Everything You Should Know About Thermophilic Composting

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Thermophilic composting of organic waste is getting increasing attention worldwide because of its ability to convert solid wastes into organic fertilizer within a short period of time. The thermophilic composting system consists of an enclosed reactor laced with a microbe-enzyme cocktail.

The commonly used microorganisms are naturally occurring bacillus sp., pseudomonas sp, bifidobacterium sp., lactobacillus sp., streptomyces sp., corynbacterium sp etc. Enzymes such as proteinase, keratinase, lipase and cellulose are employed to accelerate the aerobic digestion process.

what is thermophilic composting

Features of Thermophilic Composting

The most important feature of thermophilic composting process is its operating temperature range of 70 – 80 °C which eliminates all pathogens and harmful bacteria present in the waste stream, and activate the thermophilic enzyme thus shortening fermentation time.

During the thermophilic digestion process, complex organic waste is digested into simpler organic matter, which forms the backbone of quality organic fertilizer after 24 hours of processing in the digester.

Organic waste can be of animal or plant origin such as organic fraction of MSW, slaughterhouse waste, animal manure, food wastes, vegetable and fruit market wastes etc. The end product is odor-free and pathogen-free high-quality organic fertilizer.

compost cycle

Potential of Thermophilic Composting

The high rate of growth and consequent rise in solid waste generation makes it imperative on governments to make use of latest waste management technologies to manage wastes in a sustainable manner. Thermophilic composting is a promising innovation which can address a variety of solid waste management issues. A wide range of organic waste can be processed into organic fertilizer which can, in turn, be used for growing food and cash crops.

Organic fertilizer is important in the MENA region due to the sandy soils condition. Sandy soil has poor nutrient and water retention, which are vital for agriculture. With the use of organic fertilizer, the organic matter content will improve the fertility of soil and more sand space can be added value for sustainable farming activity.

Thermophilic Composting

The organic fertilizer produced can also be mixed with chemical fertilizers to produce “fortified organic fertilizer” which combines the benefits of both organic and chemical fertilizers. Such fertilizer is getting more popular because it is cheaper and environment-friendly compared to chemical fertilizers. In some countries around the MENA region, quality organic fertilizer is a scarce resource which is more expensive than chemical fertilizers.

The market adaptability of organic fertilizer allows it to be used both in organic farming and conventional farming because the quality organic fertilizer is able to bring in intangible benefits such as healthier soil which helps to lower down future fertilizing costs. This allows the producer to tap into both farming markets.

However the growth of organic farming is strongly dependent on the constant supply of organic fertilizers with consistent quality and big volume which can be ensured by introducing modern composting systems, like thermophilic composting.

Such systems are currently being used in Southeast Asia, Europe and North America on account of its ability to address environmental issues, generation of attractive business opportunities and promoting entrepreneurial initiative across the region.

8 Ways Smart Software Optimizes Community Resource Management

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Communities often struggle with managing resources efficiently. Waste piles up, energy gets wasted, and public services can fall short. Fortunately, smart software is revolutionizing how we tackle these issues.

Innovations in data analytics, IoT sensors, and AI algorithms enable us to optimize waste reduction, monitor energy use more effectively, and streamline public services. These technological advancements ensure communities become cleaner, greener places to live while maximizing resource utilization.

community resource management

If you’re curious about how these tools work, this article explores various ways smart software optimizes community resource management.

1. Community Health and Safety Analytics

Advanced analytics benefit community health and safety immensely. Municipalities now leverage data to identify patterns in public health issues, like flu outbreaks or chronic disease prevalence. This proactive approach enables quicker responses to emerging threats, reducing strain on healthcare facilities.

Innovative software integrates seamlessly with various systems, offering a comprehensive view of community well-being. For instance, group home management software ensures better care coordination for vulnerable populations by efficiently tracking individual needs and resources.

Predictive models also play a crucial role here. Using past data, communities can forecast potential safety hazards, identify whether they are natural disasters or crime hotspots, and prepare accordingly.

2. Smart Energy Management Systems

As the world embraces more sustainable energy use, real-time energy monitoring has become crucial in driving this transformation. Communities now leverage smart grids and IoT devices to track energy consumption across various sectors, creating a more efficient and responsive system.

Innovative software allows homes, businesses, and public facilities access to precise data on electricity usage, enabling a balance between utility supply and demand. This leads to fewer outages and better integration of renewable resources. For example, solar panel outputs can be optimized by analyzing peak production times alongside consumption patterns.

concept of smart grid

Moreover, smart meters give households insights into their usage habits, encouraging better conservation practices. Early alerts for abnormal spikes in usage can help detect issues like faulty appliances before they escalate into significant problems.

3. Intelligent Water Distribution Networks

Water scarcity and inefficient distribution often plague communities, but intelligent water distribution networks offer an innovative solution. Advanced software with IoT sensors monitors flow rates, pressure levels, and usage patterns in real-time, allowing for precise control over the entire system.

Leaky pipes can be identified quickly, saving vast amounts of water otherwise lost through undetected leaks. Additionally, optimized irrigation schedules based on weather forecasts ensure that agricultural areas use only the necessary amount of water.

Smart software features like predictive analytics help plan future expansions or repairs to the network by analyzing current data trends. Communities also benefit from automated responses during peak usage times or emergencies like fires, ensuring consistent and reliable access to clean water for all residents.

4. Optimized Public Transportation Scheduling

Public transportation systems often face challenges with scheduling and efficiency, leading to delays and overcrowding. Smart software solutions address these issues by analyzing real-time data from GPS, traffic patterns, and passenger numbers.

Dynamic scheduling adapts routes based on demand fluctuations throughout the day. During peak hours, additional buses or trains can be deployed to prevent overcrowding while reducing services during off-peak times conserves resources.

transportation-saudi-arabia

Optimizing public transportation also reduces emissions, as vehicles run more efficiently and spend less time in traffic. This significantly impacts air quality, particularly in urban areas where pollution levels are a concern.

5. Enhanced Emergency Response Coordination

Emergency response requires swift, coordinated action to save lives and mitigate damage. Smart software significantly enhances these operations through integrated communication platforms and data-driven strategies.

Centralized command centers utilize real-time information from various sources, such as 911 calls, GPS trackers on emergency vehicles, and weather data. This enables dispatchers to allocate resources more effectively during crises. First responders receive critical updates en route, helping them navigate obstacles like traffic or road closures.

Furthermore, predictive analytics can identify high-risk areas prone to incidents like floods or fires. This allows communities to prepare by strategically pre-positioning resources and personnel proactively.

6. Predictive Maintenance for Infrastructure

Maintaining infrastructure can be daunting, often resulting in costly and disruptive reactive repairs. Predictive maintenance changes this paradigm, using modern software to monitor the condition of critical assets like roads, bridges, and utility lines.

IoT sensors embedded in these structures collect data on stress levels, vibrations, temperature fluctuations, and other indicators of wear. The software analyzes this data to predict potential failures before they occur.

Communities benefit from timely alerts that allow for scheduled maintenance during low-traffic periods or favorable weather conditions. This approach extends the lifespan of infrastructure while minimizing downtime and repair costs.

7. Data-Driven Community Planning

One significant challenge urban planners face is anticipating future needs while managing current resources. Data-driven community planning leverages advanced software to analyze demographic trends, economic activity, and land use patterns.

Planners can gain insights into population growth areas and prioritize infrastructure development accordingly. For instance, identifying neighborhoods likely to experience housing booms allows for preemptive upgrades in public services like schools, healthcare facilities, and transportation links.

amman-urban-development

Moreover, integrating feedback from residents through smart city apps creates a participatory planning process. Citizens can report issues or suggest improvements directly to municipal authorities. This collaborative approach ensures that community developments align with actual needs and preferences.

8. Smart Parking Management

Lastly, communities need efficient parking management to alleviate congestion and improve urban mobility. Traditional parking systems often lead to drivers circling blocks searching for spots, wasting time and fuel.

Smart parking systems’ advanced algorithms predict parking availability based on historical data and current traffic conditions, efficiently directing drivers to open spots. This reduces congestion in busy areas and lowers vehicle emissions from idling cars.

Municipalities can also use data from intelligent parking software to adjust parking policies dynamically, such as implementing variable pricing or reserving spaces during peak hours for different user groups. Additionally, innovative software helps enforce parking regulations more effectively through automated monitoring and ticketing systems.

Conclusion

Technology is transforming community resource management from a reactive struggle to a proactive powerhouse. From smart waste systems to real-time energy monitoring, innovative software solutions optimize efficiency and sustainability at every turn. Embracing these cutting-edge tools not only enhances quality of life but also ensures that communities thrive in an increasingly complex world.

3 DIY Ideas to Spruce Up Your Old Boat

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Sailing a boat has a load of benefits that some of us may not even be aware of. You know that it gives you a sense of freedom, being out in open waters. You may enjoy fishing or love sailing and relaxing after a long week of work; what better way is there than getting in your boat and forgetting about the everyday stress and just taking in the fresh air and loving every minute of it.

Your boat may also be like a second home to you, a place to enjoy quality time with your loved ones or have get-togethers with your closest friends. Boating does wonders for your health as well. The sea breeze is suitable for your lungs, and the peace you feel can eliminate a lot of the stress and anxiety you may be experiencing.

Because you treasure your boat, you would also want to keep it in top shape and make it feel more comfortable and pleasant to be in. Sprucing up your boat does not require you to hire professionals to get it done. There are some DIY projects you can try to make your boat look and feel good. You can also come up with ways to make it much easier to maintain. For example, you can replace a boat carpet with bedliner that you can do all on your own.

If you’re ready to get your DIY projects on the way, here are some you can do to spruce up your old boat.

DIY Ideas to Spruce Up Your Old Boat

1. Clean and repaint

Your boat’s exterior needs as much attention as its interior. So naturally, you would want it to look good on the outside, and to do that, you should start getting it cleaned up thoroughly. Cleaning up is not a difficult task, especially for the deck and the hull. However, it does require you to scrub with a suitable marine cleaner.

The proper way of doing this is to start cleaning from the top going downwards. Concerning repainting, you may want to hire the services of professionals who can best do the job, unless you have the expertise. Just the same, seeking advice from them will help, as they can tell whether repainting is necessary and ensure that the repainting job lasts.

2. Add mobile phone cradles and charging ports

We all know that everyone carries a mobile phone with them anywhere they go. As people get into the boat, they would typically stow their phone in the glove box, storage compartment, or just about anywhere they can set it on. Cell phone cradles are practical and convenient for everyone, including yourself.

They are cheap and easy to mount, come in various designs, and can be installed with adhesive, screws, or suction cups. They are practical and are convenient for everyone’s use. USB charging ports are another amenity your boat can use to ensure that your electronic gadgets are always fully charged wherever you are.

3. Refurbish your upholstery

Give your boat’s cabin a facelift and spruce it up by refurbishing your upholstery. You may visit a boat upholsterer and get them to take care of your worn-out cushions. However, cushions that have been deformed from a long time of usage may have to be replaced.

running-a-marina

There are many other DIY boat restoration ideas you can use to improve the look of your old boat. Adding even the most simple conveniences and keeping it clean can enhance its appearance and give it a fresh look and feel in order to make money out of your marine business.

القيمة المشتركة للشركات: الاتجاهات في عالم الشركات

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ماذا لو قامت الشركات بعمل جيد وكسبت المال في الآن نفسه ؟ يعتقد رواد الأعمال الذين يتبعون فكرة القيمة المشتركة للشركات أن بإمكانهم تحقيق ذلك. ويقول العديد من مؤيدي الفكرة  أنها ستعيد تعريف الرأسمالية وإحياءها . في هذا الإطار،  قام  كل من  الاستاذ بكلية الأعمال في جامعة هارفرد مايكل بورتر و المدير الإداري لشركة الاستشارات الاجتماعية للأثر الاجتماعي مارك كارمر بدراسة اتجاه القيمة المشتركة للشركات عام 2011 من خلال مقال بحثي بجامعة هارفرد، وتم خلاله تعريف القيمة المشتركة على أنها: جيل جديد من التفكير التجاري الذي يعزز الوضع التنافسي للشركة وتطوير المجتمع الذي يعمل فيه في آن واحد.

corporate shared value

حملت المقالة عنوان “إنشاء قيمة مشتركة” وبدأت بمناقشة عالمية لفكرة كل من المؤلفَيْن. كما كتب المؤلفون أن الرأسمالية كانت في ورطة، وانخفضت الثقة بالشركات إلى أدنى مستوى على الإطلاق، كما  ساد الاعتقاد بين الناس على أنها قدمت ضررا يفوق نفعها.

وقالوا أن أحد أسباب أزمة الثقة هذه، هو أن الشركات كانت تميل إلى تحقيق أهداف قصيرة المدى وتجاهلت الآثار المترتبة على ذلك للمدى الطويل والاحتياجات الغير محققة في السوق.

جادل بورتر وكارمر أن الشركات يمكنها تغيير ذلك من خلال إنشاء القيمة المشتركة.

ما هي القيمة المشتركة

عرف كارمر وبورتر القيمة المشتركة على أنها: طريقة لخلق قيمة إقتصادية تضيف قيمة للمجتمع وتعالج تحديات إضافية.

و بالسير على هذا النهج يمكن للشركات إعادة تنظيم نجاحها مع التقدم الاجتماعي. وكما قالوا أن نهج القيمة المشتركة يمكنهم من العمل على القضايا الاجتماعية لخلق فرص اقتصادية تحقق الفوائد لكل من المجتمع والشركات ، علاوة  على توجيه  المجتمعات نحو إحداث  تغيير إيجابي. كما أنه لا يجب أن يحقق أحد أهداف القيمة المشتركة للشركات بشكل منفصل عن الآخر..

ويجب التنويه على أن القيمة المشتركة للشركات هو مفهوم يختلف عن المسؤولية الاجتماعية للشركات. حيث أن المسؤولية الاجتماعية تهتم أكثر بالأعمال الخيرية وتحمل مسؤولية المجتمعات بينما القيمة المشتركة للشركات تركز على كسب الأرباح بالتزامن مع تقليص الضرر الاجتماعي الناتج عنها. ولا يعني ذلك أن تحل القيمة المشتركة محل المسؤولية الاجتماعية، ولكن تضيف القيمة المشتركة على المسؤولية الاجتماعية اتخاذ إجراءات ايجابية كجزء لا يتجزأ من عمليات الأعمال اليومية بأنها تضيف قيمة لكل من المجتمع والشركات.

كيف يمكن للشركات إنشاء قيمة مشتركة؟

حدد كل من بورتر وكارمر ثلاث طرق يمكن للشركات من خلالها إنشاء قيمة مشتركة:

إعادة تهيئة المنتجات والأسواق

تتضمن الطريقة الأولى منتجات الشرطة وتشمل إعادة إنشاء أو تصميم المنتجات، بحيث تلبي الاحتياجات المجتمعية. غالبا ما تساعد هذه المنتجات العملاء غير المخدومين أو المحرومين.

ومن الامثلة على الاستخدام الناجح لهذا التكتيك يأتي من شركة الرعاية الصحية Novartis ، التي أطلقت مبادرة تهدف إلى الوصول إلى الناس في المناطق الريفيّة في الهند. يقدم البرنامج الأدوية التي تعالج قضايا الصحة الاقليمية، وتبيعها في حزم أصغر لزيادة القدرة على تحمل التكاليف وتوظف موظفي المبيعات المحليين في نظام التوزيع الخاص بها وتوفر التعليم الصحي وتحسن البنية التحتية للرعاية الصحية من خلال الشراكات مع منظمات التمويل الأصغر.  وقد زادت هذه المبادرة نسبة الأشخاص الذين يرتادون الطبيب ثلاث مرات وأصبحوا مربحين بعد واحد وثلاثين شهرًا من التشغيل.

إعادة تعريف الانتاجية في سلسلة القيمة

هذا التعريف يتضمن تحسين الممارسات لاستخدام الموارد بشكل أفضل . ويمكن أن يشمل التمكين من الاستخدام الأكثر كفاءة أو انتاجية للموارد المالية ومهارات الموظفين وقدرات الشركاء التجاريين.

تشارك Wal-Mart بشكل متكرر في هذه الأنواع من المبادرات، والتي تحافظ على الموارد وتعزز ربحية الشركة. وفي عام 2005 حددت الشركة هدف مضاعفة كفاءة أسطولها بحلول عام 2015 وتحسين عملياتها للتحميل والتوجيه والقيادة والاستثمار في التكنولوجيا الجديدة، زادت الفعالية بنسبة 102.2% من عام 2005 وحتى 2015 ووفرت حوالي بليون دولار سنويا.

خلق مجموعات الصناعة الدائمة

يمكن للشركات أيضًا إنشاء قيمة مشتركة من خلال تحسين المؤسسات الداعمة وقاعدة الموردين والمهارات المتوفرة في المجتمعات التي تعمل فيها الشركة. ويمكن لهذه التغييرات زيادة الانتاجية ودعم الابتكار وتعزيز النمو.

تشتهر شركة مارس-Mars بصناعة الشوكولاته وأنواع اخرى من الحلوى، وتعتمد على تصنيع الكاكاو للنجاح، والتي يتم جمعها من مزارع أصحاب الحيازات الصغيرة في بلدان ساحل العاج.

وتتركز مبادرة رؤية التغيير التي تتبناها الشركة على تحسين دخل المزارعين في ساحل العاج من خلال زيادة الانتاجية إلى طن متري للهكتار الواحد وتحقيق مكاسب اجتماعية وبيئية من خلال هذه المكاسب الانتاجية ، وتهدف هذه المبادرة كذلك إلى تحسين المواد الزراعية وإدارة التربة في جزء منها من خلال التدريب والمشاركة مع المزارعين.

الطلقة المفرقة

وبينما لا يتفق الجميع على أهمية القيمة المشتركة للشركات. فإن أعدادًا متزايدة من الناس تقوم بدمجها في عملياتها. فهل سيحول ملف القيمة المشتركة للشركات الرأسمالية؟ أم أنه سيكون مجرد نزعة عابرة فقط؟

فقط الوقت كفيل بإثبات ذلك..

 

ترجمة وتدقيق: هبة الشطناوي؛

طالبة في السنة الرابعة في جامعة العلوم والتكنولوجيا الأردنية /

كلية الزراعة قسم الموارد الطبيعية والبيئة.

The Importance of Ecological Education in Schools

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How important is the environment in our everyday life and what impact we have on it and what can you do as a student? There is no need to mention how radical our lives have changed in the last decades due to the ignorance we gave to the eco-friendly aspects.

How bad things are?

The environmental status of each year is increasingly worrying: the forested spaces are reduced, the deserts are spreading, the agricultural soils are degraded, the degree of pollution is higher, and the ozone layer is thinner, the greenhouse effect is accentuated, and many plant and animal species are endangered.

ecotherapy

يبقى الإنسان محور أهداف الفكر البيئي، وتتمثل أولويات مفاهيهمة في صون الامن البيئي للإنسان

 

It can be generalized that developed countries produce large amounts of waste and pollutants, they consume large amounts of energy and natural resources, and the impact that these countries have on the environment is highly destructive.

Because life cannot be separated from the environment, all education should be directed toward the protection of the environment. Human society needs to be interrelated and to know that each action will produce a reaction that is often unpredictable in the complex of living systems.

When natural resources are exhausted on a large scale, and the environment is polluted, it is not only a matter of local effect on plants and animals, but also the health of the people is part of this. What is healthy for nature, as a rule, is also healthy for its creatures and every man must be responsible for the impact that his life has on the life of the planet.

In every corner of the world, people cut down forests, mineral extracts and energy sources, eroding surface soil, pollute air and water, creating hazardous waste and breaking natural areas at an unprecedented pace in the history of life on earth.

Because demands arising from overpopulation and development are growing, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to meet their needs and desires and it also becomes impossible to escape the consequences of serious environmental degradation: species disappearance, desertification, pesticide contamination, increased health problems, famine, poverty and even the loss of human life. All that information along with the cause and the effect should be introduced as a strong information ready to be showed to each student.

Importance of ecological education in schools

Ecological education is a process that aims to improve the quality of life by providing people with the right “tools” they need to solve and prevent environmental problems. Environmental education can help people gain the knowledge, skills, motivations, values and commitment they need to efficiently manage their earth’s resources and take responsibility for maintaining environmental quality.

Environmental issues are urgent and need to be addressed by the whole community, and this must be an integral part of the solution. The divergent views on the state of the environment, the consequences of its degradation and the role of education are good subjects for discussion and debate.

Also, ecological education shows you how to go green and how you should not impose a certain kind of thinking on people, it can help people learn how to think – including how to solve problems, make decisions, weigh options and align values with personal actions. For those who don’t know too well this domain or want to have the highlights of this subject, you can try to reach look online writing services which can help me do my homework.

The environment is a subject and an important aspect which should be everyone concern – that’s why for those who have this theme as the main subject you should try to look essay writing or writing services online. Doing that you will get online help for your research and get all the important aspects – how this domain affects our everyday life and what should we do for creating a better world.

environmental-education

Objectives of ecological education

The objectives of environmental education around the world are similar:

  • to protect and where necessary to restore the structure and functionality of natural systems;
  • to stop the loss of biodiversity;
  • to protect soil against erosion and pollution,
  • protecting the most precious habitats;
  • implementing different plans to protect biodiversity;
  • developing a strategy to protect the marine environment;
  • extending regional and national programs that relate to forest management;

On the other hand, ecological education enhances problem awareness and understanding of personal values by “discovering” attitudes and comprehension, helping students to evaluate and clarify their feelings about the environment and how it contributes to its problems. It helps each person to understand that people have different values, and conflicts between them must be addressed to ultimately prevent and solve environmental problems.

sustainable-schools-initiative

Eco Clubs provide an opportunity to students to participate in environmental projects and activities.

Environmental education is also a practice, in the sense of learning things like planting a tree to reduce consumption, or how to live, producing a negative impact on the environment as little as possible.

Specifically, this kind of class emphasizes some important objectives of environmental education:

  • Awareness: understanding and sensitivity to the environment and its problems; develops the ability to understand and differentiate incentives, process, refine and expand these perceptions; contributes to the use of these new skills in several contexts.
  • Knowledge: basic understanding of how the environment works, how people interact with the environment and how they appear and how to deal with environmental issues.
  • Attitude: a set of values and feelings of care for the environment, motivation and devotion to participate in maintaining the quality of the environment.
  • Skills: the skills needed to identify and investigate the problems of the environment and to contribute to solving the problems of the environment.
  • Participation: Experience in using the acquired knowledge and skills for positive and well-thought-out actions that will lead to solving environmental problems.

The Health Impacts of Drinking Contaminated Water

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Drinking dirty or contaminated water causes numerous health problems, all of which one should be aware of. The contamination of water sources can start from the main water sources such as city water supplies, rivers, streams, and lakes, or well water supplies. Moreover, the main water source such as groundwater might get contaminated from toxic chemicals found underground, such as fluoride or arsenic, if the water is not filtered properly. Furthermore, contamination can occur from something as dangerous as a badly designed hazardous waste site or industrial site, exposing the water to numerous dangerous chemicals.

As previously mentioned, contaminated water has several health effects on its consumers. Here are a few effects that occur due to drinking contaminated water.

hot-water-conservation

Effects of Drinking Contaminated Water

Unfortunately, the health effects of drinking contaminated water can’t be detected or seen immediately. Additionally, components such as age, health, and physical conditions of those affected define the extent of the effects experienced. Some of the physical effects experienced due to consuming contaminated water include:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Intestinal cramps
  • Stomach pains
  • Dehydration
  • Irritation of the eyes, nose, and skin

These are the immediate effects that can be experienced in the short term. But, as previously mentioned, not all people experience effects right away.

In addition, some long-term effects can be experienced that don’t show until later on. These include, but are not limited to:

  • E. coli bacterial infections
  • Coliform bacterial infections
  • Lead poisoning
  • Arsenic poisoning
  • Radium poisoning
  • Exposure to unwanted pharmaceuticals
  • Exposure to herbicides
  • Infections caused by microbial pathogens

All of the above mentioned water contaminants can enter water supplies through different means. The chemicals can be absorbed into the ground, broken pipes can cause the entrance of unwanted pathogens into the water, and the dumping of waste into water sources can do the same. Some of these contaminants can be avoided through the use of a quality sediment filter. But, what are some other steps we can take to reduce water contamination?

clean-water-for-home

How to Control Water Contamination?

  • Do not throw any household chemicals or cleaning agents down the sink or toilet. The chemicals can directly affect water supply in the case of a leakage or pipe breakage. Instead, dispose of the chemicals in a nearby hazardous waste facility.
  • Do not flush pills, powder medications, or any other medical waste down the toilet or throw it down the drain. As aforementioned, medical wastes in water can be a serious issue. What you should do is search proper disposal methods for different types of medical waste and follow through with them.
  • Avoid usage of garbage disposals. Garbage disposals can be a main component of water pollution. Keep your solid wastes as they are. Don’t throw vegetables down the garbage disposal, but instead make a compost pile from your vegetable scraps.
  • Install water efficient apparatuses in your home. For instance, invest in a water-efficient toilet or sink in order to reduce water usage. This can actually help reduce water contamination issues. With an impressive 3:1 drain ratio, tankless RO system G3P800 can meet the needs of clean water drinking and water saving at the same time.

Summary

Water contamination can be brought about by several means; all equally dangerous. Through doing the steps mentioned above, you don’t only ensure your own safety from water contamination, but the safety of others as well. Keep yourself and others free from the effects of water contamination and spread the word!

النطاق الواسع للتحدي في إعادة تأهيل البادية

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البادية هي عبارة عن منطقة صحراوية تغطي ما مساحته 500000 كيلومتر مربع أي ما يقارب (200000 ميل مربع) من أراضي الشرق الاوسط، بما فيها سوريا والاردن والسعودية والعراق. تمثل 85% من مساحة الاردن و55% من مساحة سوريا. وجنوباً فانها تندمج مع أراضي الصحراء العربية. للأسف فإن أجزاءً كبيرة من هذه البادية تدهورت بشكل كبير وشديد بسبب سوء الاستخدام البشري والتاريخي على مدى العصور، حيث تم قطع الاشجار واستخدامها بالبناء وتصنيع الحطب وصنع الفحم والى ما ذلك.

هذا الاستخدام بالإضافة للرعي الجائر من الابل والماعز والاغنام على مدى القرون جعل الارض قاحلة في الكثير من المناطق وأدى ذلك الى تسريع وتيرة التآكل وتسريع جريان المياه وضرر فيضاني كبير، وساهم أيضاَ بتمكين الرمال والغبار لتتطاير مع الرياح، الأمر الذي جعل الأراضي ذات أسطح ملساء جافة ليس بإمكان النباتات أن تنمو بها أو عليها.

desert restoration

يعتبر الوضع في البادية الأردنية نموذجياً بالرغم من هذه التحديات والازمات، حيث أنه يوجد أملاً وفرصاً. حيث قام الاردن بإنتاج الغذاء وزيادة الوقود الحيوي المتجدد والطاقة الشمسية، وأيضاً زيادة حصاد المياه وحماية وتحسين التنوع البيولوجي، ومن النادر التحدث عن تنفيذ الإنتعاش البيئي لكن الحاجة تزداد عاماً تلو الاخر نظراً لحدوث بعض الظواهر المتطرفة الجديدة الناتجة عن تغير المناخ والتحديات المترتبة على استضافة اللاجئين.

الطعام

ينتج الاردن ما يقارب 100 ألف طن فقط من القمح سنوياً، بمعدل طن واحد لكل هكتار (0.01 كيلومتر مربع)، ولتأمين وتلبية الطلب المحلي على القمح، فإن الاردن يستورد أكثر من مليون طن سنوياً بتكلفة 250 دولار للطن خلال 2024. وبالمقابل فإن العرب الانباط كانوا يستخدمون نوعاً من القمح كان لينتج 3.5 طن/هكتار من خلال الزراعة بمياه الفيضانات. واذا تمكن الاردن من زراعة المزيد من القمح والشعير فإنه سيحافظ على الاموال ويوفرها، مما يؤدي الى تقليل مخاطر الجوع وتقليل التعرض للاحداث الخارجية التي تؤثر على سوق القمح العالمية وكذلك سيتمكن من زيادة فرص العمل وتوفير مجالاً للاستثمار في التدريب والدعم للبساتين والمزارع المنزلية.

الطاقة

يعتمد الاردن على واردات الوقود الاحفوري، حيث يذكر انه في عام 2014 غطّت الواردات اكثر من 90% من الطلب على الطاقة بكلفة 40% من الموازنة، منذ ذلك الوقت ولغاية 2024 أصبح التقدم ملحوظاً حيث أصبح انتاج الطاقة يؤمن ثلث الاحتياج من مصادر متجددة سواءً شمسية أو طاقة رياح.

وبالرغم من أن تكاليف الطاقة لاتزال مرتفعة، فإن الأسر ذات الدخل المنخفض تستطيع الاستفادة من الوقود المنتج محلياً بإعادة زراعة أشجار الزيتون والكروم والشجيرات المتعددة لإنتاج المزيد من الوقود المتجدد من خلال عمليات تقليم الاشجار. مثلاً زراعة اشجار الرتم وبعض الشجيرات التي تعطي وقوداً افضل يؤدي الى زيادة انتاج الوقود اللازم للمنازل. وكذلك فإن استخدام الافران المتنقلة ينتج فحماً عالي الجودة من أخشاب هذه الشجيرات وتقليمها. بالإضافة لذلك فإنه بالامكان توفير الطاقة من هذا الوقود من مصادر محلية لمحطات توليد الطاقة الصغيرة، كما يمكن لامدادات الطاقة من تصميم المباني بالطاقة الشمسية وتسخين المياه بالطاقة الشمسية والانظمة الكهروضوئية أن تؤمن وتوفر الطاقة اللازمة للتوازن الطبيعي لتوزيع الطاقة للأردنيين.

المــــاء

يعاني الاردن ويواجه تحديات متزايدة بسبب نقص المياه، مياه الامطار القليلة التي تهطل على الاردن تعتبر ثمينة جداً، والحصاد المكثف الذي استخدمه الانباط للماء يعتبر أمراً ضرورياً للأردنيين، وكذلك الأمر للمحاصيل وتحسين الرعي وزيادة المياه الجوفية وتحسين التربة، وتعتبر تقنيات حصاد الماء الاخرى ضرورية لإحياء النظم البيئية والأشجار والمحاصيل، مما يقلل مخاطر الفيضانات المفاجئة.

يعتبر تعديل سطح التربة باستخدام الحفر من أهم الخيارات لتحسين تسرب المياه لداخل التربة والاحتفاظ بها، ويقلل التبخر ويزيد من تخزين سطحها وكذلك زيادة الوقت لحدوث تسربات. ويمكن لعملية الحفر أن تضاعف معدل الامتصاص، حيث أن الحفر يقلل من جريان المياه وتآكل التربة، وكذك يساهم الحفر في المناطق العليا من تجمعات الماء الى احتجاز الجريان على المنحدرات مما يسهم في زيادة المحاصيل وايضاً بامكانه التقليل من الفيضانات المفاجئة وتآكل الاخاديد والجداول المائية.

بالإمكان أن نقلل الطلب على المياه لزراعة المحاصيل المنزلية باستخدام الاوعية الفخارية المدفونة في التربة، حيث أثبتت دراسة اجريت في كينيا على ان استخدام الاواني الفخارية المدفونة استهلكت 3% من كمية المياه المستخدمة بطريقة الزراعة بالاثلام وكان محصول الطماطم من الفاكهة اكبر ب 43% من حجمها المزروع بالاثلام. وكذلك يمكن اعادة استخدام مياه غسل الاطباق ومياه الاستحمام في ري محاصيل الاشجار والكروم أو الشجيرات.

التنوع  الحيوي (البيولوجي)

إن قيام الاردن بتوجيه اهدافه لحماية التنوع الحيوي يعتبر من الامور المشجعه، حيث يلتزم الاردن بدراسة هذا التنوع للحفاظ على الموارد الطبيعية واستدامة الاستخدام لهذه الموارد. سوف تظهر نتيجة تطبيق هذه المبادئ والالتزامات على نطاق واسع في تحسين النظم البيئية وانعاشها.

water management in petra

ممكن لجميع الاستراتيجيات التي تم استخدامها وتطويرها أيام الانباط في البتراء القديمه، يمكنها ان تكون مفيدة جداً في إحياء التنوع البيولوجي في الاراضي القاحلة للبادية الأردنية ومناطق الشرق الأوسط. إن تشكيل سطح التربة لحصاد المياه وإقامة سياج لإدارة الرعي أظهر أن بعض المناطق بإمكانها أن تتعافى لان هنالك بذوراً للتعافي. مثلاُ إذا أحيينا نظام الحما فإن هذا سيعزز انتعاش النظم البيئية من خلال ادارة الرعي بطريقة أفضل.

المشاركة المجتمعية

إن التواصل مع المزارعين (رجالاً ونساء) والعمل معهم عن قرب بشكل وثيق يمكنه أن يحدث فرقاً شاسعاً باعتماد اساليب اكثر انتاجية، فعلى سبيل المثال في بوركينا فاسو أدى التدريب العملي مع المزارعين والذي شمل النساءً إلى تبني واعتماد الزراعة الحفرية في 86% من المزارع.

قامت إيكاردا (ICARDA) بالتعاون مع المركز الوطني للبحوث الزراعية (NARC) بتطوير نهج مجتمعي لإعادة تأهيل تجمعات المياه وهذا النهج يعمل بشكل فعال على إعادة تأهيل المراعي المتدهورة في مناطق تجمعات المياه المرتفعه من خلال ألية بسيطة للحصاد وزراعة اشتال الاشجار المحلية، مما يعزز أيضاَ إنتاج القمح والشعير في هذه التجمعات.

desert restoration

إن الادارة المشتركة للموارد تضمن تمكين المجتمع لاستدامة طويلة الامد للعمل بنهج متكامل لتجمعات المياه، قامت السلطات باجراء أبحاث متعددة في قرية المجيدية في البادية الوسطى في الاردن لزيادة الوعي والفهم للكيفيات والاليات الاجتماعية والبيئية بما يشمل التأثير طويل المدى لاعادة التأهيل للجريان السطحي وتآكل التربة في هذه المناطق.

العائد الاقتصادي على الاستثمار

إن الاستثمار في الإحياء والإنعاش له فوائد متعددة، حيث انه بالامكان الاحتفاظ بالتمويل الخارجي للبلدان لتوفير الغذاء والطاقة وأيضا سيتم الحفاظ على الماء والتربة، وكذلك احياء المناطق المتدهورة في البادية سيؤدي الى خفض الجريان السطحي من 23.5 الى 19.1 ملم/السنة بالمعدل ويقلل مستوى تآكل التربة من 3.3 الى 3.1 طن/هكتار. ومع الوقت هذا الاحياء سيعيد مياه الاراضي الرعوية والرواسب لمعدلها الاساسي البالغ 16.9 ملم/السنة من معدلات الجريان السطحي و 0.85 طن/هكتار/السنة من فاقد التربة. وباستخدام تقنيات الحفر الكنتوري فان التشجير واعادة الغطاء النباتي والمصاطب من شأنه أن يزيد المياه ويقلل من تآكل التربة.

تبلغ القيمة الحالية والكلفة التقديرية لمشروع البادية والذي مساحته 109.000 هكتار ما يقارب ال 10.1 مليون دينار أردني، وفوائد هذا المشروع كانت تتمركز حول المجتمع الرعوي، لكن كان هنالك فوائد اجتماعية وبيئية واقتصادية للاردن والعالم كذلك، حيث تم احتساب الفوائد الحالية على مدى خمس وعشروت عاما بمبلغ 25 مليون دينار اردني للرعاة و 138 مليون للمجتمع الاردني بالاضافة الى 152 مليون للمجتمع العالمي بخصم مقداره 7%. وتشتمل فوائد التشجير وإعادة وإحياء الغطاء النباتي ايضاً على الحفاظ على 307.500 متر مكعب من الترسبات في سد الملك طلال على نطاق واسع. ومن شأن إحياء الغطاء النباتي أن يقلل من مخاطر الفيضانات المفاجئة وضررها المباشر في البنية التحتية وخصوصاَ في المواقع السياحية مثل البتراء.

التنفيــذ

أوضحت لنا التجارب حول العالم أن حفر التربة هو أكثر العلاجات فعالية للاراضي المتدهورة من ناحية التكلفة. حيث تستقطب هذه الحفر المياه وتؤمن منابت آمنة للبذور بالإضافة الى حماية الأشتال. ولذا، ينبغي حفر التربة بطريقة تمكننا من زراعة العنب والزيتون والحبوب ومحاصيل أخرى متعددة في مناطق البادية.

زاي

إن من أنجح التقنيات المستخدمة لإعادة تأهيل الاراضي المتدهورة هي الحفر التقليدي المُحسّن (زاي). تم تطوير هذه التقنية في بداية الثمانينات على يد ياكوبا سوادغو، وهو مزارع من منطقة ياتينغا في بوركينا فاسو، قام سوادغو بزيادة قُطر وعمق الحفر المتعارف عليها ووضع السماد فيها خلال مواسم الجفاف. من خلال تركيز المياه وخصوبة التربة في نفس الحفرة فإنه نتج عن ذلك بأن نباتي الدُخن والذرة الرفيعة نميا جيداً ونجيا من فترة الجفاف. يبلغ عمق الحفر ما يقارب 20-30 سم وهذه الحفر تكون ممتلئة بالمواد العضوية، وهذا الامر يجذب النمل الابيض الذي بدوره يقوم بحفر قنوات مما يؤدي إلى تحسين التربة حيث يتسلل الماء أكثر ويبقى محتجزاً داخل التربة. ومن خلال استهلاك المواد العضوية فإن النمل الابيض يسهل ويتيح للعناصر الغذائية الوصول للنباتات بسهولة أكبر.

zai

إن التحضير لعملية الزاي يحتاج 50 يوم عمل لانسان لهكتار واحد في بوركينا فاسو. إذا تم إستئجار العمالة مقابل 3 يورو/اليوم فإن الكلفة ستكون 150 يورو/هكتار. تم إحياء عشرات الالاف من الهكتارات في مناطق الساحل من الاراضي المتدهورة وإعادتها الى الانتاج باستخدام طريقة حفر الزاي، وبالغالب يتم ذلك باستخدام تقنيات متطورة أخرى من التلال الكنتورية والخطوط الحجرية. قام أوسيني زوروم – المدير الأقليمي لوزارة الإسكان والتخطيط العمراني – بإنشاء مدرسة الزاي. حيث انتشر استخدام الزاي في بوركينا فاسو.ولقد زاد انتاج محصول الذرة الرفيعه من 125 كغم/هكتار بدون الزاي إلى 500 كجم/ هكتار مع الزاي. إنتشر استخدام الزاي بسرعة لانه يُسهّل الحصاد حتى في السنوات قليلة الامطار فإن محصول الدُخّن قد إزداد (300-400 كجم/هكتار) والى ما يقارب (1500-2000 كجم/هكتار) في السنوات الجيدة. وايضاً ارتفع منسوب المياه الجوفيه في الحفر الى 5 أمتار.

تستخدم طريقة الزاي ايضاَ لإحياء البيئة وزراعة الاشجار، حيث أنه بفضل الزاي زاد عدد الاشجار في المزارع عمّا كان عليه قبل 15-20 عاماً، في مقاطعة ياتنجا يذكر احد المزارعين انه كان يمتلك تسعة أشجار فقط في مزارعه عام 1983، وفي عام 1999 اصبحت 2000 شجرة، لطريقة الزاي فعالية عظيمة في اعادة تأهيل الاراضي والغطاء النباتي حيث لا يحتاج الامر اكثر من مجرفة وعامل مُدرب، يجدر بالذكر أن كلفة العمالة ليست بقليلة إنما لها دور كبير في توفير المرابح الكبيرة.

يعتبر الحفر سهلاَ نسبياَ باستخدام العمل اليدوي، وهو الأقل ظهوراً او شهرة في مشروع الاحياء واعادة التأهيل لأن النمط المستخدم يتنوع بسهولة وايضاَ يُمكّن من تجنب التقنيات الميكانيكة في انماط الرقعة الزراعية المُحسّنة. من المفضل أن تتم عملية الحفر اليدوي بطريقة مجتمعية مشتركة حيث يكون التطور ملحوظاً، حيث يمكن للاشخاص أن يحفروا مساحة كبيرة في يوم واحد، وهذا يحتاج التدريب والادوات الجيدة للحفر اليدوي الذي من شأنه أن يوفر عوائد كبيرة. ممكن للمزارعين وعائلاتهم الاستفادة من الادوات اليدوية ، مثلاُ لا حصرا: أدوات McLeod (80 دولاراً أمريكياً)، الادوات والمجارف ذات التحمل العالي (100 دولار)، ومن اجود عبوات الري الفرنسية (50 دولاراً) وكل هذا من شأنه تحسين الانتاجية، وبالامكان ايضاً شراء الادوات اليدوية الحديدة من الحدادين المحليين.

desert restoration

لقد أدّى الزاي إلى تحسين الأمن الغذائي العائلي بشكل كبير وبذات الوقت أدى إلى تحسين البيئة، وقد إنتشر هذا الاسلوب عبر البلدان والثقافات المختلفة. ولربما يكون لاستخدام الوسائل الاخرى في الري وحصاد المياه نتائج جيدة وأهمية كبيرة كذلك.

جرّار الحراثة

هنالك خيارات متعددة لجرار الحراثة المستخدمه حالياً، فمثلاُ يستخدم محراث كيمسد الاسترالي منذ عدة عقود، حيث يمكن جرّه بشاحنة، جيب أو حتى جمل. هذا المحراث يحتوي على موزع للبذو. ويمكن ايضاً استخدام محاريث مشابهة محلية الصنع، يمكن للمحراث ذو القرصين أن يحفر 8 كم بمسافة بينية 1 متر على التوالي وهذا يعني 6.4 هكتاراً باليوم لمدة 300 يوم على مدار السنة وهذا يعني ما يقارب ال 2000 هكتار.

إذا قمنا باستخدام اسطول من الشاحنات رباعية الدفع فإنه بإمكاننا حفر العديد من الهكتارات كل عام. صيانة هذه المحاريث بسيطة جداً وبالامكان صيانتها بأي متجر. أما بالنسبة للبذور فيجب انتقائها وتحديد مصدرها، وإن كانت غير كافية فنزرعها للحصول على المزيد منها، وستكون لدينا سلسلة من المشاتل المحلية القادرة على انتاج الاشتال اللازمة.

نظام فاليراني

يُعد نظام فاليراني لحفر التربة ذو فعالية عالية ولكنه أكثر تكلفة،. يمكن لهذا النظام أن يعالج 20 هكتاراً كل يوم ويمكنه أيضاً حفر 5.720 حوضاً صغيراً. تحتاج الجرارات الكبيرة من فاليراني ومحاريث ديلفي الى صيانه فنية دائمة ومعقدة نوعاُ ما. وممكن لكل جرار ان يكلف ما بين 100-150 ألف دولارا امريكياً وفي بعض الحالات ممكن ان يكلف محراث ديلفي المصنع من قبل ناردي حوالي 40 ألف دولار، وبهذا فإن تكلفة المعالجة والحراثة ممكن أن تصل 100 دولار لكل هكتار بالاضافة الى كلفة الاشتال.

vallerani system for desert restoration

أهداف كبيرة

إن التحدي الاكبر الذي تواجهه البادية حالياً هو معالجة واحياء عشرات الالاف من الهكتارات سنوياً، ولجعل هذا ممكناً فإن هنالك حاجة كبيرة لتجميع وحصاد الماء بجميع الانظمة، من نظام الزاي الى نظام فاليراني. ولذا يجب أن نستثمر في التدريب على هذا التقنيات في المدارس والمجتمعات المحلية في جميع مناطق البادية لتحقيق الفائدة المرجوة، حيث ممكن تزويد كل قرية بالادوات اليدوية الصغيرة لعمل الحفر والخنادق، وممكن استخدام نظام فاليراني للمناطق البعيدة عن القرى وايضاُ استخدام الجرارات المسحوبة بشاحنات الدفع الرباعي. حيث يمكن استخدام المحراث المسحوب بواسطة جرار بقوة 150 حصات في المناطق ذات التربة والمنحدرات المناسبة. فعندما نقوم بمعالجة 10 – 20 % من حواف المنحدرات فإن هذا يعتبر كافياً لتحسين التاهيل للتربة وتحفيزها حتى تتعافى.

يمكن أن يصل هدف إنعاش وإحياء الغطاء النباتي الى 200000 هكتاراً سنوياً مع المجموعة الكاملة من تقنيات حفر التربة المستخدمة. ستقوم ستة فرق باستخدام نظام فاليراني وستقوم بتأمين السائقين والوقود والمعدات للمجتمعات، بالإضافة الى ثمانية عشر حفاراً من طراز فاليراني وهذه مزودة بثلاث اقراص للحرث لمعالجة 360 هكتاراً من أراضي البادية يومياً، أو 130000 هكتاراً سنوياً. حيث يمكن للمحراث المسحوب بجرار أو شاحنة أن يعالج 57000 هكتار وأيضاُ سيكون للحفر اليدوي بنظام الزاي حصة في معالجة 20000 هكتاراً.

سوف يستفيد هذا المشروع من ستة مشاتل اقليمية لجمع وتخزين ومعالجة وحتى زراعة الاشتال، وتشتمل هذه الاشتال على النباتات المخصصة للزراعة في المناطق التي تحتاج المعالجة مثل: البلوط وأشجار الفستق والعرعر وغيرها من الاشجار والشجيرات المحلية كالعنب والزيتون وكذلك الرتم. وبالامكان ايضاً أن يبدأ بتحضير الحدائق المنزلية وتوزيعها عليها مع التعليمات اللازمة بالري والانظمة الاكثر كفاءة للزراعة، ومن المطلوب أن يكون هنالك تدريباً على انشاء أماكن لتجميع مياه الامطار، وبناء الصهاريج وتركيب الخلايا الكهروضوئية بالاضافة الى معالجة مياه الامطار وتحسينها لتصبح صالحه للشرب. إن التكلفة الاجمالية لمشروع بهذا الحجم بما في ذلك اليد العاملة ستصل تقريباً 20 مليون دولاراً سنوياً لمدة عشرين عاماً. وسيتم  تعويض هذه المبالغ بفوائد وتحقيق عوائد في واردات القمح، والطاقة وانخفاض اضرار الفيضانات وزيادة الايرادات السياحية.

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.

Ten Tips for Green Living

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Green living is an attempt to reduce an individual’s or society’s use of the Earth’s natural resources by altering methods of transportation, energy consumption, water usage etc. Green living aims to meet present ecological, societal, and economical needs without compromising these factors for coming generations.

Also Read: How to Start Off-the-Grid Living

Reduction in the size of ecological or carbon footprint is the natural outcome of sustainable living. Practices like resource conservation, waste reduction, and even making time to try grounding, which reconnects individuals with nature, can help address the major environmental challenges facing mankind, including water pollution, soil contamination, air pollution, and wildlife protection.

tips for green living

When it comes to sustainability, every individual has a role to play. Any individual can adopt a green lifestyle. Here are few green living tips that may help in creating a healthy environment for you and your family, as well as for the Earth:

upcycling

  1. Follow the hierarchy of 3Rs – Reduce consumption, Reuse what you buy and Recycle the rest
  2. Practice upcycling – Convert waste materials into new materials or products of higher quality or value than the original, e.g. transforming a plastic bag into a bin liner or a plastic bottle into a seed propagator or a coconut shell into eating bowl.
  3. Compost organics – Making compost for your garden is an easy way to add nutrients to your soil while also reducing your household waste.
  4. Reuse water – Water is an invaluable but finite resource. Use sink water to flush toilets, use greywater for irrigating garden and harvest rainwater.
  5. Conserve energy – Energy is the driving force of development. Conserve it by turning-off computers at night, making a switch from incandescent to CFLs or LEDs and avoid putting appliances on standby.
  6. Rethink bottled water – Plastic water bottles take thousands of years to decompose. Buy a reusable container and fill it with purified water.
  7. Recycle old cellphones –Tens of millions of cellphones are retired each year introducing toxic substances into the environment if they go into landfills. There are plenty of reputable programs where you can recycle your phone, many which benefit noble causes.
  8. Recycle aluminium and glass – Twenty recycled aluminium cans can be made with the energy it takes to manufacture one brand new one. Likewise, every ton of glass recycled saves the equivalent of nine gallons of fuel oil needed to make glass from virgin materials.
  9. Avoid plastic bags – Around 1 trillion such bags are consumed worldwide every year which cause big interference in natural ecosystems. Some of the alternatives are cloth-based bags, such as jute and cotton, which are biodegradable as well as reusable.
  10. Plant an idea – Sustainable living is not an improbable task. Simple things, like planting a tree, can make a meaningful difference.

Also Read: Innovative Eco-friendly Meal Solutions Inspired by Global Cuisines

4 Things Every Muslim Should Do For The Planet

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When it comes to our responsibilities as Muslims in protecting the planet, there are no blurred lines. As citizens of this planet, it is our obligation to do our part, both as individuals and as a community. This means, that we look environmental sustainability in the eye – that we begin to introspect our lifestyles, and make choices that are compatible with the well being of our home and the teachings of our faith.

If you’re new to this conversation, then here’s my invitation for you: continue reading. Here are some of my top tips to help every Muslim embark on a green and eco-friendly journey.

green-muslims

1. Practice your faith

Islam teaches us to live with compassion and grace, and this includes our treatment of the planet. As Salman Zafar, Founder of EcoMENA, says: “The Holy Qur’an has a number of specific references to ecology and also contains some important principles for environmental conservation.”

Click here to learn more about the environmental teachings of Islam. Treading softly and with the planet in mind is undoubtedly part of our faith.

2. Learn the facts

We’ve all heard the terms “Climate Change” and “Global Warming.” But how many of us actually know the science behind it. When it comes to living more sustainably, we need to learn the facts. Think about it, we live in a world where the president of the most powerful country denies Climate Change.

If we want to do our part in protecting the planet, we need to know the details. One of my favourite reads has to be This Changes Everything by Naomi Klein. There are loads of resources out there. Seek them.

3. Action time

Once we become more aware of environmental issues, we are able to make better choices in our own lives. The more we know, the more we can implement positive habits into our day to day. When we talk about sustainability, we have to recognize that the choices we make matter.

We also have to believe in our own power – as individuals and as a community – for creating change. Often, government leaders, businesses and organizations make us feel helpless. In reality, what we pay for, is one of the most effective ways of voting for the world we want.

Let’s break it down now: what do we mean when we say our daily actions matter? Anything from what you wear, to what you eat, how you get from one place to another matters. When we talk about sustainability, we have to think about the amount of waste and trash we produce. There are so many ways for you to get involved, but don’t get overwhelmed.

4. Spread the word

And finally: spread the word. Who said you can’t be an eco-warrior? Climate Change is the most urgent issue we face as a global community. The finite nature of it means that the clock is ticking. We need all hands on deck.

Lead by example, and show those around you how you can live a beautifully sustainable life – one that is aligned with the teachings of our faith, the well being of our planet and our own health and wellness. It’s a win-win if you ask me.

From Vision to Reality: Jordan’s EV Surge and the Road to Sustainability

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Jordan is in the midst of an electric vehicle revolution, reflecting a global shift that’s particularly pronounced since 2020. This surge isn’t just about numbers; it’s about a profound change in how Jordanians view mobility. China’s ambitious goal to have 100 million electric vehicles on its roads by 2030 has fueled a local manufacturing boom and global sales boom, making EVs more accessible and affordable. In Jordan, this global trend has translated into exponential growth, with EVs making up 66.5% of all car sales by Q1 2024. This places Jordan second only to Norway, underscoring the nation’s rapid embrace of electric mobility.

electric cars market in jordan

Charging Stations

As more Jordanians make the switch to electric vehicles, the infrastructure is quickly catching up. Public charging stations have mushroomed across the country, evolving to meet the needs of this burgeoning market. Today, many of these stations are dedicated exclusively to EVs, operating around the clock to keep up with demand.

With an average capacity of 160 kW, these stations ensure that EV drivers can charge up in just 15-20 minutes, a testament to Jordan’s commitment to supporting its electric transition.

Economic Benefits

For Jordanian drivers, especially those covering significant distances, the switch to electric vehicles isn’t just a nod to sustainability—it’s a smart financial move.

Imagine driving 20,000 kilometers a year: if you’re behind the wheel of an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, you’d be spending around $2,600 USD on gasoline. But with an EV, your annual electricity cost drops to just $700 USD (battery size is 50KWh and can drive 400KM/charge and ICE driving 10km/liter) and using the average cost of gasoline octane 90 in Jordan $1.3 USD/Liter and cost of EV Charging at $0.28USD/KWh. That’s a savings of $1,900 USD, or 73%, every year. For many, especially ride-hailing drivers who clock up the miles, these savings are nothing short of transformative.

distance travelled by EVs

Environmental Benefits

The impact of Jordan’s shift to electric vehicles is more than just economic—it’s environmental. In a recent TV interview, the Vice Chairman of the Free Zones Investors Authority revealed that over 120,000 EVs are now navigating Jordan’s roads. This shift has a measurable impact: with EVs consuming around 350 GWh of electricity annually, Jordan is significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

Compared to the 652,000 metric tons of CO2 that would have been emitted by traditional gasoline vehicles, the EVs contribute just 162,000 metric tons. That’s a reduction of 490,000 metric tons of CO2 each year—a powerful testament to the environmental benefits of this electric revolution. Reducing the emissions will reduce the pollution, improve the air quality, improve health and reduce sick days, and have an indirect positive impact on the economy.

Policy and Economic Incentives

The surge in electric vehicle sales in Jordan is no accident; it’s the result of smart policies and forward-thinking incentives. Beyond the allure of free customs tax for the first five years and the current reduced rates, a game-changing factor has recently emerged: the introduction of the Time of Use (TOU) electricity tariff. Since its launch on July 1st, 2024, this innovative scheme has made charging an EV at home more affordable during off-peak hours, costing just 108 fils/kWh between 5 a.m. and 2 p.m., compared to 160 fils/kWh during peak evening hours. Residential consumers can also install an electric meter for EV charging and benefit from the TOU tariff because the on peak tariff (17:00 – 23:00) is reduce from $0.226 USD/KWH to $0.166 USD/KWh during off peak (05:00- 14:00), a 26.5% decrease.

This pricing strategy isn’t just about saving money—it’s about reshaping the way energy is used in Jordan. By aligning electricity consumption with the sun’s energy production, TOU tariffs are helping to seamlessly integrate renewable sources like solar power into our daily lives, making the dream of a sustainable future not just possible, but practical.

Regulatory Developments

Beyond economic incentives, Jordan’s regulatory landscape has been pivotal in shaping the future of electric vehicles. On August 12th, 2024, the government took a decisive step by issuing new regulations for accrediting inspection centers for used EVs. These regulations define any EV with more than 7,000 kilometers on its odometer as “used” and set rigorous standards for their inspection. Earlier this year, procedures for assessing the conformity of EVs were also published in the Official Gazette, ensuring that every electric vehicle on Jordan’s roads meets the highest safety and performance benchmarks.

However, this push for excellence comes with challenges. The EV market in Jordan will need several months to upgrade its skills and services to comply with these new standards. Currently, over 25 centers offer EV inspection services, but only one is fully equipped to meet the new requirements. This period of transition is crucial as the industry races to adapt, ensuring that Jordan’s roads are not just filled with electric vehicles but with vehicles that are safe, reliable, and ready to drive the nation into a sustainable future.

Fleet Enhancements

The electric vehicle revolution in Jordan is not just a story of individual drivers making greener choices—it’s a movement that’s reshaping the entire transportation landscape and positioning Jordan as a global leader in EV adoption. As of August 2024, Jordan has proudly put over 120,000 electric vehicles on its roads, a milestone announced by the Vice Chairman of the Free Zones Investors Authority.

electric vehicles in jordan

But the shift doesn’t stop there. Jordan Post has taken a bold step by upgrading its fleet with 15 new electric vehicles, signaling a strong commitment to sustainability. The transformation extends to public transit as well, with the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system preparing to roll out 15 e-buses before the year’s end. These initiatives are more than just numbers; they’re a powerful testament to Jordan’s resolve to lead the way in electric mobility, ensuring that both public and commercial transportation are driving toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.

Bottom Line

Jordan’s electric vehicle surge is more than a trend; it’s a movement toward a sustainable future that benefits everyone—from the individual driver to the planet itself.

5 Benefits of Remote Monitoring Systems

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Remote monitoring systems are fueling the proliferation of industrial revolution 4.0, partly thanks to the advancement in the Internet of Things (IoT) and data logger technologies. These systems allow organizations to have a clear, continuous, and holistic view of their processes, personnel, and equipment, as well as monitor environmental conditions that may impact their products and occupational safety.

In today’s highly competitive and regulated business environment, organizations must efficiently and consistently monitor conditions, assets and proactively detect problems. The ability to know when conditions are about to go out of range or to have early warning of a potential equipment breakdown can have substantial positive financial, reputational, and organizational implications.

Keep reading to learn more about remote monitoring and its five most significant benefits.

benefits of remote monitoring

What is Remote Monitoring?

Remote monitoring entails the use of advanced, web-connected devices placed inside target environments or equipment. In this way, the devices continuously measure, record, and transmit collected data to a centralized location, most often a server database or cloud storage service.

The beauty of remote monitoring is that it provides the ability to track, visualize, and control facilities, assets, and environmental conditions without requiring personnel to be physically on-site. That’s all thanks to various technologies that work in tandem to monitor data from a distance. These include data loggers, transmitters, wireless networks, cloud storage, data processing, and analytics.

Remote monitoring systems offer organizations heightened visibility into environmental data, asset performance, and equipment health. As a result, they can reduce operating costs, predict equipment issues, and minimize the consumption of resources.

Even better, monitoring systems can work almost autonomously with little to no input from personnel once they are up and running. They can also act as alert systems, warning personnel of impending device failure or when conditions are about to go out of the recommended range.

Which Industries Can Implement Remote Monitoring?

Previously, remote monitoring was a preserve of the manufacturing industry that used Supervisory, Control, and Data Acquisitions (SCADA) systems. In this case, it was more justifiably called remote machine monitoring: a series of sensors was installed in machines to log and report on equipment health.

More recently, however, the application of remote monitoring has extended to a variety of other industries, including:

  • Commercial building management
  • Material refining and fabrication
  • Healthcare, medical devices, and pharmaceutical
  • Food and beverage production and distribution
  • Cold chain logistics
  • Oil and gas operations
  • Aerospace
  • Wastewater management
  • Agriculture

As Dickson notes, cloud-based and IoT-based remote monitoring systems can play a crucial role in industries where timeliness and accuracy are critical. And they do offer many  benefits over monitoring systems that lack remote capabilities.

What are the Benefits of Remote Monitoring Systems?

1. Helps improve asset protection

Remote monitoring systems can be hugely advantageous for safeguarding critical assets, such as facilities like clean rooms, fragile equipment like medical devices, and environmentally sensitive products like vaccines and drugs.

With remote monitoring capability, these systems make it easy to reliably and consistently monitor environmental conditions and the health of equipment. That’s not always possible with on-site monitoring systems that are greatly limited by personnel ability and size. Remote monitoring is particularly useful night shifts where fielding an entire staff can prove to be challenging.

The benefits of this scalable and centralized remote visibility become more and more apparent as critical variables expand and become more complex. Because they will require more attention and scrutiny, remote monitoring enables companies to more efficiently assess conditions and track them with  a high level of efficiency needed to ensure regulatory compliance.

For instance, recently approved Covid-19 inoculations like the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine must be kept at ultra-low temperature during both storage and transportation. These conditions are essential to ensuring vaccine safety and efficacy. If the temperatures go out of range, the vaccines may deteriorate and lead to asset loss (for example, vaccine spoilage and wastage, accounting for up to 50% of global shipment).

Organizations can tap the power of cloud-based or IoT-based remote monitoring systems to efficiently identify and correct any conditions that may compromise assets, such as batches of shipped vaccines. Let’s not forget: lapses in temperature and other conditions can have considerable logistical and financial  consequences.

2. Helps lower operating costs

Cloud-based remote monitoring solutions provide organizations with intelligent insights that they can leverage to optimize asset productivity and lower operational costs. For example, the ability to monitor and control facilities and conditions remotely means that organizations require fewer on-premise personnel, which to reduced costs of operations and an improved bottom line.

tools-for-industrial-business

3. Facilitates regulatory and audit compliances

Various regulatory, accreditation, and certification bodies call for consistent monitoring of environmental conditions and equipment. Continuous remote monitoring and cloud-based logs can help an organization easily meet regulatory requirements and pass audits.

More importantly, the availability of ongoing and verifiable data minimizes the chances of failing audits and non-compliance. After all, your organization will have a constant stream of documented monitoring data that will show consistency in conditions and serve as evidence that you addressed issues like temperature excursions.

4. Ensures product quality

This benefit is more amplified in highly regulated sectors like manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and medical devices. Companies need to ensure that products are uncontaminated and remain efficacious throughout the manufacturing and transportation process.

A good example is medications. Remote monitoring helps pharma companies stay on top of every bit of their drug supply chain, from the manufacturing point to the physician’s office where they are prescribed or administered. These systems allow pharma firms to easily and quickly detect temperature deviations that can degrade the efficacy of their vaccines.

5. Provides long-term return on investment (ROI)

Upgrading to a remote monitoring solution can save organizations money in the long term. These solutions usually diminish the possibility of human error and offer real-time alerts, thus preventing costly loss of assets and freeing up staff to take care of other critical tasks. The automation and long-term savings provided by remote monitoring solutions can help organizations gain increased ROI.

CSP-Powered Desalination: Prospects in MENA

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Conventional large-scale desalination is cost-prohibitive and energy-intensive, and not viable for poor countries in the MENA region due to increasing costs of fossil fuels. In addition, the environmental impacts of desalination are considered critical on account of GHG emissions from energy consumption and discharge of brine into the sea. The negative effects of desalination can be minimized, to some extent, by using renewable energy to power the plants.

What is Concentrated Solar Power

The core element of Concentrated Solar Power Plant is a field of large mirrors reflecting captured rays of sun to a small receiver element, thus concentrating the solar radiation intensity by several 100 times and generating very high temperature (more than 1000 °C). This resultant heat can be either used directly in a thermal power cycle based on steam turbines, gas turbines or Stirling engines, or stored in molten salt, concrete or phase-change material to be delivered later to the power cycle for night-time operation.

CSP plants also have the capability alternative hybrid operation with fossil fuels, allowing them to provide firm power capacity on demand. The capacity of CSP plants can range from 5 MW to several hundred MW.

Three types of solar collectors are utilized for large-scale CSP power generation – Parabolic Trough, Fresnel and Central Receiver Systems. Parabolic trough systems use parabolic mirrors to concentrate solar radiation on linear receivers which moves with the parabolic mirror to track the sun from east to west.

In a Fresnel system, the parabolic shape of the trough is split into several smaller, relatively flat mirror segments which are connected at different angles to a rod-bar that moves them simultaneously to track the sun. Central Receiver Systems consists of two-axis tracking mirrors, or heliostats, which reflect direct solar radiation onto a receiver located at the top of a tower.

Schematic of a typical Parabolic Trough-based CSP Plant

Theoretically, all CSP systems can be used to generate electricity and heat.  All are suited to be combined with membrane and thermal desalination systems. However, the only commercially available CSP plants today are linear concentrating parabolic trough systems because of lower cost, simple construction, and high efficiency

CSP-Powered Desalination in MENA

A recent study by International Energy Agency found that the six biggest users of desalination in MENA––Algeria, Kuwait, Libya, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates––use approximately 10 percent of the primary energy for desalination. Infact, desalination accounted for more than 4 percent of the total electricity generated in the MENA region in 2010. With growing desalination demand, the major impact will be on those countries that currently use only a small proportion of their energy for desalination, such as Jordan and Algeria.

The MENA region has tremendous wind and solar energy potential which can be effectively utilized in desalination processes. Concentrating solar power (CSP) offers an attractive option to power industrial-scale desalination plants that require both high temperature fluids and electricity.

CSP can provide stable energy supply for continuous operation of desalination plants based on thermal or membrane processes. Infact, several countries in the region, such as Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco are already developing large CSP solar power projects.

Concentrated solar power offers an attractive option to run industrial-scale desalination plants that require both high temperature fluids and electricity.  Such plants can provide stable energy supply for continuous operation of desalination plants based on thermal or membrane processes.

The MENA region has tremendous solar energy potential that can facilitate generation of energy required to offset the alarming freshwater deficit. The virtually unlimited solar irradiance in the region will ensure large-scale deployment of eco-friendly desalination systems, thereby saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

CSP plants can provide stable energy supply for continuous operation of desalination plants

Several countries in the MENA region – Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia – have joined together to expedite the deployment of concentrated solar power (CSP) and exploit the region’s vast solar energy resources.

One of those projects is a series of massive solar farms spanning the Middle East and North Africa. Two projects under this Desertec umbrella are Morocco’s Ouarzazate Concentrated Solar Power plant, which was approved in late 2011, and Tunisia’s TuNur Concentrated Solar Power Plant, which was approved in January 2012. The Moroccan plant will have a 500-MW capacity, while the Tunisia plant will have a 2 GW capacity. Jordan is also making rapid strides with several mega CSP projects under development in Maa’n Development Area.

Conclusion

Solar-powered desalination offers an attractive opportunity for MENA countries to ensure affordable, sustainable and secure freshwater supply. The growing water deficit in the MENA region is fuelling regional conflicts, political instability and environmental degradation. It is expected that the energy demand for seawater desalination for urban centres and mega-cities will be met by ensuring mass deployment of CSP-powered systems across the region.

Considering the severe consequence of looming water crisis in the MENA region it is responsibility of all regional governments to devise a forward-looking regional water policy to facilitate rapid deployment and expansion of CSP and other clean energy resources for seawater desalination.