global plastics are recycled. This could be summed up as sheer apathy.

According to numerous fishery studies and research projects, more and more fish are ingesting microplastics. This means that microplastics are entering our food chains and food webs. Microplastics are minute, tiny, miniscule pieces of plastic.  Still plastic. One needs to realise that we are part of the food ecosystem, in fact we are generally placed at the top of the food web.

As the microplastics pass through the various food chains, there is a process called bioaccumulation taking place. The actual accumulation increases through the food chains. As one moves up the chain, from proto- and zoo-plankton, through the lower level consumers, with the smaller fishes consumed by the larger fishes, their predators, the level of microplastics keeps increasing. And so yes, it is a documented fact that humans are now consuming fish with significant levels of microplastics in the tissues of the fish.

plastic problem

It is estimated  that humans are consuming a rather frightening amount of microplastics in the order of 40,000 pieces of plastic per week. A crude calculation of this amount of microplastic would be equivalent to the size of a credit card. This could be summed up as unpalatable.

Why is there such a demand for plastics you may be wondering. First and foremost, liquids both drinking liquids but also cleaning and lubricant liquids are containerised in plastics.  But around 40% of plastics are used in packaging. Filler plastics, protective wrappings, individual packaging, tapes and straps. The list of uses seems endless. Is it that necessary. This could be summed up as waste.

sustainable-packaging

What are the estimates of global plastic waste per annum. Hold on to your hats, Even take a seat. People on our planet, all 8 billion of us, produce around 300 million tonnes of plastic waste annually. Yes, its hard to visualize to truly appreciate these figures. Let us put into a visual context, that is like a full load of trash from a dump truck being emptied into the ocean every minute of every hour of every day for one whole year. No wonder sea level is rising!

No plastic is not the cause of sea level rise. But our plastic waste ending up in our oceans is a real and alarming fact. Everyone is responsible because we all use plastic in some form or other. Unless you are a 100 and naturalist, you are contributing to this waste accumulation on our planet, earth.

We are all accountable. So what will be your next move?

Conquer Litter for a Sustainable Future

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Littering is a common phenomenon both in urban and rural areas. Streets, sidewalks, parking lots, roads and highways are mostly covered with food wrappers, soft drink and water bottles, plastic bags, handbills, cigarette butts, tissues, papers etc.

litter on the highway

Litter has the potential to cause harm to human health, safety, public welfare as well as the environment. Littering can be a fire hazard and it attracts pests and rodents. Litter also cause accidents on roads as drivers avoid litter on road. Litter also harm plants, vegetation and natural areas. The temptation to ‘litter’ is usually motivated by disrespect to the law and its enforcement as well as ignorance and arrogance in our attitude, thinking that municipalities will clean our mess.

There are several factors that may impact on littering behaviour including inconvenience and laziness, absence of ownership or pride for the area, feeling that someone else will pick it up, number, placement and appearance of litter bins at or near the site, absence of realistic penalties, enforcement of legislation, lack of social pressure and lack of knowledge of the environmental impacts of littering.

Thus, dumping and littering whether on main roads or neighborhoods, on pavements or alleys, at beaches or wasteland should be prohibited. Also, dumping anything that may obstruct traffic or prevent people from movement should be unlawful whether it is garden waste, construction waste, furniture, vehicles or any other materials.

no littering signage

Conquering Litter

Litter can be conquered. People can make a difference. It is our responsibility to clean up the litter in an ‘earth-friendly manner.’ Clean communities have a better chance of attracting new businesses, residents and tourists. There is no reason for any of us to litter because we can always find a litter bin to throw the trash away.

Let us set an example for others, especially children, by not littering and by carrying a litter bag in our vehicle, securely covering trash containers to prevent wind or animals from spreading litter, when visiting parks and recreation areas make sure to leave the area clean for the next person to enjoy and restricting the distribution and disposal of handbills.