Runoff and Floodwater Farming in the MENA and SW North America

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When it rains some water enters the soil, the rest runs off. As it gathers strength it becomes the floodwater that runs through valleys, streets, arroyos and wadis after a rain storm. Sparse vegetation, little soil development, soil crusts, and low infiltration/absorption contribute to fast peaking flows in arid regions[1]. Storms lead to floods that may continue for minutes, hours or days depending on the rainfall. Flood depths of 5-10 meters may occur in extreme events. Residents in arid and semi-arid lands have developed a wide range of strategies to hold and capture critically needed water. In many cases floodwater has been the primary source of drinking water for people and livestock, water to irrigate trees and crops, and to replenish groundwater.

floodwater farming

Floodwater also carries organic materials and fine sediment that can be captured to improve soil fertility, soil tilth and structure. Tohono O’odham families in the American SW sought out places where moist, nitrogen rich litter had accumulated beneath mesquite trees and would dig up the top soil and spread it on farm fields[2]. Nitrogen fixation may take place at 5-8 meters depth so these deep roots can provide little competition for shallow-rooted crop plants grown nearby[3]. Floodwaters in these desert ecosystems can carry large amounts of rodent dung, leaves from nitrogen fixing trees and shrubs, litter, and twigs. Enough material may come to floodwater irrigated fields in these floods to add an inch of rich soil and organic matter a year. Over hundreds of years the deposits grow quite deep. Studies suggest sediment deposits up to 30 m or more deep in the Marib area resulted from irrigation[4].

Floodwater can be destructive when flows are so big they overwhelm the infrastructure, damage homes and farms, and put people at risk. The ancient city of Petra was hit by a massive flood in the 4th or 5th century[5]. This was a rare, catastrophic event[6]. Water rushing down wadis would have created a fast moving 5-8 meter deep flood rushing down the main street. It would have left boulders, heaps of gravel and pebbles and a road covered with 2 to 5 meters of sediment. Capturing more water higher up in the landscape with rock lines, terraces, dams and cisterns reduces the risk from floods, but would not prevent these mega floods.

runoff agriculture petra

Water retention

The first goal is capturing and holding water so it can sink into the soil or fill a pond or cistern. Techniques range from a simple line of rocks on the contour to complex sets of dams in the wadis sized to capture just enough water to maximize soil water holding capacity in irrigated fields[7, 8, 9].

The oldest versions of run-off farming probably consisted of water spreading and/or small rock or brush check dams to slow and collect run-off. Small rock dams are found throughout the SW. One or two rainfall events with runoff can be sufficient to grow a crop. In areas with very limited rainfall the people of the SW would plant seed only when the soil was wetted[10]. Much work was done while the floods were in progress. An everyday sight during showers was the irrigators at work with hoes or sticks, or even with their hands[11]. Cultivars were selected that allowed for deep burial of the seeds, up to 15 cm or more. This provides soil moisture for a longer period of root growth and enables the crop to withstand another surface flow flooding event.

Terraces retain runoff and transform slopes into flat areas that are easier to plant and harvest[12]. Most people are familiar with the terraced rice paddies of Asia, but equally impressive terraces for agroforestry, grains and crops can be found in the MENA countries and American SW. The trees and shrubs on terraces provide food, fodder, fuel and wood while helping to stabilize the terraces and, in many cases, providing a source of income. They help conserve soil and protect it from runoff and erosion. Agricultural terraces require regular maintenance and if it lapses, it can lead to the collapse of retaining walls accompanied by increased soil erosion.

anasazi runoff farming

Microcatchments of various kinds are also effective. These can be crescent shaped, rectangular, or square. Some have ridges on all four sides. Microcatchments have been used for millennia in the Midles East, Africa, and the Americas. Microcatchments are built at low gradients[13, 14, 15].The area inside the microcatchment is steeper with flow leading to the lowest spot. About 10% of the rain that falls on the catchment may flow. The desired area can be calculated with an understanding of the crop, the weather, and the soil. In the Negev the catchments were 17-30 times the planted plot[16]. This could give an augmented rainfall equivalent to 300-500 mm with just 100 mm of precipitation. This is enough to grow most crops.

Soil pits (zai) are smaller but can be effective. Pitting improves water infiltration and retention, reduces evaporation, and increases surface storage and the time available for infiltration to occur. Pits capture rainfall directly and get a minor boost from runoff. Zai can collect up to 25% or more run-off[17]. Not as much as water as the microcatchments, but still of value. They increase surface water storage and water capture, allowing water to seep deeper into the soil. In one study moisture penetration reached 61 cm on pitted soil but only 12.7 cm on unpitted soil[18].

Systems that collect runoff in larger catchments such as hillsides with long slopes may be called macro-catchments[19]. The larger open reservoirs of MENA may be called hafirs, tabias and limans. In arid Tunisia, the tabia system is a traditional macro-catchment with a runoff area that occupies two-thirds of the slope and is traditionally used for grazing; with one to five cropped plots within U-shaped soil banks arranged in a cascade in the third downstream area.

These run-on areas accumulate and store the occasional runoff. In Southern Sudan, hafirs provide water to livestock, agriculture, humans and, to some extent, wildlife[20.21]. Small field plots were leveled and terraced to ensure the efficient distribution of water as well as the conservation of both water and soil[22]. Research with various fruit and fodder trees in the Negev has shown that during and after a rainfall event significant amounts of soil moisture in the topsoil between tree rows on terrace fields were not fully utilized and could be used for an intercrop.

In Northern Kenya runoff capture irrigation made it possible to double crop[23]. Normally, local Turkana farmers won’t risk a second crop during the short rains in August/September. But with rainwater capture the second crops were more reliable and could be further improved with mulching and tree pruning. A variant of these are the hillside conduit systems found in the Negev[24]. There ridges and channels run down slope collecting water to augment wadi flow to crop fields.

Water for people and animals can be stored in cisterns. A remarkable variety and number of cisterns in Petra were filled by runoff from rocks acting as the catchment. Small grooves or ridges would direct water into a sediment basin and then into the cistern. Rainwater can also be captured and stored in bigger cisterns or ponds. The most impressive cisterns are those designed to capture floodwater during flash floods. The Nahal Zin cistern is filled only after the flow in the arroyo is 1.5 meters deep[25]. The full cistern can hold 1,400 cubic meters of water. A large cistern in Resafa, Syria was filled with floods from a wadi west of the city to a full capacity of 18,000 cubic meters. These floodwater filled cisterns would need to have sediment removed periodically.

runoff agriculture

Dams used by ancient communities were typically small and used to hold water for drinking and animals. For example, the transhumant pastoralists of the Sheeb region in Eritrea build small water diversion structures[26]. Larger systems of wadi bed floodwater harvesting involved a series of stepped dams built across wadi beds. These shallow ponds would partially or completely fill with flood water and recharge the soil moisture so a crop could be grown. A flood event we monitored in the SW desert recharged the soil moisture to 7 meters and it remained high for months. Permanent and temporary dams of various kinds were used to divert water from wadis onto adjacent fields[27.28]. This could be small scale or large.

The Maʾrib Dam in Yemen, the largest, was built around two thousand years ago to regulate the waters of the Wadi Sadd[29]. It was about 550 meters long built of fine stone-and-masonry construction, with sluice gates to control the flow of water. It irrigated more than 1,600 hectares and was used and repaired for hundreds of years. A Sabaean inscription from 449 CE records acquisition of, “14,000 camels, 200,000 sheep (seems high), 217,000 pounds of flour as well as 630 camel loads of beverages” to supply the needs of workers mobilized to repair the Ma’rib dam.

To better understand the options for runoff agriculture some of the imaginative and effective techniques developed to use runoff and flood water in the Mediterranean and North Africa (MENA) and the American Southwest (SW) are described in Part 2.

References

1. Shanan, L. 2000. Runoff, erosion, and the sustainability of ancient irrigation systems in the Central Negev Desert. IAHS 261. 75–106 pp.

2. Nabhan, G. P. 1982. The Desert Smells Like Rain: A Naturalist in Papago Indian Country. North Point Press.

3. Virginia, R. A., Jenkins, M. B. and Jarrell, W. M. 1986. Depth of root symbiont occurrence in soil. Biology and Fertility of Soils. 2:127-130.

4. Brunner, U. 1997. Geography and human settlements in Ancient Southern Arabia. Arabian Archaeology and Epigraphy. 8(2):190-202.

5. Paradise, T. 2012. The Great Flood of Petra: evidence for a 4th-5thAD Century catastrophic flood. Annual of the Jordan Department of Antiquities 56(1):143-158.

6. One of my field research sites in the Mojave Desert of the SW was hit with 30 cm of rain in 4 hours. The flash flood from this 1,000 year event was epic.

7. Beckers, B., Berking, J. and Schütt, B. 2013. Ancient water harvesting methods in the drylands of the Mediterranean and Western Asia. eTopoi. Journal of Ancient Studies. Volume 2 (2012/2013), pp. 145–164.

8. Bainbridge, D. A. 2007. A Guide for Desert and Dryland Restoration. Island Press.

9. Bainbridge, D. A. 2024. Go Big! The Challenge of Large Scale Restoration of the Badiya. EcoMENA July 18.

10. Nabhan, G. P. 1997. Cultural adaptations to the desert’s bounty. Sonorensis. 17(1).

11. Gregory, H. E. 1916. The Navajo country: A geographic and hydrographic reconnaissance of parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. US Geological Survey. Water-Supply Paper 380. pp. 104-105.

12. Bainbridge, D. A. 2002 [1986]. Self-reliant Agriculture for Arid Lands. Sierra Nature Prints. https://works.bepress.com/david_a_bainbridge/16/

13. Shanan, L. and Tadmor, N. 1979. Microcatchment system for arid zone development. Hebrew University.

14. Edwards, F., Bainbridge, D. A., Zink, T. and Allen, M. F. 2000. Rainfall catchments improve survival of container transplants at Mojave Desert site. Restoration Ecology. 18(2):100-103.

15. Oweis, T. nd. Planning and design of micro-catchment system. CGIAR. https://mel.cgiar.org/ reporting/download/hash/1407b174dc2d34cbeb51c927a96081fd see also In Arabic. Micro- catchment rainwater harvesting: planning, design and implementation: Training Manual May 2022. ESCWA Publication: E/ESCWA/CL1.CCS/2021/MANUAL.3. ESCWA is one of five regional commissions under the jurisdiction of the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

16. Evenari, M., Shanan, L. and Tadmor, N. 1982 [1971]. The Negev: The Challenge of a Desert. Harvard University Press. page 104.

17. Malesu, M. M., Sang, J., Oduor, A., Odhiambo, O. and Nyabenge, M. 2006. Rainwater Harvesting Innovations in Response to Water Scarcity: The Lare Experience. World Agroforestry Centre.

18. Slayback, R. D. and Cable, D. R. 1970. Larger pits aid reseeding of semi-desert rangeland. Journal of Range Management. 23(5):333-335.

19. Beckers, B., Berking, J. and Schütt, B. 2013. Ancient water harvesting methods in the drylands of the Mediterranean and Western Asia. eTopoi. Journal for Ancient Studies. Volume 2 (2012/2013), pp. 145–164

20. Nasri,S. Albergel, J, Cudennec, C. and Berndtsson, R. 2004. Hydrological processes in macrocatchment water harvesting in the arid region of Tunisia: the traditional system of tabias/ Hydrological Sciences Journal. 49(2):261-272.

21. Public Water Corporation. 2009.Technical Guidelines for the Construction and Management of Improved Hafirs. A Manual for Field Staff and Practitioners. April. MIWRGONU/MWRIGoss. UNICEF.

22. Hillel, D. 1996. Chapter 2. Negev: land, water, and civilization in a desert environment. United Nations University website. The UNU Global Environmental Forum V on Freshwater Resources in Arid Lands13 June.

23. Lehmann Lab. Section of Soil and Crop Sciences. Cornell University web page. https:// lehmannlab.cals.cornell.edu/research/agroforestry/

24. Evenari et al. p103.

25. Evenari et al. p163.

26. Harrower, M. J. 2006. Environmental versus Social Parameters, Landscape, and the Origins of Irrigation in the Southwest, Arabia (Yemen). PhD Thesis. The Graduate School of The Ohio State University.

27. Bainbridge, D. A. 2007. A Guide for Desert and Dryland Restoration. Island Press.

28. Bainbridge, D. A. 2025. Acequias for More Sustainable Irrigation: Rediscover an Ancient Technology. EcoMENA. March 8.

29. Brunner, U. and Haefner, H. 1986. The successful floodwater farming system of the Sabaeans, Yemen Arab Republic. Applied Geography. 6(1):77-86.

Recycling and Artwork: An Environmental Approach to Art

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Art and recycling goes hand-in-hand. Eco-artists are, nowadays, transforming old, recycled and reused object into amazing pieces of contemporary art. The trend started gaining prominence in 1980s when museums and galleries in the Western world opened their doors for such innovation and creativity.

recycled art cycles

In recent years, many artists in the Middle East has started expressing their support for recycling and sustainability through artworks where they merge traditional tone with contemporary themes creating attractive installation art that express local cultural heritage in the larger public interests. Artists are expressing their emotions and ideas through a wide range of recyclables glass, beverage cans, plastics, PET bottles etc.

Installation Art and Recycling

This type of art is termed as Installation Art which is 3-dimensional work using common raw and natural materials to create an object with different messages directed to the viewers and the public audiences. Installation art can be expressed at any type of form like objects, videos, sound or even through the Internet. Interestingly, installation art is also considered a part of Renaissance where people can discover classical cultural movements like Surrealism and Futurism.

Many artists search for inspirations that surround them while others express their feelings in the artwork. Artists use recycled or reused objects to make attractive pieces of contemporary art and literally turn everyday trash into creative treasures. Some create compositions from recycled plastic bags or themed works for art galleries, while others create entire theme parks with trash, and even furniture from recycled materials. For example, if an artist has a penchant for collecting beverage cans, he/she might be interested in creating a replica of a famous building or monument.

Bristol’s whales sculpture is made of willow and 70000 plastic bottles

Artists can collect recyclable materials through public donations, collaboration with businesses or direct collection from solid waste stream. This innovative approach not only creates environmental awareness but also help in finding a good use for unwanted materials. For example, giant bottles made of recycled plastic bottles are tipped over on the grass at an art installation in North Evanston, Illinois. Approximately 6,000 small, clear plastic bottles were used to construct the five 16-foot bottles on display.

Mrs. Salwa Nabhan, a graphic design faculty at Sharjah Higher Colleges of Technology, stresses the importance of using art and recycling in our daily life. She says, “Installation Art is good for the environment because it takes everyday objects and transforms it into a valuable artwork. This is because using raw or new materials can be expensive and people are limited with what they can buy”. The Sharjah Higher Colleges of Technology Media students have already worked on such background creating 2D artworks by using recycled items like fabric leftovers, wood and paper to create collage of things.

Conclusion

Around the world, eco artists are turning recyclables into creative pieces of art and thereby contributing to the Green Movement taking place in different spheres of life. Artists are finding innovative ways to show their concern for the environment and thus encouraging the masses to reuse, reduce and recycle for a better future. With waste disposal posing a serious environmental challenge in the Middle East, it is expected such initiatives will also spur governments to take concrete actions to ease the situation.

Recommended Resource: Types of Art to Celebrate Nature

Eco-Friendly Ways of Fixing Damaged Roof

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If you run a small business, saving on your energy costs is among the best methods to keep the bottom line of your company as low as possible. Your roof is typically responsible for around 30% of the energy loss of your home or company. With time, this leads to an increase in your heating costs, energy bills, and the general comfort of your premises. New eco-friendly roofing elements can assist you to significantly improve the energy efficiency of your home or business premises while protecting the building from the roofing elements. That will mean less downtime due to water damage and leak repairs and more savings for the business.

If you are thinking of changing or fixing your damaged roof then check this article to speed up your fixing progress. Here are some eco-friendly roofing options you can consider:

Use recyclable and recycled materials

The easiest method to reduce the footprint of your building and help prevent waste from accumulating in the landfills is to use some recycled roofing materials. Therefore, when you are looking for a replacement of your commercial roof, you can consider looking for roofing materials made from some old roofing scrap. Metal panels, clay tiles, and asphalt shingles are all excellent options and can be made from old roof materials.

Once you settle for this roofing option, you will get similar quality protection just like installing a new roof while keeping the usable materials from the landfill as well. If you can’t get recycled or reclaimed roofing materials that suit the needs of your business, look for some roofing elements that can be recycled when you are done with them. Wood shakes, rubber, shingles, and clay tiles can all be changed into new items when they are no longer fit for your roof.

Examine your insulation

Commercial roofing, such as residential roofs requires a good insulation layer to keep the outside temperatures from affecting the temperatures inside. If there isn’t enough insulation at the top level of your premise, the outdoor weather can leave the building feeling unbearably cold or unseasonably warm. Again, inadequate insulation can also put your structure at risk for water damage and leaks.

If you are considering replacing your roof, ensure that your insulation levels are examined. If the insulation is not enough in the attic space, then more can be inserted before your new roof gets installed. You will notice an instant improvement in the energy efficiency of your building, making your structure more eco-friendly in the long run.

Switch to metal roofing materials

One of the best eco-friendly roofing available is metal. Metal roofing is pretty durable, has low maintenance needs, and you can recycle them when you want to replace the entire system. According to statistics, the average metal roofing can last for approximately 60 years with routine maintenance and care, and you will spend less cash on roofing replacements and also contribute less waste to your landfill with time.

Moreover, you can paint the material in almost any color, which makes it easy to adjust to the property appearance regulations or building code of any area, and most of all, you will save a lot of money on roof repairs for the lifespan of your roof.

Prepare the roofing for solar panels

If you are thinking of making your business premises more eco-friendly, then you should consider solar panels. However, they can be challenging to install on your premises. When you are replacing a damaged roof or installing a new one, make the most of your new roofing materials and allow the roofing contractors to prepare the surface for the installation of the solar energy system.

qatar-solar-program

With the right preparation, solar panels can be installed on almost all types of materials. Even if the old roofing materials of your building cannot support the panels’ weight, new plastic shingles or other eco-roofing materials will do the task. However, before you start working with your roofing company, ensure that you get an energy audit that will help you determine the number of panels your business will need. It’s possible that installing even a couple of solar panels will assist you in offsetting your energy costs every month.

Paint your roof white

Conventionally, commercial roofs are usually dark flat or black roofing systems. Whereas this is a great option for melting ice and snow in the winter, it can make your structure less energy efficient. The black roofing materials typically absorbs heat from the sun, and the heat radiates across the upper floors and the attic of your premises. The more heat that is absorbed, the more your air conditioning system will have to work to ensure your building is comfortable during summer and spring or throughout the year, depending on the location of your business.

Moreover, the accumulation of heat can typically cause the materials supporting your roof to warp. Rather than dealing with the nuisance of these issues, you should consider changing your roof into a pretty cool roof. For a commercial property, your roofing company will be able to utilize a protective white coating designed to effectively reflect the heat while serving as a protective wall against hail, water, snow, and many other natural hazards as well.

Select a company with relevant experience

The best eco-friendly roofing materials are the ones that typically last for a long time. When fixing a damaged roof or replacing it, the whole roof should be removed and also thrown away. That’s because trying to install some new roofing materials on the old one often leads to more damage and extensive repairs in the long run. If your roof is fixed poorly, it’s more likely that your building will require extensive roofing repairs or even a complete replacement earlier than it should. Every replacement or repair means more materials which will eventually increase the carbon footprint of your business.

Moreover, since most traditional roofing materials utilize chemicals during the manufacturing process, you might unintentionally contribute to damage to the local ecosystems and pollution. By working with an experienced roof waterproofing and leakage repair services, you will reduce any risks of installation errors and also premature repairs. That will save you lots of money and also keep more materials from going to the dump.

Most homeowners and businesses have to replace or repair their roof at some point. If you would like roofing materials that will outlast the conventional roofs and made from eco-friendly materials, you can consider the options outlined above. Most of them are typically immune to hail, snow, and ice. Green roofing materials are varied and many, ranging from recycled-metal roofs to recycled-plastic shingles or to reclaimed wood or sustainable harvested roofs or lindab guttering. The best roofing selection for your home or business depends on the structure of your local building codes, your home, and price considerations.

Waste Management Implications of 3D Printing

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The rapid deployment of 3D printing is one of the most exciting developments since the appearance of the smart phone. This is technology with some serious potential to change how and where goods are manufactured, transforming supply chains. The New Scientist has gone so far as to herald 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, as ushering in a second industrial revolution. But is anyone thinking about how what this new development means for the waste sector?

Whilst the technology is already being put to some dubious uses, the ability to manufacture pretty much anything wherever and whenever it’s needed is certainly appealing. Interest isn’t confined to those frustrated inventors whose imaginations have been constrained by the tools they can fit in the garden shed; there’s likely to be take-up from businesses, householders – and even space agencies, apparently.

3D-Printer

What is 3D Printing

By building up layer upon layer of material, a 3D printer can produce objects to any pattern, up to the maximum size it can handle. However, the applications to which these objects can be put to may be limited by the physical properties of the materials that will inputted in to 3D printers – the equivalent of the ink in the printers we’re all familiar with. Clearly, you can’t print a toaster if your 3D printer only uses plastic – but an oven knob, or even a wind-powered robot with dozens of moving parts, is no problem.

A quick scan helpfully outlines the different methods 3D printers are able to deploy, which I’ve summarised here. Each appears to require its own TLA (Three Letter Acronym). Perhaps in the future terms such as Stereolithography (SLA), Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and PolyJet photopolymer will become as ubiquitous as DVD and VHS have been in the past. Each of these techniques is compatible with a selection of materials, primarily plastics – but some are able to use metals, ceramics or even play-dough.

Environmental Implications of 3D Printing

Moving significant amounts of manufacturing away from factories (predominately in Asia) to our own door steps will no doubt have profound impacts on the balance of goods and services across the globe. The economic and social implications of the technology have the potential to be significant– as do the environmental implications.

There is potential for greenhouse gas emissions savings from reduced shipping – not just cutting the number of products that make the long journey across the seas from China, but also reducing road freight. Fewer trucks on the motorways could be one of the unexpected effects 3D printing. But what are the waste management issues associated with mass deployment such technologies. And if we are future gazing, is their deployment consistent with the ‘zero waste economy’ envisaged by governments across the Middle East?

For those who haven’t yet thought too hard about what the technology is; think of it like the ‘replicator’ devices as featured in Star Trek. The replicator was a machine capable of creating objects by voice command, from what appeared to be thin air. 3D printing is only a shade less magical.

Waste Management Perspectives

3D printing is something of a double-edged sword when it comes to waste. It creates new recycling problems, but has considerable potential to help prevent waste. It could even be an outlet for recycled plastics. The opportunity for DIY repairs, especially to everyday items that we might otherwise decide were uneconomic to fix, appears enormous.

But with the higher profile that waste management has these days, I feel that we ought to be making 3D printing the first technology to be designed with recycling in mind. The waste management industry is a service industry; and typically it has had to adapt retrospectively to technology changes that it has not been able to influence. After more than a decade, we’re still catching up with the introduction of plastic milk bottles in lieu of glass. But this reactive approach clearly isn’t the best way to achieve a zero waste economy.

3D printing offers numerous challenges and opportunities to the waste management industry. As we, as a society, become more aware of material security, I’d suggest that the best approach would be for the waste management industry to engage positively with the designers and manufacturers of the 3D printing devices, trying to identify opportunities to ensure that the circular economy doesn’t become an afterthought.

The most appealing possibility would be if the machines could recycle waste polymers themselves, and re-use them as feedstock. Could we see a scenario where the machines become the recycling facility, thus greatly reducing the need for even the print medium to be transported? Bringing the nascent 3D printing industry together with experts in waste management could help to make this new technology contribute to rather than challenge our ambitions for a zero waste economy.

Note: The article is being republished with the kind permission of our collaborative partner Isonomia. The original article can be viewed at http://www.isonomia.co.uk/?p=2512

The Spiritual Benefits of Ramadan Fasting

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Our environment is more than trees, water, land, and air. It is a sense of peace, an understanding of our place in our society. It sustains our satisfaction in life and our interest in caring for the life around us. Recognizing the sustaining forces that make up our environment sometimes requires a time of deep introspection.

Few practices in the human repertoire can guide us to deep introspection like the profound practice of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan. For one full month in every year, fasting is required for Muslims all over the world. The day-long fasting process in Ramadan has the ability to modify behaviors and shape life patterns in ways that improve our entire environment. Focusing on an empty stomach inspires incredibly rich perception of the internal forces sustaining us and our environment.

spiritual benefits of ramadan fasting

Fasting as Defined in Islam

“Fasting” is defined in Islam as abstaining from foods, drinks, sexual intercourse, gossip, arguments, physical violence, and all toxic or addicting substances, from before the break of dawn until sunset, every day during the entire month of Ramadan. Islam follows a lunar calendar, with the result that Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic year, revolves around the solar calendar, every year arriving 11 days earlier than the previous year.

My first year of fasting was in the shortest days of winter. Now, fifteen years later, Ramadan has arrived in the longest days of summer. As the lunar months keep rotating around the year, so Muslims all over the world face some months of relatively easier fasting, and some months of strenuous striving to keep their fast.

“Fasting is one half of patience.” — The Prophet Muhammad

Unless converting to Islam at a later age, Muslims begin fasting at the age of puberty. Patience is the first test, arriving with the self-pitying pains of self-deprivation. We learn to endure them patiently, handling hunger because we have no other choice. The early recognition of this cycle by an adolescent Muslim is priceless, an internal guidance system that ideally recycles beneficially every year for a lifetime. With the arrival of Ramadan comes a compelling shift towards equality and social compassion.

We learn on the first day what it feels like to be hungry, but as the days go by, we learn what it really means to live without food. A little self-deprivation inspires great compassion in us for the truly hungry people of the world.

Disintegrating the Barrier between Rich and Poor

The social barrier between rich and poor disintegrates when the rich are suffering hunger pains no different from their poorer neighbors. For an entire month the fasting Muslim is reduced to two meals a day. Perhaps the food on the table will be different for each, but the experience is equally trying.

The dark hour before dawn is not exceptionally conducive to preparing and eating big meals. Likewise, traversing a long hot day with an empty stomach and thick, sticky tongue leaves us breaking our fast with more thirst than hunger. Three cups of cold water and a couple of dates suddenly become amazingly satisfying.

green ramadan

Fasting clearly encourages us to feed the hungry and help the poor, especially in the month of Ramadan, when even if the person, due to medical or other reasons, is unable to fast, the substitute for fasting is to feed a poor person for each day of fasting missed:

“…And upon those who are able (to fast, but only with hardship), a ransom (as substitute) of feeding a poor person (each day). And whoever volunteers extra — it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.” [Quran 2:184]

God Loves to Strengthen the Weak

Hungry people lose pride fast when they find themselves weak. But God loves to strengthen us when we turn to Him for help. When we find ourselves coping better with the weakness of hunger, we truly feel the loving mercy of God. In these ways, fasting restores the relationship between us and God, strengthening our sense of gratitude. Fasting guides us to authenticity by pulling the rug out from under our false pride and hypocrisies. We used to say we cared about poor, hungry people, but now, after fasting a few long, hot days, we really mean it!

Fasting teaches us moral discipline. We could easily sneak a drink or a bite of something when no one is watching. But the striving for blessings available to us in Ramadan comes from the sincere desire to please God. We feel His nearness so strongly when we are weak with hunger, it is as though a higher state of consciousness is strengthening us, instead of food. God says:

“He abandons his (sexual) desire, food and drink for Me.”
“Fasting is for Me, and I will reward for it accordingly.” [-Allah, as quoted by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)]

Fasting Recalibrates Our Conscience

With this daily perception of God’s nearness, the balance between right and wrong recalibrates our conscience. Right decisions become easier, even when it means we may have to suffer hardship or inconvenience. Our personalities and characters adapt to this stronger sense of right and wrong. This is the best time for personal correction. The courage that comes with overcoming hardship often inspires us to break bad habits that we were unable to deal with previously.

Ramadan is a time of correcting bad behaviors, because fasting for us means abstaining from them as well as food. Abstaining from food is useless if we do not also reduce bad behaviors.

“If a person does not keep away from falsehood and false conduct, Allah has no need of his fast.”[-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW)]

“Fast and you shall attain good health.” — The Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

Good health is not just physical, although the physical benefits of fasting are well documented. Giving the digestive system a rest has a purgative effect on the body, cleansing our system of toxins. After sleeping, we wake refreshed, undertaking our work with renewed ability, and the digestive system benefits in this same manner.

While Muslims don’t fast specifically for dietary benefit, our spiritual benefit is improved with healthy brain functions as a result of caloric restriction to maintain good physical health. Fasting adds so much healthful benefit, it is difficult to underestimate all the advantages.

Fasting Institutes a New Economy

Suddenly we see how much food we never really needed. Needs become clearly separated from wants, and shines a whole new light on our food budget. Restaurants aren’t typically open in the dark hour before dawn either, so cooking at home becomes more regular in Ramadan.

Sleep typically becomes disrupted, and we find ourselves pushing strongly on our self-discipline to get things done at strange hours of the night or day. Days become more constructive when the hours aren’t being gobbled up by food-centered activities. Whole new ways of life suddenly manifest themselves in the month-long practice of fasting.

iftar-dubai-mosque

Iftar gatherings at mosques are also responsible for wastage of huge amount of food

Time sets new patterns during Ramadan, too. Before the first note of the sunset call to prayer, everyone in the house suddenly materializes at the dinner table. Work schedules, ball games, music lessons, all activities suddenly become subservient to the time of sunset. Entire families find themselves enjoying dinner together for an entire month. When the sun goes down on a house full of Muslims breaking their fast, big families really shine with delight and gratitude.

God’s Favorite Instrument of Peace is the Family

Of course, closer interaction with family members and neighbors can sometimes be stressful. This is another blessing of Ramadan, preparing us for difficulties so that when they occur we have the means to avoid them. The family is God’s favorite instrument of peace. If we didn’t learn to get along with our family members, perhaps there would be no peace on earth anywhere.

Screaming for food works for infants, but it doesn’t go over well at the dinner table, so bad behaviors get curbed among loving family members starting from a fairly young age. Ramadan reinforces this sense of family diplomacy, annually requiring fasters to maintain good manners, even in the face of stressful conditions:

“If someone tries to pick a quarrel with a Muslim who is fasting, he is to control himself and reply, ‘I am fasting’.”[-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW)]

Ramadan’s Reflection in the Pool of Our Earthly Environment

Family, friends, and neighbors all commonly increase their interactions, sharing in the spirit of bonding that Ramadan inspires. Community bonds are strengthened in this great time of sharing. From the first reflection of the new moon in the sparkling pool of our earthly environment, ripples extend from the soul of each person fasting in Ramadan.

From the well of our deep personal introspection, good behaviors bubble up to the surface and ripple outward, overlapping with the gentle ripples of others. Our livelihoods, our neighborhoods, in fact our entire environment, benefits from this beautiful practice, because peace and goodwill achieve a higher meaning and strive for higher goals when sustained by the spiritual discipline of annual fasting.

Balancing Conservation with Urban Growth: Lessons from Qatar’s Al Reem Biosphere Reserve

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Qatar’s Al Reem Biosphere Reserve is a protected, inhabited area in the country’s northwestern region. It’s accessible from major roadways and less than 50 miles from Doha, making it an attractive destination for people who want to enjoy nature’s beauty without planning major excursions. This project has many lessons to teach eco-minded individuals.

Understanding the various project phases can inform you of what to consider when measuring success and outlining priorities.

biosphere reserve qatar

Collaboration is Key for Success

Planners officially established the Al Reem Biosphere Reserve in 2005. Since the land encompasses three jurisdictions, collaboration between multiple parties was essential during all phases. UNESCO designated it as a biosphere in 2007, and it was the only such protected area in Qatar then. Since this project comprises approximately 10% of Qatar’s total land area, it requires significant and ongoing cooperation.

Sustainability professionals, development companies and other commercial entities must meet conservation goals by operating in the best interests of endangered and threatened animals. They can do so by setting parameters for permitted activities. Although people can visit the Biosphere Reserve for falconry, it is only an option during a specific period and for a limited number of licensed hunters.

Whether someone is a visitor or tour operator, people must respect the land while abiding by stipulated rules. A decade after UNESCO officials gave Al Reem its designation, officials from that organization collaborated with government authorities to offer an environmental awareness program.

One phase of the two-part initiative encouraged the public to go on free educational tours. The other enabled schoolchildren to travel to the Reserve for scientific activities. A competition also resulted in people winning awards for packing lunches with the least amount of plastic.

These accessible, themed efforts are crucial for helping people understand how to enjoy and protect the Biosphere Reserve with conscious actions and an enthusiasm for learning. Although professionals perform essential work in safeguarded areas such as this one, everyone can contribute.

Planners Need a Detailed Understanding of the Topography

Those involved in nature reserves or similar projects must evaluate the most effective ways to preserve the land for existing and future plants, flowers and animals while carefully considering when to take a hands-off approach versus installing human-made innovations to provide resilience against natural occurrences.

Stretching over more than 445 square miles, the Biosphere Reserve has many topographical differences depending on the area you examine. For example, the Zekreet Peninsula features steeper elevations than other parts of the land, and some coastal areas feature salty mud flats and swamps. Additionally, people can find numerous rocky plains and elevations throughout the inland sections.

Additionally, people cleared some of the flattest parts of the Reserve to make it suitable for farming. These important economic activities support the food chain, allowing agricultural professionals to grow dates, cereal grains, vegetables and fruits. Animals like goats and camels use other flatlands as grazing areas. Whether the animals are domesticated or wild, authorities control the particulars. For example, camels can only graze while in enclosures.

Weather, the activities of humans and other animals, and additional relevant factors can necessitate innovations like soil nails to enhance the ground’s stability by artificially increasing its cohesion. Inserting these accessories into predrilled holes redistributes the soil’s weight and relieves pressure on unstable areas.

The Biosphere Reserve’s varying topography teaches parties interested in biodiversity, land preservation and other relevant subjects to scrutinize specific environmental factors and incorporate them into subsequent decision-making processes.

Responsible Parties Must Manage Growth

Several factors have been drivers of Qatar’s previous economic growth and may continue to support it in the coming years. For example, the country’s leaders have invested in liquefied natural gas infrastructure and supported numerous projects that allow the product’s export. Additionally, Qatar was the FIFA World Cup host in 2022, resulting in the subsequent creation of a multimillion-dollar legacy fund to facilitate sustainable development.

The creation of the Al Reem Biosphere Reserve emphasized the country’s commitment to protecting wildlife and the land. However, authorities must capitalize on and maintain that momentum by exploring practical ways to pursue smart growth. Successful implementation allows urban planners and other stakeholders to maximize economic efficiency while continuing to uphold environmental goals.

The United States offers numerous examples of those ideals in action. For example, in Gonzales, Louisiana, authorities focused on electrifying the transportation network by holding a workshop to nurture community involvement and stakeholder engagement in efforts to minimize the city’s carbon footprint. They also revealed a climate resilience plan to halve emissions by 2050. This example shows how committed parties can allow anticipated growth while continuing to minimize negative impacts.

alreem biosphere reserve

Some growth-management activities can happen on a smaller scale, such as through engagements with parties who own businesses near the Al Reem Biosphere Reserve. Perhaps a developer plans to open a hotel on its borders. It would likely attract more visitors wanting to explore the protected area, which isn’t a bad thing if they behave responsibly. Hospitality employees could be instrumental in reinforcing the cultural norms to make that happen. Similarly, conversations should occur with agricultural professionals who want to expand their farming areas.

Awareness and Proactiveness Support Sustainability Gains

Many lessons associated with the Al Reem Biosphere Reserve likely sound familiar if you have gotten involved in local environmental projects requiring input from multiple parties. That’s because they still apply for less extensive projects that center on protecting the planet and encouraging the public to do their part.

Decision-makers must also remain aware of the interconnectedness of local ecosystems and how human-driven activities affect them. As the above examples show, protecting at-risk wildlife does not necessarily mean banning people from their habitats. Humans can live in harmony with animals. However, authorities may need to set and frequently evaluate guidelines to maintain a realistic and mutually beneficial balance.

مقال عن نبات الزعتر

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عرف القدماء قائمة واسعة من النباتات الطبية والعطرية ومنها الزعتر والتي استخدموها في علاج كثير من الامراض وتعتبر من المحاصيل غير التقليدية  التي يحتاجها الانسان أو تدخل في الممارسات الغذائية له بشكل أو بآخر ، وتستخدم هذه النباتات إما طازجة  أو مجففة  أو في إستخلاص الزيوت. فمنها موجود بشكل طبيعي ومنها ما يزرع في المزارع والحدائق المنزلية ، وقد ظهر  إهتمام عالمي واسع بزراعة الزعتر لاستخدامه أو أجزاء منه للحصول على زيوته العطرية التي تدخل في تركيب العديد من المركبات الصناعية كبديل لعدد من المستحضرات الكيماوية المنتشرة .

وفي الحضارات القديمة انتشر التداوي بالاعشاب  في الصين والهند وفيتنام والاغريق أما في العصور العربية فقد عرفت بلاد ما بين النهرين كثير من النباتات الطبية والعطرية ومنها الزعتر ونشطت حركة العلم والترجمة  لكثير من الكتب العلمية المتخصصة في هذا المجال بعد استقرار  الدولة الاسلامية ومن اهم العلماء الذي تم الترجمة لهم  جابر بن حيان وابو بكر الرازي وابن سينا وابن البيطار وغيرهم . يذكر في بعض المراجع أن المصريون القدماء استخدموا الزعتر في التحنيط. واستخدمه اليونانيون القدماء في الحمامات وأحرقوه كـبخور في معابدهم، اعتقادًا أنه مصدر الشجاعة.

وتعتبر  المملكة الاردنية الهاشمية من الدول الغنية بهذه النباتات وتحتوي اكثرمن 500 صنف من النباتات الطبية البرية تتبع 33 جنسا 99و عائلة تتوزع في جميع انحاء المملكة منها اليانسون والكراوية والقرفة والشمار والزعتر والنعناع والميرمية والخزامى الحلوة والبابونج وحصى البان والكمون ولكن بعض هذه الاصناف بدأت تنقرض بسب الزحف العمراني  والرعي الجائر والتغير المناخي.

الزعتر نبات شجيري معمّر ،يُذكر أن موطنه الأصلي حوض البحر الأبيض المتوسط وهو دائم الخضرة وأوراقه صغيرة لونها رمادي مخضر أو فضي , ويعيش من 5-6 سنوات. كثير الفروع يكسو الأرض ويصل علوه إلى حوالي 12 سم قائم والسيقان خشبية الأضلاع رمادية مغطاة بالأوبار لونها بني والأوراق صغيرة بسيطة معكوسة رمحية الشكل توجد الأزهار في نورات عنقودية أما زرقاء أو وردية ويبلغ ارتفاع النبات حوالي 50سم وتحمل ثمار كبسولية صغيرة الحجم بها بذور صغيرة عديدة, يوجد الزيت الطيار في الغدد الزيتية المنتشرة علي السطح السفلي للأوراق ، له  رائحة عطرية قوية وطعمه حار مر قليلاً. منه أهم  نوعان هما البري والفارسي

وتم استخدام الزيوت العطرية في الحضارات القديمة للعلاج من الأمراض، وكان لعلماء المسلمين الفضل في اختراع جهاز التقطير، والتوسّع في استخراج الزيوت الطبيعيّة، ومعرفة خصائصها وصفات التداوي بها، وتم نقلها في القوافل العربية مع الحرير والتوابل والسكّر. وجاءت مراكز البحث العلمي اليوم لتؤكّد أهميّة الزيوت المستخلصه منه في صناعة الدواء، ومواد التجميل، ومعاجين الأسنان، والصابون، والمواد المطهّرة، ومضادات الجراثيم ، اكتشف باحثون أميركيون ان زيت الزعتر هو من بين 6 زيوت أساسية أثبتت قدرتها على التخلص من الالتهابات،كما يعتبر الزعتر من اكثر المواد الطبية والعطرية اذا ما كان الوحيد الذي له عدة استخدامات طازجة او جافة او مصنعة او تدخل في الغذاء للانسان فهو يحتوي على مركبات الزيت الهامة ( الثيمول , الكاربكرول) .
ومن اهم ميزات نبات الزعتر احتياجاتة المائية القليلة مقارنة بمردوده العالي ، ويمكن تسويق المنتج مباشره  او تجفبفه وتصنيعه ،ولا يحتاج إلى معدات معقدة أو استثمارات مكلفة .والظروف المناخية ملائمة جدا لزراعة نبات الزعتر في كثير من الدول خاصة دول المشرق العربي (الاردن،سوريا،لبنان،العراق وفلسطين) .

وفوائده الغذائية كثيرة فهو يحتوي على كربوهيدرات والياف وانواع متخلفة من الفيتامينات (A,C,D) والمعادن مثل الحديد والكالسيوم والفسفور ،اما فوائده الطبية فيستخدم في علاج الجهاز التنفسي مثل السعال الديكي والالتهابات الشعبية والربو ومسكن للألم ومطهر ومنشطة للدورة الدموية. وينشط الوظائف المضادة للتسمم, ويسهل إفراز العرق, ويدر البول. ويحتوى على مواد مقوية للعضلات ، تمنع تصلب الشرايين، يعالج التهابات المسالك البولية والمثانة والمغص الكلوي ويخفض الكوليسترول.

أما كفاتح للشهية فيعمل على تنبيه المعدة وطرد الغازات ويساعد على الهضم وامتصاص المواد الغذائية وطرد الفطريات من المعدة والأمعاء فهو يحتوى على مادة الثيمول التي تعمل على قتل الميكروبات وتطرد الطفيليات من المعدة ،ومادة الكارفكرول المسكنة والمطهرة وطاردة للبلغم ومضادة للنزيف والاسهال. بالاضافة الى أنه مضاد للأكسدة ومنبه للذاكرة حيث يؤكد السلف السابق على أهمية تناول الزعتر كسندويش مع زيت الزيتون صباحا وقبل الذهاب إلى المدرسة للاعتقاد بأن الزعتر منبه للذاكرة ويساعد الطالب على سرعة استرجاع المعلومات المختزنة وسهولة الاستيعاب.

وللزعتر فوائد اجتماعية واقتصادية كثيرة  مصدر للدخل وتشيغل الايدي العاملة من الجنسين عدا عن فوائدة البيئة كمنظر جمالي وطارد لبعض الحشرات مثل الناموس والبعوض خاصة في المنازل فيخفف عددها ويحد من استخدام المبيدات الكيماوية الضارة بصحة الانسان وتاثيرها السلبي

Waste Management in Gaza Strip

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Solid waste management in Gaza Strip is a matter of grave concern. With population of approximately 1.75 million, waste management is one of the most serious challenges confronting the local authorities because of high volumes of solid waste generation and economic blockade by Israel. The daily solid waste generation across Gaza is more than 1300 tons which is characterized by per capita waste generation of 0.35 to 1.0 kg.

Scarcity of waste disposal sites coupled with huge increase in waste generation is leading to serious environmental and human health impacts on the population. The severity of the crisis is a direct consequence of continuing blockade by Israeli Occupation Forces and lack of financial assistance from international donor.

Israeli Occupation Forces deliberately destroyed most of the sewage infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, during 2008-2009 Gaza War inflicting heavy damage to sewage pipes, water tanks, wastewater treatment plants etc. Infact, Israeli forces, time and again, target Gaza's infrastructure and inflict heavy damage during repeated incursions in the Gaza Strip. 

Landfills in Gaza

There are three landfills in Gaza Strip – one each in southern and central part of Gaza and one in Gaza governorate. In addition, there are numerous unregulated dumpsites scattered across rural and urban areas which are not fenced, lined or monitored. Domestic, industrial and medical wastes are often dumped near cities and villages or burned and disposed of in unregulated disposal sites which cause soil, air and water pollution, leading to health hazards and ecological damage. The physical damage caused to Gaza’s infrastructure by repeated Israeli aggression has been a major deterred in putting forward a workable solid waste management strategy in the Strip.

Sewage Disposal Problems

The sewage disposal problem is assuming alarming proportions. The Gaza Strip’s sewage service networks cover most areas, except for Khan Yunis and its eastern villages where only 40% of the governorate is covered. There are only three sewage water treatment stations in Gaza Strip – in Beit Lahia, Gaza city and Rafah – which are unable to cope with the increasing population growth rate.

The total quantity of produced sewage water is estimated at 45 million m3 per annum, in addition to 3000 cubic meters of raw sewage water discharged from Gaza Strip directly into the sea every day. Sewage water discharge points are concentrated on the beaches of Gaza city, Al Shate' refugee camp and Deir El Balah.

Raw Sewage on a Gaza beach

The continuous discharge of highly contaminated sewage water from Gaza Strip in the Mediterranean shores is causing considerable damage to marine life in the area. The beaches of Gaza city are highly polluted by raw sewage. In addition, groundwater composition in Gaza Strip is marked by high salinity and nitrate content which may be attributed to unregulated disposal of solid and liquid wastes from domestic, industrial and agricultural sources.

Recently, the ongoing electricity and fuel shortage caused sewage from Gaza City wastewater treatment plant to overflow into residential areas causing a grave humanitarian and environmental crisis. Several more sewage stations across the Gaza Strip are on the verge of overflowing which could be disastrous from the entire region. The prevalent waste management scenario demands immediate intervention of international donors, environmental agencies and regional governments in order to prevent the situation from assuming catastrophic proportions.

An Introduction to Materials Recovery Facility

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A Material Recovery Facility (MRF) is a building to receive, sort, process and store recyclable materials to be shipped and marketed to end-users. A materials recovery facility accepts materials, whether source separated or mixed, and separates, processes and stores them for later use as raw materials for remanufacturing and reprocessing.

material recovery facility

The main function of the MRF is to maximize the quantity of recyclables processed, while producing materials that will generate the highest possible revenues in the market. MRFs can also function to process wastes into a feedstock for biological conversion or into a fuel source for the production of energy.

MRFs serve as an intermediate processing step between the collection of recyclable materials from waste generators and the sale of recyclable materials to markets for use in making new products. There are basically four components of a MRF facility: sorting, processing, storage, and load-out.

Any facility design plan should accommodate all these activities which promote efficient and effective operation of a recycling program. MRFs may be publicly owned and operated, publicly owned and privately operated, or privately owned and operated.

There are basically two types of MRFs: dirty and clean. A “dirty” MRF receives mixed waste material that requires labor intense sorting activities to separate recyclables from the mixed waste. A “clean” MRF is a facility that accepts source separated or commingled recyclable materials. A “clean” MRF reduces the potential for material contamination.

Small MRFs (less than 10 tons per day)

Each MRF in operation vary in size and configuration. Most counties, cities and non-profit organizations that operate MRFs are small; less than 10 tons recyclables handled daily and less than 15,000 square feet of building space. Total capital costs to construct the facility could be anywhere between $500,000 and $1,000,000.

The difference in cost is attributed to building materials used, site purchase and preparation, entrance doors and size. Many of these facilities are not highly automated. Manual labor is used instead of sorting equipment. The type of processing equipment is basic, such as a vertical or horizontal baler, forklift, glass crusher, can blower, etc.

Large MRFs (larger than 500 tons per day)

Large facilities operate more than 100 tons per day, are fully operated, often located in very large cities, and often owned and operated by the private sector. Such MRFs are equipped with highly automated equipment in state of the art facilities and may need several millions of dollar to build.

MRF Equipment

A major cost to consider in planning for a MRF, in addition to land, construction and permitting costs, is the purchasing of equipment to process the recyclables. The equipment needed will depend somewhat on how the material is brought to the facility. If any material is commingled, sorting lines may be needed. However, if all material is source separated, less sophisticated methods for removing contaminants could be used.

The following is a list of the equipment that would be needed to operate a MRF.

​Pre-processed Material Handling Equipment

  • Conveyors
  • Containers

Separating Equipment

  • Magnetic Separators and Screens

Size Reduction Equipment

  • Can Densifier
  • Can Flattener
  • Glass Crusher
  • Plastics Granulator
  • Plastics Perforator
  • Baler

Processed Material Handling Equipment

  • Forklift
  • Skid Steer Loader

Environmental Equipment

  • Dust Collection System
  • Noise Suppression Devices
  • Odor Control System
  • Heating, Ventilating, & Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Other Equipment

  • Fixed Storage Bin
  • Floor Scale for Pallet or Bin Loads
  • Truck Scale
  • Belt Scale

​Beeah MRF in Sharjah

Bee’ah’s Material Recovery Facility in Sharjah

Bee’ah’s Material Recovery Facility is the largest in the Middle East and ranks the third largest in the world. This specialized facility sorts and separates recyclable materials from municipal solid waste, through mechanical and manual processes.

With an annual capacity of 500,000 tonnes, the MRF is currently processing 900 tonnes of general waste, of which an estimated 60% can be recycled and thus diverted from the landfill.

One of the highest contributors has been plastic – including PET and mixed plastic, with a 700% increase, paper and cardboard second at 366%, followed by a 135% increase in aluminum recycling.

خمس إجراءات صديقة للبيئة لتعزيز ثقافة الشركة المستدامة

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ازداد الوعي لدى الناس بتأثير الاحتباس الحراري، وهم يسعون بجهدٍ عالٍ لإيجاد وسائل للحفاظ على البيئة، حتى أن الشركات في مختلف القطاعات تساهم بدور كبير في هذا التوجه من خلال تبني ممارسات وإجراءات صديقة للبيئة. إن لم تقم شركتك حتى الان بتبني أي إجراء أو استراتيجية لتصبح صديقة للبيئة، فإن الوقت قد حان للقيام بهذه الخطوة.

eco-friendly business

هنالك العديد من المنافع التي يمكنك ان تحصل عليها كشركة بما فيه ما يلي:

  1. سيكون لك دور في إنقاذ البيئة.
  2. تحسين صورة الشركة والعلامة التجارية الخاصة بك لأن العملاء/الزبائن يدعمون دائماً الشركات التي تقف وراء قضية نبيلة.
  3. استقطاب الموظفين الملائمين لأنهم أيضاً يهتمون باختيار الشركات التي تهتم بالبيئة.
  4. توفير التكاليف حيث إن معظم ما يكون صديقاً للبيئة يكون موفراً للمال أيضاَ.

بكل هذه المنافع التي ستحصل عليها من خلال تحولك لصيق للبيئة، سوف تشعر بالحماس والالهام بصورة أكبر لقيامك باتخاذ الخطوة نحو هذا الاتجاه، وتالياً سنذكر بعض الطرق عداً لا حصراً لجعل شركتك صديقة للبيئة وتعزيز ثقافة الاستدامة فيها:

1. كن حذراً باستخدام وسائل التدفئة والتبريد والاضاءة

حيث أن التدفئة والاضاءة تعتبران من العناصر الأساسية في مكان العمل، لأن الموظفين بطبيعة الحال يحتاجون لإضاءة مناسبة وأيضاً حرارة مناسبة للعمل بفعالية أكثر. مثلاً لتوفير الطاقة، فإنه من الأفضل استبدال وسائل الإضاءة التقليدية بمصابيح توفير الطاقة (LED) للعمل براحة وكفاءة. وأيضاً فإنه بالإمكان تحديد مستويات معتدلة للحرارة او التبريد، حتى لا تحتاج الأنظمة أي جهد إضافي للوصول لدرجات الحرارة المطلوبة. وبإمكان الشركة أيضاً أن تقوم بعزل المكاتب للحفاظ على درجة الحرارة لفترات أطول.

2. استخدام الألواح الشمسية

إن تركيب الألواح الشمسية سيوفر عليك المال على المدى البعيد، حيث ستنخفض قيمة فاتورة الكهرباء بشكل ملحوظ. بل سوف يجعل الشركة تعمل باستقلالية عن شبكة الكهرباء إذا انتجت كمية طاقة كافية، بالإضافة أنها ستمكنك من المساهمة بهذه الشبكة وستمكنك من الحصول على خصومات إذا انتجت طاقة أكثر من حاجتك.

renewable energy in UAE

قد تكون التكلفة الأولية مرتفعة نوعاً ما، ولكن اختيارك الصحيح لتركيب الألواح من شركة موثوقة فستحصل على عائد استثماري عالي، وايضاً – ولأن الشمس هي مصدر الطاقة – فإنها ستقلل الحاجة لحرق الفحم الذي يسهم في ظاهرة الاحتباس الحراري بشكل كبير ليقوم بإنتاج الطاقة.

3. الاستغناء عن الورق

من أهم الوسائل لتقليل البصمة الكربونية هو الاستغناء عن الورق، حيث إن هذا الاجراء يقلل الحاجة لاستخدام الأشجار في صناعة الورق، كذلك يقوم بتقليل الطاقة الكهربائية – المستخدمة في صناعة الورق – والتي تحتاج لحرق الفحم الذي ينتج غازات ضارة.

لتحقيق نموذجاً لنمو مستدام للأعمال، فإن استخدام وسائل التغليف المعاد تدويره حسب الطلب يمكنه أن يساعدك بذلك، إن كان مصمماً حسب طلبك لأنه يستخدم مواد خام تماماً، ويساعد التغليف المعاد تدويره على تقليل التلوث البيئي وتخفيض كميات النفايات التي تدفن في مكبات النفايات، وكذلك فإنه يقلل الاعتماد على الوقود الاحفوري. كل هذه الأسباب تجعل من التغليف المعاد تدويره حسب الطلب وسيلة فعالة وممتازة لتحقيق نموذجاً لنمو مستدام للأعمال.

لربما يكون الاستغناء عن الورق تحدياً صعباً، لكن إبداً بهذا الاجراء للحفاظ على البيئة، على سبيل المثال: فإنه بإمكانك استخدام المستندات الالكترونية، وإستخدام البريد الالكتروني بدلا من الرسائل الورقية والمطبوعات.

4. تشجيع مشاركة السيارات

قم بتحفيز موظفيك على مشاركة السيارات الخاصة بهم لتعزيز جهودهم وتوجههم نحو بيئة خضراء، شجعهم على مشاركة السيارات أو السير على الاقدام أو حتى استخدام الدراجات الهوائية للقدوم والذهاب للعمل، بما يساهم بشكل فعال بالتقليل من تلوث البيئة، وقم بتقديم مكافئات لتشجعهم على ذلك.

5. تعزيز ثقافة إعادة التدوير

قم بوضع صناديق إعادة التدوير في أماكن العمل المختلفة ليقوم الموظفين باستخدامها، وذكرهم بذلك دائماً. إن الأوان لم يفت بعد لتحول شركتك لشركة صديقة للبيئة، إبدا الان وساهم في الحفاظ على البيئة، واستمتع بجميع المزايا التي يقدمها لك هذا التحول.

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.

Why Sustainable Weight Loss Matters: Science, Medical Support and Eco-Friendly Habits Go Hand in Hand

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In a world that’s always running on caffeine and shortcuts, weight loss gets sold like some magic hack. Lol. “Just follow this trendy diet, pop that miracle pill, or push yourself through extreme workouts, and boom! You’ll wake up looking like a fitness influencer.”

But let’s be real, that never happens. Instead, you end up exhausted, frustrated, and right back where you started, maybe even worse off. And here’s the part no one talks about: these so-called “solutions” aren’t just bad for you, they’re bad for the planet too.

weight loss

Think about it, fad diets push unsustainable food trends, weight-loss products come wrapped in layers of plastic, and gym culture often promotes overconsumption, from energy-guzzling machines to single-use protein shake bottles.

The way we chase health is often harming the very world we live in.

That’s why sustainable weight loss just makes sense. It’s not about crash diets or punishing yourself with workouts you hate. It’s about building habits that actually last. It’s about eating well, moving in ways that feel good, and making choices that are kind to both your body and the environment. Because honestly, what’s the point of being fit if the world around us is falling apart?

Understanding Sustainable Weight Loss

Sustainable weight loss is about creating habits that actually stick. Instead of chasing temporary results, it focuses on long-term health, balancing regular movement, nutritious eating, and mental well-being. But what exactly makes it different from fad diets?

Why Sustainable Weight Loss Works?

1. It’s Science-Backed – Unlike trendy diets that cut calories to extremes, sustainable weight loss follows a gradual approach. Studies show that slow, consistent weight loss (about 0.5 to 1 kg per week) is more likely to stay off long-term.

2. No More Yo-Yo Dieting – Quick fixes often lead to weight regain. A balanced lifestyle helps maintain results without the cycle of losing and gaining weight repeatedly.

3. Focuses on Overall Well-Being – It’s not just about the number on the scale. Sustainable weight loss improves energy levels, mood, sleep, and mental health.

4. Encourages Mindful Eating – Instead of restrictive rules, it promotes portion control, intuitive eating, and a healthy relationship with food.

5. Adaptable to Your Life – No need for expensive meal plans or extreme workouts. Whether it’s home cooking, daily walks, or fun fitness activities, you can tailor it to your routine.

The Bigger Picture: How It Helps the Planet

Sustainable weight loss isn’t just good for you—it’s good for the environment. The choices we make about food, exercise, and lifestyle directly impact the world around us.

  • Eco-Friendly Eating – Processed foods and mass-produced meats contribute to environmental damage. Eating whole, locally sourced foods reduces carbon footprint and supports sustainable agriculture.
  • Less Waste, More Movement – Biking, walking, or working out at home reduces reliance on fuel-heavy transportation and waste from unnecessary supplements or single-use products.
  • Minimalist Mindset – Instead of following consumer-driven diet trends (endless supplements, diet sodas, disposable meal kits), sustainable weight loss embraces simplicity and conscious consumption.

At the end of the day, sustainable weight loss isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good and doing good. Taking care of yourself shouldn’t come at the expense of the planet, and with small, consistent steps, you can make choices that benefit both.

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Medically Assisted Weightloss as a Sustainable and Effective Approach

Losing weight is about doing it safely and sustainably. Here’s why medically assisted weightloss makes all the difference:

Expert Guidance for Lasting Results

  • Doctors, dietitians, and personal trainers create personalized weight loss plans based on individual health needs.
  • Medical supervision helps identify underlying issues like hormonal imbalances or metabolic disorders that could hinder progress.
  • Professional guidance prevents extreme dieting and unhealthy weight loss methods.

Science-Backed, Sustainable Approach

  • Quick-fix diets often lead to yo-yo weight gain, while medically assisted programs focus on long-term habits.
  • Sustainable plans prioritize balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and mindful eating rather than restrictive diets.
  • A structured approach ensures gradual weight loss, which is easier to maintain.

A Healthier You and a Healthier Planet

  • Medically guided weight loss encourages nutrient-dense, whole foods, reducing reliance on processed and packaged items.
  • Promotes eco-friendly habits like meal prepping, reducing food waste, and incorporating outdoor workouts.
  • Fosters a holistic mindset, improving both physical health and mental well-being.

Elevate Now: Smarter, Sustainable Weight Loss

GLP-1 Medications: Science-Backed Weight Loss

  • FDA-approved drugs that control appetite, boost metabolism, and aid fat loss.
  • Keep you full longer, curb cravings, and regulate blood sugar.

Personalized & Expert-Guided Plans

  • Tailored fitness and nutrition for sustainable results.
  • Medical and fitness experts guide your journey.
  • Community support to keep you motivated.

Long-Term Health, Not Quick Fixes

  • A medical + holistic approach for lasting success.
  • Focus on healthy habits and sustainable progress.

Bottom Line

It is important to understand that sustainable weight loss is about more than just reaching a number on the scale.

It’s a real commitment to long-term health and well-being. By making informed choices, following science-backed strategies, and embracing a balanced lifestyle, you can achieve results that last.

Cleanliness is Next to Greenliness

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There are usually many objectives of cleaning a home or office and the things in it. One of them is to achieve a certain level comfort and freshness while the other is to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the space around. However, when it comes to choosing the right cleaning products and technologies, it is important and beneficial to go the eco-friendly way.

Many manufacturers, in a bid to reduce their carbon footprint, are striving to come up with cleaning products that are made from environmentally-friendly ingredients. Such products are not only safer or less toxic to use, but also smell good and provide sustainable cleaning solutions too. So, when shopping for cleaning products and tools or hiring a cleaner, green solutions should be your number one priority.

Identifying the right cleaning solutions

If you are an environmentally conscious individual, you will want to do research to find out which cleaning products are green and non-toxic and which chemical-based ones to avoid. Whether the products you want to buy is for kitchen surfaces, laundry, fabrics, drain, appliances or even for body cleaning, there are certain ingredients you need to watch out for.

Most chemically-formulated cleaners may contain carcinogens, endocrine disruptors and neurotoxins that can cause cancer, disrupt brain activity, lead to ADHD and more. Aerosols are, in particular, highly toxic to the environment and to the body too. Hence, should be avoided like a plague. Much as you might want a shinier and fresh smelling, you shouldn’t do so at the expense of your health and comfort.

Some cleaning products and ingredients to check out and avoid include the following:

  • Ammonia
  • Ethylene glycol
  • Sodium hypochlorite
  • Monobutyl acetate
  • Chlorine
  • Sodium hydroxide

Guide to eco-friendly cleaning

Eco-friendly cleaning is all about combining the right cleaning products, tools and techniques. But the products form the backbone of the entire process. When choosing green products to use in cleaning, always consider the ones made from all-natural plant ingredients. Such products might not have the fancy fragrances, but they are friendly to the environment and offer better cleaning and sanitation solutions.

Key ingredients to look for in green cleaning products include, but not limited to, the following:

  • Vinegar
  • Peroxide
  • Baking soda
  • Essential oils
  • Lemons

Green-inspired cleaners are free of chemicals, synthetic ingredients, foaming agents and preservatives. When such plain natural solutions are paired with proper cleaning techniques, they ensure a cleaner, germ-free and comfortable environment. That’s the direction most household and commercial cleaning companies are headed to.

A company like Cleaner Cleaner Ltd., has its services centered on staff and equipment, which are highly important in achieving fully-guaranteed spotless results. With its focus being regular cleaning, the company doesn’t have to use or employ harsh chemicals to achieve a cleaner surface or space.

Tools and techniques for green cleaning practice

The market is filled with a range of cleaning tools, equipment and techniques that can offer effective and eco-friendly cleaning solutions. For instance, there’s a machine that can ionize regular water into a disinfectant that can clean just about any surface. Other green tools you can make use of when cleaning at home are backpack vacuums and treated dusty clothes. These options are not just safer and easy-to-use but are cost-friendly too.

As you can see, there are countless environmentally-friendly cleaning options you can utilize in cleaning and sanitizing your office. The most important thing when shopping for the cleaning products is to check the ingredients and ensure no harmful ingredients or additives have been used in making them. Cleanliness is next to godliness and so it is to greenliness.