What Football Clubs Can Do To Be More Eco-Friendly

By | | , ,
Leave a comment

It’s common knowledge in the modern-day that our environment is in serious trouble. Everyone in every corner of the globe needs to make a conscious effort to live a greener and more eco-friendly life. You may be thinking since it’s such common knowledge, why doesn’t everyone do it? You think it would be that simple, but unfortunately, it is not.

But what can football clubs do? After all, they are a major part of a lot of communities. They host dozens of people on a weekly basis and can be one of the stand out parts of a community. The most popular sport in the world has influences on millions of lives every day. It’s such an important thing to people, which is why we see so many football movies in the modern-day.

A football club becoming more eco-friendly is a massively beneficial thing. By investing in playground funding, clubs can provide a safe, green environment for kids to enjoy, while also making a positive impact on the environment. Not only will the effects of what they are doing have massive advantages, but it will also prove to be influential for members of the club and younger players. But what can football clubs do to be more eco-friendly? Here is our easy guide to an eco-friendly football club:

how to make football club eco friendly

1. Use Renewable Energy

First off, football clubs should look into using renewable energy. They tend to require a lot of energy to function efficiently. Floodlights and dressing room requirements alone are enough to be extremely demanding of energy. Although clubs could probably cut down on their energy usage in some places, it is probably more beneficial to change the source.

The likes of solar panels, wind energy or battery storage are all more eco-friendly ways to power a football club. This renewable energy is far more beneficial to the environment. Not to mention it could save the club some money also. They will be able to sell the surplus of energy that their power source generates. This will allow them to reduce the overall cost of powering the club.

solar-lights-parking-lot

2. Cut Down on Waste

Waste is a massive problem when it comes to maintaining the health of our environment. There are methods football clubs can use to cut down on waste and help reduce this negative element.

The club can look to have more recycling facilities as well as encouraging club members to be more aware when throwing away items. Just by making club players more aware of their waste could make a huge difference.

plastic bottle recycling

Plastic bottles accumulates on land but culminates its journey in water bodies.

3. Electric Car Facilities

A football club that can help encourage its players to go green is truly on way to become a carbon-neutral football club. What better way to do so than to encourage the use of electric cars? It will set a great example for people around the club and area to have the likes of electric car charging ports on hand in the football club. It will also be great for spectators if there are electric car facilities available to them on match days.

electric car

4. Shop Local

Football clubs should try to source their produce locally. Taking away massive shipping distances is a great way to reduce your club’s carbon footprint and make it a truly eco football club. Try to buy your food and drink supplies locally. This means the products have less distance to travel. It may also lead to clubs having better quality produce.

3 Important Environmental Metrics For Your Company

By | | , ,
Leave a comment

For companies that are focused on ESG (environmental, social, governance) sustainability reporting, one of the most important things is the metrics. They help demonstrate that the report is accurate and stakeholders can use it to make the right decisions, whether for investment or buying targeted products.

With the right metrics, it is also easy for companies to evaluate their progress and track goals that demonstrate their operation efficiency and impacts. There are four main areas of sustainability that companies focus on: human, economic, social, and environmental, and each comes with its own metrics.

In this post, we will look at the environmental metrics that are worth looking at for your company.

Important Environmental Metrics

The Main Benefits of Sustainability Reporting

The benefits that come from focusing on and correctly tracing sustainability efforts can be manifested in a different way, such as:

  • Better investor confidence in your company: With correctly drawn ESG sustainability reports, investors are able to understand the companies of interest effectively. They can check the staff satisfaction, long-term goals, and financial performance in the long term to make a better prediction about where to invest.
  • ESG sustainability reporting helps to reduce the risk of company failure: After adopting an appropriate ESG reporting program, the first step is a careful evaluation to identify the major risks and opportunities. Then, they create goals and strategies to achieve them while imagining ESG issues in the future. This is likely to result in better strategic planning and higher rates of success.
  • Better stakeholder engagement: When creating a esg report, companies are required to try and be specific about the targeted clients. If you are targeting investors, it means liaising with them to understand what they prefer. The enhanced communication helps to build better engagement, which translates to higher investor confidence and brand image.

Note that for your company to enjoy these benefits and others, you need to prepare the ESG sustainability report in line with the guiding principles of ESG reporting.

sustainability-communication

Make sure also to have appropriate sustainability reporting software for easier data gathering and report gathering. One option that works pretty well with most companies is Diginex. It is easy to use, integrate with other management systems and allows for automation.

Important Environmental Metrics for Your Company

From UNEP to World Bank, most organizations appear in agreement that every effort is needed to try and reduce the current environmental impacts on society.

Corporate organizations’ roles are more significant because of the large impacts on different spheres of the environment. Therefore, here are some of the most important metrics to target with your ESG sustainability reporting efforts:

1. Climate Change

The changing climate is a threat to all, from plants to animals that we know of today. Indeed, even the people are not spared, and companies are now putting more effort into trying and address this challenge that is threatening to get out of hand. So, you should also think of internal and external ways that can help address the problem. Then report about it to the targeted stakeholders.

2. Energy Consumption

The energy that companies use has a direct impact on greenhouse gases and, ultimately, climate change. To make a difference, one of your focuses on ESG sustainability reporting efforts should be the adoption of eco-friendly energy consumption strategies. For example, you might want to install solar panels to cut down fossil fuel use in your company. Remember to make the efforts more specific for stakeholders to understand the resultant goals and impacts.

energy-conservation

3. Water Usage

Because of its prevalent and daily usage, water is a crucial metric for most companies. Here, your ESG sustainability reporting can target a number of things, such as cutting down water use, recycling, and promoting the generation of fresh sources. So, try to weigh what will have a greater impact on the targeted stakeholders. For example, you might want to work with government agencies to promote water treatment to increase access by more people or recycle water from your plant.

Conclusion

The environment is and will always remain an important component in ESG sustainability reporting. Therefore, you need to carefully review your company’s operations and set clear goals to help make the globe a better place for all. Remember to use the metrics about the environment and sustainability report to build a better image, drive sales and profits for your company.

4 Negative Environmental Impacts Of Air Conditioners

By | | ,
21 Comments

In most seasons, air conditioners are extremely sought after. They can either cooled up a place or warm it up, but we have all heard of its side effects on our health. Air conditioners have detrimental health effects on our bodies, though that is not the only problem with air conditioners. It also has many negative impacts on the environment itself. Read on to know more about the negative environmental impacts of air conditioners:

negative impacts of AC

 

1. CFCs/ HFCs

Air conditioners are complex machines that are made up of many different parts which work in several ways. CFCs and HFCs are both cooling agents that are in the air conditioners which, when released, increases the holes in the ozone over time.

Older air conditioners rely on CFC and HFC and contribute to global warming in a major way. Even newer models, which rely more on HFCs and HFOs play a large role in ozone depletion.

2. Energy use

Air conditioners require lots of energy to function properly. It consumes so much electricity and therefore releases pollution. When fossil fuel is burned, carbon dioxide is also released into the air, more commonly known as a greenhouse gas, which is a major contribution to ozone depletion.

The average and typical air conditioner will consume about 3000 to 5000 watts of electricity every hour, depending on the season – the warmer, the more power used. This is clearly very harmful to the environment, as well as extremely expensive.

3. Unclean ducts

It is important to note that air conditioners do not only affect the environment in a global way, it also affects it on a small scale as well. The ducts in each air conditioner, over time, collect dust and bacteria and every time the air conditioner is turned on, both are released, and are toxic for humans, especially children.

There are ductless mini-split brands though that focus more on the environment and safety of people. Ductless mini-split brands are actually more durable and work in warmer climates such as Middle East, Asia and Central and South America.

Regular maintenance plays a vital role in the optimal functionality and long life of an air conditioner. On the Gold Coast, professionals offer full system evaluations for these cooling systems that prevent minor problems from becoming major concerns. To ensure your unit operates at peak efficiency, it’s advisable to seek professional air conditioning service on the Gold Coast. These cooling system specialists carry out thorough checks, clean important parts, and ascertain that there are appropriate levels of refrigeration gas. Regular servicing can also enhance energy saving, hence reducing utility bills, besides avoiding unexpected machine failure. Consequently, it is prudent to engage qualified people for your comfort and reliability.

4. Materials used

In the past air conditioners were mainly made out of metals. Though over the years, people decided that metal is too expensive and too heavy, so they opted for plastic. Although metal and plastic are both harmful to the environment, plastic is completely non-biodegradable, which makes it an enemy of the environment. The production of plastic alone is extremely detrimental, as it too releases carbon dioxide into the air and causes what we now know as the greenhouse effect.

It is important to note that air conditioners can sometimes be vital for mere survival. There are places, due to global warming, that are extremely warm and need the presence of coolant. Though this turn into a cycle since ACs contribute to global warming, we undoubtedly still need them in order to survive the rising temperatures, whether it’s at home or in our working spaces.

However, all is not lost as we still have the option of going with more eco-friendly air conditioners can be both beneficial for your health as well as the world’s health, and as technology advances, so do the efforts to make them less harmful to our environment.

Could Electric Vehicles Lead to Safer Roads? Insights and Innovations

By | | , , ,
Leave a comment

Have you noticed the buzz around town isn’t just about the latest fashion or hit movie, but rather about something quite electrifying?  Yes, we are talking about electric vehicles (EVs)! They are everywhere nowadays: whether it’s a glossy new Tesla or a chic Nissan Leaf being charged up.

Amidst the fanfare and futuristic design, a fundamental question sparks interest – can EVs make our roads safer? Let’s kick the tires on this idea and see if these electric powerhouses can actually usher in an era of safer commutes.

electric vehicles and safe commute

The Lowdown on Safety Features

Electric vehicles come with a host of tech-fuelled safety enhancements that go beyond the conventional. Amazing innovations like automated emergency brake systems, lane-keeping assistance, and top-notch visibility tech not only create a fortress of protection for passengers but also make a notable dent in road accident rates.

Let’s take a closer look at these protective features.

1. Lower Center of Gravity

Have you ever had a ride in a lofty SUV feeling like a rollercoaster at the top of its loop? Your typical combustion engine vehicles can be prone to rollovers during sharp swerves or sudden diversions due to their higher center of gravity.

EVs, on the other hand, with their weightier batteries snugly fitted low in the frame, flaunt a lower center of gravity. Think of it as having a sumo wrestler anchored at the base of your vehicle – steadying and stabilizing your ride.

2. Autonomous Driving Elements

Here’s where we step into the realm of sci-fi. Many EVs are armed with high-tech driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that merge features like lane-keeping support, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking.

Picture smoothly gliding down the freeway, your vehicle subtly nudging itself back into the lane when you veer off, or autonomously easing up when traffic swells. These space-age marvels aren’t just nifty – they might prove to be life-savers.

3. Regenerative Braking

Regenerative braking – an impressive buzzword that simply translates to your vehicle replenishing its battery every time you step on the brakes.

But there’s a bonus twist: regen braking also lowers the wear and tear on conventional braking systems, translating to fewer brake failures – a potential life-saving characteristic. Plus, every time you decelerate, you’re metaphorically hugging the environment by conserving energy. It’s a win for you and Mother Earth!

4. Enhanced Visibility

Enhanced visibility tech transforms your drive into a journey full of clarity and self-assuredness. Using superior lighting systems and cameras, these features light up the road with precision, adjusting to conditions for optimum safety.

Imagine maneuvering through fog or rain, your vehicle’s lights auto-adjusting, casting a wider beam to uncover hidden obstacles. This advancement doesn’t just amplify your vision, it creates a more tranquil and secure driving ambiance.

Environmental Impact of Electric Vehicles

Real World Impacts

The emergence of EVs and their high-tech arsenal are reshaping how we commute daily. From amplified safety to environmental gains, understanding these impacts shines a light on how they can revolutionize not just our driving habits but also our bond with the earth.

1. Reduced Accidents

Statistics alert! A study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reveals that EVs generally have 40% fewer accidents than their gasoline counterparts. The reason? All those advanced safety features we just discussed. Moreover, those adopting EVs early often tend to be tech-savvy and more safety-conscious.

2. Your Legal Safety Harness

Despite the advanced tech, accidents can still occur – EVs aren’t immune to them. Should you find yourself in an unfortunate accident, it’s vital to know your legal options.

In the case of an accident in Evansville, IN, for instance, you can seek compensation and advice from a seasoned car accident attorney. Firms like Vaughan & Vaughan specialize in these situations, ensuring you receive the aid you need when the going gets tough. Remember, it’s always wise to have a legal safety net in place when life pulls a fast one on you.

3. A Safer Planet

Electric vehicles are making hefty strides towards reducing our carbon footprint. They rely on electricity, not fossil fuels, aiding in cleaner air, and fewer greenhouse gasses. Moreover, many EVs incorporate eco-friendly materials, further shrinking their environmental impact.

With a design focus on sustainable materials and a shrinking carbon footprint for charging, thanks to renewable energy, EVs signal a future where our drives also reflect our commitment to Mother Earth’s preservation.

A Glimpse into the Future

Bright times lie ahead with technology and sustainability joining forces to reshape our transportation panorama. Future mobility isn’t just electric; it heralds a movement towards an eco-friendly, more efficient lifestyle. Let’s peek into what the future holds for EVs.

The Wonders of V2X Technology

Ever heard of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology? It’s not a page from a sci-fi novel, but a present reality. This tech aids vehicles in communicating with each other and road infrastructure. Visualize traffic lights that adapt based on real-time traffic flow or cars sending out warnings about forthcoming hazards. It’s a neighborhood watch on wheels.

Seamless Blend of Human and Machine

The horizon looks promising for seamless human-machine interaction. Imagine this scenario: You’re driving, and your car’s AI assistant (like an advanced Siri or Alexa) alerts you about slippery roads ahead and recommends slowing down.

Or, it senses you’re getting tired and gently proposes a coffee break. These intuitive interactions significantly reduce human error, a major contributor to accidents.

Greener Roads, Cleaner Air

The environmental upsides are significant. Cleaner air means fewer respiratory issues, fewer distractions, and ultimately, safer driving conditions.

Plus, the emergence of smart roads that charge your EV as you glide along is becoming a reality. Picture cruising down the road, your car refueling on the go. It’s like an eco-friendly pitstop without the pit or the stop!

Wrapping Up

Electric vehicles are spearheading a transformative shift in how we perceive transportation. They deliver advanced safety features, improved stability, and potential for diminishing accidents, demonstrating they are more than just a fad – they are a step towards a safer, cleaner future.

While they may not be infallible, understanding your legal safeguards, like reaching out to a personal accident attorney, ensures you’re protected in all scenarios. Ready to join the movement? Power up and let’s navigate into the future together!

King Post Walls – Uses and Benefits

By | |
Leave a comment

Whether you are involved in a wall retaining project for the first time or the nth time, you may have already heard of king post walls and what they can do. The proper retaining wall will make a vast difference in your property and the safety of your location, effectively preventing soil erosion and water buildup. But whilst you may have different choices regarding your retaining wall system, king post walls have more than a few qualities and characteristics that make them stand out.

So if you are planning and building a retaining wall for your property, here’s our guide to king post walls.

uses and benefits of king post walls

What is a King Post Wall

A king post wall is a wall comprised of in-fill panels and king posts, and many construction specialists and builders make use of them whenever they have to work with hard ground. These walls are cost-effective at retaining earth or soil, and you can also use them on a temporary or permanent basis.

If you cannot work with sheet piles because the ground is too hard, you can drill the ground and insert posts at pre-determined spots or centres. You can then in-fill them horizontally using a system of panels lined together. Your system for panel lining can be made of pre-cast concrete, architectural pre-cast, steel sheet piling, timber, or cladding.

Pre-cast concrete is easy to customise as you can have it made to suit the precise size you want, whilst architectural pre-cast often has a formed and sleek finish that can also meet your requirements. Steel sheet piling is lighter than pre-cast concrete panels, and you can extract them and reuse them. Timber is another option, and you can choose either recycled wood or new wood. You can also select cladding, where you can clad the panels with various products made from brick, stone, or even coloured glass or plastic.

The Uses of King Post Walls

As mentioned, king post walls are beneficial for earth or soil retention, although you can also use them for other purposes and applications. More often than not, however, king post walls are the best option for retaining walls if the ground is too difficult to manage, especially if you are dealing with rock. In terms of uses, you can use king post walls for embankments, basements or cellars, and flood defence.

The Benefits of King Post Walls

King post walls have some premium benefits, and one of these is the fact that they are fast to install. They are also cost-effective, as stated, and they are highly versatile. King post walls are often the best option for challenging ground. Another benefit of king post walls is that they are vibrationless and silent. It is easy for anyone to construct them even in tight boundaries where you have to set them upright against other structures.

You can use king post walls as bearing piles, particularly for support for superstructures made of steel frame, eliminating the need to build on-site pile caps. Another advantage of the king post wall is that you can construct it from lower-level platforms, and this allows you to save on the cost of building different platform levels for the construction of adjacent piled wall systems.

Green Building Rating System in Jordan

By | | , ,
1 Comment

Building consume 21% of the primary energy and 43% of the electricity generated in Jordan, according to a recent report by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. Efforts started in 2009 to develop a rating system for buildings that will reduce the energy and water demand and provide an efficient and healthier environment.

Jordan has several LEED registered buildings since 2009. One of them is LEED Silver and two are LEED Gold, and around 20 more building are registered online and are in the process of applying for LEED. The energy crisis started in Jordan in 2008 after the sharp increase in energy prices. Subsequently the attention to the energy consumption in building increased, and the building officials started implementing the local building codes related to energy. About twenty seven National Building Codes in Jordan are directly related to building envelop, natural ventilation, natural lighting, mechanical and electrical systems.

The Ministry of Public Works and Housing (MoPWH) has the Jordan National Building Council (JNBC) division which is responsible for the development of the Building Codes in Jordan. The Jordan Green Building Guide (JGBG) technical committee was established in 2009 to develop the Green Building Rating System in Jordan with the help of specialist in the public and private sectors under the leadership of the technical arm at the Construction and Sustainable Building Center (CSBC) at the Royal Scientific Society. International references from leading sustainability rating systems were used as references such as LEED and BREEAM, with emphasis on the local conditions in Jordan pertaining to energy and water scarcity.

The JGBG was issued in 2013, and it became available to everyone to use. An incentive program for the adoption of green buildings in Jordan based on the JGBG rating system was approved in 2015 and it was launched on the 3rd of September 2015.  And the first building under the JGBG requirements is under development.

Owners and developers that adopt the JGBG rating system will be entitled to an increase in the Floor Area Ration (FAR). The JGBG has four levels;

  • Level A (25% increase in FAR allowed)
  • Level B (20% increase in FAR allowed)
  • Level C (15% increase in FAR allowed)
  • Level D (10% increase in FAR allowed)

The Greater Amman Municipality (GAM), Green Building Unit, is in charge of managing the registered buildings under the JGBG. After the Owner or Developer registers the green building with the CSBC for the implementation of the JGBG at certain level, the Issued for Construction drawings are forwarded to the GAM. GAM has developed a one stop shop to process the registered buildings under JGBG and it follows up with the different entities like the Civil Defense Department, Jordan Engineers Association, and others until the building permit is issued. Periodic visits and reviews are done by the CSBC throughout the project until the team achieves the requirements of the JGBG. Subsequently the certificate of compliance is issued for the new green building.

The Jordan Thermal Insulation Code, Jordan Energy Efficient Building Codes and the Jordan Green Building Guide are all working towards improving the energy use in buildings. The table below shows the development of requirements in the thermal transmittance (U-value) for walls in buildings. The Thermal Insulation code and the Energy Saving Building Code calls for the mandatory requirements of U-value = 0.57 W/m2.K for walls and U-value = 1.60 W/m2.K for the overall U-value for walls with all openings. The Jordan Green Building Guide will give one point for the buildings with walls U-value below 0.50 W/m2.K and two points for buildings with walls U-value = 0.40-0.50 W/m2.K

التعليم البيئي والتربية البيئية

By | | , ,
4 Comments

على العكس من الأنماط التقليدية للتعليم، يعتبر التعليم البيئي (التربية البيئية) عملية تعليمية شمولية تمتد مدى الحياة, وهي عملية موجهة نحو خلق أفراد مسؤولين لإستكشاف وتحديد القضايا والمشاكل البيئية القائمة والمشاركة في حلها وإتخاذ إجراءات فعالة لتحسين أوضاع البيئة, والعمل على الحيلولة دون حدوث مشكلات بيئية جديدة. ونتيجة لذلك، فإنه يمكن للأفراد تطوير وعي أعمق وفهم أوسع للقضايا البيئية, بل ويمكن لهم إكتساب مهارات فعالة تساعدهم على إتخاذ قرارات واعية ومسؤولة وغير منحازة تؤول إلى حل التحديات البيئية.

environment-education-arab

لا يعتبر التعليم البيئي عملية إستشارات بيئية, ولكنه حقل متنوع يرتكز على العملية التعليمية والتي يجب أن تبقى محايدة من خلال تعليم الأفراد التفكير النقدي وتمكينهم وتعزيز مهاراتهم على إتخاذ القرار وقدرتهم على حل المشكلات بإتباع النهج التشاركي, ومن الجدير بالذكر أن المبادئ التوجيهية للتعليم البيئي تشمل الوعي والمعرفة والسلوكيات والمهارات والتشارك.

يمكن للتعليم البيئي أن يأخذ شكلاً رسمياً  كما في المدارس والكليات والجامعات، كما يمكن تطبيقه عن طريق قنوات التعلم غيرالرسمية من خلال المنظمات غيرالحكومية، والشركات، ووسائل الإعلام، والمتاحف الطبيعية, والحدائق النباتية، ومراكز مراقبة الطيور, ومراكز التجديف والغوص. إلى جانب ذلك، فإنه يمكن تطبيق التعليم البيئي من خلال برامج التعليم غير النظامي الذي يدمج التعليم مع العمل مثل التعليم التجريبي والتعليم في الهواء الطلق، وورش العمل، وبرامج التوعية وتثقيف المجتمع.

يجب على المربي البيئي تقديم التعليم البيئي بطريقة فريدة من نوعها حيث يقتضي الأمر أن لا يعتمد على العلم فحسب، بل يجب أن يهتم بالجوانب التاريخية والسياسية والثقافية تزامناً مع البعد الإنساني والعوامل الإجتماعية والإقتصادية,كما يستلزم أن يستند أيضاً إلى تطوير المعارف المتعلقة بالنظم البيئية الإجتماعية. يرتكز عمل المربين البيئين المؤهلين على العمل الميداني وتطبيق البرامج عملياً، كما يشمل عملهم التعاون مع المجتمعات المحلية وإستخدام إستراتيجيات لربط الوعي البيئي وبناء المهارات والأداء المسؤول, فمن خلال التعليم البيئي يمكن للمواطنين إختبار مختلف جوانب القضايا البيئية لإتخاذ قرارات مستنيرة وفعالة ومسؤولة وغير منحازة ومبنية على أساس علمي, حيث يوفر التعليم البيئي فرصاً للأطفال لبناء مهاراتهم بما في ذلك مهارات حل المشاكل والبحث والإستقصاء.

التعليم البيئي في الإسلام

يعتبر الإسلام طلب العلم فريضة على كل مسلم, كما ينظم الإسلام العلاقة بين البشر والطبيعة حيث أنه يدعو إلى حمايتها من خلال عملية تربوية شاملة, إذ تعزز التعاليم الإسلامية الحساسية والشعور بالمسؤولية تجاه الحفاظ على العناصر البيئية المختلفة, كما يُعلم الإسلام أتباعه الحفاظ على نظافة الشوارع، والرفق بالحيوان والكائنات الحية الأخرى, فضلاً عن ذلك, تحض التشريعات الإسلامية على زراعة الأرض والإستفادة منها وعلى الحفاظ على مكونات البيئة في الوقت الذي تحظر تلوث المياه وقطع الأشجار. كما تعتبر تعاليم الإسلام تعاليماً صارمة لمنع التدهور البيئي الناجم عن التنمية الصناعية والتوسع العمراني والفقر إلى ما دون ذلك. إن كل ما ذكر هو أمثلة على تعليمات الإسلام للحفاظ على مكونات الطبيعة وهي تعاليم ريادية في الوقت الذي لم تكن تعاني البيئة آنذاك الضغوطات التي تعاني منها في الوقت الحاضر.

أنماط التعليم البيئي في الأردن

بالرغم من إهتمام الأردن في التعليم البيئي، إلا أن جهود التعليم البيئي الوطني لا تزال مركزة إلى حد كبير على البرامج التي تنظمها المنظمات غير الحكومية, إذ تلعب البرامج التي تطبقها منظمات المجتمع المدني دوراً أساسياً في تعزيز التغيير الثقافي لحماية الطبيعة, فعلى سبيل المثال، أصبحت الجمعية الملكية لحماية البيئة البحرية من المنظمات الوطنية غير الحكومية الرائدة في التعليم البيئي وهي المنظمة التي تمثل الأردن في المؤسسة العالمية للتعليم البيئي(FEE), حيث تنفذ الجمعية حالياً ثلاثة برامج والتي تتضمن: العنونة البيئية الدولية-المفتاح الأخضر، العلم الأزرق والمدارس البيئية. أما الجمعية الملكية لحماية الطبيعة فهي منظمة غير حكومية أخرى تعمل على تصميم وتطبيق برامج التعليم البيئي لتحسين الفهم الشعبي العام وتعزيز الوعي الحقيقي بالقضايا البيئية وأهميتها, ولقد أطلقت الجمعية عدداً من برامج التوعية المتخصصة التي تستهدف المجتمعات المحلية التي تعيش حول المحميات الطبيعية، لحث هذه المجتمعات على المشاركة والإنخراط في جهود حماية الطبيعة في المناطق المحيطة بهم .

يمكن للمواطنين المثقفين بيئياً  أن يلعبوا دوراً فعالاً في الحد من تأثير المشاكل البيئية عن طريق تبني سلوكيات خضراء, مثل شراء المنتجات الخضراء وإستخدام البدائل الطبيعية للمبيدات الحشرية. ومع ذلك، فإنه وعلى المدى البعيد, سيكون من الصعب الحفاظ على نجاح البرامج البيئية المعتمدة من قبل المنظمات غيرالحكومية ليستفيد منها الأجيال القادمة دون تشريعات تضمن إستمرارية التعليم البيئي.

آفاق مستقبلية لمحو الأمية البيئية في الأردن

يعتبر نظام التعليم الأردني نظاماً مركزياً حيث أنه لا يتم التشاور مع المعلمين حول المناهج الدراسية, كما تتميز المناهج الدراسية الأردنية بأنها أحادية التخصصات، مما يؤدي إلى صعوبة تطبيق التعلم متعدد التخصصات. وعلى الرغم من دمج المواضيع البيئية في المناهج مؤخراً، إلا أن هذا الدمج لا يزال مجزءاً, لذلك, فإن أمام الأردن طريقاً طويلاً لتقطعه قبل أن يمكن لها أن تنفذ إستراتيجية وطنية شاملة للتعليم البيئي في نظامها التعليمي.

environmental-education

يحتاج الأردن إلى تبني برنامج تعليم بيئي شامل يتبني مبادئ التنمية المستدامة، ويقدم الأفكار الخضراء التي تنظر للتعامل مع القضايا البيئية على أنها هدف مركزي لتقديم مختلف الحلول للمشاكل البيئية المختلفة. لذا, يتحتم على وزارة التربية والتعليم دمج المعرفة التقليدية التي تركها لنا الأجداد بشكل فعال مع القيادة البيئية نظراً للإرتباط بين الإثنين،كما أنه من المهم العمل على تمكين الشباب والتأثيرعلى سلوكيات الجمهور الأردني نحو الهدف المنشود ألا وهو المشاركة في تحسين الواقع الصعب للمشاكل البيئية في البلاد. ولا يمكن إستثناء العلماء والباحثين من هذه العلمية التعليمية, حيث ينبغي للمجتمع العلمي المشاركة في الجهود الوطنية وتبني عملية إتصال فعالة من شأنها أن تنقل أبحاثهم العلمية إلى لغة سهلة ومفهومة للعامة والمنظمات المسؤولة عن التعليم حتى يتمكن المجتمع من الإستفادة منها وتطبيقها.

بالإضافة إلى كل ما ذكر، فإن ينبغي للأردن أن يعتمد نهجاً شاملاً لتبني المدارس البيئية عديمة الإنبعاثات في جميع أنحاء البلاد، حيث يجب أن تعتمد سياسة التدريس المدرسي على تطوير الأخلاق البيئية في المجتمع المدرسي ككل, ودمجه مع تعزيز ربط الطلبة بالطبيعة المحلية والتي تعتبر جزءاً من الهوية الوطنية والإرث الوطني, كذلك يجب أن تكون هذه المدارس مدارساً بيئيةً مكتفيةً ذاتياً من حيث الإعتماد المطلق على الطاقة المتجددة، في حين يستوجب الإعتماد على الطاقة الجوفية الحرارية لغايات التكييف والتدفئة, أما تصميم البناء فيجب أن يكون أخضراً من حيث تبني البناء بالطين وإستخدام المواد الطبيعية المحلية، وعلاوة على ذلك، فإن مياه الأمطار التي جمعت من الحصاد المائي ستستخدم لري حديقة المدرسة والتنظيف وإستخدامات أخرى, هذا عدا عن تطبيق برنامج متكامل للتقليل من النفايات وإعادة تدويرها. هذا نموذجٌ مبسط لمدرسة بيئية يحمل في ثناياه مستقبلاً مشرقاً لطلبة رياديين سيحصلون على التعليم الأخضر رفيع الثقافة والذي يعتبر في نهاية المطاف لبنة الأساس لمستقبل مستدام زاهر.

أفضل خمس طرق لتخفيف البصمة البلاستيكية

By | | , ,
2 Comments

عندما نقرأ التقاريرالاخيرة التي تتحدث عن الكم الهائل من النفايات البلاستيكية العائمة في محيطاتنا، والأنهار والبحيرات، فإننا ندرك تماماً بانه قد حان الوقت أن نبدأ في إيجاد حلول لهذه المشكلة. كلنا نعلم بأن إعادة التدوير أمر جيد، لكن لأسباب كثيرة، ليس الحل الأمثل لتلوث العالم بالبلاستيك. يجب علينا جميعا أن نتعلم كيفية تقليل كمية النفايات البلاستيكية التي نقوم نحن بإنتاجها في المقام الأول. إليك طرقي المفضلة الخمسة لتقليل البصمة البلاستيكية الشخصية:

plastic bags

استخدم حقيبة/ كيس التسوق الخاص بك

يتم استخدام المليارات من أكياس التسوق البلاستيكية في جميع أنحاء العالم كل عام. حيث توفرها المحال التجارية مجانا لزبائنها، إلا أن تكلفتها البيئية عالية. فان القليل من هذه الاكياس يعاد تدويرها والكثير منها ينتهي في البحار حيث  ان قنديل البحر والسلاحف والحيوانات البحرية الأخرى تعتقدها طعاما فتقوم بابتلاعها. نستطيع المساعدة بتقليل عدد الأكياس البلاستيكية المستخدمة من خلال استخدام الأكياس أو الحقائب الممكن إعادة استعمالها وأخذها معك إلى محلات السوبر ماركت ورفض استخدام الاكياس البلاستيكية التقليدية.

لست مضطراُ لشراء أكياس/ حقائب جديدة، استخدم الحقائب التي لديك بالفعل: حقائب الظهر، المحافظ ، السلال على الدراجة الخاصة بك. أيضا فإنه بإمكانك إعادة استخدام الأكياس البلاستيكية التي لديك بالفعل، قم بغسلها إذا لزم الأمر. وإذا كنت بحاجة لشراء حقائب جديدة، فقم بشراء أكياس مصنوعة من القطن وتجنب أكياس البوليبروبلين التي تبدو وكأنها نسيج حيث أنها في الواقع مصنوعة من البلاستيك، وهي ليست قابلة للغسل ووتتلف بسرعة.

وبمجرد الحصول على بعض الحقائب، فإنه من السهل أن تجعلها عادةً بإحضارها معك للتسوق كخطوة تالية. ضع بعض هذه الأكياس في أماكن يسهل الوصول اليها وقريبة من محفظتك أو مفاتيحك أوحتى علقها في مقابض الدراجة الخاصة بك. ضع قليلا منها في أماكن حفظ القفازات، فانك مع الممارسة، سوف تصبح معتاداً على استخدامها!

لا تشتري المياه المعبأة

إن زجاجات المياه البلاستيكية هي من أكثر المواد وجوداً وتكاثراُ في القمامة الموجودة في المسطحات المائية. قد يكون من الصعب ان تتوفر مياه الشرب في غالب مناطق الشرق الاوسط وهذا يعتبر تحدياً وللأسفمن الصعب ضمان أن تكون مياه الصنابير نظيفة! لذلك استثمر في فلاتر المياه وقم بتركيبها  في منزلك بأكمله  أو على الاقل استخدم الفلترعلى صنبورالمياه في المطبخ. ابحث في السوق عن هذه الفلاتر واختر ما يناسبك حيث ان هنالك العديد منها وتلبي جميع الرغبات. بعد ذلك، قم باستخدام زجاجة ماء قابلة لإعادة الاستخدام حيث يمكنك تعبئتها قبل مغادرة المنزل. إذا تمكنت من العثور على الفولاذ المقاوم للصدأ stainless steel  فهو الافضل، اشتر واحدة لكل فرد من أفراد عائلتك.

إذا كان يجب عليك شراء المياه المعبأة في زجاجات، فابحث عن شركة توفر العبوات الكبيرة القابلة للإعادة وإعادة التعبئة.

قل لا للقشة

نعم، هذه القشة البلاستيكية الصغيرة التي نحصل عليها مع مشروباتنا تشكل مشكلة كبيرة، أخبر النادل أنك لست بحاجة إلى قشة لمشروبك المفضل عندما تقوم بطلب في مطعم ما، أما اذا كنت لاتستطيع أن تشرب من دونها، فقم بشراء القشة التي يعاد استخدامها، وهذه متوفرة على الإنترنت بأشكال وأنواع مختلفة كالفولاذ المقاوم للصدأ والزجاج والورق.

استخدم أدواتك الخاصة بك

عندما تقوم بطلب وجبات الطعام الجاهزة قم بإحضار أدواتك (أوعيتك) المعاد استخدامها واطلب من المطعم أن يضع طعامك في تلك بدلاً من البلاستيك أو البوليسترين. فكر في الاستثمار بمجموعة من الأدوات القابلة لإعادة الاستخدام إذا كنت تطلب الكثير من الوجبات الجاهزة، ويمكنك أيضًا رفض الأدوات البلاستيكية التي يمكن التخلص منها وسيكون أسهل ان تحمل الادوات الخشبية مثل الشوك والسكاكين والملاعق في حقيبتك أو حقيبة الظهر.

واذا قمت بطلب القهوة لتأخذها بطريقك فأحضر الكوب او التيرمس الخاص بك  حيث انا نعتقد بأن الكؤوس التي تستخدمها المقاهي ورقاً ولكنها بالفعل تكون مبطنة بالبلاستيك وغطاءها ايضاً بلاستيكياً. تجنب البلاستيك عن طريق إحضار الكوب الخاص بك!

اشتر بالجملة 

تنتج معظم نفاياتنا البلاستيكية من المطبخ بالاجمال والسبب الرئيس في ذلك هو التعبئة والتغليف البلاستيكي للأغذية. بامكاننا تجنب الكثير من هذا البلاستيك عن طريق التسوق من أماكن بيع الجملة، حيث تعتبر هذه الأماكن وسيلة لبيع البضائع بالوزن، حيث يتم تخزين المنتج في حاويات كبيرة ويمكن للعملاء وزن وشراء أي كمية يرغبون فيها: بالعادة يعطى العميل أكياسا بلاستيكية لتعبئتها ويقوم العميل بملئها، أما أنت فقم بإحضار الكيس الخاص بك، قم بوزنه فارغا ثم املئه بما تريد وقم بوزنه مرة أخرى حتى تحصل على وزن البضاعة فقط.

وللعلم فان المنتجات والبضائع التي تباع بكميات كبيرة أقل تكلفة من تلك المعبأة بالبلاستيك. قم باستخدام الحاويات الزجاجية للأرز والمكسرات والدقيق والبقوليات وغيرها!

ابحث عن محال قريبة منك وتأكد من انهم يبيعون بالجملة وأنك تستطيع استخدام الكيس/ الحقيبة الخاصة بك. على الأرجح ستجد هذه الخيارات متاحة في محلات السوبرماركت الصغيرة أكثر من المحال الكبيرة.

ترجمه – ماجدة هلسة

أردنية متعددة الاهتمامات، لديها من الخبرة ما يقارب العشرون عاماً في مجالي المالية والإدارة في المؤسسات المحلية والدوليةوتعملماجدة حالياً مع الوكالة الألمانية للتعاون الدولي كموظفةٍ ماليةٍ في برنامج البيئة و المناخ في الأردن، والذي يعمل لصالح وزارة البيئة في الأردن. ومع ذلك كله وعلى الصعيد التطوعي، فإن لديها شغفاً كبيراً بالترجمة في كافة المواضيع والمجالات، وقد بُني هذا الشغف بالخبرة الشخصية والعملية على مر السنين.

What You Need to Know About The Top Green Building Trends

By | | , ,
6 Comments

With green building movement sweeping across the world, innovative technologies are being developed to keep pace with increasing shift towards sustainability. In this article, we will provide an overview of the top green building trends from across the world.

Integration of biodegradable, recycled, recyclable and renewable building materials in the construction of buildings is attracting great attention worldwide. Natural paints, recycled steel, cellular concrete, clay bricks, wood, bamboo etc. are getting huge popularity in construction of green buildings.

Another interesting innovation is zero-energy building which utilizes solar cells/panels, wind micro-turbines, fuel cells and biofuels, among others, to meet electricity and HVAC requirements of the building.

Likewise, net-zero-water-use buildings make use of water conservation systems to efficiently manage water consumption, rainwater harvesting, waterless toilets, greywater reuse, smart landscaping and on-site sewage treatment.

top green building trends

Net Zero Energy Buildings rely on exceptional energy conservation and on-site renewable generation to meet energy requirements..

Low-emitting windows, coated with metallic oxide, to block sun’s harsh rays during summer and keep the heat inside in the winter are also gaining popularity. Such windows have the potential to significantly reduce heating and cooling costs of buildings.

According to Dubai-based green buildings expert Sunanda Swain, “Transparent solar window panels can also be incorporated into awnings, curtain walls, retaining wall, glass facade or as overhead glazing units.” She explains, “These increase access to direct sunlight while providing additional architectural benefits such as passive shading.”

Another promising innovation is in the form of cool roofs which is made of special tiles and reflective paints to reflect sunlight. Cool roofs have high levels of solar reflectance and thermal emittance, and help in reducing the heat island effect in urban habitats, especially in arid areas like the Middle East.

green roofs

To sum up, green buildings can not only contribute towards environment protection but also bring loads of advantages to building occupants and users. Lower development costs, reduced operating costs, healthier indoor environment quality and less maintenance costs are major benefits associated with green buildings.

To sum up, green building technologies can serve as catalysts for smart urbanization and sustainable development of urban centers, besides ensuring energy security, climate change mitigation, and opening new economic and job opportunities.

Useful Resource: Wood Wool Cement Board – Features and Benefits

10 Overconsumption Facts That Will Make You Rethink Your Purchasing Decisions

By | | ,
Leave a comment

In our consumer-driven society, it’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of buying and accumulating stuff. However, the consequences of our collective overconsumption are far-reaching and often hidden from view.

Here are ten eye-opening facts about overconsumption that might make you pause before your next purchase:

overconsumption facts

1. The average American throws away 81.5 pounds of clothing each year

This staggering amount of textile waste not only contributes to overflowing landfills but also represents a significant waste of resources used in producing these garments. Fast fashion has accelerated this trend, with clothes often being discarded after just a few wears.

2. We use 1 million plastic bags every minute worldwide

Plastic bags are used for an average of just 12 minutes before being discarded, yet they can take up to 1,000 years to decompose. This single-use mentality is a prime example of overconsumption’s environmental impact.

3. The world produces 300 million tons of plastic each year

Half of this is for single-use purposes. Plastic production not only uses valuable resources but also contributes significantly to pollution and wildlife endangerment.

4. 40% of food in the United States goes uneaten

This wastage occurs at all stages of the food supply chain, from farms to retail to households. It represents not just a waste of food but also of the water, energy, and labour used to produce it.

food waste in ramadan

5. The average U.S. household has 300,000 items

This statistic highlights how our homes have become storage units for things we rarely use. It’s a clear indicator of how overconsumption has led to clutter and excess in our personal lives.

6. We buy 5x as many clothes now as we did in the 1980s

The rise of fast fashion has made clothing cheaper and more disposable, leading to increased consumption and waste. This trend has significant environmental and social costs.

7. E-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world

As we constantly upgrade our electronic devices, we’re creating mountains of electronic waste. Much of this e-waste contains toxic materials and is challenging to recycle.

ewaste disposal in UAE

8. The average car is parked 95% of the time

This is a enlightening stat that highlights how we often overconsume even big-ticket items like cars, which sit idle most of the time yet require significant resources to produce.

9. 1/3 of the world’s food is wasted while 815 million people go hungry

This stark contrast emphasizes the inequalities perpetuated by overconsumption and inefficient distribution of resources.

10. If everyone lived like the average American, we would need 5 Earths to sustain our lifestyle

This sobering fact underscores the unsustainability of our current consumption patterns, especially in developed countries.

These facts paint a clear picture of the consequences of our overconsumption. They highlight not just environmental impacts, but also social inequalities and personal implications. By being more mindful of our purchasing decisions, we can start to address these issues.

Consider embracing practices like minimalism, buying second-hand, repairing items instead of replacing them, and focusing on experiences rather than material possessions. Remember, every purchase is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in. By consuming less and more consciously, we can work towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Use of Sewage Sludge in Cement Industry

By | |
11 Comments

The MENA region produces huge quantity of municipal wastewater which represents a serious problem due to its high treatment costs and risk to environment, human health and marine life. The per capita wastewater generation rate in the region is estimated at 80-200 litres per day. Sewage generation across the region is rising by an astonishing rate of 25 percent every year.

Municipal wastewater treatment plants in MENA produce large amounts of sludge whose disposal is a cause of major concern. For example, Kuwait has 6 wastewater treatment plants, with combined capacity of treating 12,000m³ of municipal wastewater per day, which produce around 250 tons of sludge daily. Similarly Tunisia has approximately 125 wastewater treatment plants which generate around 1 million tons of sewage sludge every year. Currently most of the sewage is sent to landfills. Sewage sludge generation is bound to increase at rapid rates in MENA due to increase in number and size of urban habitats and growing industrialization.

Use of Sewage Sludge in Cement Industry

An attractive disposal method for sewage sludge is to use it as alternative fuel source in a cement kiln. The resultant ash is incorporated in the cement matrix. Infact, several European countries, like Germany and Switzerland, have already started adopting this practice for sewage sludge management. Sewage sludge has relatively high net calorific value of 10-20 MJ/kg as well as lower carbon dioxide emissions factor compared to coal when treated in a cement kiln. Use of sludge in cement kilns can also tackle the problem of safe and eco-friendly disposal of sewage sludge. The cement industry accounts for almost 5 percent of anthropogenic CO2 emissions worldwide. Treating municipal wastes in cement kilns can reduce industry’s reliance on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

The use of sewage sludge as alternative fuel in clinker production is one of the most sustainable option for sludge waste management. Due to the high temperature in the kiln the organic content of the sewage sludge will be completely destroyed. The sludge minerals will be bound in the clinker after the burning process. The calorific value of sewage sludge depends on the organic content and on the moisture content of the sludge. Dried sewage sludge with high organic content possesses a high calorific value.  Waste coming out of sewage sludge treatment processes has a minor role as raw material substitute, due to their chemical composition.

The dried municipal sewage sludge has organic material content (ca. 40 – 45 wt %), therefore the use of this alternative fuel in clinker production will save fossil CO2 emissions. According to IPCC default of solid biomass fuel, the dried sewage sludge CO2 emission factor is 110 kg CO2/GJ without consideration of biogenic content. The usage of municipal sewage sludge as fuel supports the saving of fossil fuel emission.

Sludge is usually treated before disposal to reduce water content, fermentation propensity and pathogens by making use of treatment processes like thickening, dewatering, stabilisation, disinfection and thermal drying. The sludge may undergo one or several treatments resulting in a dry solid alternative fuel of a low to medium energy content that can be used in cement industry.

Conclusions

The use of sewage sludge as alternative fuel is a common practice in cement plants around the world, Europe in particular. It could be an attractive business proposition for wastewater treatment plant operators and cement industry in the Middle East to work together to tackle the problem of sewage sludge disposal, and high energy requirements and GHGs emissions from the cement industry.

Ratam as Food and Fuel: An Overview

By | | , ,
Leave a comment

If you set out to design a shrub for the desert you wouldn’t be amiss in choosing ratam as a model. The desert environment has selected for plant characteristics that are ideally suited to meet the challenge of the driest lands.

ratam as food

Water

To make the most of rare rain events ratam can grow quickly when water is available. Shrubs can reach 3 meters in height and 6 m in spread. Roots can grow to considerable depth to reach soil moisture or groundwater. Roots have to grow fast to keep up with the drying front as the soil dries down after a heavy rain or flood event. Researchers have found roots at 20 m, and perhaps, like the similar shrub mesquite of SW North America, they may reach 50 m. The roots can also extend a long horizontal distance following moisture in dunes.

Nutrients

Ratam fertilizes itself. The deep roots form symbioses with bacteria to fix atmospheric nitrogen in root nodules. This can happen at considerable depth where the soil is damp. Roots benefit from the partnerships with mycorrhizal fungi in (endo) and on (ecto) the roots that help the plant gain water and nutrients. The fine hyphae (filaments) of the fungi can reach into the smallest spaces. They reach out from the plant at the lowest possible energy cost and can include 10 to 100 meters of hyphae per gram of soil.

ratam

A single plant is likely to have hundreds of meters of fungal filaments with potential mineral binding sites exceeding the root surfaces. In one study the most diverse fungal species, with 35 virtual taxa, were found in the Negev desert. The plant leaves and twigs help fertilize the soil. In North America the Tohono O’Odham collected and used similar materials to fertilize the soils for their crops.

Photosynthesis

During photosynthesis in green plants, light energy is captured and used to convert water, carbon dioxide, and minerals into oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds. The photosynthesis needed for energy is carried out by both leaves and stems. When times are tough the leaves drop off and the stem keeps the plant alive. To reduce water use even more the ratam pores (stomata) are hidden within the longitudinal grooves of the stem to conserve water.

Defense

To defend against grazing animals and insects ratam deploys a range of phytochemicals. Studies have shown that these species are very rich in flavonoids (isoflavones) and alkaloids (quinolizidine and bipiperidyl). These chemical compounds evolved to make the seedlings, seeds and shrubs less edible. Camels eat the flowers and pods. The pods are also eaten by rabbits, other animals and insects. Goats and camels will eat the stems if there is no other forage, but may be poisoned if they eat too much. Like honey mesquite, the pods may develop aflatoxins from mold after they are on the ground.

Reproduction

To increase the chance of fostering future generations in such a harsh environment ratam produces many flowers and up to 3,000 seeds per square meter. Ratam blooms between January and April and is an important food for bees and other insects.

The fruit is a short single-seed pod. The seed is yellow, with a very hard coat. When the pods are eaten the seeds are not digested and are excreted in the droppings. The hard seed coat that can otherwise protect the seed for years or decades is thinned by the stomach acid, making it easier to germinate. Flood events also chip and erode the hard seed coat and leave the seed ready to germinate and grow roots quickly after the flood. The roots are likely to grow much faster than the shoots.

Medicine

Ratam’s complex chemicals were used in many traditional medicines and treatments. Various parts of the plant were (and perhaps still are) used by desert Bedouin for treatment of backache, diabetes, stomach ache, worms, infertility, temporary paralysis of the limbs, joint pain, infected skin lesions, syphilis, toothache, sprains and fractures. An eyewash gave relief to sore eyes and throat. Small quantities have been used as a purgative.

Tests have shown the plant phytochemicals are antibacterial, antiseptic and were effective against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Although used as medicine the pods are considered toxic and may provoke hallucinations. Ingesting large amounts of the plant to produce abortions has sometimes led to poisoning and even death. Further studies are warranted to more fully understand the medical applications of ratam.

Sequestering Carbon

Ratam is a good candidate for carbon sequestration. Deep roots last for many years even after a plant dies. The root partner arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi produce glomalin to coat the hyphae to keep water and nutrients from being lost. Glomalin is resistant to microbial decay (lasting at least 10 to 50 years) and does not dissolve easily in water. Sequestration of carbon up to 6.6 Mg/ha at 25% canopy cover was suggested for a comparable plant in the desert of North America.

Ratam can be planted in rows with alley inter-cropping or coppice blocks for fuelwood, honey, and perhaps flowers and pods. Ratam is well suited for use in windbreaks for dust management. Geesing et al. (2000) estimated that with effective planting programs tree planting for semi-arid lands could sequester 6.2 billion metric tons of carbon per year. Much of this could be in agroforestry applications. This is about two-thirds of the world annual emissions.

The Biggest Risk

The biggest threat to ratam was (and is) human use for fuel. The shrub wood has been burned as a firewood and as charcoal. The roots have also been used. A household relying on ratam branches might use 10 kg of shrubs from 1 ha a month. Over more than a thousand years this pressure has reduced the range and availability of ratam. Ratam can be pruned and will regrow with support from the extensive root system. Ratam shrubs could provide 2-15 kg each. With 7 x 7 m spacing 200 ratam per hectare could yield 1-2 tons of wood. Camel and goat grazing continue to diminish rata as well.

charcoal from shrubs

The Future

Ratam would be a good choice for restoration and revegetation in Jordan and similar arid land where it once grew. The availability of seeds and the toughness of seedlings will help. The value for the future in bioenergy, biodiversity, erosion reduction, wind control, and carbon sequestration would make it worthwhile.

Test plots of 100-200 ha with Vallerani plows and ratam seedlings would be a good start. The first step would be to collect, process and store seeds and to grow up seedlings in tall containers to protect tap roots (Stuewe and Sons https://stuewe.com/product-category/treepots-trays/). Deep pipe irrigation could be added for more rapid growth. Ratam harvest could be by hand or, on a large scale, mechanized. A mobile charcoal kiln could turn cuttings into charcoal and minimize transport cost. Or a series of kilns could be built, of stone or earth. The Cottonwood kilns of 1873 were built of earth to supply charcoal to the mines in eastern California. Low cost charcoal briquette making machines might be tested and refined as well.

ratam briquettes

Ratam – an under-appreciated resource

It could help reduce the demand for costly imported fossil fuels and reduce the vulnerability of families to energy shortages and high costs. Ratam can also provide protection and nutrients for crops. If developed on a large scale it could sequester significant amounts of climate changing carbon, while reducing erosion, suppressing dust, and lowering the risk of floods, all while helping to preserve and restore biodiversity.

References

Adam, J. C. 2009. Improved and more environmentally friendly charcoal production system using a low-cost retort–kiln. Renewable Energy. 34(8):1923–1925.

Allen, M. F. 2007. Mycorrhizal fungi: highways for water and nutrients in arid soils. Vadose Zone Journal. 6(2): 291–297.

Aloni, E. and M. Livne. White Broom. https://www.wildflowers.co.il/english/plant.asp?ID=65

Abu-rabia, A. 2014. Ethnobotany among Bedouin tribes in the Middle East. pp. 27–36. In Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of the Middle-East. Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of the World 2. Springer: Dordrecht.

Bainbridge, D. A. 2024. Go Big! The challenge of large scale restoration of the Badiya. EcoMENA. July 18. https://www.ecomena.org/challenge-of-large-scale-restoration-of-badiya/

Bainbridge, D. A. 2023. Deep-Root strategies for propagating and planting seedlings for arid sites. Tree Planter’s Notes. 66(1):87–92.

Bainbridge, D. A. 2020. Carbon sequestration with mesquite (Prosopis sp.) in an agroforestry setting. Temperate Agroforester. 26(4):1–3. https://aftaweb.org/latest-newsletter/current-newsletter.html

Bainbridge, D. A. 2012. Restoration of arid and semi-arid lands. Chapter 10, pp. 103–114. In J. van Andel and J. Aronson. Editors. Restoration Ecology: The New Frontier, 2nd edition, Blackwell Publishing Ltd: Oxford UK.

Bainbridge, D. A. 2007. A Guide for Desert and Dryland Restoration: New Hope for Arid Lands. Washington, DC: Island Press.

Bainbridge, D. A. 2006. Deep pipe irrigation. Overstory Agroforestry Journal #175. 6 p.

Bainbridge, D. A. and R. A. Virginia. 1995. Desert soils and biota. pp. 59–70. In Latting, R. and P. G. Rowlands. Editors. The California Desert. R. L. Books, Riverside, CA.

Boyd, M. L. and P. J. Cotty. 2001. Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin contamination of leguminous trees of the Sonoran Desert in Arizona. Phytopathology 91:913–919.

Canadell, J., R. B. Jackson, J. R. Ehrleringer, H. A. Mooney, O. E. Sala and E. D. Schulze. 1996. Maximum rooting depth of vegetation types at the global scale. Oecologia. 108: 583–595.

el Bahri L., M. Djegham and H. Bellil. 1999. Ratama raetam W: a poisonous plant of North Africa. Veterinary and Human Toxicology. 41(1):33–35.

Engel, T. and W. Frey. 1996. Fuel resources for copper smelting in antiquity in selected woodlands in the Edom Highlands to the Wadi Arabah/Jordan. Flora. 191(1):29–39.

Fidelibus, M., L. Lippitt and D. A. Bainbridge. 1994. Native seed collection, processing and storage. Restoration Ecology. 2(2):120–131.

Geesing, D., P. Felker and R. Bingham. 2000. Influence of mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) on soil nitrogen and carbon development: Implications for global carbon sequestration. Journal of Arid Environments. 46:157–180.

Gintzberger, G. 1986. Seasonal variation in above-ground annual and perennial phytomass of an arid rangeland in Libya. Journal of Range Management. 39(4):348–352.

Ikubanni, P. P., A. Olayinka, T. S. Olabamiji, A. A. Adediran T. Aniseri, S. Oladimeji. 2020. Development and performance assessment of piston-type briquetting machine. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 445 012005. 1–13.

IUCN. 2005. A Guide to Medicinal Plants in North Africa. IUCN; Malaga, Spain

Hammouche-Mokrane, N., A. J. León-González, I. Navarro, F. Boulila, S. Benallaoua, C. Martín-Cordero. 2017. Phytochemical profile and antibacterial activity of Ratama raetam and R. sphaerocarpa cladodes from Algeria. Natural Product Communications.1934578X1701201211.

Hossain, M. B. 2021. Glomalin and contribution of glomalin to carbon sequestration in soil: A Review. Turkish Journal of Agriculture – Food Science and Technology. 9(1):191–196

Nabhan G. P., E. C. Riordan, L. Monti et al. 2020. An Aridamerican model for agriculture in a hotter, water scarce world. Plants, People, Planet. 2: 627–639. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10129

Nabhan, G. P. 1982. The Desert Smells Like Rain: a Naturalist in Papago Indian Country. San Francisco: North Point Press. 148 p

Nawash, O., M. Shudiefat, R. Al-Tabini, K. Al-Khalidi. 2013. Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants commonly used by local Bedouins in the Badia region of Jordan. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 148(3):921–925.

Nur-e-Alam, M., M. Yousaf, I. Parveen, R. M. Hafizur, U. Ghani, S. Ahmed, A. Hameed, M. D. Threadgill and A. J. Al-Rehaily. J. 2019. New flavonoids from the Saudi Arabian plant: Ratama raetam which stimulates secretion of insulin and inhibits α-glucosidase. Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry. 17(5):1266-1276.

Pressvess charcoal kiln. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kfqWdgX3xA

See, C. R., A. B. Keller, P. K. Weber, S. E. Hobbie, P. G. Kennedy, J. Pett-Ridge. 2021. Hyphae move matter and microbes to mineral microsites: Integrating the hyphosphere into conceptual models of soil organic matter stabilization. Lawrence Livermore National Labs-Journal-826549. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1867092

Stone E. L. and P. J. Kalisz. 1991. On the maximum extent of tree roots. Forest Ecology and Management. 46:59–102.

Vasar, M., J. Davison, S. K. Sepp, M. Öpik, M. Moora, K. Koorem, Y. Meng, J. Oja, A.A. Akhmetzhanova, S. Al-Quraishy, V. G. Onipchenko, J. J. Cantero, S. I. Glassman, W. N. Hozzein and M. Zobel. 2021. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities in the soils of desert habitats. Microorganisms. 9(2):229. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9020229.

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