5 Ways You Can Get Comfortable While Eco-Camping

Do you love the great outdoors? If you do, eco-camping is a great way to connect with Mother Nature. For you to enjoy the sights, smells, sounds and textures of the outdoors, you need to camp comfortably. There are tips, tricks and even accessories which you can use to this effect. They help you to cook, relax and sleep comfortably. Here are 5 ways that you can get supremely comfortable while eco-Camping.

Establish a great camping ground

The first step to enjoying a comfortable camping experience is to create a superb foundation. Begin by arriving during the daytime. This allows you to enjoy ample illumination in your campsite. Check the ground where you intend to set up your tent.

Get rid of any loose stones, sharp objects or old tent pegs. Make sure that the camp ground is flat. In this way, ensure that it does not have any hollows that can collect rainwater. By establishing a good foundation, you’ll be able to pitch tent on a comfortable surface. If you are planning your camping trip during the hot summer season, do not forget to check out tent air conditioner guide from www.globosurfer.com

Get extra tent pegs

When you buy a tent, you’re supplied with some pegs. They may not be of the best quality that you can get today because they can break or twist. As such, it is important to get some extra tent pegs. As you do this, search for heavy duty tent pegs. These will stay in place no matter how bad the winds get during your camping experience.

Also, invest in a good rubber mallet because it comes in handy for fixing them properly into the ground. Furthermore, a peg removal tool is great for pulling them out of the ground once your camping activity is over.

Microfibre cloths for wiping away condensation

If you camp in a humid or wet area, your tent can develop condensation on the inner surface. It can drip on your furnishings and make everything damp. Not only can this cause the formation of dangerous mold, it can also result in respiratory problems.

As such, carry along some microfiber cloths. They are excellent for wiping away the condensation on your tent. They can help to keep it dry throughout.

Get good camp bedding

An essential element to remember if you want to maximize your comfort while camping is to use good camp bedding. Invest in a good quality camp bed. The half-foam, half-inflating camping bed is a great option. You can couple it with a thermarest compressible pillow. To complete the set, invest in a good quality sleeping bag. It should be warm and breathable.

Have ample lighting equipment

A camping experience is not comfortable without good lighting. For this purpose, it is necessary to carry along multiple sources of lighting. Examples of these are lamps, torches and spare batteries. Along with this, invest in a wind-up lantern. It ensures that you will never find yourself in the darkness.

If you can get lighting sources that utilize renewable energy, this is the best option because you will never run out of power. Moreover, it is an eco-friendly option.

Final Words

Eco-camping or green camping is fun and exciting. To enjoy this activity to the fullest, you need to be comfortable. The guidelines above can help you to achieve this. By maximizing your comfort, you can have an eco-camping experience full of great memories!

Business Waste Management – What Your Business Can Do Better

Have you ever wondered if your workplace has some policy regarding waste management that could be improved? Are you a business owner with the necessary awareness to manage a controlled environment where the production of waste is regulated or at least up to current standards? These are pretty valid questions in 2024, especially when corporate sensitivities are shifting to green initiatives and the adoption of energies due to the increasing requests of the world to regulate carbon emissions and save the planet.

rubbish removal services Sydney

There are quite a few approaches to business waste management on corporate levels that can be adopted by your company depending on its size. We will be exploring the various options you need to consider for your business in 2024 and beyond.

1. Full-On Waste Audit

You should have your employees doing a permanent audit on the waste created by the operations of your company.  The procedure itself doesn’t take too long once they get educated. The trouble comes with finding out what your doing wrong and what you need your employees doing.  You can hire this part out or do the work yourself.

The basic motions required are the placement of differentiated bins to collect the consumables that are recyclable as well as the ones that need to be disposed of organically. Once it is all sorted out, it is up to maintenance to get rid of it using the proper methods.

2. Reduce Storage Packages

One of the most effective forms to save money and create less waste for a company is to switch to plastic containers for distribution. Single-use containers built with cardboard used to be one of the most significant expenses for many multinational corporations.

Many of them switched to plastic containers that need little maintenance and almost no replacement to take their products from one place to another. This is one of the easiest ways, especially in the beginning of your company transformation, to reduce your waste production. You may also consider using roll pallet cages to reduce wastage during storage and transportation process.

3. Implement a No-Paper Policy in your Company

One of the greatest things about technology is that it killed many physicals forms of communication that required paper. You no longer need to print a memo to inform someone about the new regulations in your office.

recycled paper

An email can do the trick just as good. Since internal servers are a thing in most companies these days, putting them to work within your internal communication is the key to environmental awareness. This measure can help you reduce paper consumption to huge heights on nearly anything that requires writing.  It can even save the company at least one-third of the annual budget on supplies.

4. Replace Water Coolers

Old fashioned water coolers work with plastic bottled water. This is an archaic method. Consider water filters that take the water directly from the pipes. There have been some technological advancements in the field for some time now and you don’t have to give a second thought to the quality of water these filters produce.

Another quick environmental hack is to diminish the use of paper cups by encouraging your employees to bring their own coolers from home or by placing the water filter in the resting room along with a few reusable glasses.

home water filtration

5. Motivate your Employees

Many of these initiatives have excellent intentions, and most of them get to be pretty successful if there are intent and discipline on behalf of your personnel to follow these directives. Oftentimes though, they may need a little push. Try to create incentive programs or rewards by departments when any of them fulfill the company’s goals to handle waste at the workplace right way.

An Interesting Case Study

It may be surprising but you can actually increase profit margins while transforming your company into an earth saving organization.  I want to leave you with an actual case study of a business in Woodstock Ga that increased profits 33% by implementing intelligent and sustainable waste management.

They began by utilizing an environmentally aware company for waste management in woodstock ga.  In collaboration, they transformed their use of paper and plastic to reduce expenses extensively.  They went nearly 99% paper free by utilizing custom online software and changing their infrastructure to use email wherever possible.  They continued their efforts by exchanging cardboard to plastic.  This made it easy to reuse containers in a few primary operations.

Conclusion

We hope you can learn from the various companies doing things right and that you spend some time thinking on the various operations that could be using reusable materials and conserving energy.  Thank you for your support of our home, planet Earth.

Why You Need an Eco-Friendly Water Filter at Home

There is no doubt that water plays a vital role in our daily lives. Come to think of it, there must be a reason as to why it’s often referred to as ” life”. Basically, everything we do revolves around it. You cook with it, use it to shower, drink, clean, water plants and the list is endless. Therefore,  weighing all these uses, it’s apparent that we need to pay close attention to the source and state of the water we use to avoid contaminates. From the famous chlorine, pesticides to the less known prescription drugs, there is so much that a single glass of “clean” tap water can carry.

And if you thought you’re safe with the use of bottled water, then it’s time to rethink. Recent researches indicate that bottled water isn’t 100% spared from contamination and to remove contaminants from water install lead removal water filter. The reason for this could be bad handling and storage habits. All these are bad for the environment, thus the need for water filtration methods in homes.

clean-water-mena

So if you’re yet to make up your mind about filtration, this article compiles a list of the essential reasons as to why you should consider investing in an eco-friendly water filtration system for your home. Read on!

Reduces use of bottled water

Contrary to standard community assumptions that carrying bottled water with you is a clear indication of sophistication and class, it actually demeans the efforts being made by environmental conservationists to save our immediate environment. However, despite being aware of all this, most individuals choose to use this route either because; they dislike the taste of the tap water, cannot trust the safety of the municipal water and of course, want clean and safe water for consumption. What they don’t know, however, is that bottled water isn’t 100% safe either.

Therefore, the only best solution is having a home water filtration system. Making this choice not only benefits your entire household, but is also the greatest gift you can give to the environment. First, you will no longer have to spend lots of cash purchasing bottled water to meet your daily consumption needs. And secondly, you won’t have unconscious limitations on the amount of water you will have to drink as all sources of water in your home will be considered safe.

Management of plastic waste

Plastic waste is considered to be one of the most dangerous threat to environmental conservation. This comes with the regular use of plastic water. And although plastics can be recycled, not many individuals are willing to dedicate their time into this cause. Most are busy running after their hectic lifestyles to even care about the impacts of the water bottles they dispose all over the streets. So imagine if you and your entire household use let’s say 10 small plastic bottles in a day, how many will that translate to in a week, year or month? All this assuming that you have no recycling plan in place.

In fact, apart from it being too impactful on your bank account, it sure is detrimental to the environment. Therefore, the more reason as to why you need an eco-friendly water filter in your household. Here everyone can carry their water from home, quench their thirst, play their role in keeping the environment clean and be 100% safe. It’s such a great feeling knowing that you are doing the right thing and that you’re teaching the future generation to be responsible. You don’t want to be among the reason as to why our oceans are getting dirty and sea animals dying on a daily basis, do you?

Guaranteed quality assurance

We aren’t saying that all bottled waters are contaminated, but it all depends on how much willing you’re to take the chances. There is a given sort of confidence that comes with doing things yourself. The same case applies to the use of various types of filters. You get a guarantee of quality assurance since you’re performing the filtration yourself.

Yes, you got the option to walk into any retail store and pick any size of the water bottle from the available two to three brands (perhaps) even more but that convenience shouldn’t be the main focus. Let’s face it, there’s a lot of water wastage going on. For instance, the claims that 3 liters of water help in making 1 liter of clean water doesn’t make a lot of sense. What about the rest? Where is it deposited? You don’t have to reduce the value of water to make it clean. And you can only ensure to achieve this through investing in your own home filter.

So if you choose to purchase a whole house environmental friendly water filters, it guarantees the release of clean water from every tap, meaning you can drink straight from the faucet without a worry in the world. Remember water filtration is not all about drinking water. You can also purchase shower filters, pool and spa filters, etc. This way, you get to shower, swim and soak in the bathtub without a chance of contracting disease-causing germs. Ensure to keep the water temperature moderate to avoid the absorption of toxins.

Reduces rate of petroleum consumption

The entire process of transporting and keeping water bottles cools requires a lot of energy. So if you take time to calculate how many bottles rely on such kinds of transportation on a daily basis, you will find the figures quite overwhelming. For instance, recent statistics from the National Statistics indicate that the production of 1 billion bottles of water consumes around 24 billion oil gallons.

And that doesn’t stop there. This increases further with the recycling process of the same water bottles, and the trend continues. The amount of petroleum needed for transportation equally increases. But if you set your filters right at home, there wouldn’t be a need for transportation. It might feel like a fraction of the solutions needed, but remember a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step and yours does count in this matter. And if everyone else decides to take that single step, then the world will be a better place. There is no way such a grand issue can be solved in one day or with a single effort.

Simplifies detoxification process

Our body is naturally geared to detoxify on their own. So sometimes you really don’t have to spend a lot of money to achieve this. Of course, this requires a lot of dedication and proper intake of both foods and water. There are two parts of the body that work hard to ensure efficiency in toxin flushing; the kidney and the liver. But sometimes they do work so hard to ensure this and that’s why it might get difficult to achieve the appropriate detoxification rates.

Therefore, the best way to help your body achieve this is by taking fewer toxins. And that includes drinking less contaminated water. Hence, by choosing to invest in a water filter for your home, you can significantly reduce the number of contaminants you consume on a daily basis.

Drinking dirty water creates a hindrance in its processing and that alone can be destructive to our bodies. So if you consider a juice filter important, then an Eco-friendly filter should be even more important. It carries so many other essential benefits. For instance, it provides cleaner water for cooking. All this starts from the washing process to boiling.

Remember your veggies and fruits take-in some portion of the water that you wash them with. So if it contains chemicals, then they too will. It’s important to ensure that everything and anything that goes through your mouth is safe and clean for better digestion, absorption and of course release of toxins.

Healthier hair and skin

As mentioned earlier, there are various types of filters you can use in your home. And one of those is the shower, spa and pool filters. By deciding to install a whole house system in your house, it means that every outlet will have clean water. So you get to wash every sensitive part of your body, including the skin and hair without the risk of harmful chemicals seeping through your skin.

Remember, the freshness of the water you are using can significantly impact the general outlook of your skin and hair. For example, if you use dirty water, your skin might get itchy, develop pigments, get very dry or pimples and that isn’t a very good sight. Also, your hair might start to break and lose the beautiful shiny appeal.

Also, when you bathe, especially when using hot/warm water, you are likely to breathe in the moist/steam and that would directly affect the health of your internal organs such as the lungs. Ideally, the skin makes a huge part of your body and one of the most important and sensitive for that matter. The best way to take care of it apart from eating healthy is by using quality guaranteed filtered water.

Softens water the natural way

If you’re living in a hard water location then you must be knowing the frustrations you have to go through to lay your hands on soft water. However, the use of regular water softeners isn’t as good as it might seem on the ground. In fact, it in some way it strips off your water some essential minerals that you wouldn’t want to lose. With high-quality water filters, you get salt-free soft water without compromising the minerals.

Additionally, if you want to use water softeners on the water you use on your plants, then you should think twice. Experts indicate that such water isn’t that safe for plants and it does require a lot of maintenance. Besides, it’s also wasteful and not good for your skin. But with filtered water, you enjoy a pollution free environment without even causing a hike in your electricity bill. There is always something good that comes with the term natural and so embrace it as long as you can.

Saves a lot of money

Filtering water can save you several bucks that you could have used not only on drinking water but also for other resources. For example, since it naturally softens the water (as indicated above) you won’t require a lot of soap when washing laundry, in the kitchen or even bathing. So you will witness a significant reduction in the number of trips you make to the store for your favorite soap. And it even gets better if you’re used to online ordering and have to pay shipping charges.

If you look at the long-term benefits, you will also save-up a lot on medical related expenses and so much more. In fact, you should look at it as a form of long-term investment that keeps giving returns.

Improves efficiency of household appliances

The durability and reliability of household appliances largely depend on how we handle and take care of them. So by choosing to get a quality home water filter, you prevent the formation of scales on glassware and appliances. And therefore, without the hindrance of any scale, all of your water appliance efficiency instantly increases by over 30%. What does this mean?

It means even at their optimal levels, the appliances are likely to consume minimal electricity and of course prolong their lifespan. So if your water heating system has been down lately, a filtration system might be the answer you have been searching for.

Conclusion

There is no limitation to the number of reasons as to why you should invest in a home water filtration system. This is a decision that can change your entire lifestyle and makes you and your loved ones less dependent on bottled water. You help by participating in limiting water wastage and conserving the environment. You also gain a healthier looking skin and hair, save money and ensure the efficiency of your water appliances.

So if you have been searching for a way to participate in environmental conservation, you got one through buying an eco-friendly water filter.

An Easy Guide to Green Camping

Camping is not only an outing and enjoyment but it also serve as a learning method of how to live close to the nature. Once we are enjoying the camping, we often forget and disregard the environment and mistreat it with our careless behavior.

The Bahrain authorities, like previous years, have devised plans and programs and are creating awareness among the campers on safety and environmental concerns through media, notices, bill boards and banners. As per the rules, the campers are required to camp at least 150 meters away from any oil and gas fields and more than 50 meters away from the electricity voltage pylons and main roads to ensure their safety.

green-camping

Protection of the environment should be embedded in camping activities

The Supreme Camping Season Committee has asked the campers to camp in the allocated areas, register their camps and obtain camping label stressing that camps that are not registered or against the rules will be removed. The campers are asked to place the label in a clear and prominent place.

Placing of fencing or installing signs, poles as well as afforestation work before the start of camping season are not allowed. The committee has also urged campers to maintain their safety by providing safety equipment in tents like a fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit, not to use open fires or stoves inside tents and provide an independent venue for the kitchen.

Campers are advised not to store any flammable materials in the camp in any form. Camps should be established away from slopes, to avoid damages due to rain and floods, mountain heights, restricted areas or pipes. Campers have been asked to maintain cleanliness of the camps by collecting garbage in bags and putting them in the allocated spots for garbage collection. Burning waste during or after the end of the camping season has also been prohibited.

The committee also prohibited establishing buildings of brick or cement, putting barriers or tires in the camping sites. Barns are not allowed for any purpose. Keeping animals and hunting is also prohibited. The engagement in any action that would harm the environment and the wildlife is prohibited. It includes the destruction of trees, wild plants, leveling the ground etc.

islam-nature

The principle of green camping is “If you brought it in, you need to take it out and leave the area just as you found it.”

Let us follow some basic rules for our safety, health and environmental conservation at the camping sites. Here are a few basic tips for green camping:

  • Use minimum illumination and energy-efficient gadgets.
  • Switch off all appliances and instruments when not in use.
  • Use minimum water and turn off the taps after use.
  • Do not store any waste at site. Keep all recyclable and disposable waste in separate bags.
  • Avoid using disposable plates, cups, cutlery, dishes etc. Use reusable dishes and utensils and wash them after each use.
  • Don’t throw any food in open. It will attract vermin, birds, insects and rodents.

Let us be more environmental conscious and respect our resources while enjoying the camping season this year.

Solid Waste Management in Tunisia

Solid waste management has emerged as a big challenge for the Mediterranean country of Tunisia. The country, having an estimated population of around 11 million people, produces more than 2.5 million tons of waste each year. Tunisia is experiencing an average increase in waste volume by 3% with per capita waste generation in urban areas being 0.8 kg per day. Biodegradable organic fraction constitutes around 68% of the MSW stream.

MSW collection is covered at 80% in urban areas and 10% in rural areas. The country has 10 controlled landfills with a capacity of 1,788,000 tons per year and four other semi-controlled landfills in the Valley Medjerda with a capacity of 62,000 tons per year. Five other discharges with a nominal capacity of 0.466 million tons per year are being built and finally five other controlled discharges are planned with an average capacity of 0.433 million tons per year.

waste-management-tunisia

However, many municipal landfills do not meet sanitary standards and waste is often dumped into non-sanitary areas. Interestingly, only five percent of MSW is composted and merely 4% recycled. The expenditure for waste collection and transport constitutes 75-100% of the total solid waste management budget.

Borj Chakir Landfill

Eight kilometers south of Tunis is Borj Chakir, a town that has become infamous for a landfill that has damaging effects on the surrounding environment and quality of life of locals. The Borj Chakir landfill created in 1999 is the largest dumping ground and only regulated landfill in Tunis (which includes the governorates of Tunis, Manouba, Ariana and Ben Arous). The site occupies 120 hectares of what was once agricultural land planted with olive trees and grains.

According to the facility specifications published in 1997 the Borj Chakir landfill is intended for solid waste but current activities shows it operation outside of norms. Over the years the residents of El Attar, Borj Chakir, Jiyara and Sidi Hassine have suffered from compromised health and sanitation as a consequence of the waste collection site that has contaminated air, water, soil and as a result of their exposure to toxic odors of leachate.

borj-chakir-landfill

Borj Chakir landfill is a major cause of environmental and public health concerns.

Recycling Situation in Tunisia

The country possesses comprehensive environmental laws to encourage the sustainable management and recycling of municipal and industrial waste but there is doubt if the necessary measures for a good application have been provided. The Tunisian Government is often criticized for leaving the responsibility of waste management to the National Waste Management Agency (ANGED).

Every year Tunisians use one billion plastic bags generating 10,000 tons of waste that have wreaked havoc on the environment. Almost 400 private Companies are authorized by the Ministry of Environment to collect, transport and recycle plastics. Five private collectors and recyclers of used tires were also authorized while paper and cardboard recycling is still in its infancy. There is also a small informal sector for recycling food packaging.

Future Outlook

After the Arab Spring, Tunisia faced additional challenges maintaining existing waste management practices due to repeated strikes and mismanagement of municipalities and rural council which destabilized cleaning service.

There is a general view among the populace that the way waste is managed should be changed towards an integrated management style which entails collection to treatment because of the relationship between environmental impact and effects on human health are apparent.

The market for environmental protection, pollution control equipment and technology has significant potential as anticipated tenders for landfills, coastal pollution project and wastewater treatment all offer good opportunity for procurement.

Renting Bounce Houses and Other Party Supplies

Children love all things bouncy and inflatable. Parents love making their children happy; however, most parents do not have space or the inclination to purchase a bounce house to have all of the time. In recent years, it has become so popular for parents to rent bounce house as well as other inflatable things for party events. It gives the children a chance to enjoy a popular way to play while the parents get to send the inflatables back at the end of the event. It is a win-win situation.

Bounce houses are also quite popular for community events such as festivals, fairs, fundraisers, and other activities. Some parents and event organizers are well acquainted with the process of renting bounce houses and other inflatable party supplies. For others, it is a new experience, and they may not know how to initiate the rental, where to find a rental company, or what to expect from the experience.

bounce houses

This article is for all of those who are new to the process and are looking for some information to help them get started.

The first thing you need to know is how to find rental companies in your area. It is important to note that most inflatable rental companies charge an additional travel fee if they have to travel very far to set up the product. Companies that provide bounce house rentals do not allow the individual to set up the inflatables, and they do it themselves, take down as well. This way, they can ensure that all of the equipment is handled correctly.

Therefore, there is no way to avoid having them set it up, which means that you should choose a company that is close to you or be prepared to pay an additional fee. When it comes to finding all of the companies located in or near your location, there are two ways to go about it. The first is to search through local phone books and look at community bulletin boards and anywhere that ads may be posted.

The second is to peruse the internet for listings. The second option tends to be faster and provide additional details that are not included in ads. To successfully find all of the listings for your area, you will need to use the right keywords in your search. be sure to use words such as “bounce house,” “rental,” or “inflatable.” Also, be sure to either include the name of the city, town, or county that you are located in or phrases such as “local” or “near me.”

If you do not get the results that you need the first time, after one or two words of your search phrase until you find what you need. Different search phrases will garner slightly different results. One search may provide some relevant results, while another may give completely different relevant or non-relevant results. Do not get discouraged if it takes a few times to get the results that you need. Keep trying until you get what you need.

Once you know what companies are available in your area, you can begin to look for information via websites, ads, reviews, or anywhere that you can find it. Several things should always be considered when choosing which rental company to use. If the company has a website, most of the information that you need will be listed there.

First, because bounce houses require electricity, it is recommended that your party location is within so many feet of an outlet. Unfortunately, this is not always possible, which means that you will need a generator. Some inflatable rental companies have generators for rent along with the inflatables, although not all do. You need to determine how close you will be to an electrical source. If you do not have access to an electrical source, you will need to find out if the company that you are considering offers generator rentals. Also, there are different sizes of bounce houses.

You need to determine how large you need your rental to be and then find out if the company you are considering has that size or anything close to it. Also, you will need to determine which types of inflatables that you want to rent. There are bounce houses, water slides, obstacle courses, and several others. Not all rental companies will have all types of party inflatables; therefore, you need to know exactly what you want so that you can see if the company carries it all.

Another thing that you should check is the company’s sterilization policies. You do not want to end up with a dirty bounce house which may negatively impact your kids’s wellbeing. If the company is hedging questions about their sterilization policies, move on, they likely do not have any which means there is a big chance that the product will not be clean. Finally, ask about insurance.

Many states require these companies to carry insurance, but there are still some states that do not. Also, there is always a chance that a company may be “flying under the radar” which means they may not have insurance. Also, compare rates. Some companies charge a flat fee for a full day rental while others charge by the hour.

Once you have found a rental company that suits your needs, you will need to prepare the area in advance so that there are no problems during setup. First, ensure that there are no sticks, twigs, rocks, dirt mounds, or any sharp objects in the area where the inflatable is to be set up. Also, if there have been dogs or other animals in the area, be sure to check for any piles of excrement in the area. This is very important if you have to have the party in a park or other public place.

Be sure to clear out a large enough space to fit the inflatable, a generator when necessary, and still have a bit of space around the parameter. If you have access to an electrical source, you will need to measure the space from the outlet to the party area to be sure that the cords will be able to reach. It is necessary for a bounce house to remain plugged in as long as it is in use. It will deflate if it is unplugged.

The Future of Holiday Celebrations: Combining Sustainability and Tradition Through Technology

As we move towards a more sustainable future, holiday celebrations increasingly blend with eco-friendly practices. Sustainability is no longer a fringe idea. Thanks to technological advancements, we can uphold cherished traditions while reducing our environmental impact. Digital invitations, customizable ecards, and other solutions are pivotal in transforming how we celebrate the holidays.

how to celebrate the holidays sustainably

This guide will explore how to celebrate the holidays sustainably without losing the personal and intimate touch.

Let’s review everything you need to know now.

The Rise of eCards

Greeting cards have always been a holiday staple. However, they are undergoing a sustainable transformation like no other. Sending holiday cards dates back centuries and is essential for any festive season. Today, however, e-cards present a modern solution to the issue of paper waste that can accumulate in landfills.

You can personalize your ecards online through sites like Punchbowl.com. They offer various templates and allow you to add photos, messages, and music. Just because it’s digital doesn’t mean you can’t add a personal touch.

Reducing Waste Without Sacrificing Tradition

Integrating technology into holiday celebrations doesn’t mean sacrificing tradition. We can enhance and preserve traditions more sustainably. Besides ecards, you can also create digital invitations. You can efficiently distribute them and make instant real-time updates.

By using a QR code maker, holiday planners can seamlessly share sustainable celebration ideas and digital invitations, reducing the need for printed materials. For instance, if the date and time change, you can update the invitations quickly, ensuring that those invited get the updated information immediately. You may also include interactive elements like videos and easy social sharing. You can even generate custom QR codes for your digital invitations. These QR codes can link directly to event details, RSVP forms, or socially shared calendar events. Scanning the QR code with a smartphone gives recipients easy access to all necessary information, improving engagement and reducing paper waste significantly. These features add a new dimension to your holiday greetings, making them more memorable and engaging.

One thing you can do is incorporate QR codes, especially when you can link them to calendar events that you can create on social media such as Facebook. This will give people a chance to scan the QR code with their phone and RSVP to your event. This can be one of the best ways to distribute your invitations to your holiday celebrations, whether it’s Christmas, Friendsgiving, or something else.

Using the QR code in digital form will be a lot better than using paper. You can email a QR code to someone so they can scan it easily and know what it is. It sure is a lot better than sending a standard card that could end up in a landfill at some point.

After doing this sustainable thing, you can focus on bigger projects such as keeping it warm during the holidays so each celebration is cozy and comfortable.

ecofriendly corporate merchandise

Looking Ahead to a Greener Future for the Holidays

Whether it’s Christmas, birthdays, or any other holiday where families gather, utilizing modern technology as part of the celebration is more than possible. The trend of environmental responsibility is increasing. More people should embrace digital invitations and ecards as part of their celebrations.

Yes, it can still be a white Christmas, for example. But if you add a little green in terms of sustainability, it will be all the merrier. The gift that keeps giving is a reduction in environmental impact and a decrease in waste in landfills. If we do our part year after year, it’ll be the greatest gift we have ever given to the earth.

Final Thoughts

Are your future holiday celebrations featuring sustainable technology? We highly suggest that you consider such solutions to make them better for the environment and also better for you and your family. Now is the time to plan to send out cards and invitations that can be sent more quickly than traditional snail mail.

At the end of the day, you’re not only making a difference in the environment but also preserving traditions that have been around for generations. And sure enough, it will make the days merry and bright for the earth.

How To Choose A Farming App

In recent years, farmers are increasingly using the achievements of modern technologies in the field of agriculture. With a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, you can use applications to collect valuable data and make decisions based on their analysis. The apps also enable the growers to detect potential threats to the crop, respond to them on time, and plan and monitor all processes in the field.

Additionally, farm management software solutions provide comprehensive tools for tracking field activities, managing resources, and optimizing labor efficiency. This integration of technology not only streamlines daily operations but also enhances long-term sustainability by promoting environmentally friendly practices.

However, it’s not just about getting higher crop yields. Innovative technologies are also helping to tackle pollution and emissions, soil degradation, resource deficiency, and overconsumption of water.

Making Your Farm More Efficient

The agricultural apps market is increasing. New applications give farmers more options to control and improve the quality of their crops. In addition, many mobile applications related to other areas of agriculture, including equipment, accounting, trade, and more. Read on to know more about different farming apps:

smart farming system

1. Data Analytics Apps

Typical database systems cannot accommodate all the data collected by IoT sensors. Smart farming systems could not exist without cloud storage and an end-to-end IoT platform, enabling more efficient execution of activities.

Analytics tools analyze and transform data collected from IoT sensors into meaningful information. Thanks to this analytics, you get information about weather conditions, the state of crops, or from a cat. Predictive analytics empowers farmers to make more informed harvest decisions and maintain the health and quality of their crops while increasing the volume of production.

The Internet of Things is widely used in various spheres, including agriculture. The primary domain of this technology application is precision farming. Due to this practice, agriculture becomes a more controlled process.

Analyzing sensor data and responding to changes immediately are the main goals of precision farming. Precision agriculture practices include irrigation management, livestock monitoring, equipment tracking, soil analysis, and other features that help improve efficiency and productivity.

2. Feed Management Tech

Pen and paper have long been the main tools for managing livestock feeding. Fortunately, innovation has made its way into the industry. So many different applications can now be found and downloaded to improve this process.

Feeding management apps can provide essential information about the nutritional needs of your livestock, taking into account housing requirements, lactation, animal height, and weight. Some apps help you calculate the total amount of feed for your livestock. This way, you can determine if you have enough resources to feed your herd.

3. Marketplace Apps

Technology makes life easier for farmers and those who produce and sell agricultural tools and supplies. The old scheme works like this: the farmer asks the manufacturer for information about the products and receives a spreadsheet by mail. Then you need to select the goods you need, indicate the quantity, and contact the manufacturer again. This entire process can take a long time, and the application speeds it up significantly.

The mobile marketplace allows the farmer to look over the goods and prices. It’s also easier for them to choose everything they need and order without directly contacting the seller. Mobile marketplaces save time, enable growers to compare and select the most suitable option.

Applications, where you can buy and sell anything, are now relevant for agriculture. You can sell unnecessary equipment, spare parts, equipment or visit the sales of goods yourself. Farmers can also sell and buy cattle through the app, knowing everything about the animals in advance and not shopping blindly. These apps also give shoppers accurate pricing information.

4. Accounting Farming Software

Agricultural accounting software and applications have different functions and prices. Sometimes features that need to be paid for are essential and save a lot of time. If the farm has reliable regular Internet access, you can use cloud software online, but software for PCs is cheaper and does not require constant updates. To keep records on your own, choose the program with the most convenient and clear interface.

Excellent benefits and convenience will be brought by programs in which it is possible to work with bank accounts, control unpaid bills by entering them into the system. It will also be convenient for you to have software using which you can calculate employee salaries and the best accounting software for medium-sized businesses for general tasks.

Considerations when selecting an app

It would be best if you choose a farming app that is easy to use and handy. Otherwise, you will not save time or just waste your money. You can download several agricultural apps at the same time and test them for a month.

Of course, it only makes sense if these apps are free or have a trial period. Paid applications have comprehensive functionality. However, choose the application, all the functions of which will be exciting and valuable to you.

Apps that can work online and offline will be the preferred option if you do not have regular access to the network. It would also be good to see if app support is available and how to contact it. Check also how often the program is updated.

Hydroponic Gardening – 5 Easy Ways to Get Started

Have you ever wondered if you could grow a plant without using any soil? Well, now you can, thanks to an existing system of gardening called Hydroponic Gardening.

Instead of using soil, this system allows you to grow plants and vegetables in a solution of nutrients and water! It doesn’t end there, this method can grow plants much faster, can be used all year round, requires less space, and yields more than conventional gardening.

Some of the easiest and most common plants, herbs, fruits you can grow are lettuce, oregano, tomatoes, and some other kinds. This is great for those who do not have a gardening plot or a yard of their own.

So, if this piqued your interest, then you’re in the right place. Here are 5 easy steps to get started with your hydroponic gardening!

how to get started with hydroponic farming

1. The Wick System

Let’s start with the simplest system (mechanically speaking) indoor hydroponics system – the wick system. It’s the simplest because there’s no need for any electrical components or moving parts at all.

Even though this system isn’t ideal for water-hungry plants like tomatoes or lettuce, as they tend to use nutrients faster than the wicks can supply. However, it works perfectly for herbs, peppers, and microgreens.

Setting Up a Water Reservoir

To begin with, you have to create a reservoir filled with nutrients and water. This reservoir will need to sit right beneath the tray that’s holding your plant and growing medium.

Connect Wicks to the Growing Tray

Next, connect one or two wicks through the hole in the bottom of your tray. The wicks will start soaking up the water from the reservoir and get the water to the wicks that are connected with the growing medium in the tray. If you need to make more holes, use a drill or screwdriver.

Growing Tray

The growing medium, which contains the seedlings, will need to be placed above the water reservoir. It’s best to use a medium that won’t drain water too fast. Instead, it should utilize the capillary action of the wick most productively, such as perlite, soilless mixes, and vermiculite.

Light Fixture

If your growing tray is getting natural light, then you can skip this step. But if it isn’t, then install a light fixture above the tray. For incandescent light bulbs, you’ll need to set them at a distance of 24 inches from the plants.

In the case of LED grow lights and fluorescent lights, since they don’t get as hot, you can place them 6-12 inches from the plants. This can be implemented for all the systems that we’ll be discussing in this article.

2. The Lettuce Raft or Water Culture System

A lettuce raft system, aka a water culture system, is another simple method that’s super easy to set up. Start by placing the plants in a styrofoam platform. Then make sure it floats on top of the reservoir that’s filled with nutrient-rich water.

Unlike the wick system, you’ll have to aerate the water by incorporating a raft system. This system is perfect for growing leaf lettuce, but other plants won’t grow quite as well.

Water Reservoir

Same as the previous two systems, fill the reservoir with nutrients and water. Get yourself an opaque container at least 12 inches deep. Avoid using unclear or translucent containers.

Aerate the Water

The most usual and economical aeration is by using an air stone and a pump. Found in most home aquariums, the air stone can be placed in the water and then connected to an air pump placed outside the reservoir.

The pump will assist in pushing air through the stone, which will then release tiny bubbles into the water to disperse oxygen. Simple and easy, right?

Growing Raft

Cut a floating styrofoam platform to fit inside the reservoir’s top for your expanding raft. After that, you’ll require net pots.

Seedlings with a growing media, such as perlite, mud balls, or coconut fibers, are held in these plastic containers with perforated bottoms. Because the roots need to be in contact with the reservoir water, you’ll need to make holes to insert the net pots.

3. The Ebb and Flow System

The ebb and flow system, sometimes known as the flood and drain system, may appear complicated in design, yet it is extremely adaptable. This technique operates by flooding the growing medium with a water-nutrient solution, which is subsequently drained back into the water reservoir.

Water Reservoir Connected to a Fill and Drain Tube

You’ll need to place the water reservoir directly below the flood tray container filled with nutrients and water. Thankfully, the same water can be used for about a week at a time. Just make sure to add the nutrients every time you change the water.

Next, use a drain or fill tube to connect the water reservoir to the tray. The fill tube connects to a timed submersible pump, which regulates the flow of water back into the food tray.

A submersible pump with a timer allows a lot of control to this system. You also have the power to customize the length and frequency of watering based on your plant’s requirements!

On the other hand, the drain tube uses the power of gravity to pull the water back into the reservoir after flooding it, so that the water can be reused.

Setting Up the Flood Tray

To stand tall, the plant tray must be a deep container. Plant your seedlings in vented planters filled with perlite or other growing material.

Remember to make the seedling pots twice as shallow as the flood tray.

4. Nutrient Film Technique

Our 4th system is called the nutrient film technique, and it works best with fast-growing, shallow-rooted plants like spinach, lettuce, radishes, and herbs.
benefits of hydroponic farming

This system uses a water-nutrient solution that continuously flows in a loop for a reservoir through the help of a growing tray. It’s beneficial for the plant roots that are suspended in the growing tray, which enables the plants to absorb the nutrients from the solution.

This technique reinforces the idea that the ebb and flow system is on a continuous stream that never stops.

Setting Up the Water Reservoir and Aeration

Fill the water reservoir with nutrients and water and place it directly under the flood tray stand. You’ll also need to add an aeration bubbler in the reservoir to help oxygenate the water.

Join the Drain Tube, Fill Tube, and Pump

Then, using a fill and drain tube, attach the reservoir to the tray. The fill tube, which is connected to a submersible pump, will regulate the water flow returning to the flood tray. After flooding, the drain tube will allow gravity to suck the water back into the reservoir, allowing you to reuse the water.

And unlike the ebb and flow system, you won’t be needing a timer, since this system is already constantly pumping the water.

To Set Up the Growing Tray

Finally, instead of a flat tray, utilize tubes or channels to set up the growing tray. Using a tube allows you to put it at an angle that ensures the fertilizer solution reaches the roots directly. You can also use a PVC pipe or a round tub with holes punched in it to accommodate the seedlings or net pots!

5. The Aeroponic System

Finally, for our last system – the aeroponic system. This is another complex hydroponic method that requires the plants to be suspended in air and misted every few minutes with a water and nutrient solution.

This is a particularly effective method and requires sophisticated misters and pumps. If for some reason your equipment or tools malfunctions, then the plant roots can dry out and die rapidly.

Set Up a Water Reservoir with Aeration

Fill a container with nutrient-rich water and place it beneath the growing chamber. Then, to assist oxygenate the water, put an aeration bubbler in the reservoir. This water reservoir can also serve as a catch basin for the solution’s misted droplets.

Connect a Submersible Pump

Next, connect a pump to a sprayer or mister. This will allow the solution in the reservoir to be pumped to the sprayer or mister via tubing from a submersible pump tube in the reservoir.

All you have to do is make sure the sprayer or mister is aimed at the plant’s root in the growing chamber, and that is all!

For the Growing Chamber

To set up the growing chamber, you can follow the same procedure as used in the nutrition film technique. You’ll need to set up channels or tubes to evenly suspend each seedling’s roots.

hydroponic farming

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, we’d like to say that we hope our article on hydroponics for beginners helps you to learn a little more about hydroponic plants and how wonderfully great they are. We hope the 5 systems mentioned here will inspire you to set up your hydroponic garden and grow some nice plants and herbs.

It can look challenging or complex, but the result is worth it. Let us know in the comments if you have your very own hydroponic garden going, and don’t forget to share it with your gardening enthusiast friends. Happy gardening!

Climate Change Impacts in the GCC

The GCC countries face multitude of climate change challenges including desertification, biodiversity loss, water scarcity and sea level rise. The region is characterized by high temperature, high humidity and arid lands resulting in seriously degraded soil and land damage in addition to salt intrusion in the aquifers affecting the small scale agricultural lands thus enhancing the food security threat in the region.

All of the above geographical threats have therefore increased and activated the participation of GCC states in global negotiations recently as evidence are uncovered and impacts being felt across the region. If a couple of days of rain can flood parts of cities in GCC, and bring life to a standstill, the prospect of large scale climate change is a sobering thought, and a thought that needs to be translated into action. Read on to know about climate change impacts in the GCC:

climate-change in GCC

1. Rise in Sea Level

One of the main climate change impacts is sea level rise on coastal areas of all Arabian Gulf states. This includes many of the large and small islands in the Gulf region which are highly vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise. An example is the low-lying geology of Bahrain’s islands, which coupled with high land reclamation and extensive industrial, commercial, and residential activity in coastal zones, highlight the island’s acute vulnerability to climate change induced sea level rise.

The total land area that would be inundated under the various climate change scenarios was found to be substantial by the Bahrain Supreme Council for the Environment. Even the low sea level rise scenario will result in an inundation of about five per cent (36 km2) of the total land area of Bahrain by 2100. This level increases to about 11 per cent of total land area (69 km2) in the worst case scenario.

Inundation will unevenly affect Bahrain’s vulnerable infrastructure in the five main islands and would adversely affect cities, roads, agricultural areas, as well as beaches and salt marshes. Even in other cities, if reinforcement measures are not implemented, on coastline in Kuwait or Dubai for example, it would be damaged and altered from rising sea levels caused by climate change.

2. Water Availability

Continued use of non-renewable water is major factor in depleting groundwater reserves in GCC nations and puts Gulf countries at severe risk of climate impacts. In Saudi Arabia, water supply is drawn from four sources: groundwater from deep fossil aquifers, desalinated water, surface water and reclaimed wastewater.

Extracting water from deep aquifers amounts to mining the resource, as supplies are non-renewable and have been severely depleted as a result of policies which for the past three decades have subsidized not only agricultural commodities such as wheat, but also the means to produce them. It is not surprising therefore that agriculture accounts for roughly 85% of water use in Saudi Arabia.

The depletion of Bahrain’s groundwater through urbanization has led to the loss of freshwater springs, which the country was once famous for, as well as its fertile lands. Same is the case with Qatar which heavily relies on energy-intensive desalination plants for its freshwater, further driving up its electricity demand. A vast majority of desalination plants in GCC are energy-intensive and installed at a huge cost to the environment.

3. Food Security

The Middle East is especially vulnerable to tensions brought on by spike in food prices. This is a region where putting new land into production is not that easy because of the nature of the terrain and water shortage. In Saudi Arabia, only about 2 percent of the country’s enormous land mass is arable, even with intensive irrigation and modern farming technology.

Facing a probable 77 percent growth in its population by 2050, Saudi Arabia is grappling with the realization that its barren soil and dwindling water supply will be insufficient to feed all those people.

In Bahrain there are over 6,000 people employed in the fishing industry. Deterioration of coral reef habitats will negatively affect associated fauna and fish stocks, and eventually threaten the viability of Bahrain’s fishing industry. The loss of agricultural land due to a one metre rise in sea level is likely to be over 11 per cent of the total arable land in the country.

4. Biodiversity Loss

The potential loss of terrestrial and marine biodiversity under climate change is a major concern across the region. The Arabian Peninsula is a meeting point between the Indo-Asian and the Afro-European regions and enjoys a rich biodiversity in a hyper arid environment. For the terrestrial environment, the Arabian Peninsula has dozens of mammal species, hundreds of bird species, and scores of amphibian and reptile species.

For the marine environment, the Arabian Gulf’s relative shallowness supports a number of highly productive coastal habitats, including intertidal mudflats, seagrasses, algal beds, mangroves, and coral reefs, together with a wide variety of fish species, some of which are endangered. With climate change, these species, such as migratory birds and dugongs would be adversely affected.

أهمية التعليم البيئي للأطفال

إن القضايا البيئية تشكل واحدة من اهم المشاكل الكبرى التي يعاني منها العالم اليوم.  فنحن نعيش في عصر حيث تتعرض الأرض للخطر على مستويات مختلفة، والجهود التي نقوم بها من أجل التغيير لا تبدو كافية.  فنحن نناضل من أجل الحفاظ على كوكبنا، ويتعين علينا معالجة هذه القضية مراراً وتكراراً.  فضلاً عن ذلك، يتعين علينا أن نكون أكثر نشاطاً وانخرطاً في تغيير سلوكياتنا حتى نكون واعين بيئيا.

يبدو أن العديد من الناس ينسون أن كل شيء يبدأ بفرد واحد.  ليس من الضروري أن تكون جزءاً من حركة بيئية أو منظمة من أجل المساهمة.  وهو أمر محمود دائما ولكنه ليس ضروريا.  في الأساس، يشكل تغيير بعض عاداتك اليومية ورفع مستوى الوعي بالقضايا البيئية طريقة رائعة للبدء.  ويتماشى نفس الشيء على الأطفال ـ إن تعليمهم الأساسيات وتوظيف التعليم البيئي العالي الجودة من الممكن أن يساعد كثيرا ويقطع شوطاً طويلاً.  وسننظر معا إلى الأسباب الرئيسية التي تجعل التعليم البيئي للأطفال أمرا بالغ الأهمية.

environmental-education-arabic

ما هي أكبر القضايا البيئية؟

قبل أن ننتقل إلى تعليم الأطفال، دعونا نرجع خطوة إلى الوراء ونذكر أنفسنا بالمشاكل الأكبر التي يواجهها كوكبنا في الوقت الحالي.  من المهم أن ندرك القضايا الرئيسية التي يواجهها سكان الارض.

فيما يلي أهم القضايا البيئية:

  1. تلوث الهواء والمياه والأراضي
  2. الانحباس الحراري العالمي
  3. التخلص من النفايات
  4. إزالة الغابات
  5. تغير المناخ
  6. زيادة عدد السكان
  7. انقراض الأنواع

يمكن أن تستمر القائمة ولكن وصلتك الصورة.  من الواضح أننا في مرحلة حرجة حيث يتعين علينا أن نبقى متحدين حتى نتمكن من الحفاظ على كوكبنا.

ما المقصود بالتعليم البيئي؟

يقصد بالتعليم البيئي هو تعليم وتعلم كل ما يخص كوكبنا، وموارده، وطبيعته،  واستدامته.  وهي عملية تهدف إلى اكتساب الوعي بالقضايا المطروحة وتعلم كيفية حلها.

لنعود بالتعليم البيئي إلى مكوناته الأساسية.  إليك كل ما يتعلق بما يلي:

  1. زيادة الوعي بالقضايا البيئية
  2. اكتساب معرفة واقعية
  3. تغيير عقلية الناس
  4. اكتساب المهارات اللازمة للتعامل مع المشاكل
  5. إلهام الناس لإلهام الآخرين

وهذا النوع من التعليم إلزامي ببساطة إذا ما كنا نريد حل القضايا البيئية وإنقاذ كوكبنا.  ففي غياب التعليم ورفع مستوى الوعي لن يكون لدى الناس المعرفة الكافية لإدراك مدى خطورة هذه القضايا.

المدارس، ارتقوا بها إلى مستوى آخر!

يتعين على المدارس أن تعمل على تحسين التعليم البيئي وإبعاده عن الفصول الدراسية لعلم الأحياء.

هناك أموال حكومية   ومنح للتعليم البيئي يمكنك التقدم بطلب للحصول عليها. تحتاج إلى خطة جيدة ووصف تفصيلي للمشروع، ويمكنك إجراء بعض التغييرات الرائعة في مدرستك!

يبدأ مبكرًا

لقد وصلنا إلى نقطة حرجة فيما يخص القضايا البيئية.  لا يوجد وقت لإهدار الوقت، ويتعين علينا أن نتخذ الإجراءات اللازمة في أقرب وقت ممكن.

ونظراً لهذه الوضعية فمن الطبيعي أن  نعرف أطفالنا على الهواجس والمخاوف والمشاكل التي نواجهها.

يتعين على الأطفال أن يتعلموا عن القضايا البيئية منذ الصغر من أجل اكتساب رؤية واضحة وتجنب تبني عادات سيئة.  إليك بعض الأشياء المهمة التي يجب أن يفهمها الأطفال:

  1. مفهوم الحفاظ على الطبيعة
  2. أهمية النشاط البيئي
  3. دورهم في إحداث الفرق
  4. سلوكهم كيف يؤثر على بقية العالم

ومن خلال البدء بالتعليم البيئي في وقت مبكر، نعمل على خلق عقلية صحية لدى أطفالنا حتى لا نسمح بإنشاء عادات سيئة، ناهيك عن اكتساب عادات طيبة وحسنة.

الوعي والمعرفة

يحتاج الأطفال إلى حقائق.  ويتعين علينا أن نعطيهم المعرفة اللازمة لفهم ما يحدث في محيطهم.

وتعلّمهم التوعية البيئية ما يلي:

  1. القضايا البيئية الرئيسية
  2. ما الأسباب وراء هذه القضايا
  3. كيف يمكنهم المساعدة في حل المشاكل
  4. ما هو دورهم في النظام

وبمجرد تعليم الأطفال وتوعيتهم على النحو اللائق والمناسب فإنهم على استعداد للمشاركة في الكفاح العالمي من أجل الحفاظ على البيئة.

سوف يبدؤون برفع مستوى الوعي لدى الآخرين.  وسوف يبدؤون في المساهمة في الحركة العالمية كأفراد.

تبني عادات جديدة

إن التعليم البيئي للأطفال لا يدور حول المعرفة النظرية فحسب.  بل على العكس من ذلك، فهو يدور حول الإجابة على السؤال التالي:

  • ما الذي يمكنك القيام به للمساعدة في إنقاذ كوكب الأرض؟

أو نستطيع أن نقول بعبارة أخرى إن التعليم البيئي يدور حول اتخاذ الإجراءات والتدابير اللازمة.  يحصل الأطفال على فرصة تبني عادات جديدة وتوظيفها في حياتهم اليومية.

فهم يتعلمون عن:

  1. إعادة التدوير
  2. ركوب الدراجة بدلا من ان يقوم والديهم من ايصالهم بالسيارة
  3. زراعة الأشجار
  4. إيقاف تشغيل الضوء وفصل الأجهزة
  5. زراعة الحديقة
  6. تجنب  الأكياس البلاستيكية  واستخدام الأكياس القابلة لإعادة الاستخدام بدلاً من ذلك
  7. تناول كمية أقل من اللحوم والمزيد من الفواكه والخضروات
  8. هدر أقل

وسينقل الاطفال عاداتهم إلى منازلهم وسيواصلون العيش بطريقة صديقة للبيئة.  والعادات التي يتبنونها سوف يظلون متمسكين بها إلى الأبد، وتساعدهم في أن يكونوا جزءاً من جيل أفضل وأكثر إدراكاً ونشاطاً.

waste-management-Children

Using environmental issues in student learning shows children the bigger picture

إلهام الآخرين

يعتبر الأطفال أشخاص مؤثرون، وبوسعنا أن نتعلم الكثير منهم.  وقد يؤثر تغيير روتينهم على أفراد أسرهم وأصدقائهم وأقرانهم للقيام بمثل ما يقومون به.

أو بعبارة أخرى، من خلال تعليم الأطفال، نعمل على تثقيف الجميع من حولهم.  وسوف يكون هؤلاء سفراء الوعي البيئي.

يمكنهم التأثير على والديهم من أجل:

  1. قم بالقيادة أقل
  2. الإقلاع عن التدخين
  3. توفير الطاقة
  4. تخلص من النفايات بطريقة صحيحة
  5. تبني عادات جديدة

ومن خلال تقديم مثال جيد، يصبح الأطفال أنفسهم معلمون ومؤثرون بيئيون.

العمل التطوعي واتخاذ الإجراءات

إن الجزء الأفضل من التعليم البيئي للأطفال يتلخص في حصول الأطفال على الفرصة الجيدة لفعل كل ما هو خير، مساعدة الآخرين، وإجراء التغييرات، والمساهمة في المهمة العامة المتمثلة في الحد من كل ما يجعل كوكبنا ملوثا وفي خطر.

يمكنهم المشاركة في:

  1. تنظيف الأسطح الطبيعية
  2. حلقات عمل للتوعية البيئية
  3. حركات إعادة التدوير
  4. استعادة البيئة
  5. الحفاظ على البيئة البحرية

امنح أطفالك فرصة للحب والبيئة

إن التعليم البيئي لا يرتبط ارتباطاً مطلق بالمدرسة.  ولن ينتهي الأمر بمجرد رنين الجرس.  يجب أن يتعلم الأطفال تطبيق معرفتهم في مجالات أخرى من حياتهم.  ولابد أن تدعمها أسرهم.

إذا كان لديك أطفال، فابحث عن طريقة لإبقائهم يفكرون في البيئة خارج المدرسة ويساهمون في الحفاظ عليها.  يمكنك:

  1. أرسلهم إلى معسكرات صيفية بيئية

طريقة رائعة لقضاء الصيف: تكوين أصدقاء جدد واكتساب مهارات جديدة والمساعدة في إنقاذ البيئة.

  1. ساعدهم على تنظيم حدث بيئي محلي

يمكن لأطفالك تنظيم حدث مثل تنظيف النهر أو المنتزه المحلي، وجمع المواد البلاستيكية والتخلص منها بشكل صحيح أو التبرع لسبب بيئي.

  1. اطلب منهم المشاركة في مسابقة كتابة مقال حول البيئة
    إذا كان أطفالك مولعون بالكتابة، فيمكنهم المشاركة في مسابقة ويتبادلون رؤيتهم البيئية مع الآخرين.  بل وربما يفوزون بجائزة.

خاتمة

إن التعليم البيئي يشكل أهمية كبرى بالنسبة للجميع.  وكلما تعرفنا على الطرق التي نلحق بها الضرر بكوكبنا، كلما كان بوسعنا أن نغير ونتبنى عادات جديدة أسرع.  ويتعين علينا أن نبدأ من أنفسنا ومن هنا يمكننا ان نكون مصدر الهام للآخرين.

الأطفال هم المستقبل، ولهذا السبب فمن الضروري أن ننقل المعرفة إليهم.  فمن خلال البدء في مرحلة ما قبل المدرسة، سوف يعمل التعليم البيئي على تشكيل وصقل عقلية أطفالك وجعلهم مدركين ومسؤولاً بيئياً.  وهذا من شأنه أن يلهمهم لاتخاذ اختيارات ذكية وقرارات صائبة.  وهذا هو الجيل الذي نحتاج إليه.

ترجمته من الإنجليزية الى العربية:

 تقوى حاجي متفقد مصالح مالية بوزارة المالية والاقتصاد والاستثمار بتونس، متطوعة ومهتمة بالقضايا البيئية والتغير المناخي والتنمية المستدامة

All You Need to Know About Sustainability in the Supply Chain

The sustainability industry, in recent years, has evolved to include almost all areas of business processes. Due to the dramatic strides sustainability has made and its holistic nature, it is understandable that the two most apparent areas, the environment and society, would receive much of our attention.  There has been a lack of concern for the area of the economy and alignment with business needs.  Moreover, it has not been used enough as a mechanism to enhance the supply chain or product value.

Lately, business leaders are learning to see substantial benefits and profitability beyond “green initiatives” by giving back time and money to the community and eliminating waste.  Interestingly enough, there has been a renowned renewal in using sustainability methodology to improve their supply chain.

supply chain and sustainability

A common man might understandably think of a supply chain as the supplier of goods and services to a company. It is essential to understand that a supply chain is, in effect, tied closely to the product life cycle and has elements beginning with energy production, continuing through the entire procurement of raw materials and communication leading to advancement of knowledge and ending with the consumer.

Key Drivers

Part of the boom in sustainability and green technology is due to consumers’ access to information and their ability to visually see problems in a matter of seconds.  However, research shows that organizations can enhance their performance by improving the sustainability of their supply chains.

Through building closer relations with suppliers, developing supplier capacity, and identifying and investing in opportunities for social, environmental and economical improvement throughout the supply chain, companies can begin to gain benefits from a more sustainable supply chain and achieve productivity and efficiency gains.

The business case for sustainability in the supply chain for a particular company depends on a variety of issues including field of operation, geographic location, stakeholder expectations, business priorities and organizational culture. There are best practices and key value drivers for sustainable procurement and economic indicators that apply across a number of elements as explained in the following five ensuing areas:

  • Risk Management.
  • Cost saving and realizing efficiencies.
  • Producing Sustainable Products.
  • Vehicle for Cleansing Suppliers and Transparency.
  • Ethical Business Conduct.

Risk Management

By mitigating and responding to social, environmental and economical risks in the supply chain, companies can protect their market share and reduce risk premiums. Being able to identify where a risk is probable and develop mitigation approaches fits well within the field of Sustainability.

Ultimately, the goal is to develop flexible supply chains networks that can profitably respond to dynamic changes. Moreover, strong management of social, environmental and economical issues can help companies address reputational risks that could impact their customers’ loyalties and affect their market share.

Cost Saving & Realizing Efficiencies

The connection between supply chain and sustainability are erroneously considered as a sunken cost for many companies, because in reality just the opposite occurs. Those who started proactively incorporating sustainability concepts into their supply chain found financial savings, cost cutting and added value to their operations.

Sustainable management of operational inputs, such as energy, water and raw materials proved significantly to reduce companies’ procurement costs while simultaneously lessening the carbon footprint and impact on workers’ health of supply chains.

On the other hand, investing in local purchasing and building capacity with local suppliers greatly helped companies to reduce cost of importing goods and materials, therefore, supporting the local economy to grow and prosper.

Also Read: Why You Need Logistics Services for the Solar Business

Producing Sustainable Products

Sustainable products are becoming more popular to a growing sector of the population that started giving primary consideration to sustainability and the planet. Customers and consumers are increasingly making difficult buying decisions based on social and environmental impacts.

So making your products more sustainable can reach a growing market sector and making smart sustainable decisions today can position a company to be more competitive and more averse to risk.

In simplistic terms, it often appears cheaper to produce a product with no regard to negative externalities such as those related to sustainability. When similar situations are gauged for the long run including a financial risk analysis they can prove vastly profitable.

Many companies practically focus on designing a linear process of supplying materials rather than production that reduce waste and pollution through innovative product and process design, including the use of non-toxic or less toxic raw materials and delivery to end of life and disposal, integrating sustainability throughout the whole product cycle.

Vehicle for Cleansing Suppliers and Transparency

Creating a sustainable supply chain means leveraging the supply chain to ensure fair treatment of people as well as taking a broad view that everyone along the supply chain is a stakeholder. The ultimate goal of engaging with suppliers is to develop a shared mindset about sustainability issues and work more closely with them with shared priorities.

These relationships can in turn provide companies with crucial information about potential trends, market changes, and other external influencers that could impact business. They also enhance companies’ abilities to secure business friendly outcomes from stakeholder decisions.

Ethical Business Conduct

Sustainable supply chain is also about the encouragement of good ethical and responsible governance practices throughout the lifecycles of goods and services. These practices contribute to build a healthier economy by fighting procurement fraud, bribery and non-ethical business relationships.

The direct costs of these corruptions are considerable and affect the quality of the product and indirect costs related to management time and resources spent dealing with issues such as legal liability and damage to a company’s reputation.

Engaging with suppliers in these issues helps to improve the quality of the product, reduce fraud and related costs, enhance business’s reputation and contribute in building a sustainable business environment.

Conclusions

Claiming that sustainable supply chain is just a voluntary exercise that can just improve business’ reputation does not make sense in today’s world. As sustainability consultants, we see more and more best practices in the successful implementation of a sustainable supply chain. These practices are not just applied by the large manufactures or industrial businesses. Companies of all sizes are today seeking to make additional steps toward a sustainable supply chain.

Some companies and industries have invested strongly in a sustainable supply chain, finding that sub-tier suppliers have the most significant challenges in addressing sustainability issues, and these companies started incorporating changes to advance practices that create value for their businesses as well as for economy at large.