3 Practical Ways to Reduce Heat from the Outside Sun

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Air conditioning is used today to battle extreme heat, it is indeed a marvelous creation. Even if you have air conditioning, blasting it at full capacity 24/7 is going to cost you a lot and may even not achieve the desired results. People throughout the ages used to battle heat in many innovative ways; Romans used their architecture, aqueducts circulating cold water through the buildings; an emperor used his influence to move a mountain of snow in his garden, he used donkey trains to transport all this snow.

You don’t need to move mountains or build aqueducts in your home. It has become very easy today to make sure that the heat of the sun stays outside and to ventilate any heat from the inside to the outside. We will be reviewing the most practical ways to make sure that those rays don’t get the best of you.

1. Double-pane insulated glass windows

Glass isn’t the best insulator when it comes to heat, this is why installing single-pane glass windows won’t keep any outdoor temperature out. Double-pane windows are basically 2 layers of glass that sandwich air or glass inside to ensure that the heat transfer process is as slow as possible.

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

It is preferable that the gas inside the double-pane windows is either Argon or Krypton, since they’re much denser than air and will cause a much higher rate of heat-loss. You will notice the difference between the price tags of single-pane and double-pane windows, double-panes are indeed more expensive, yet you will save a lot more on your energy bills.

2. Allow some light in style

People’s idea of tinted glass is pre-occupied by the tinted glass for cars, what many don’t know is that you can tint your residential home glass as well. Unfiltered sun rays can wreak havoc on your furniture and rugs, causing a breakdown in their colors and materials. When we’re talking about energy bills and cost reduction, home window tinting is the best way to ensure that you’re paying less and saving more.

Window tinting also adds some protection to your glass in case it’s under the risk of being broken, even if it breaks, it shatters into safe glass blocks instead of sharp shards. You’ll be getting natural sunlight that’s 99.9% filtered of harmful UV rays.

3. Shades

What can make stylish windows, even look better is some stylish shades to go with it. Shades aren’t all about the looks, they add an extra layer of insulation so no heat could get in easily. Some drapes and Holland blinds can restrict a lot of heat from getting in, thanks to their tight seal around the windows.

When combined with tinted or double-pane glass, the results are magnificent in terms of blocking the heat from the sun. The best thing about them is that they can be manual or motorized to suit your needs in the different times of day.

Bottom Line

Thanks to the technology and investments in the window manufacturing industry, it’s become very easy to keep the heat out and keep the natural light in. You may be overwhelmed with the number of options you can choose to secure your house from the heat; but it’s hard to go wrong with tinted glass thanks to their practicality and cheap cost.

3 Financial Benefits of Running a Green Operation

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While it’s true that the first goal of going green with a business should be to make a positive impact on the environment, we would be lying to ourselves if we didn’t admit that there’s a major financial component to it. Many people will simply refuse to buy from a company that’s environmentally irresponsible. On the other hand, being eco-friendly can never be a bad thing. This is why all businesses should consider going green if they want to increase their bottom line.

Here are some of the main financial benefits of running a green operation.

green-business

1. Lower Utility Costs

Let’s start with probably the biggest and most direct financial benefit of going green. Not only will you be able to reduce costs on energy, but there are tons of grants and incentives for businesses who want to use renewable energy sources. Reducing things like water waste can also make a huge impact on your water bills.

Another thing your business could do right now to reduce how much they spend on water would be to compare water rates for business. Many services will allow you to compare rates between suppliers and switch easily. You also don’t need to turn everything upside down to start getting benefits. Doing something as simple as having a shutdown-and-unplug policy on your shop floor could allow you to save up to 16% on your energy bills.

energy-conservation

2. Increased Demand for Products

Being eco-friendly is a major selling point and the marketplace will reward you if you’re honest about your efforts. You’ll be able to attract the environmentally conscious crowd and maybe push some who are less inclined to make a change. This can also become an integral part of your brand.

Not only that, but it has been shown that people are not only ready to go out of their way to buy green products, but they are willing to pay a premium for them. One study by Nielsen found that 66% of respondents had this commitment to eco-friendly products. This means that your company is leaving lots of money on the table by not catering to this audience.

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3. Make Recruitment Easier

Clients are not the only ones who are environmentally conscious, however. If your business doesn’t start embracing eco-friendly ideas, then you could find yourself having trouble finding top talent in the future. One study found that 42% of the current workforce would prefer to work for a company that has a positive impact on the world, but this was even more pronounced with millennials at 62%. This next generation of employees seems to be even more conscious than the one before it, so corporate social responsibility and eco-friendliness will need to play an integral role in your business if you want to facilitate recruitment.

As you can see, there are tons of reasons why going green could benefit both the environment and your business. This is why we strongly suggest you start looking at what you can improve in your operation, make a plan, and start making incremental changes.

5 Top Benefits of Virtual Physiotherapy

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Physiotherapy is an essential part of life for many people but the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for them to find a physiotherapist clinic close to their homes. Some of the clinics are only seeing the urgent cases while other have closed their clinics either due to lockdown restrictions or the fear of spread of coronavirus. Virtual therapy has proven to be just as effective as an in-person physiotherapy session, thus becoming a blessing in disguise for millions of people suffering from chronic pain.

During a digital therapy session, the therapist addresses the patient’s symptoms remotely through a video chat or phone call with the help of a smartphone, tablet or PC. The therapist will ask questions related to the medical history and overall health, and advise exercises to fix mobility issues and reduce discomfort. Virtual care model for physiotherapy has proven to be extremely useful for those who cannot leave their homes or have mental health issues. Read on to know more about the benefits of virtual physiotherapy:

online-physiotherapy

 

1. Communication between patients and therapists

In these difficult times of the pandemic, it is a major benefit to have a virtual face-to-face communication with your physiotherapist to address your symptoms and answer your health-related questions. In addition, there are many factors, such as bad weather and commuting problems, which make virtual therapy a real boon for many people.  Lastly, some people are too busy and may prefer to have physiotherapy on their own terms and online sessions will help them to get the same level of treatment and care.

2. A comfortable and familiar environment

Virtual physical therapy promotes self-independence of patients by encouraging them to self-manage their symptoms in the comfortable and friendly home environment. By following an individualized care plan at home, you can monitor your progress and gain the much-needed confidence to improve your functional mobility. Digital sessions are a big advantage for people who experience day-to-day difficulties in getting around as it can help to reduce the stress associated with regular trips to the clinic.

2. A timely access to care

Digital therapy has lowered the barrier of entry for patient care by making the appointment process easier and providing care when you need it the most. The patients and practitioners need not worry about the travel time, location, traffic situation or mobility issues. The online physiotherapist will assess your symptoms, observe your mobility issues and diagnose your problems remotely, thus ensuring timeliness of care.

4. Improvement in overall health

During these tough times of lockdowns and travel restrictions, it is important to be physically active. Exercising, with the assistance of a virtual physiotherapist, will reduce stress levels, improve respiratory health and enhance overall well-being. Online physical therapy helps you to connect with a qualified healthcare professional who is genuinely concerned about your health. Since social distancing has made it hard for many people to interact with others, this face-to-face communication will be helpful in reducing the stress levels.

5. More privacy

A virtual physiotherapist is the best alternative for the people who prefer a more private setting. Thanks to the advancements in telehealth, you can obtain quality physio treatment from the confines of your cozy home without bothering about the long wait in a physiotherapist’s waiting room. Online physiotherapy sessions are usually conducted through a secure, encrypted connection, thus ensuring high levels of patient privacy.

Virtual Therapy for Mental Wellbeing

According to the World Health Organization, almost 25 percent of the global population experience mental health issues in their lifetime but only one-third seek medical assistance, mainly due to the associated social stigma. Online therapy is helping to combat this issue by providing online counselling for all sorts of mental disorders, ranging from depression to relationships to stress, through therapists, psychologists and clinical social workers.

Bottom Line

The COVID-19 crisis has forced the physiotherapy industry to devise tech-based solutions to substitute for traditional physiotherapy sessions. Using an internet connection and a smartphone or PC, a virtual physio provides practical and evidence-based treatment to those in need. Online physiotherapy provides the same degree of evaluation, patient care, health benefits and patient satisfaction that a conventional physiotherapist provides.

Industrial Odor Control Management: 4 Effective Techniques

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Industrial odors significantly impact communities, necessitating thoughtful environmental management. In sectors like manufacturing, food processing, and waste management, facilities must mitigate smells that affect quality of life and raise health and environmental concerns.

To address odor issues, industries employ varying complementary techniques balancing productivity and environmental responsibility. Overall, effectively confronting unwanted smells requires understanding how traditional and innovative solutions support communities situated near industrial plants. Each strategy plays an important role in minimizing odors’ nuisance and threats, enabling industries to operate responsibly alongside their neighbors.

effective odor control methods

Effective Techniques For Industrial Odor Control

The core of industrial odor management lies in the deployment of effective control techniques, like the ones employed by companies like MVSeer.com, which can be broadly categorized into physical and chemical methods.

1. Ventilation And Air Filtration Systems

Advanced ventilation and air filtration systems are cornerstone techniques in industrial odor control, playing a pivotal role in maintaining air quality. These are designed to extract odorous air from the industrial environment efficiently and process it through sophisticated filtration mechanisms. By using filters such as activated carbon, known for its high adsorption capacity of volatile organic compounds, these systems can effectively capture and neutralize a wide range of odorous substances.

The implementation of these systems can be tailored to suit the specific requirements of different industries, ensuring that they address each facility’s unique odor profiles and intensities.

2. Enclosures And Barriers To Contain Odors

Enclosures and barriers provide a physical means to manage odors in industrial environments. These structures are designed to isolate the source of the odor, preventing its spread into the surrounding areas. Such containment is particularly crucial in processes where odorous emissions are inevitable but must be controlled. Enclosures can range from simple covers to sophisticated systems that not only contain but also treat the air before its release into the environment.

The design of these enclosures and barriers is tailored to the industry’s specific needs. Materials used must withstand the harsh industrial conditions. When combined with air filtration and ventilation systems, these barriers become part of an integrated approach to odor management, ensuring that odors are contained and treated effectively.

3. Use Of Odor-Neutralizing Agents And Chemical Solutions

Chemical methods involve the use of odor-neutralizing agents and solutions, which are effective in mitigating a variety of industrial odors. They work by interacting with odor-causing molecules, masking them with a more pleasant scent or chemically altering their structure. The choice of these agents often depends on the nature of the odorous compounds and the environmental standards that need to be met.

4. Application Of Biological Odor Control Solutions

Biological odor control solutions have emerged as a sustainable alternative to traditional methods. They leverage natural processes, using microorganisms or enzymes to break down and neutralize odorous compounds. These solutions are well-suited for industries like waste treatment and food processing, where organic matter is a primary source of odors.

The application of these biological agents requires an environment conducive to their activity. Factors such as temperature, pH, and the presence of other substances can significantly impact their effectiveness.

Best Practices For Implementing Effective Odor Control Techniques

Successful odor control management involves more than just the installation of systems; it requires a strategic approach:

  • Assessment And Identification: The first step is to assess the industrial facility and identify the sources and types of odors. This helps in selecting the most appropriate control techniques.
  • Customization And Integration: Odor control solutions should be customized to fit the facility’s specific needs and integrated into existing processes without disrupting operations.
  • Regular Maintenance And Upgrades: Regular maintenance of odor control systems is essential for ensuring their efficiency and longevity. Upgrading to newer technologies as they become available can also enhance odor control.
  • Employee Training And Awareness: Employees should be trained in operating and maintaining odor control systems. Awareness of the importance of odor management helps in maintaining a proactive approach.
  • Monitoring And Continuous Improvement: Continuous monitoring of odor levels and the effectiveness of odor control systems is critical. This allows for adjustments and improvements to be made over time, ensuring the ongoing effectiveness of odor control measures.

These practices ensure that odor control efforts are effective and adaptable to changing conditions and new challenges.

industrial odor control management

Emerging Technologies And Innovations

Industrial odor control management is continually evolving with the integration of emerging technologies and innovative solutions.

  • Advanced Sensors And Monitoring Systems. Integrating advanced sensors and monitoring systems enables early detection of odors, allowing for proactive intervention and precise management of industrial odor sources. This technology-driven approach enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of industrial odor control measures.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) And Machine Learning (ML). Integrating these technologies in odor control management presents new opportunities for predictive modeling, real-time optimization, and automated response to odor events.
  • Sustainable And Eco-Friendly Solutions. Developing sustainable and eco-friendly odor control solutions aligns with the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability. From biofiltration to phytoremediation, these innovative techniques offer environmentally responsible alternatives for industrial odor control.

These emerging technologies and innovations are poised to transform the landscape of industrial odor control, offering promising, effective and environmentally conscious solutions.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Implementing odor control techniques involves considering the financial aspects, including initial investments and ongoing maintenance costs. However, the benefits, such as improved worker safety, community relations, and compliance with regulations, often justify these expenses. A thorough cost-benefit analysis can provide a clearer picture of the long-term financial implications.

Conclusion

Effective techniques for industrial odor control management play a pivotal role in minimizing industrial odors’ impact on public health and the environment. By leveraging advanced ventilation and filtration systems, chemical and biological solutions, and cutting-edge technologies, industrial facilities can proactively address odor challenges while upholding their commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being.

10 Ways to Create an Eco-friendly Skincare Routine

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One of the imperative parts of our day includes following a beauty schedule. Self-grooming and beauty routines tend to become like second nature to us. Therefore, it is important to form habits while being mindful of the environment.

Forming an environmentally-sound beauty routine might not be your top priority. However, the global cosmetics industry itself is negligent of its impact on the environment as it continues to produce about 120 billion units of packaging annually.

If you’ve been worried about such statistics, we wonder if you’d like to move forward and make your beauty routine as sustainable and environmentally-friendly as possible. In this article, we will discuss a few eco-friendly skincare tips you can follow to show a kinder attitude towards environmental change and a better outlook towards the planet.

sustainable-skincare

What Does it Mean to be a Sustainable Brand or Product?

Sustainability is a multi-faceted aspect that requires a brand or product to be considerate about more than one factor. From the product’s ingredients, formulation, production, packaging, shipping, to recycling, each step has scope to be sustainable in several ways.

The biggest problem in this regard with the cosmetic industry is its compromise with the product’s smell and quality in the name of sustainability. However, eco-friendly beauty products are of high-demand, encouraging more companies to delve into sustainability.

Tips for Creating an Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Beauty Routine

Given below are a few things you can keep in mind while creating an eco-friendly skincare routine.

1. Choose Your Personal Care Products Wisely

The next time when you go to the market to get beauty products, you must look carefully at the packaging and opt for only sustainable and eco-friendly products. This impact whilst it may seem small, every bit counts.

2. Take it Slow

Since a lot of good brands are not yet sustainable, it is best to take your time while choosing the right sustainable product for yourself. Try looking for a new product at least a week before you run out of your existing one. You can talk to company executives or read online reviews to be sure of the product’s sustainability values.

3. Focus on Packaging

The packaging is one of the most unsustainable aspects of cosmetics and other products. However, with the growing demand for ensuring mindful packaging, brands have come up with several eco-friendly alternatives. Avoid buying plastic packaging at all costs to do your bit in preserving the environment.

4. Check the Ingredients

Checking the ingredients is not only necessary for sustainability but also for checking if it will suit your body. You can either get products with organic and natural ingredients or products with algae and marine extracts. They are perfect for preserving the environment. You must avoid products with petroleum derivatives, microbeads, and microplastics at all costs.

5. Make your beauty Tools Eco-Friendly

This might seem to be a small adjustment, but the impact is huge. You can swap your cotton wipes with washable and reusable pads. Instead of using plastic razors, use stainless-steel ones, and buy only the brushes which are not made of animal hair. You can even make some of your own beauty products, if that sounds like something you would be interested in check out a guide to homemade deodorants.

6. Use Multi-Purpose Products

The lesser the products you use, the more you are contributing towards sustainability. You can invest in an eyebrow pencil, which can double as an eyeliner. Similarly, you can use a combination of foaming cleanser and makeup remover to avoid using cotton swabs at all.

7. Consider Shampoo Bars

Shampoo bars are very sustainable because they double as shampoos and body soaps. They can come in sustainable packaging too, which makes them more attractive. Regardless of your preference, you will get many options in the market.

8. Simplify your Routine

You’d be surprised to see how many products you can cut off from your routine if you buy mindfully. You don’t have to go overboard with several serums and creams. A simple cleanser, toner, and moisturizer routine are enough to maintain healthy skin.

9. Be Efficient

It is easy to overuse a product. Therefore, you should only use the recommended amount and not waste anything. Reducing waste massively affects your number of bottles you’re going to buy annually. This will not only help you cut down on waste but help with savings.

10. Recycle

Recycling your beauty products will go a long way. Even though cosmetics might be confusing to recycle at times, you can learn about the right recycling techniques with not a lot of effort. Brands such as Lush, Kiehl’s, MAC, and Originals offer recycling programs. Through them, you can get new products in exchange for the old ones. You can wash the containers before recycling.

Ecotourism Industry in the Middle East

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Ecotourism is one of the fastest growing segments in the global tourism industry and the Middle East is no exception. The ecotourism industry, catalyzed by advancements in transportation and information technology, has brought hitherto unknown geographical landscapes into public limelight, thus bringing tourists to pristine natural locations across the Middle East.

Dead-Sea-Jordan

Middle East has also been witnessing growing popularity of ecotourism among native and expatriate populations. Some of the Middle East nations popular with ecotourists include Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Egypt, Oman and Tunisia. Due to its sunny climate, unique landscape, distinct culture and rich history, the region offers wealth of opportunities for ecotourists including but not limited to vast deserts, special flora and fauna, exotic animal species and stunning beaches.

In recent years, there has been significant increase in the number of eco-retreats in countries like the UAE, Qatar and Oman. Local tourists are showing keen interest in staying at resorts that focus on environmentally-responsible and sustainable practices. In addition, tourists from the region, especially families, are traveling to far-off places, such as Southeast Asia and Cyprus, for nature-based activities like snorkeling, kayaking, trekking and bird-watching which is a welcome sign for the natural tourism industry.

Jordan – A Role Model

Jordan has been one of the earliest pioneers of ecotourism in the Middle East. The country has acknowledged ecotourism as a key cluster that can mainstream economic and social development within environmental protection. Jordan has 10 natural reserves that provide tourists with exceptional experience in enjoying nature and helping communities.

Middle East offers attractive opportunities for ecotourists

The Jordanian experience in ecotourism has gained global recognition and became a model for partnerships between the government, NGOs and local communities. Infact, the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) has reported that its sustainable tourism projects in 2015 generated more than USD 2 million, when 175,000 people visited the nature reserves, 65 per cent of whom were foreigners.

Key Enablers

For ecotourism to flourish and achieve its development vision in the Middle East, several enablers need to be in place. “Governments, private sector and international agencies would need to work together to provide a conducive legal and regulatory framework, access to land, financing instruments, local human and institutional capacity development, attractive investment climate as well as convenient and affordable transportation”, explains Ruba Al-Zu’bi, Scientific Research Director at Shoman Foundation. “In addition, enabling more local innovation and social entrepreneurship would really be the added value to sustain the future of ecotourism in the region”, she adds.

Exaggerated extravagance is another key issue that needs to be addressed by stakeholders in eco-tourism industry in the Middle East. “I think elegant architecture and interior furnishings are perfectly acceptable elements of an ecotourism attraction, and usually the locals do it best, but there is a tendency in the Middle East to be excessively flashy which may be discouraging to nature tourists”, says Tafline Laylin, an environmental journalist and travel writer.

Air Conditioning Repair: Important Signs to Watch For

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There are plenty of homeowners out there who make the decision to purchase an AC unit for their home, without necessarily understanding how best to care for the unit. After all, it is often as simple as turning it on and letting the AC unit get the job done. While there is generally no trouble with letting a brand new unit cool the air around your home, there is always a chance that something might go wrong. If you do not understand the warning signs, you might end up paying much more than you normally would for repairs to your HVAC.

If you want to ensure that you are never blindsided by expensive air conditioning repair in Austin, it would be a good idea to learn all about the warning signs. Here are just some of the things to watch out for to ensure that your AC unit is running at its full potential.

Any strange or foul odor is a clear warning sign

Perhaps one of the most significant warning signs when it comes to keeping your AC unit well-maintained is the presence of strange or foul odors around the unit. Whether it happens to be a leak which eventually grew mold, or perhaps one of the circuits that burned out, neither scenario is good for your AC unit.

The mold, in particular, can be a health hazard if you continue to neglect your air conditioner. As soon as you start to smell something strange coming from the unit, it would be best to contact experts in AC repair.

When it is not functioning as it should

While it is obvious that an air conditioner that is incapable of cooling the air around your home as it used to is due for repair, it can be easy to underestimate just how serious of a situation it can be. There could be all manner of issues causing trouble within your AC, and it is often something you cannot fix on your own. If it is not functioning as well as it should, call a professional to see if they can find the root of the problem.

When your AC is producing excess moisture

As a follow-up to the first warning sign, many people tend to ignore moisture around the AC as it is a natural part of the cooling process. However, keep in mind that an excess of moisture is a tell-tale sign that your AC needs immediate attention. It is not typically something homeowners notice, which is why they end up paying more for repairs than they should.

Conclusion

From excess moisture to the potential for mold, it is a shame how some homeowners neglect the physical state of their AC unit until it is too late. Fortunately, the tips above will help you catch some of the warning signs before it is too late. For those who want the best experience when it comes to heaters and air conditioners, this article offers plenty of options to ensure your AC unit lasts.

Bridging the Gap: Empowering Farmers with Accessible Patented Technologies

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Mixing cutting-edge technology with good old dirt-under-the-fingernails farming is one of the perfect ways to grow not just plants but the whole industry. We’re talking about bridging the big old gap between high-flying patented tech and the everyday heroes who feed us—our farmers.

So, it is only natural for farm enthusiasts to look out for methods to sprinkle some innovation across those fields like it’s fertilizer for progress. The good news is that there are some super cool ways to implement tech upgrades in farming, and here are some of them.

farm tool patents

Sharing the Tech Wealth with Open Source

Imagine if farmers could tap into a treasure chest of tech like it’s a community garden. That’s the magic of open-sourcing patented farm tech. It’s basically tech companies saying, “Here, take our high-tech tools and make your crops sing.”

Instead of keeping all those smart innovations locked up, they spread them around so even small-scale growers can get in on the action. This way, rather than each farmer reinventing the wheel (or the tractor), they can just download blueprints for greenhouses or seed-planting gadgets and get their hands dirty, making things grow better.

Breaking Down the Jargon Jungle

Let’s face it: patent lingo can be as thick as pea soup. It’s like trying to read ancient hieroglyphics — confusing and a bit intimidating! So, here’s an idea: Let’s translate all that legal mumbo jumbo into regular talk.

Imagine patents written so farmers could actually get what’s going on without scratching their heads too much. We mean clear guides showing how to file patent applications in Canada, the U.S., and other countries. You can even complement these resources with how to use the cool tech stuff in plain words or maybe even with some friendly pictures or videos thrown in.

This way, instead of patents collecting dust on a shelf, they become real tools farmers can use day-to-day. Making things straightforward helps bridge the tech gap big time!

Providing Practical Education and Training

Providing farmers with shiny new tech is never enough. It is like handing someone a spaceship and forgetting to teach them how to fly it. That’s where the need for some good old education comes in.

We’re talking hands-on workshops, online classes, and maybe even some ‘how-to’ YouTube series that walk farmers through the nuts and bolts of using their new gadgets. Show them the ropes in ways that stick, whether it’s planting sensors or drone scouting or using mobile apps.

With this kind of practical know-how flooding into farming communities, we’ll see tractors buzzing and productivity soaring. And because knowledge is power (literally), these educational efforts help turn technology into real results out there in the fields.

Tiny Licenses for Big Farming Dreams

You’ve probably heard of micro-loans, but what about micro-licenses? Think bite-sized permission slips that let farmers use patented tech without the financial migraine. Micro-licensing deals could be the golden ticket for growers who usually can’t afford the fancy stuff.

These easy-on-the-wallet agreements give small-scale farmers the green light to innovate without breaking the bank. They get to play with the big boys’ toys, like precision agriculture tools or new crop varieties, and all it takes is a little bit of dough and a handshake deal.

Imagine this: better farming through technology, now accessible even if you’re not rolling in cash. This kind of move flips the script—transforming patent access from a pipe dream to everyday reality on farms everywhere.

benefits of hydroponic farming

Cash for Farming Innovators

Incentivizing the local geniuses to innovate right there in their backyard through grants is another way to empower farmers with accessible patented technologies with the aim of bridging the gap. That means all those smart-as-a-whip folks get a boost with some sweet grant money specifically for cooking up new farming tech.

This isn’t about importing shiny gizmos—it’s about fueling homegrown talent to solve local farm snags. It’s like saying, “Here’s some cash, now go invent something that’ll make your tomatoes happier or your cows healthier.” These grants can kickstart creativity and maybe even lead to inventions other farmers will want in on, too.

Grants are like seed money (pun intended) that can grow into tech tailored just right for the regional challenges. And the best part is? They might even sprout up as tomorrow’s must-have farm tool patents!

Role of Artificial Intelligence in Environmental Sustainability

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In recent years, the environmental issues have triggered debates, discussions, awareness programs and public outrage that have catapulted interest in new technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence. Artificial Intelligence finds application in a wide array of environmental sectors, including natural resource conservation, wildlife protection, energy management, clean energy, waste management, pollution control and agriculture.

Artificial Intelligence (also known as AI) is considered to be the biggest game-changer in the global economy. With its gradual increase in scope and application, it is estimated that by 2030, AI will contribute up to 15.7 trillion of the global economy which is more than the current output of China and India combined. India outputs around a million engineers every financial year, 20% of whom are jobless. AI has grown so much that it can place a jobless engineer in an industry-based company, if he has done an artificial intelligence course.

artificial-intelligence

The UN Artificial Intelligence Summit held in Geneva (2017) identified that AI has the potential to accelerate progress towards a dignified life, in peace and prosperity, for all people and have suggested to refocus the use of this technology, that is responsible for self-driving cars and voice/face recognition smart phones, on sustainable development and assisting global efforts to eliminate poverty and hunger, and to protect the environment and conserve natural resources.

AI Applications in Environmental Sector

Many organizations like Microsoft, Google and Tesla, whilst pushing the boundaries for human innovations, have made considerable efforts in developing ‘Earth Friendly’ AI systems. For instance, Google’s very own DeepMind AI has helped the organization to curb their data center energy usage by 40 percent making them more energy efficient and reducing overall GHG emissions. As data centers alone consume 3 percent of global energy each year, development of such AI’s not only improve the energy efficiency but also assist in providing energy access to remote communities, setting up microgrids and integrating renewable energy resources.

Installation of smart grids in cities can utilize artificial intelligence techniques to regulate and control parts of neighborhood power grid to deliver exactly the amount of electricity needed, or requested from its dependents, against the use of conventional power grids that can be wasteful due to unplanned power distribution.

With AI-driven autonomous vehicles waiting to break into the automobile market, techniques like route optimization, eco-driving algorithms and ride-sharing services would help in streamlining the carbon footprint and reducing the overall number of vehicles on the road. But AI is already broadly used in the production of electric vehicles, with a zonal architecture solution making it easier for auto manufacturers to build and manage the critical software.

Viewed on a macro scale, the emergence of smart buildings and the smart cities in which they are built can leverage built-in sensors to use energy efficiently, and buildings and roads will also be constructed out of materials that work more intelligently. Taking a nod from natural patterns, material scientists and architects have developed innovative building materials from natural resources, such as bricks made of bacteria, cement that captures carbon dioxide, and cooling systems that use wind and sun. Solar power is increasingly present within cities and outside to supply larger urban area. These are the first early steps towards sustainable infrastructure cutting costs and helping to make us environmentally conscious.

Controlling industrial emissions and waste management is another challenge that can be dealt with the advanced learning machines and smart networks that could detect leaks, potential hazards and diversions from industrial standards and governmental regulations. For example, IoT technology was incorporated into several industrial ventures, from refrigerators and thermostats and even retail shops.

As scientists still struggle to predict climate changes and other potential environmental hurdles or bottlenecks due to lack of algorithms for converting the collected useful data into required solutions, Microsoft’s AI for Earth, a 50 million dollar initiative, was announced in 2017 with the sole purpose to find solutions to various challenges related to climatic changes, agriculture, water and biodiversity.

Other similar AI infused Earth applications are iNaturalist and eBirds that collect data from its vast circle of experts on the species encountered, which would help to keep track of their population, favorable eco systems and migration patterns. These applications have also played a significant role in the better identification and protection of fresh water and marine ecosystems.

There are various institutions, NGOs and start-ups that work to deliver smart agricultural solutions by implementing fuzzy neural networks. Besides the use of both artificial and bio-sensor driven algorithms to provide a complete monitoring of the soil and crop yield, there are technologies that can used to provide predictive analytic models to track and predict various factors and variables that could affect future yields.

Berlin-based agricultural tech startup PEAT has developed a deep learning application called Plantix that reportedly identifies potential defects and nutrient deficiencies in soil. Analysis is conducted by software algorithms which correlate particular foliage patterns with certain soil defects, plant pests and diseases.

Artificial Intelligence can provide invaluable assistance in environment protection and resource conservation

AWhere and FarmShots, both United States based companies use machine learning algorithms in connection with satellites to predict weather, analyze crop sustainability and evaluate farms for the presence of diseases and pests. Adaptive irrigation systems in which the land is automatically irrigated based on the data collected from the soil via sensors by an AI system is also gaining wide popularity among the farmers for its important role in water management.

Developments in the Middle East

As more countries drastically shift towards the use of AI and other advanced technologies, this enormous wave has hit the Middle East region too. The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have shown a promising commitment towards the development and implementation of technologies like information technology and digital transformation, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare sector and to provide citizens with knowledge and skills to meet the future needs of the labor market.

By 2030, the Middle East countries are expected to be one of the major players in this field as the volatility of oil prices have forced the economy to look for new sources for revenue and growth. With numerous untapped markets and sectors, the future investments in AI in the MENA region are estimated to contribute to around 15 per cent of their combined GDP. It can also be expected that with this rapid growth, the Governments will also consider a much more aggressive approach towards using these technologies for putting together an effective model for environmental sustainability.

With many countries in the Middle East strongly committed to protect the aquatic diversity of its surrounding waters, an intelligent tracking system could help to prevent overfishing and contamination, and implement much more effective aquaculture techniques, innovations in sea farming and better utilization and protection of freshwater resources.

Future Outlook

Researchers and scientists must ensure that the data provided through Artificial Intelligence systems are transparent, fair and trustworthy. With an increasing demand of automation solutions and higher precision data-study for environment related problems and challenges, more multinational companies, educational institutions and government sectors need to fund more R&D of such technologies and provide proper standardizations for producing and applying them.

In addition, there is a necessity to bring in more technologists and developers to this technology. Green AI is steadily becoming a part in our daily lives, and its impact can be seen through the advancements made in the field of environmental sciences and environmental management.

Environmental Research in Arab World: Perspectives

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The Arab world is facing many environmental pressures ranging from challenges in resource management and water scarcity to air pollution and climate change, which all require serious scientific environmental research. Arab nations contribute 1.7 percent of the total value of budgets embarked for environmental research worldwide.

Leaders in Environmental Research

Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Tunisia are the most active research countries in general science and environmental research. Scientific research has increased in the last ten years, with Egypt leading the Arab world, followed by Saudi Arabia for both the number and rate of publications produced.

environmental-research

Egypt has contributed at least double the amount of publications compared to other Arab countries since 2008, effectively contributing on average 26 percent of environmental publications cumulatively by 2015. This can be attributed in part to the size of Egypt’s population, accounting to a quarter of the Arab countries combined. Saudi Arabia has been enjoying a linear increase in research rates since 2008 (1.67 percent average annual document contributions per year), followed by Morocco (0.59 percent), Iraq (0.35 percent), and Qatar (0.18 percent).

Key Areas of Focus

Health and pollution as well as water science and technology are the fastest growing research subjects under environmental science in the Arab world, where research has increased twofold on average since 2008, with Egypt leading the Arab world in both disciplines. The slowest growing subjects are climate change and environmental policies, as well as biodiversity and conservation.

Research and Society

Beyond the numbers, results of research projects and publications in Arab countries are rarely reflected in policies, and they seldom contribute to solutions to environmental problems. In contrast to the weak contribution and impact of researchers working in the Arab countries, Arab researchers working abroad contributed well in many areas related to environmental science, with a profound impact on society.

Results of research projects and publications in Arab countries are rarely reflected in policies

Roadmap for Success

The enhancement of environmental research to produce impact in the Middle East requires creating enabling conditions and a stimulating work environment, and linking research to policy. A fundamental step towards achieving this goal is building an infrastructure that connects research institutions, industry and society and creates an integrated system that ensures sustainable development.

Budgets dedicated to environmental research should be enhanced, centers of excellence created, and research collaborations among Arab countries and with other centers worldwide strengthened. Publication mechanisms for research institutes have to be improved and modernized in order to facilitate the publication process.

In order to fill a growing gap, research in the areas of policy development and climate change should be encouraged. Finally, in order to reverse the brain drain caused by a large proportion of Arab students who study abroad never returning, investment in young researchers and intellectual capital should be promoted.

Note: For more information, please download the full AFED report from this link

Environmental Best Practices in the Cement Industry

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Worldwide, cement production  has almost tripled during the last 15 years, mainly on account of high population growth rate, rapid urbanization, increasing industrialization and large-scale infrastructural development. The growth of cement industry in MENA is marked by factors that are directly connected with sustainability, energy efficiency and raw material supply. Although the factors differ from country to country and cannot be generalized, there are major concerns regarding shortage of raw materials, GHG emissions, dependence on fossil fuels and lack of investment in technological innovations.

For the cement sector, key points for an environment-friendly industry are use of alternative raw materials and alternative fuels, energy-efficient equipment and green technologies. As the use of alternative fuels and raw materials is still uncommon in the Middle East, guidelines and regulatory framework have to be defined which can set standards for the use of alternative or waste-derived fuels like municipal solid wastes, dried sewage sludge, agricultural wastes, drilling wastes etc.

Saudi-Cement-Sector

1. Sewage Sludge

An attractive disposal method for sewage sludge is to use it as alternative fuel source in a cement kiln. Dried sewage sludge with high organic content possesses a high calorific value. Due to the high temperature in the kiln the organic content of the sewage sludge will be completely destroyed. 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.

The Middle East 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. Sewage generation across the region is rising by an astonishing rate of 25 percent every year. Municipal wastewater treatment plants in the Middle East 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 the Middle East due to increase in number and size of urban habitats and growing industrialization.

wastewater-treatment-plant

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.

the use of sludge in cement kilns will led to eco-friendly disposal of municipal sewage. 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.

Municipal Solid Wastes and Biomass

Alternative fuels, such as refuse derived fuels or RDF, have very good energy-saving potential. The substitution of fossil fuel by alternative sources of energy is common practice in the European cement industry. The German cement industry, for example, substitutes approximately 61% of their fossil fuel demand. Typical alternative fuels available in the Middle Eastern countries are municipal solid wastes, agro-industrial wastes, industrial wastes and crop residues.

The gross urban waste generation quantity from Middle East countries has crossed 150 million tons per annum. Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Kuwait rank in the top-ten worldwide in terms of per capita solid waste generation. Solid waste disposal is a big challenge in almost all MENA countries so conversion of MSW to RDF will not ease the environmental situation but also provide an attractive fuel for the regional cement industry. Tens of millions of tyres are discarded across the MENA region each year. Scrap tyres are are an attractive source of energy and find widespread use in countries around the world.

MSW Fuel Pellets

Agriculture plays an important role in the economies of most of the countries in the Middle East and North Africa region.  Despite the fact that MENA is the most water-scarce and dry region in the world, many countries in the region, especially those around the Mediterranean Sea, are highly dependent on agriculture. Egypt is the 14th biggest rice producer in the world and the 8th biggest cotton producer in the world. Similarly Tunisia is one of the biggest producers and exporters of olive oil in the world.

Such high biomass production rates should be welcomed by the cement industry since these materials comprise cotton stalks, rice husks and rice straw which serve ideally as alternative fuels. However it is ironical that olive kernels – the waste from Tunisian olive production – is exported to European power plants in order to save fossil fuel-derived CO2 emissions there, while Tunisia imports approximately 90% of its energy demand, consisting of fossil fuels.

Drilling Wastes as an Alternative Raw Material

The reduction of clinker portion in cement affords another route to reduce energy consumption. In particular, granulated blast furnace slags or even limestone have proven themselves as substitutes in cement production, thus reducing the overall energy consumption. The Middle East oil and gas industry has made a lot of effort in order to reduce the environmental impact of their activities.

Drilling_Waste_Management

Drilling muds can be used in cement industry as a source of energy

The use of drilling wastes and muds is preferable in cement kilns, as a cement kiln can be an attractive, less expensive alternative to a rotary kiln. In cement kilns, drilling wastes with oily components can be used in a fuel-blending program to substitute for fuel that would otherwise be needed to fire the kiln.

Conclusions

The cement industry can play a significant role in the sustainable development in the Arab countries, e.g. by reducing fossil fuel emissions with the use of refused derived fuels (RDF) made from municipal solid waste or biomass pellets. The cement companies in the Middle East can contribute to sustainability also by improving their own internal practices such as improving energy efficiency and implementing recycling programs.

Businesses can show commitments to sustainability through voluntary adopting the concepts of social and environmental responsibilities, implementing cleaner production practices, and accepting extended responsibilities for their products.

The major points of consideration are types of wastes and alternative fuels that may be used, standards for production of waste-derived fuels, emission standards and control mechanisms, permitting procedures etc. Appropriate standards also need to be established for alternative raw materials that are to be used for clinker and cement production.

Building a Plastic Bottle Village From Rubbish

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This is an inspiring true story that demonstrates a solution to the rubbish problem, especially discarded plastic bottles, plaguing our planet! We hope it will encourage and inspire other visionaries to take similar actions around the world!

Robert Bezeau moved to the tropical paradise of Bocas del Toro, Panama, after he grew tired of the cold weather in his home country of Canada. He loved Panama, but at the same time, he was dismayed by the rubbish removal left behind by more than 100,000 tourists visiting the area every year. While he walked the beaches, he began collecting discarded plastic bottles. Over the course of a year and a half, he collected more than one million of these littered plastic bottles.

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While he litter picked, Robert contemplated the enormous scale of the ugly problem. He could see it was only going to get worse without intervention. The plastic bottles were accumulating on land and going out to sea. Some were breaking into smaller bits and being eaten by animals. His heart told him he had to find a way to rid the island of this rubbish removal. Further, he needed to find a solution that would not only work on the island but could be replicated around the world.

Bocas del Toro has only one landfill and the people on the island simply can’t keep up with the rubbish removal left behind by tourists who litter the beaches. They truly can’t afford to build another landfill either. Plus, landfills are toxic places that allow toxins to escape into the air and groundwater. Robert thought deeply about this problem and what solutions might impact the enormous volume of plastic bottles littered on the Panamanian landscape.

Suddenly one day, Robert had an epiphany! He saw in a dream an entire village made out of plastic bottles.

Some people have great ideas but they never act on them. However, Robert is a doer and he began to put his grand idea into action immediately. His dream of building a village from discarded plastic bottles, the primary component to the rubbish removal left behind by tourists, began to become a reality. On an eighty-three acre parcel of land nestled into the Panamanian jungle, and spreading out to the sea, Robert has planned the development of community with twenty plastic bottle houses.

Robert and his team have already built some model homes, including one in the design of a medieval castle! In addition to the twenty houses, Robert is building a community center for yoga classes and a centralized garden for fruits and vegetables. People are coming from all over the world to see this remarkable plastic bottle village in the making! Some of them are going back to their own communities to try to instigate similar projects.

The construction of these plastic bottle houses is a very unique type of constructions. Lightweight wire cages are built. The cages are then filled with PET bottles and attached to steel rebar. They are then assembled to create the outer and inner walls of the houses and buildings. Cement is then applied over the cage and rebar walls. When the construction is all finished, the houses look very much like a traditionally built house. However, the “bones” of the house are anything but traditional!

There are some other unique construction features of these plastic bottle homes that make them perfect for the hot humid climate of the Panamanian tropical jungle. Vents are placed near the floor and also at the top of the walls to create a chimney effect for air circulation and ventilation. This ensures that mold spores do not take hold, a common problem in a tropical humid environment.

It may be hard to imagine at first that houses built from plastic bottles are actually stronger than traditional houses, but it’s true! In fact, these unique houses are far more earthquake resistant than a traditionally built home since the cage and rebar design gives a unique combination of great strength mixed with flexibility. In other words, the ground can rumble during an earthquake and the flexible cage design will rumble right along with it without breaking the structure of the house!

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

Another amazing attribute of this unique construction is how energy efficient these houses are. It turns out that AIR, as in the air inside the plastic bottles inside the cages used to build the walls, is one of the best insulators in the world! Readings have been taken on hot days where the temperature differential between the inside of these plastic bottle homes and the outside was SEVENTEEN DEGREES CELSIUS!! This is with no air conditioning in a hot tropical climate. Amazing!

Think of all the energy this will save, not to mention that they are using solar panels to capture sunlight for electricity! On a day when the outdoor ambient temperature was an almost unbearable forty-eight degrees Celsius (one hundred eight degrees Fahrenheit), the inside temperature was thirty-one degrees Celsius (eighty-eight degrees Fahrenheit).

One of the reasons Robert Bezeau has been so successful is he has a special way of communicating. He can grab people in their heart and soul. He express things in a way that makes people think about things from a totally different perspective than they’ve ever thought about them before. In an interview for a documentary, Robert stated:

“When a bottle of plastic is standing on a shelf in a store, that bottle is not a threat to the planet until someone buys it. When you buy that bottle and you break that seal, YOU are the threat.”

By building his village of plastic bottle houses, and inviting people in to see them, Robert is giving the world a blueprint to what to do about this plastic rubbish problem. He is hoping that people copy his methods and he’s even offering workshops to people who want to learn how to build plastic bottle houses. He has found a solution to a plastic waste removal problem that has seemed so enormous and so daunting that many experts have felt there would never be a satisfactory solution… as they say, NEVER SAY NEVER!

Robert doesn’t want to stop at building plastic bottle houses from rubbish. He wants to build warehouses, business complexes, shelters, barns, and other structures. He basically wants to round up all the plastic waste removal in the world and put it to good use. He’s even advocating for food manufactures to redesign their bottles so they interlock like puzzle pieces to make this type of construction even easier!

If in your travels, you have the opportunity to see a plastic bottle house or building, made out of rubbish, please post a picture of that structure to the Clearabee social media pages, Facebook and Twitter. This is the type of story that needs to go viral in a big way! Clearabee is an on demand rubbish removal company based in the UK. They are on a quest to divert as many plastic bottles and other rubbish from landfills as possible. They current divert about ninety percent of the waste they collect from landfills! This ranks at the very top of their industry among all countries.