Alimenter les écoles à l’énergie solaire: investir dans l’éducation et l’environnement de façon éclairée

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L’énergie renouvelable s’est largement intégrée au mix énergétique mondial, et on assiste à un virage vers des sources d’alimentation pour maisons et commerces plus propres et plus fiables. L’énergie solaire, notamment, est en première ligne de la révolution renouvelable, à travers les panneaux solaires pour toit et les technologies subséquentes disponibles partout, que ce soit votre domicile, votre lieu de travail ou votre établissement d’enseignement.

Les écoles du pays ont vite compris qu’il était essentiel d’adopter l’énergie solaire afin de réduire leur empreinte carbone, de réaliser des économies et de fournir des conditions d’apprentissage optimales. Voici pourquoi il est pertinent d’investir dans l’énergie solaire à l’école afin de renforcer l’éducation et l’environnement.

solar powered school

Les écoles solaires en plein essor

Combien d’écoles y a-t-il dans votre quartier ? Vous tomberez sûrement sur une ou deux écoles tirant leur électricité de panneaux photovoltaïques dans un avenir proche, si ce n’est pas déjà le cas.

Selon une étude réalisée par l’organisation non lucrative Generation180, un élève américain sur neuf est scolarisé dans une école dite « K-12 » (de la maternelle au lycée) alimentée par l’énergie solaire. Ces dix dernières années, le nombre d’écoles alimentées à l’énergie solaire a quadruplé, 800 écoles ayant installé des systèmes photovoltaïques au cours de l’année scolaire 2022-2023. Grâce à cette vague d’énergie renouvelable, Generation180 a estimé que les écoles américaines évitaient ainsi l’émission de 1,7 million de tonnes de dioxyde de carbone (CO2) par an.

Les subventions, programmes et incitations publics ont favorisé l’adoption de l’énergie solaire dans le secteur de l’éducation. Par exemple, le gouvernement américain a aidé à compenser le coût initial des générateurs solaires, ce qui a permis aux écoles d’installer des panneaux solaires à faible, voire zéro coût. Grâce à un soutien continu, de plus en plus d’écoles pourront profiter d’infrastructures à énergie renouvelable.

Les avantages d’alimenter les écoles à l’énergie solaire

Les écoles sont souvent les premières victimes des défis financiers, des coupes budgétaires aux réductions aux baisses de financement par le gouvernement. En conséquence, les établissements scolaires peinent à entretenir leurs locaux et à fournir équitablement possibilités d’apprentissage et soutien éducatif. Voici quatre raisons pour lesquelles l’énergie solaire représente un investissement éclairé pour les écoles de votre région.

1. Économies de coût

Les écoles américaines dépensent plus de 6 billions de dollars dans l’énergie chaque année. C’est plus que les dépenses consacrées aux ressources éducatives et programmes scolaires essentiels. Dans cette nouvelle ère de la technologie, l’utilisation d’outils numériques à l’école représente une grande partie de ces dépenses.

L’énergie solaire favorise une consommation d’électricité moindre, ce qui permet aux écoles d’allouer davantage de ressources aux choses plus importantes. Par exemple, elles pourront investir dans de nouveaux systèmes de ventilation, augmenter le salaire des enseignements pour favoriser la rétention du personnel ou maintenir des programmes populaires ou nécessaires.

Ainsi, la commission scolaire Tuscon Unified School District d’Arizona compte économiser 43 millions de dollars sur deux décennies grâce à l’énergie renouvelable. De son côté, la commission scolaire de Batesville School District, en Arkansas, consacre ses économies issues de l’énergie solaire à une augmentation annuelle du salaire des enseignants de 9 000 $.

2. Une énergie fiable

Vous avez sûrement fait l’expérience d’une coupure de courant pendant une forte tempête ou une panne de réseau. Imaginez un peu l’impact sur l’éducation. Les écoles alimentées à l’énergie solaire n’ont pas à s’inquiéter de telles perturbations, puisque l’énergie renouvelable les rend moins dépendantes du réseau et fournit ainsi un approvisionnement en électricité plus constant.

Grâce à la batterie de secours, les écoles peuvent stocker le surplus d’énergie quand la lumière du soleil ne suffit plus. Le stockage d’énergie solaire pourra notamment servir à éclairer les réunions parents-professeurs ou les évènements sportifs du soir.

3. Un impact environnemental moindre

Selon l’Agence d’information sur l’énergie des États-Unis (U.S. Energy Information Administration) les écoles de la maternelle au supérieur consomment 72 millions de tonnes de CO2 par an, c’est-à-dire l’équivalent de 18 centrales à charbon. Sans compter, bien sûr, les émissions des services de transport scolaire.

Les écoles alimentées par l’énergie solaire contribuent à la réduction de l’impact environnemental du secteur de l’éducation, grâce à l’énergie propre et renouvelable émise par le soleil. De même, les écoles réduisent leur utilisation d’énergies fossiles et donc leur génération de gaz à effet de serre.

Certaines commissions scolaires choisissent également l’électrification des flottes de bus. En octobre 2024, la ville de New York a installé des panneaux solaires sur le toit de 12 bus scolaires, afin de remplacer les modèles de bus diesel de l’entreprise First Student dans le dépôt de Malta Street. Les bus stationnés utilisant la technologie V2G (du véhicule vers le réseau) conservent également l’énergie excédentaire pour la vendre au district en bas de besoin.

4. Opportunités éducatives

Les écoles solaires représentent une opportunité d’apprentissage unique pour les élèves. Ils y acquièrent une expérience pratique qui les aide à comprendre les problématiques environnementales et les innovations en matière d’énergie renouvelable essentielles.

Ce programme scientifique encourage les élèves à développer un esprit critique et des aptitudes en résolution de problèmes afin de faire face à des enjeux concrets, ce qui leur ouvre des perspectives de réussite, d’innovation et de durabilité dans leur vie future.

Les écoles ouvrent la voie vers l’adoption de l’énergie solaire

De nombreuses écoles américaines ont déjà fait de l’énergie solaire leur première source d’énergie. Leur décision d’investir dans l’énergie renouvelable leur a permis d’améliorer les conditions des élèves, du personnel et des locaux. Voici trois écoles qui ouvrent la voie vers un avenir solaire.

solar schools

L’école primaire d’Arlington en Virginie

Discovery Elementary School (« L’école primaire de la découverte ») a ouvert ses portes en 2015 et accueille 650 élèves de la crèche au CM2. Il s’agit de l’une des premières écoles à énergie zéro de la côte Est : elle consomme 66 % moins d’intensité énergétique que la moyenne du district.

Grâce à ses 1 700 toitures photovoltaïques générant environ 500 kilowatts d’énergie propre sur site, cette école vise l’objectif zéro net. La commission scolaire réinvestira ensuite les économies issues de la réduction d’énergie à des fins éducatives.

L’école primaire Richardsville de Bowling Green au Kentucky

L’école primaire Richardsville de Bowling Green est la première école publique à zéro émission nette du pays. Le système photovoltaïque de Richardsville génère 10 % plus d’énergie qu’elle n’a besoin pour son fonctionnement. L’école revend l’énergie excédentaire aux entreprises de services locales, et les économies réalisées sont réinvesties dans des besoins pédagogiques.

L’école King Open/Cambridge Street Upper à Cambridge, dans le Massachusetts

L’école King Open/Cambridge Street Upper à Cambridge est la première école du Massachusetts à recevoir le label Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design v4 Platinum. Grâce à ses 3 600 toitures photovoltaïques, cette école consomme 43 % moins d’énergie que les autres écoles du Massachusetts et 70 % de moins que l’école américaine moyenne.

Comment aider à financer les investissements solaires dans le secteur de l’éducation?

Vous jouez un rôle essentiel pour permettre aux écoles de votre district d’avoir accès à une énergie propre, fiable et économe. Commencez par soulever la question lors des réunions de conseil, renseignez-vous sur les subventions et les incitations du gouvernement en matière de projet photovoltaïque et envoyez des candidatures au nom des écoles.

Compte tenu de l’importance et des avantages de l’énergie solaire dans le secteur de l’éducation, vous pourrez peut-être également obtenir des financements ainsi :

  • Demandez des dons aux commerces, organisations non lucratives et groupes communautaires locaux en vue d’installer des panneaux photovoltaïques.
  • Collectez des fonds via des campagnes de financement participatif (crowdfunding) en sollicitant l’engagement des parents, des alumni et des membres de la communauté.
  • Proposez aux grandes entreprises de vous parrainer : nombre d’entre elles cherchent à soutenir des projets d’énergie renouvelable pour atteindre leurs objectifs en matière d’environnement, de société et de gouvernance.
  • Organisez des activités et des évènements de collecte de fonds, comme des enchères ou des marches marathon.

Ces initiatives sont simples mais efficaces. Vos efforts peuvent faire toute la différence dans l’intégration de l’énergie solaire et de la durabilité dans les écoles de votre région.

Investir dans l’énergie solaire, c’est investir dans l’éducation

Les écoles alimentées à l’énergie solaire offrent bien plus que des économies d’énergie. Elles permettent aux élèves de recevoir la meilleure éducation possible, de façon progressive et ininterrompue, tout en redirigeant les financements vers de meilleurs professeurs et de meilleures ressources. Participez au changement de votre quartier avec ces options écolos.

Translator: Cécile Lamhene

Cécile Lamhene est une traductrice indépendante de l’anglais vers le français. Après un master en traduction juridique, économique et technique à l’université de Lille, elle se spécialise dans le développement durable dans la région MENA et s’intéresse entre autres à l’agriculture, à l’élevage, à l’ingénierie, à l’énergie et à la gestion de l’eau.

Note: The original English version of the article is available at this link.

Trash Talk from Doha

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recycling-dohaOn arriving a few years ago from a town in the UK that boasts a university course in waste management, and a very efficient weekly recyclable waste collection from our houses, I was a bit shocked, like many Europeans by how difficult it was to recycle in Doha. Having had the moral obligation to recycle drummed into me since I was quite young, I felt guilty throwing away all my waste into one bin, destined to fill up a huge smelly hole in the desert, where it would take a long time, if not forever to biodegrade.

The Real Picture

I was determined to find a place to recycle and was happy when I found out that the park of Dahl al Hammam, just 5 minutes’ drive from my villa, had 7 different large recycling banks. These have to be emptied into trucks daily, due to their enthusiastic filling, mostly by Europeans who make the effort to come from many different compounds that are further away than my own. Waste materials can be sorted into two banks for paper and cardboard, two banks for metal and plastic, two banks for glass and another one for second hand but good quality clothes for charity. 

I have been trying to determine over the last four years if all our conscientious efforts to sort, collect and transport our preciously gathered waste materials have been in vain or not. Are they actually taken to factories where they are recycled into new products or not? I see a lot of small recycling bins in educational institutions, which seem to be more of an experiment to observe human behaviour, and to get people to start separating the things they throw away, rather than a real improvement in recycling. Often all separated waste from these is taken away and put in one bin, and then taken to the normal landfill!

I asked a security officer in Dahl al Hammam, and he reassured me that the materials from the banks are indeed taken to the sorting plant in Al-Messaieed. I am still a little unsure.  In Al-Mesaieed there is a very large Domestic Solid Waste Management Centre (DSWMC). The plant has been online since 2011 and of the waste they receive, 95% is recycled or converted into energy.  Organic material is composted at what is the world’s largest composting plant; plastics and metals recycled and other material incinerated, with the heat generated used to produce 40 MW of electricity. However this $550M plant by 2013, two years after its opening, had already reached its processing capacity of 2300 tonnes daily, for sorting rubbish.

Gravity of the Situation

In 2012 a staggering total of 871000 tonnes of solid household waste, or 28 000 tonnes per day were produced by Qatar, a rise of 7% from 2011, increasing at a rate exceeding Qatar’s Government expectations and preparations. The per capita generation of waste in Qatar of 1.6kg to 1.8kg each day is about four times that of Hong Kong and is one of the highest globally. Besides this it has been estimated that 5000 tonnes of waste are produced daily by industry and construction. In 2011 only 8% of waste was recycled.

To cope with the challenge of waste management, Qatar urgently requires more projects like Domestic Solid Waste Management Centre (DSWMC) at Al-Mesaieed

To cope with the challenge of waste management, Qatar urgently requires more projects like Domestic Solid Waste Management Centre (DSWMC) at Al-Mesaieed

Qatar unfortunately has the second largest ecological footprint on the planet, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature’s report in 2014, a substantial contribution to this is the damage to ecosystems and the carbon footprint incurred through all its imports. Being a small peninsula on the edge of the hot and usually arid Arabian Desert, Qatar has to import nearly everything that it needs from far and wide. It would like to be more independent and resilient and is working in that direction. The fall in the price of oil earlier this year, and therefore in the income of Qatar, has added pressure now to reduce expenditure, and to better balance the books. 

The Way Forward

One way it can fulfil these aims is to become more efficient in its use of resources. If it can reuse many of the materials from the products that it uses, then it will reduce the need to import more goods, thereby cutting costs, carbon emissions and ecosystem damage. This it can do this through applying the famous ‘reduce, re-use, and recycle’ motto. A famous English saying is ‘waste not want not’, which means that if you are not wasteful in times of plenty, and make maximum use of everything, then you will have enough left for times of difficulty. The Holy Quran also says, ‘O Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer. Eat and drink but waste not through excess, for Allah loves not the wasters’(7:31). The Qatar National Development Strategy 2011-16 aimed to boost waste recycled to 38% by 2016, a definite challenge in the face of rapid development and population increases.

One challenge in Qatar is mixed nature of most of the rubbish. This is partly due to the lack of accessible information about existing collectors of sorted recyclable materials. Another is the insufficient awareness in the most of the population about the importance of not dropping litter, reducing wastage and separating materials. An issue being addressed is the currently insufficient infrastructure to sort and separate mixed rubbish- which represents the majority of rubbish collected today. Also factories that process used materials to improve their quality are rare, and few Qatari industries utilise such salvaged materials as an input. All sectors need to work together concurrently to improve awareness and education, and the sorting, collection and processing of useful materials extracted from waste, to utilise them for the manufacture of new products in Qatar.

To facilitate these, a constantly updated website could be set up to link companies, organisations and institutions, and make them aware of each other’s waste outputs. According to the Qatar Development Bank, the revenue potential from solid waste could be as high as QR 2.24 billion with QR 979.16 million coming from recycling household waste. Hopefully more bright sparks in Qatar will soon spot the great business opportunities available from recycled materials, to help Qatar to be more self-sufficient and reduce Qatar’s ecological footprint.

How Low-Carb Eating Helps You Lose Weight and Save the Planet

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In recent years, low-carbohydrate diets have gained popularity primarily for their weight loss benefits. However, what many people don’t realize is that reducing carbohydrate consumption can also have significant positive impacts on the environment. This dual benefit makes low-carb eating an attractive option for those concerned about both personal health and ecological sustainability.

low-carb diet

Low Carb Diets and Weight Loss Connection

Low-carb diets work by reducing insulin levels in the body. When you consume fewer carbohydrates, especially refined ones like white bread, pasta, and sugar, your body produces less insulin. With lower insulin levels, your body more easily accesses stored fat for energy, leading to weight loss.

Additionally, protein and fat—the macronutrients emphasized in low-carb diets—help you feel fuller longer. This natural appetite suppression often results in consuming fewer calories overall, creating a sustainable path to weight management without feeling constantly hungry

Low-Carb Diets and Weight Loss: A Deeper Dive

Metabolic Advantage

Low-carb diets may offer what researchers call a “metabolic advantage.” When carbohydrate intake is significantly reduced (typically below 50g per day), the body enters a state called ketosis, where it begins producing ketones from fat to fuel the brain and body. This metabolic shift has several advantages:

  • Enhanced fat oxidation: Your body becomes more efficient at burning stored fat for energy
  • Reduced lipogenesis: Without excess glucose, your liver produces less fat
  • Stable blood sugar: Lower insulin levels prevent the blood sugar rollercoaster that drives hunger which is incredible for diabetic individuals, insulin spike.
  • Preserved lean mass: When combined with adequate protein intake, ketosis appears to preserve muscle tissue better than some other weight loss approaches

Hormonal Regulation

Insulin is often called the “fat storage hormone” because it directs the body to store energy, primarily as fat. By reducing carbohydrate intake, especially refined carbs and sugars, you:

  • Lower baseline insulin levels
  • Improve insulin sensitivity
  • Reduce insulin spikes after meals
  • Allow for more consistent fat release from adipose (fat) tissue

Research published in the journal Obesity Reviews demonstrates that even when calories are matched, individuals on low-carb diets often experience greater fat loss due to these hormonal advantages.

Types of Low-Carb Approaches

1. Ketogenic Diet (< 20-50g carbs/day)

The strictest approach, inducing deep ketosis with approximately 70-80% of calories from fat, 15-20% from protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. This approach:

  • Produces the most significant metabolic shift
  • May suppress appetite most effectively
  • Works well for insulin-resistant individuals
  • Requires careful planning for nutrient adequacy

2. Moderate Low-Carb (50-100g carbs/day)

This more flexible approach allows:

  • Greater food variety
  • More vegetable options
  • Easier social adaptability
  • Still provides significant insulin control

The connection between low-carbohydrate diets and weight loss extends far beyond simple calorie reduction. To truly understand why these dietary approaches are effective for many people, we need to examine the biological mechanisms, practical implementation strategies, and the scientific evidence supporting various low-carb approaches.

Environmental Impact of Low-Carb Eating

What’s less commonly discussed is how low-carb eating patterns can reduce your carbon footprint. Here’s how this connection works:

1. Reduced Grain Production

Modern grain agriculture is resource-intensive. Large-scale production of wheat, corn, and rice requires significant water usage, chemical fertilizers, and fossil fuels for farm equipment and transportation. By reducing demand for these crops, low-carb diets can help decrease the environmental burden of industrial agriculture.

2. Less Food Processing

Many carbohydrate-rich foods undergo extensive processing before reaching consumers. Think about breakfast cereals, crackers, cookies, and other packaged goods—all require energy-intensive manufacturing processes. The production facilities themselves generate carbon emissions, while packaging creates additional waste. A low-carb diet typically emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods, reducing this processing footprint.

3. Seasonal and Local Eating

Many low-carb diets emphasize vegetables and proteins that can be sourced locally and seasonally. When you focus on fresh produce and locally raised animal products, you reduce the transportation emissions associated with global food distribution networks. Food miles—the distance food travels from production to consumption—contribute significantly to agriculture’s overall carbon footprint.

4. Reduced Food Waste

Carbohydrate-rich foods often have shorter shelf lives than proteins and healthy fats. Bread molds, fruits spoil, and many starchy foods degrade quickly. When these foods are wasted, all the resources that went into producing them are wasted as well. The decomposition of food waste in landfills generates methane, a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide. By focusing on foods with longer shelf lives, low-carb eaters can reduce food waste.

Finding Balance for Health and Planet

While a strict low-carb diet can offer these benefits, balance is key. Consider these approaches for maximizing both health and environmental benefits:

  1. Choose quality carbohydrates: When you do eat carbs, opt for those with lower environmental impacts. Root vegetables, for example, generally require fewer resources to grow than grains.
  2. Prioritize plant proteins: While many low-carb diets include animal products, incorporating plant proteins like nuts, seeds, and tofu can reduce your carbon footprint while maintaining a low-carb approach.
  3. Source animal products mindfully: If you consume meat, eggs, or dairy, seek out regenerative and pasture-raised options. These farming practices can actually sequester carbon in the soil rather than releasing it.
  4. Grow your own: Even a small garden can provide low-carb vegetables with zero food miles and complete transparency about growing methods.

The Bigger Picture

Every dietary choice we make has ripple effects, both for our health and for the planet. By reducing carbohydrates, especially highly processed ones, we can potentially address two critical challenges simultaneously: the obesity epidemic and climate change.

As we navigate increasingly complex environmental challenges, finding these win-win solutions becomes essential. Low-carb eating represents one approach where personal health goals align with planetary boundaries, offering a practical way to reduce your carbon footprint while achieving weight loss goals.

The next time you pass on the bread basket or choose vegetables instead of pasta, remember that your choice isn’t just beneficial for your waistline—it may also be a small but meaningful contribution to a more sustainable food system.

How to Protect Green Spaces in the Middle East

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One of the ecological benefits brought by green spaces is its capability to combat urban heat. The increasing urban heat is usually caused by the high number of heat reflective substances that are emerging in the cities. Green spaces such as gardens and parks can significantly reduce heat and promote natural cooling through an efficient ventilation and dynamic absorption. Some green spaces could even help prevent urban flooding, air pollution, and storm water run-off. So, how can we protect these beneficial green spaces in Middle East?

Spread Awareness

Dubai is expected to plant an estimated of 50 million flowers in its public gardens, parks, roadsides. This is to meet the government’s goal of greening more than 8% of their urban environment. A person might find the flowers blooming in their green parks enticingly pretty. And without proper awareness about green space protection, would have plucked it. It might cause damage to the beauty as well as to its entirety.

However, if people are properly informed on green spaces, they will have all the great opportunities to enjoy flower delivery Dubai. This should give people one good reason to conserve the green spaces, enjoy its environmental benefits while having those lovely flowers on your hand.

Proper Education

Lacking academic research and studies about the availability and usability of green spaces in Middle East is one of the reasons for its unpopularity in this region. Despite the health benefits and business viability of green spaces, they can be obstructed by other challenging reasons too.

For example, the pressure to maintain their spaces on water and land resources are limited, thus efforts on green space projects could be restricted also. So, it is important to educate people about the advantages of green spaces. The more people learn about it, the more people will make an effort to protect it.

Sustainable Projects

There had been plenty of ambitious projects aiming to increase protection, awareness, and access towards green spaces in the Middle East. One example is in Qatar, the recent Msheireb Downtown is dubbed to be the World’s First Sustainable Downtown Regeneration Project. The project utilizes the latest sustainable technology to adhere with the topmost standards when it comes to green building.

Award-winning architect, John Avery had worked on wide scale projects in Middle East and had known to link green spaces development to enhance commercial performance. The green spaces will serve as a thread that will connect communities. This makes the place more recognizable and attractive at the same time.

Smart Landscaping

Middle East has such high demand for water but the problem is they have a limit too on its availability. Due to this reason, landscaping companies find innovative solutions to properly maintain the greenery in the area. A US licensed Architect Walter Bone had emphasized the importance of smart design and careful planning in reducing water consumption without compromising the quality of the green landscapes layout.

يتطلب التحول في البيئة المبنية تغييرا في الجانب المتعلق بالطلب من أجل تحفيز التغيير في جانب العرض

It is an architect’s responsibility to analyze and come up with a smart design that could assist in storm water collection and top quality irrigation system. The design will be able to sustain the lacking water supply in the Middle East and at the same time to be able to safeguard the green spaces in the area.

Enhancing the green spaces while protecting and regulating the urban ecosystem could indeed offer plenty of benefits to individuals and the entire community. Urban green parks will also motivate people to use the space for recreation, exercise, and leisure. It will definitely provide them aesthetic benefits while keeping them healthy and fit.

5 Tips to Perform Academic Transcription Quickly and Easily

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Recording lectures, webinars, lessons, speeches are the best method of storing information for future generations. Transcription is used everywhere: professors to watch their lectures, students to refresh their knowledge, employers to show their business projects.

The most profitable and convenient transcription is for students and professors, as this method helps them return to the lectures and understand what point was missed, what should be corrected or what is missing. However, listening to records is the most tedious part of learning.

If you need to notate some information partially, the analysis of many hours of records is a waste of time, accumulating other significant unsolvable problems. Moreover, this approach does not guarantee success. Therefore, we have put together five simple tips on quickly and effectively dealing with this problem. Before we dip you into transcription methods, let’s find out what academic transcription means and why it’s essential.

what academic transcription means and why it's essential

Meaning And Importance Of Academic Transcription

Academic transcription is the conversion of audio or video to text. In other words, academic transcription involves the creation of written documents from an oral recording. Teachers use this method to save thoughts for future scientific publications. In addition, an academic transcription is a good tool for students with disabilities. For example, if a student has a hearing problem, they can view the transcription created by the teacher and not impair academic performance.

Other teachers use transcription to visualize information. Visual perception of data is much better than auditory. It is good that many professors understand this and try to get students as interested as possible in studying the topics of lessons. This is especially true during distance learning when the home environment distracts students from listening to lectures. By wearing headphones and turning on their favorite music, students can immerse themselves in a calm environment and study the materials.

As you can see, the importance of academic transcription for teachers is obvious, but what about students? After listening to the lecture, students can use the professors’ thoughts to create presentations. This will allow them to reveal the topic of the presentation correctly and demonstrate their interest in the teacher’s lectures. In addition, if a student is preparing a text version of an interview for an article, transcription will most accurately convey the speaker’s words.

Successful Ways to Deal With Creation of Academic Transcription

Whether you are a student or a teacher, academic transcription is beneficial to any of you. If you are new to this field or want to speed up the process of creating academic transcripts, check out our five tips!

1. Trust Professional Transcribers

Many of you may think that converting video or audio to text does not take much time or effort. As soon as you start the task, you will be in for a big disappointment. Creating a transcription means that you have to patiently listen to every second of the recording, write down word by word according to the hour marks, try to catch difficult words, and find out their meaning.

In this case, you will have to listen to the recording more than once since you have a great responsibility for the accuracy of the content. You must also learn to understand different accents and not pay attention to background noise, which can completely ruin the memorization of information. Also, don’t forget that we type at a slightly slower speed than we speak. So, transcribing a 10-minute recording can take more than three hours.

After a long listening and noting information, you will be responsible for multi-stage data verification and error correction. It is impossible to make mistakes in transcription, as this will worsen the perception of the material and may completely change the essence of the recording. If you do not have much time and are not ready for this challenge right now, you should trust an experienced transcriptionist.

What are the advantages of academic transcription services? Firstly, you save a lot of time – you will have the opportunity to work on more critical projects. Secondly, the experts have all the necessary skills and complete this task in the shortest possible time. Thirdly, you will receive an error-free paper that you can use immediately after downloading. There is no need to listen to the audio again, correct typos, and follow the content. In addition, by seeking the help of professional transcriptionists, you will receive a template that you can follow when creating your transcription.

2. Control the Sound Quality of Audio or Video Content

If you have plenty of time to create audio transcription yourself and want to learn how to complete the task quickly, the first thing you should pay attention to is the sound quality. Perhaps your current file contains a lot of background noise, different accents, long pauses, which means that the listening time of the recording may increase. Therefore, you must control the sound quality in the future to analyze the sound as quickly as possible.

Here are some tips to help you improve the quality of your audio or video content:

  • When recording your voice, try to be quiet and not talk to other people.
  • Check-in advance the storage of the instrument that will contain the file – you should have enough space to avoid re-recording the sound.
  • Use tools that can record sound and text at the same time.
  • Hold the gadget with the microphone as close to the speaker as possible.
  • Use headphones to hear yourself better.

It is best to perform these methods together. Then you won’t have problems creating transcriptions, and you won’t need any extra help. However, if you have doubts about grammar and the text is required for research, contact a professional editor to avoid falling into the dirt in front of classmates or colleagues.

3. Train Research Skills

No matter the transcription topic, you should interpret difficult words quickly. This will help you answer questions from teachers or classmates who may be confused by unfamiliar words. This is especially true for technical topics, including many facts and terminologies that reveal the content well but are unclear to others.

Here are some tips to help you improve your research skills:

  • Explore the industry. Lectures, webinars, lessons, speeches can be varied and beyond your understanding. If you come across strange words, try to identify the industry that the word is associated with. You will expect words in a similar style next, and the faster you identify the industry, the better you will understand the jargon used by the speaker.
  • Study the topic. This stage is very similar to industry research. As in the previous paragraph, you need to study the topic carefully. Look for synonyms that are associated with the topic – so you can better understand the terms considered in the entry.
  • Explore the geographic area. Sometimes it won’t be easy to transcribe a word due to the speaker’s accent. Therefore, find out what region the person is from. This way, you can identify words with a strong accent or any other slang used in the region.
  • Check the website of the organization where the speaker works. Most often, words come from work in a person’s life. If some abbreviations, organizations, project names are difficult to transcribe, visit the platform where the speaker works. Here you will indeed find transcripts of the words you struggle with.

If none of these methods helped you find the transcriptions to the words, think about Google. This search engine stores millions of words that have been used in various texts. The platform will help you find the phonetic spelling word and its meaning.

4. Prefer Audio Instead of Video

If you need to convert audio to text, any player will open the file of your choice. In addition, you can quickly transfer the file to the player since the audio content does not take up much memory. However, if you have received video content, we recommend not transcribing it in this form. It is better to convert the video to audio in advance and transcribe the material.

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Why is video content worse than audio? Video is always heavier than audio. You will need high-speed Internet and a lot of time to transfer the file to the gadget from which you will listen to information. This applies to those files that classmates, teachers, or colleagues can send you.

Install a program on your computer, phone, or tablet that will allow you to convert video to audio. Video conversion can take from a couple of minutes to several hours – everything depends on the size of the file. However, it is much faster than transferring video content to the instrument you transcribe the material.

5. Use the Formatting Tools

After transcribing and proofreading the file, you have to work with formatting. Do not publish documents that do not meet academic standards. Imagine how uncomfortable the text is without headings, paragraphs, and page numbering. What’s more, incorrectly formatted citations can lead to plagiarism, which will significantly reduce your academic reputation.

To save time on formatting, we recommend using the appropriate tools. It can be Google Docs or Word. Both programs automatically generate a bibliography from the sources used to write the document. Every time you add a new citation to a document, the tools add that source in the correct format: APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, etc.

Also, in the programs, there are functions thanks to which you can automatically build indents, headings, fonts that correspond to the chosen style. Therefore, your document will exactly correspond to the standards put forward by the educational institution.

Conclusion

Academic transcription is complex, but you can speed up the process using proven methods. We have provided you with five practical ways to help you not only improve your typing skills or transcribe words faster but also create accurate and high-quality transcripts. Regularly making academic transcriptions will positively affect your reputation and allow you to refresh your vocabulary. We wish you good luck!

A Glance at Carbon Finance

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The main objective of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is to promote sustainable development in developing countries and to allow industrialized countries to earn emissions credits from their investments in emission-reducing projects in developing countries. A particular CDM project cycle involves a wide range of transaction costs which may include the following:

  • Project identification and selection: Costs incurred by project developers and potential investors in identifying prospective projects.
  • Project development and baseline determination: Information costs related to the preparation of a project concept note providing relevant information on project baseline, expected additional emission reductions and corresponding costs.
  • Project validation: The process of independent evaluation of a project activity on the basis of the project design document.
  • Project approval: Projects need to be approved by the host government.
  • Project registration: Registration is the formal acceptance by the relevant international bodies of a validated project as a CDM project activity.
  • Project implementation: Monitoring and enforcement costs of contracts during construction, start-up and operation phase.
  • Project monitoring and reporting: Measurement of data for the determination of actual GHG emissions.
  • Project certification: Written assurance by a designated operational entity that, during a specific time period, a project activity achieved the emission reductions as verified.
  • Transfer and use of emission permits: Transactions costs at that stage include reporting of transfers of emission permits to dedicated registries.

Financing Requirements of CDM Project

Any CDM project requires a tremendous amount of administrative work which makes carbon finance a complicated undertaking. The administrative cost per project falls in the range $90,000 to $150,000 and completion of the associated processes takes about 12 months. Projects therefore have to be on a scale large enough to benefit.

During the early stages of planning a project, the chances of the project not proceeding (for example because the necessary permits cannot be obtained), and therefore not generating any future revenue, are significantly higher. Therefore, although the costs associated with the planning stage (typically in the hundreds of thousands of dollars) are much lower than construction costs, the risk is much higher and different forms of finance are required.

The largest costs associated with a CDM project are incurred at the construction stage, where even a relatively small engineering project can cost several millions of dollars. At this stage, for a commercially viable project, lenders and investors will only provide finance on the expectation that, on completion of construction and commissioning, the project will go on to generate revenue.

Depending on the type of financing, the project sponsor will have to present different kinds of data and documentation to the lender at different stages. For example, for project financing, a minimum requirement for international banks is a business plan which includes at least feasibility studies, financial statements and financial projections. For corporate finance on the other hand, relationship banks may be more focused on collateral and long-term client relationships.

Types of Carbon Finance

In general, there are three forms of finance that can be used to develop projects: grants, loans (debt) and equity. Most projects will incorporate a varying mix of two or more of these sources of finance.

A grant is an amount of money provided by a third party to a project, person or organization that contributes to the objectives of the third party. In general, grants are provided to projects that are commercially marginal, and they do not need to be repaid (provided the stated purpose of the grant funding is achieved). Grants are typically provided by government organisations and only cover a percentage of project costs; other forms of finance are also therefore required.

A loan or debt is an amount of money provided by a third party to a project, person or organization that must be repaid either during or at the end of its agreed term, plus interest over the period of the borrowing. The majority of loans to projects are provided by banks.

Equity financing is a typical financial instruments used by companies to improve profitability. Equity may be provided by project sponsors or third party investors. Equity providers will wish to ensure that the project produces a return on their investment as set out in the business plan or prospectus. Some of the major sources of equity are venture capital funds, private equity funds and share issue via stock market. As carbon market mature, investments in CDM projects promise higher return on investments. Any project that delivers the best in terms of return on capital will get a priority in the use of equity capital for investors.

Mezzanine finance bridges the gap between equity and bank debt. As a hybrid product, mezzanine shares characteristics with both bank debt and equity. A mezzanine investment can be structured in various forms. Mezzanine pricing typically comprises two distinct elements. The first is a current yield that the mezzanine investor contractually receives and so is similar to interest on bank debt. The second component can be a warrant or option on the ordinary shares, or some other mechanism that provides an interest in the equity of the business.

A Guide to Control Mosquito Invasion

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Mosquitoes are the most dangerous creature, not only for us humans but also for our pets. Ticks and the diseases they carry have been responsible for killing more human lives as compared to any other war history. Even today, they transmit many diseases, including malaria, kill around three million people and infect another more than two million people every year. Many others are dying with other major mosquito-borne diseases, including encephalitis, yellow fever, filariasis, and dengue.

mosquito-control-measures

Along with human beings, this teeny tiny creature is making our pets’ lives terrible too. As pets also love to go out with us in the summer evenings to play and enjoy. We all know how much summer season is full of fun and excitement, not only for us but for our cats and dogs too. But when they spend more time outside, they are at a greater risk of mosquito bites, and it can be quite dangerous. And if you are living in a warm area, then this risk can be even more severe.

Luckily as compared to the past few years today, there are hundreds of ways to overcome this mosquito problem. And prevent yourself and pets from mosquito bites. So in this blog, you will find some cost-effective, easy, and profitable hacks to make your place mosquito-free.

1. Fix Your Doors and Screens

The first and foremost thing you need to repair is your windows, doors, and screens that allow this tiny creature to invade your place. And if you don’t have an installed window screen, then you should first install them before taking any other step.

You don’t need them for every window you can simply install them to those windows you often open. Today most homes come with the screens but in the older homes window and door screens could be missing. So if it is you can install them on your own.

2. Invest in Professional Pest Control Service

Controlling mosquitoes in the summer season is not as easy as most of us think. You cannot control them by just installing the blinds or screens. For this, you need to hire a professional service to make your place mosquito-free.

These days unlimited pest control companies are working around you to make your home mosquito-free. You can even visit a professional pest control company which make sure to protect your home against mosquitoes with their organic repellent without using harmful chemicals. You can even visit https://nativeshield.com/mosquito-control/; they make sure to protect your home against mosquitoes with their organic repellent without using harmful chemicals.

3. Keep Gutters Unclogged and Clean

Watery places around your home are the most favorite spots for this teeny tiny creature for breeding. So you have to remove stagnant water and also make sure the gutters of your home are working well. They should not be clogged and should be clean. Click here to know why homeowners should hire professional gutter cleaners.

4. Keep Your Swimming Pool Chlorinated and Clean

We know you love swimming in summer, but with this, you also need to keep your pool clean and chlorinated to prevent mosquito breeding. And if you are even going on vacation, make sure to chlorinate your pool; otherwise, when you get back, a veritable mosquito hatchery welcomes you with their irritating buzz.

5 Eco-Friendly Business Practices to Foster a Sustainable Company Culture

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People are becoming more conscious of the effect of global warming and are thus finding ways to help in preserving the environment. Even companies in various fields do their share by going green. If your business has not adopted some measures or strategies to become more eco-friendly yet, it’s time that you consider this step.

Ways to Make Your Business Eco-Friendly

There are several benefits that you can get, including the following:

  • Do your part in saving the environment.
  • Improve your brand as more clients prefer businesses that support a good cause.
  • Attract the right employees as they also tend to choose companies that care for the environment.
  • Save cost as some eco-friendly things are also money-saving.

With all the benefits that you can get from going green, you might feel more motivated and inspired to take the step in going in this direction. Here are ways to make your company eco-friendly and foster a sustainable company culture.

1. Be mindful of your heating/cooling and lighting

Heating and lighting are some of the essential elements in the workplace. Naturally, employees need proper lighting and the right temperature to work efficiently and comfortably. Instead of the typical lightbulbs, use LED lights to consume lower energy.

Keep heating or cooling temperature at average levels, so the system would not work too hard in achieving the temperature if you set it too low. Insulate the office too, so it will be easier to keep the set temperature longer.

2. Use solar panels

Commercial solar panel installation will save you money in the long run, as it will dramatically cut your electric bill. It may even make your company independent from the grid if it generates enough energy. Moreover, if you create more than you need, you can contribute to the grid and get rebates.

Companies Committed to Hitting Net Zero

The initial cost may be high, but as long as you choose a reputable company to install the panels, you will see a return on your investment. Plus, since the sun is your energy source, it will decrease the need to produce energy through the burning of coals, which largely contribute to global warming.

3. Go paperless

Going paperless is also one way of reducing carbon footprints because it decreases the need to use materials like trees for making paper. Moreover, the energy used in papermaking also uses power from the grid, which leads back to the burning of coal that generate harmful gases.

automated reminders

In order to have a model of sustainable business growth, custom recycled packaging can help. It is important to use less virgin materials, which custom recycled packaging does. In addition, custom recycled packaging helps reduce pollution and the amount of waste that goes to landfills. Using custom recycled packaging also lessens the reliance on fossil fuels. All these reasons are why custom recycled packaging is a great way to have a model of sustainable business growth.

It may be a challenge to go paperless but do it as much as you can for the sake of going green. For instance, you may use digital documents and send emails instead of using printed letters.

4. Encourage carpooling

Motivate employees to participate in your drive to go green. Encourage them to carpool, walk, or bike to work to lessen the pollution and the carbon dioxide emission from cars. Give rewards to those who participate to push them further to do their part in going green.

5. Promote recycling

Place recycling bins in various areas of the workplace for employees to use. Post reminders about it, too.

It’s never too late for your company to go green. So start now and help save the environment while enjoying all the other benefits it brings.

Useful Resource: How to Launch Your Eco-friendly Business

6 Tips for Running a Marine Business

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Few things compare to feeling the breeze run through your hair and being out on the open water with nothing but miles and miles of blue in your line of vision. As one of the least discovered places on planet earth, the oceans are an amazing territory for starting your own business. Running a marine business is a career path worth adventuring, but requires plenty of attention to detail. Whether you’re running a marina or a boat charter, keeping these key tips in mind will better your business management and optimize all your profit margins.

1. Keep it green

As a marine business that operates completely at sea, keeping all of your business doings eco-friendly should be a top priority. Our oceans are polluted with more plastic, chemicals, and harmful materials that effectively compromise the health of our water. All marine business owners should recognize their responsibility to the earth and aim to make as many of their operations as green as can be.

This may come in the form of switching boat fuels, incorporating more standardized recycling practices, or being more economical with liquid foams. Whatever doing your part looks like to you, it’s worth doing for the earth.

2. Train your staff

One of the best ways to keep your business at the forefront of your respective industry is by keeping your staff perfectly trained to handle whatever the day throws at them. Whether it’s teaching groups of clients how to scuba dive or renting boats out to whale watchers, a capable staff makes the experience more notable.

If you’re planning on rolling out new features to your business, be sure to train accordingly. Customers and potential clientele interact more positively with businesses that showcase how knowledgeable the people behind the business name really are. Know more about face-to-face instructor-led business skills training.

Make sure you prioritize safety and health training too. Each of your team members should have at least basic skills to know what to do if something goes wrong. Additionally, you should have a trained health professional equipped with ACLS certification and other general medical knowledge to protect everyone on the spot from life-threatening situations.

3. Revisit your budget regularly

One of the most important facets of running any kind of business is keeping tight control of your budget. Overspending or underspending can land you in a vat of hot water that would likely be avoidable if you had taken the time to run through calculations.

Take the time at least once a month to evaluate your budget and record your financials for every month. Once you have a more comfortable grasp on your money management, switching from monthly check-ins to quarterly check-ins will save you time while delivering some well-deserved peace of mind.

running-a-marina

4. Stay in tune with your market

No matter what market your business belongs to, the state of the market is always in flux. Keeping your business at the top of its game means carefully looking at what your competitors are doing and how the market is changing. Instead of leaving the fate of your business to chance, take control by having a firm understanding of how you can adapt and grow with the changing tides.

5. Go paperless

Not only is going paperless great for the environment, but it’s also great for your business. The reality of climate change is one that keeps people thinking of different ways they can reduce their carbon footprint. Reduce your business’ carbon footprint by making everything digital. From tickets and receipts to billing and book-keeping, anything that used to require paper can now be done digitally. You may also explore sprucing up your old boats to promote sustainability.

Explore your options with due diligence and you’re sure to end up with an app or PC program that makes your business management a total cinch.

6. Use social media as free marketing

The age of social media continues to prove how valuable a single picture can be. Every business owner wants one thing: more money. More money comes with increased exposure, and increased exposure comes with smart marketing campaigns. Learning the ropes of Instagram and/or Facebook will prove useful for any marine business owner looking to expand their clientele.

Your target audience will be welcomed by all of the text and visual information they’ll need to decide that your company is the best on the market. Creating a business account is completely free, too!

Running a marine business is a tough gig that takes plenty of meticulous care. With these 6 tips at the forefront of your entrepreneurial mind, you’ll head into your next business quarter with smarter management skills, greener business practices, and increased profit margins.

Glass vs. Plastic Pipettes: Which One is Best for Your Experiment?

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Are you struggling to choose between glass and plastic pipettes for your experiments? Are you looking to optimize your research with the most dependable tools?

Selecting the right pipette can make a significant difference in your laboratory work by impacting precision, cost, and environmental sustainability.

glass pipettes

Understanding Pipettes: An Essential Laboratory Tool

Pipettes are indispensable in laboratories, used to transfer measured volumes of liquids accurately and consistently. These tools come in various forms and types, each serving different purposes depending on the experimental requirements.

Glass and plastic pipettes stand out as the primary materials, each with unique properties and advantages. Laboratories, research institutions, and healthcare facilities rely heavily on these tools, showcasing their integral role in precise liquid handling.

Why Consider Material When Choosing Pipettes?

Choosing between glass and plastic pipettes is not merely a decision based on price or availability. The choice largely influences the outcome of experiments, affecting factors like chemical compatibility, durability, sterility, and environmental impact.

Hence, understanding the characteristics of each material becomes crucial to guide your selection process.

Chemical Compatibility: Leveraging Material for Accurate Results

The nature of the liquid being handled significantly determines the appropriateness of the pipette material. Glass pipettes are renowned for their excellent chemical resistance, particularly suitable for transferring solvents, acids, and bases without fear of chemical breakdown.

Conversely, plastic pipettes, commonly made from polypropylene or polyethylene, are ideal for aqueous solutions and when contamination risk must be minimized. Determining your experiment’s chemical parameters will aid in selecting the pipette material that ensures precision and safety.

Durability and Reusability: A Matter of Longevity

Durability is a critical factor, especially in high-use laboratories. Glass pipettes are typically more durable; they withstand sterilization processes like autoclaving without losing structural integrity. This makes them reusable, thus reducing waste and long-term costs.

Plastic pipettes, while less durable under extreme conditions, offer the advantage of being disposable, guarding against cross-contamination in sensitive environments. Weighing the balance between reusability and sterility is essential when choosing the appropriate pipette for your experimentation needs.

Comparing Cost-Effectiveness: Balancing Budget with Requirements

Budget constraints are always a consideration, particularly in institutions managing numerous experiments simultaneously.

Glass pipettes, albeit reusable, require upfront investment and maintenance costs linked to their sterilization and handling. This may include purchasing specific equipment to ensure sterilization and storage, adding to the overall expenses.

On the other hand, plastic pipettes might present a cost-effective solution given their affordable unit price. However, being disposable, repeated purchases could accumulate costs over time.

Evaluating long-term budgetary impacts alongside experimental requirements will influence your materials selection process.

Environmental Impact: Sustainability in Laboratory Settings

Modern laboratories are increasingly adopting sustainable practices to decrease environmental footprints. Glass pipettes align with sustainability goals due to their reusability, significantly reducing waste generation.

Conversely, plastic pipettes contribute to laboratory waste, challenging environmentally conscious establishments to consider recycling programs to mitigate impacts.

Opting for glass pipettes can aid in creating more sustainable laboratory environments, though it is crucial to evaluate the entire lifecycle of the products, including energy used in sterilization processes.

Handling and Precision: Ensuring Optimal Results

Ease of handling and precision are pivotal in selecting an ideal pipette, impacting the workflow and result reproducibility.

Glass pipettes, with their smooth surfaces, enable greater precision in measuring liquid volumes, which is essential for experiments requiring stringent conditions. However, they require careful handling due to their fragility, posing challenges for efficiency in high-paced environments.

Plastic pipettes, in contrast, are praised for their ease of handling, particularly with ergonomic designs and lightweight build. This makes them suitable for settings demanding quick and frequent liquid transfers, though they may offer less precision compared to glass alternatives.

Incorporating laboratory-friendly practices to handle pipettes responsibly will optimize their efficiency and reduce potential setbacks.

Practical Application Guides: Utilizing Pipettes in Various Experimental Settings

Biological Research: Optimal Practices for Pipettes

Biological research often involves precise liquid transfers, requiring minimal contamination. Plastic pipettes emerge as a preferred choice in this field, providing disposable options that prevent cross-contamination and maintain sterility.

Their application extends to handling cell cultures, DNA, RNA, and protein samples safely and efficiently.

Chemical Analysis: Aligning Pipette Use with Chemical Properties

In chemical analysis, the chemical compatibility of the pipette material is paramount. Glass pipettes offer versatility, suitable for transferring various chemical compounds due to their resistance to chemical degradation.

Their application includes titrations, standards preparation, and reagent transfers, wherein avoiding contamination is crucial.

Environmental Testing: Tailoring Pipette Selection to Testing Conditions

Environmental testing, involving analysis of soil, water, and air samples for pollutants, benefits from both pipette types.

Glass pipettes provide accuracy for chemical handling, while plastic pipettes offer quicker handling during field testing where rapid results are needed. This adaptability positions both pipette materials as integral tools depending on specific test conditions.

Educational Laboratories: Fostering Learning with Practical Tools

In educational laboratories, introducing different pipette types is beneficial for educational purposes. The use of both glass and plastic pipettes can enhance learning outcomes by acquainting students with the distinct advantages and limitations of each material.

Practical workshops focusing on using pipettes correctly reinforce handling skills and promote scientific diligence.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices for Experimentation Needs

The debate between glass and plastic pipettes hinges on specific laboratory needs, including chemical compatibility, durability, cost-effectiveness, environmental concerns, and handling preferences.

Understanding these dynamics guides decision-making to ensure experiment precision and efficiency, carving pathways for impactful research outcomes. Regardless of the choice, integrating best practices in pipette handling is imperative to maximize benefits and mitigate any potential drawbacks.

The Ultimate Checklist for a Successful and Eco-Friendly Move

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Moving to a new home can be an exciting experience, but it’s also a significant environmental challenge. The logistics, packing, transportation, and settling-in process all contribute to your carbon footprint. However, with the right planning and eco-conscious choices, your move can be both successful and sustainable, benefiting both you and the environment.

This checklist provides you with practical steps to make your next move as eco-friendly as possible. From choosing the right moving company to reducing waste and energy consumption in your new home, these tips will ensure your transition is smooth, green, and stress-free.

environmentally-friendly move

1. Planning Your Move

A well-planned move is the foundation for a successful and eco-friendly transition. Here are some strategies to get you started:

  • Research Eco-Friendly Moving Companies: Look for moving companies that prioritize sustainable practices, such as using energy-efficient trucks, offering reusable packing materials, or supporting carbon offset programs.
  • Create a Detailed Moving Timeline: Planning ahead can help reduce last-minute decisions that may lead to wasteful choices. By setting a timeline for packing, transportation, and settling in, you can stay organized and minimize stress.
  • Declutter and Donate Unwanted Items: Moving is a perfect opportunity to declutter your home. Instead of throwing items away, donate them to charities or sell them. This reduces waste and ensures that your possessions go to people who need them.

2. Packing Supplies

Efficient packing is key to minimizing the environmental impact of your move. Here’s how you can pack sustainably:

  • Use Recycled or Biodegradable Packing Materials: Avoid bubble wrap and excessive plastic. Instead, opt for materials like recycled paper, cardboard boxes, or biodegradable packing peanuts.
  • Opt for Reusable Storage Containers: If you have access to reusable boxes or bins, use them instead of single-use cardboard boxes. This can save you money in the long run and is better for the planet.
  • Pack Efficiently to Minimize Boxes: By packing strategically, you can reduce the number of boxes needed for your move. Try to fit items together in a way that maximizes space, and avoid overpacking to reduce excess packaging waste.

3. Transportation

Transportation is one of the most significant contributors to your move’s environmental impact. Here are three eco-friendly transportation options to consider:

  • Carpool with Friends or Family: If you’re moving locally or only a short distance, carpooling can be an easy and quick way to reduce emissions. This option works well for smaller moves where you don’t need a full moving truck.
  • Hire a Professional Moving Company: Professional movers may use larger, more fuel-efficient trucks that can carry a significant amount of belongings at once, reducing the number of trips and making the journey to a new home a bit more hassle-free. Be sure to get a moving quote from multiple companies to get the best deal and reduce the risk of hidden costs, but also it’ll give you an idea of how they treat their customers and the type of trucks they use, if you ask the right questions. You want to make sure you are hiring a reputable and reliable moving company for your upcoming move.
  • Rent a Moving Truck: For those willing to handle the drive themselves, renting a moving truck is another option. Renting allows you to choose a truck with better fuel efficiency and control over your route, helping you limit fuel consumption and reduce your carbon footprint. It also gives you the flexibility to choose a vehicle that fits the size of your move.

4. Cleaning and Disposal

Once you’ve moved everything into your new home, it’s time to tackle the cleaning and disposal process. Keep it green:

  • Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products: Opt for natural, biodegradable cleaning products that are free from harmful chemicals. This reduces the environmental impact while keeping your new home fresh.
  • Properly Dispose of Hazardous Materials: Items like paint, batteries, and cleaning agents can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. Make sure to find a local facility where you can safely drop off these materials.
  • Recycle or Donate Items That Cannot Be Reused: If you’ve found that some items are no longer useful, make sure to recycle them properly or donate them to avoid filling landfills.

green move

5. Settling into Your New Home

Now that you’re settled into your new home, keep the eco-friendly momentum going:

  • Opt for Energy-Efficient Appliances and Lighting: Consider replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models. LED bulbs and Energy Star-rated appliances reduce energy consumption and help you save on utility bills.
  • Install a Programmable Thermostat: This helps optimize your home’s heating and cooling system, reducing unnecessary energy use when you’re away.
  • Create a Sustainable Home Design with Eco-Friendly Materials: Whether you’re renovating or decorating, try to use sustainable materials like reclaimed wood, bamboo, or eco-friendly paints to keep your home’s footprint small.

Conclusion

A move doesn’t have to come at the cost of the environment. By following this checklist, you can make your transition to a new home both successful and eco-friendly. Every choice you make, from selecting the right moving company to incorporating sustainable practices into your new home, plays a vital role in reducing your environmental impact. Not only will you feel good about your greener choices, but you’ll also enjoy the long-term benefits of a more sustainable lifestyle.

Moving is an opportunity to start fresh, and what better way to do so than by making sustainable choices that benefit both you and the planet? By adopting eco-friendly moving practices, you’re not only making your life easier but also contributing to a greener future. Start planning your next move today and take the first step toward an eco-conscious home.

لماذا يجب إدراج التعليم البيئي في المناهج الدراسية

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يعد إدراج التربية البيئية في المناهج الدراسية أمرًا ضروريًا لأنه يغرس في الطلاب قيم الحفاظ على البيئة و يمكّنهم من إحداث فرق في مدارسهم وفي المجتمعات المحيطة بهم. كما أنه يوفر لهم فرصة لفهم التحديات التي تواجه البيئة بشكل شامل بالإضافة إلى تدابير الحد من آثارها والتي يمكنهم توظيفها للتغلب عليها.

environmental education in Middle East

هناك مزايا عديدة لإدراج التربية البيئية في نظم التعليم في المدارس وهذه بعض الأسباب الرئيسية التي تدعم ذلك:

  1. تعزيز نمط الحياة الصحي: تنبثق مشاكل مثل السمنة والاكتئاب من عدم الخروج من المنزل في كثير من الأحيان. فالطبيعة لها قوة علاجية و يمكن لأنشطة التربية البيئية أن تضمن عدم تكاسل الأطفال ومشاهدة الأفلام طوال اليوم.
  2. ترسيخ احترام الطبيعة: تمكّن التربية البيئية الأطفال من فهم ضرورة احترام الطبيعة، وكيفية الاستفادة من المنافع والخيرات التي توفرها الطبيعة. على سبيل المثال، تقوم المدارس في أستراليا بتعليم الطلاب مخاطر رمي القمامة في كل مكان، مما يجعلهم أفرادًا أكثر مسؤولية.
  3. تعليم الأطفال عن التحديات البيئية: تعرف التربية البيئية الأطفال على بعض التحديات التي تؤثر سلباً على البيئة مما يتيح لهم فرصة المساهمة في الجهود العالمية لحماية البيئة. كما أنها تهيئ الأطفال للمهن المستقبلية، وتزودهم بالمهارات اللازمة ليصبحوا خبراء في المستقبل.
  4. التدريب على أهمية الرفق بالطبيعة: وهذا يشمل الرفق بالحيوانات والبشر الآخرين مما يعلم الأطفال أهمية معاملة بعضهم البعض بشكل جيد. حيث يتعلم الأطفال أنه من المهم الاعتناء ليس فقط بالبيئة، بل بما هو موجود في البيئة أيضًا، بما في ذلك الأشخاص من حولهم وكذلك الحيوانات الأليفة والبرية.
  5. تنمية مهارات التفكير النقدي: المناقشات والمناهج التعليمية المتعلقة بالتربية البيئية تمكّن الأطفال من تحليل وتقييم الأوضاع التي تؤثر على البيئة مما يدفعهم إلى إصدار أحكام وقرارات مستنيرة بناءً على تقييمهم للوضع فيما يتعلق بالبيئة. وتؤدي هذه العملية إلى تطوير مهارات التفكير النقدي لدى الأطفال مما يعود عليهم بالنفع في الحياة.
  6. تعليم الأطفال أن يكونوا مسؤولين: يوضح برنامج التربية البيئية للأطفال أهمية أن يكونوا أشخاصاً مسؤولين. وذلك على المستوى الفردي وكذلك المستوى الجماعي كجيل.
  7. مساعدة الحكومة على تحقيق أهدافها: الهدف العام لأي حكومة هو حماية مواطنيها وممتلكاتهم على حد سواء. ويشمل ذلك بالمثل حماية البيئة التي يعيش فيها الناس. وتساهم برامج التربية البيئية في المدارس بشكل كبير في دعم جهود الحكومة لحماية البيئة.

environmental-education

من الملاحظ أن الطلاب الذين يخضعون لبرنامج التربية البيئية يصبحون في المستقبل أشخاصاً أفضل وأكثر مسؤولية. فعلى سبيل المثال، تساعد المناهج الدراسية في أستراليا الطلاب على تطوير المهارات العلمية والرياضية الأساسية في حياتهم. بالإضافة إلى ذلك فإن مشاركتهم المدنية في أنشطة الحفاظ على البيئة تؤدي إلى مجتمع أكثر تماسكًا يرتكز على الشمولية. ومن الأهمية البالغة أن يتكاتف الجنس البشري بأكمله لتقديم مساهمة إيجابية في الحفاظ على البيئة. يجب أن يلعب كل فرد دورًا في تأمين بيئة أكثر أمانًا ونظافة والحفاظ عليها للأجيال القادمة.

ترجمة: لونا المومني

 أستمتع بالعمل على مشاريع تُحدث تغييرًا حقيقيًا ومستدامًا في المجتمعات. من خلال دراستي وخبرتي في التخطيط الحضري والاستدامة، أتيحت لي الفرصة للتعاون مع أشخاص من خلفيات مختلفة والمساهمة في مبادرات مؤثرة. أواجه التحديات بعقلية عملية تركز على الحلول، سواء من خلال البحث، التنسيق، أو العمل الميداني. أؤمن بأن التقدم يتحقق من خلال التعاون والمرونة والإصرار، وأسعى دائمًا لتطوير نفسي والمساهمة في إحداث فرق إيجابي.

Note: The English version of the article is available at this link.