About Salman Zafar

Salman Zafar is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of EcoMENA. He is a consultant, ecopreneur and journalist with expertise across in waste management, renewable energy, environment protection and sustainable development. Salman has successfully accomplished a wide range of projects in the areas of biomass energy, biogas, waste-to-energy, recycling and waste management. He has participated in numerous conferences and workshops as chairman, session chair, keynote speaker and panelist. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management and environmental sustainability across the globe Salman Zafar can be reached at salman@ecomena.org

Renewable Energy in Algeria

Algeria plays a key role in world energy markets as a leading producer and exporter of natural gas and liquefied natural gas. Algeria’s energy mix in 2010 was almost exclusively based on fossil fuels, especially natural gas (93%). However, Algeria has enormous renewable energy potential, mainly solar, which the government is trying to harness by launching an ambitious Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program. “Everywhere there is someone or something trying to make a difference. In this case, Algeria is playing an important role in producing and exporting natural gas and liquefied natural gas. But, sometimes it’s just about understanding … Continue reading

Matthew Stone: Teysha Technologies Partners with the Kind Planet Company

In August 2020, Teysha Technologies announced that it was to enter into partnership with the Kind Planet Company, providing the skincare company with biodegradable lids for its new organic skincare range. Teysha Technologies has pioneered a second-generation bioplastic, developing patented technology as part of its mission to revolutionise the global packaging market. As Matthew Stone, Teysha Technologies’ Managing Director explained, an estimated eight million plastic items find their ways into the world’s seas and waterways every day. Teysha Technologies aims to help reduce global plastic waste, offering manufacturers biodegradable alternatives produced from sustainable materials. The Kind Planet Company supports marginalised … Continue reading

كيف يمكن للمؤسسات أن تكون أكثر صداقة للبيئة؟

إن المعدل الذي يؤثر به تغير المناخ على العالم مثير للقلق، وكما أن للأفراد والحكومات دوراً رئيسية في مكافحة هذه القضية، فأيضاً هنالك للمؤسسات دوراً فاعلاً. فكيف يمكن للشركات أن تصبح أكثر صداقة للبيئة؟ تستطيع هذه المؤسسات الوصول لذلك من خلال الاستراتيجيات والمبادرات التي تقلل من بصمتها البيئية.  سيقدم لك هذا الدليل بعض الأساليب الفعالة والحيوية التي تساعد الشركات على أن تصبح صديقة للبيئة. لتعلم المزيد يرجى قراءة ما يلي. الوسائل  الرئيسية التي تُمكّن الشركات لتصبح صديقة للبيئة إن الشركات التي تحاول ان تصبح صديقة للبيئة، تستطيع الحصول على الدعم من العملاء ذوي الوعي البيئي وفيما يلي بعض النصائح المفيدة: … Continue reading

Peak Oil: Perspectives for Saudi Arabia

The term ‘peak oil’ is ominous to the Middle East, as most of the countries in the region are heavily dependent on oil and natural gas for industrial, economic and social development. Petroleum is considered one of the world’s most important sources of energy generation, after uranium, of course. Many other substances have been tested in order to be used as alternatives to petroleum, but none have hitherto been successful. Scientific research illustrates how the world is facing catastrophe if it doesn’t find an alternative to oil, as it is currently impossible for the global economy to grow without sufficient amounts … Continue reading

Sustainable Weddings: Making Your Big Day Eco-Friendly

Every year, millions of couples around the world celebrate their love by getting married. With each ceremony comes a heap of environmental impact due to mass consumption and waste. As the world becomes more conscious of our environmental impact, it only seems logical to consider sustainable practices when planning your big day. This article will provide ideas and tips on how to plan an eco-friendly wedding celebration that minimizes waste and promotes sustainability without sacrificing personal style. From beautiful proposal ideas all the way through the honeymoon, making sustainable choices is easier than you think. Responsible Food Choices Support local … Continue reading

How Can Companies Be More Environmentally-Friendly?

The rate at which climate change is affecting the world is very alarming. While individuals and governments have key roles to fight this issue, companies also have a vital role. Companies can become more environmentally-friendly through strategies and initiatives that reduce their ecological footprint. This guide will offer you some vital methods businesses can use. Keep reading to learn more: Key Approaches Companies Can Use to Become Eco-friendly Companies that encourage eco-friendly ways of doing business always get patronage from environmentally-conscious customers. Below are a few tips. 1. Energy efficiency Implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices can significantly reduce a company’s … Continue reading

The Hidden Impact of Single-Use Plastics on Our Environment

Single-use plastics have become an inescapable part of our everyday lives. They are convenient and widely available, but they may come at a higher cost than we realize. The seemingly harmless plastic bag or disposable coffee cup has a dark side: contributing to pollution and environmental degradation. This post will delve into the hidden impact of single-use plastics on our environment and explore potential solutions for reducing plastic waste. The Prevalence of Single-Use Plastics Plastic is undeniably an essential part of modern life. It is lightweight, durable, and versatile, making it a practical choice for a wide range of applications. … Continue reading

إدارة النفايات الصلبة في المملكة العربية السعودية

تشهد المملكة العربية السعودية طفرة صناعية وزيادة في النمو السكاني وزيادة في عدد المدن الجديدة، مما أدى الي زيادة في معدلات التلوث والنفايات. أصبحت إدارة النفايات الصلبة تشكل تحدياً كبيراً يومياً للحكومة. مع تعداد سكاني يقارب الـ 29 مليون نسمة، تنتج السعودية أكثر من 15 مليون طن نفايات صلبة سنوياً. والمعدل التقديري لنصيب الفرد يومياً في انتاج النفايات 1.5 – 1.8 كج. معدل النفايات الصلبة للمدن الثلاث الكبرى – الرياض، جدة، الدمام – تزيد على 6 مليون طن في السنة، مما يعطي تصوراً عن حجم المشكلة التي تواجهها. أكثر من 75% من السكان يسكنون المناطق الحضريه، مما يوجب على الحكومة … Continue reading

Prioritising the Health and Safety of Workers Across All Energy Sectors

With almost 250 fatalities in the oil industry for every one death of a worker in wind power, the renewable energy sector appears to be a much safer environment in which to work. Of course, the production of oil has a long established history and a much larger workforce; the International Labour Organisation estimates that at least 6 million people work directly for the industry. However as the renewable energy sector continues to grow, it may yet present some of the same health and safety risks as fossil fuel industries. And due to new hazards such as the extreme height of wind turbines, … Continue reading

التكسير الهيدروليكي لطبقات التربة وآثارها

عملية التكسير الهيدروليكي, هي وسيله لتحفيز استخراج الغاز من الطبقات الغير مسامية عن طريق تدفق سائل بين الصخور في باطن الارض. وقد تمكنت التقنيات الحديثة في الحفر والتنقيب للوصول الي استخراج الغاز الطبيعي من طبقات ارضية كان يتعذر الوصول اليها سابقا باستخدام التقنيات التقليدية في الحفر والتنقيب. وتشمل هذه التقنيات ضخ سوائل غنية بالماء في بئر حتي يسبب ضغط السائل في عمق معين من التربة الي كسر وتشقق هذه الصخور. السائل الذي يتم ضخه يحتوي علي جزيئات صغيرة, مثل الرمال الغنية بالكوارتيز او مواد كيميائية التي تعمل علي خلق الشقوق والكسور في طبقات التربة الغير مسامية. عمليات التكسير الهيدروليكي في … Continue reading

Sustainable Cattle Farming: Is It Possible?

Cattle farming is often linked to climate change and pollution. As the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations pointed out in a report from 2013, cattle emit the biggest percent of methane out of all livestock. The most evident solution to this problem is for the population to consume less beef and dairy. However, according to statistics, the per capita meat consumption has gradually increased since 1961 and this tendency is not likely to change. As countries get richer, their population will keep eating more and more meat. So, is sustainable cattle farming a possibility? Regenerative agriculture As … Continue reading

A Primer on Biodiesel

Biodiesel is a clean burning alternative fuel produced from domestic, renewable resources. This biofuel is a mixture of fatty acid alkyl esters made from vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled greases. Where available, biodiesel can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines in its pure form with little or no modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulphur and aromatics. It is usually used as a petroleum diesel additive to reduce levels of particulates, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and toxics from diesel-powered vehicles. When used as an additive, the resulting diesel fuel may be called B5, B10 … Continue reading