How to Minimise Environmental Damage When Updating Your Flooring

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In a changing world where climate change and protecting the environment is constantly making headlines, we want to do the best we can to vote with our money and make options that help the planet. Home renovations can be tricky to navigate when we want to live in an environmentally conscious way.

Regarding flooring, in particular, there are numerous things to consider. In this article, we explore the best flooring surfaces and how to dispose of your old flooring.

how to dispose of your old flooring

Is Solid Wood Flooring an Environmental Choice?

Solid wood flooring is an excellent choice when looking to make environmentally conscious renovation decisions. Trees are a sustainable choice, and although cutting them down isn’t the best thing for the planet, many flooring companies are offsetting this by supporting reforestation efforts.

Reducing consumption is one of the most important aspects of living an environmentally conscious life. When we inevitably do have to update things, such as our flooring, it is therefore important to choose flooring that will last for as long as possible.

High-quality wood flooring can last a lifetime. Compared with other surfaces, such as laminate – which has a lifespan of between 15 and 25 years – solid wood flooring helps reduce the amount of usage over a longer period of time. This allows time for reforestation efforts to take effect and neutralise the impact of your purchase.

Is Bamboo Flooring an Environmental Choice?

Bamboo flooring is another great environmentally friendly flooring option. Bamboo grows much faster than wood used for solid wood flooring. It doesn’t require replanting as it is harvested above the root and continues to regrow after harvest. All while still offering many of the same benefits as hardwood floors.

Bamboo is also slightly more water-resistant than solid wood flooring, as well as more resistant to mould, making it a great choice for your household.

How Can You Reuse Old Flooring?

When you replace your flooring, you’ll have to decide what to do with your old floors. Reusing and recycling are two great ways to manage this without contributing unnecessary waste. Here are some examples of how you can repurpose your old floor. If you’re into DIY or crafts, these are for you.

1. Laminate

You can cut down old pieces of laminate and use them to resurface areas of your house, perhaps a workbench in the garage, an upcycled desk or a dressing table. This can be a great way to turn vintage pieces into something chic and shiny and give them a new lease on life.

You can also use laminate flooring for craft projects. Why not create picture or mirror frames? With some glue, paint and tools, you can make an endless range of crafts, just use your imagination.

2. Solid Wood

Many of the same things you can make with laminate will also work with old solid wood flooring. You may also want to try using your previous floor in other ways in your home. You could consider making a new headboard, or adding a feature wall.

3. Tiles

Tiles may not be easy to pull up without damaging them, but not to worry! Broken tiles have been used for hundreds of years in the art form of mosaic. You can use this intricate art detail to decorate almost anything or to make your old tiles into a standalone art piece of your own.

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Disposing of Old Flooring

If you cannot find a use for your old flooring, you will want to dispose of it in the least environmentally-damaging way possible. Although sometimes, it is unavoidable for things to end up in a landfill, there are still some options to consider.

Laminate

New kinds of laminate flooring often have the ability to be recycled. Up to 85% of the materials used to construct laminate can be repurposed by recycling facilities to create wood chips or fibres. This won’t be a case of just popping it in your recycling bin, however, you will need to find a company that offers this specific service.

Solid Wood

Likewise, solid wood flooring can be recycled. Wood is a widely recycled material, so it’s always best to take old flooring to the recycling centre rather than to landfill. If the wood is in good condition, you could also donate it so that it can be used again.

Progress of Green Building Sector in Qatar

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There has been rapid progress in green building sector in Qatar with the emergence of many world-class sustainable constructions in recent years. With the fifth-highest number of LEED-registered and certified buildings outside the U.S., Qatar has valuable experience and inputs to offer on the system’s local relevancy and application. Various countries in the Middle East have been accredited with regards to the LEED system. Of these buildings, 65 per cent (802) are located in the UAE. Qatar is ranked second on the list, with 173 green buildings, followed by Saudi Arabia (145), Lebanon (25) and Egypt (22).

Green-Building-Qatar

Qatar’s Green Building Rating System

Qatar has developed established its own assessment called Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS), formerly known as the Qatar Sustainability Assessment System (QSAS) system specifically developed for the State of Qatar.

GSAS is billed as the world’s most comprehensive green building assessment system developed after rigorous analysis of 40 green building codes from all over the world. The assessment criterion takes into consideration various categories related to sustainable development and its impact on environmental stress mitigation. Each criterion elucidates the requirements of reducing environmental stress and a score is then given to each criterion based on the level of compliance.

QSAS is assessed on the following eight categories; urban connectivity, site, energy, water, indoor environment, materials, management and operations and cultural – economic values. Qatar has incorporated QSAS into Qatar Construction Standards 2010 and it is now mandatory for all private and public sector projects to get GSAS certification.

Qatar Green Building Council

The Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) was established in 2009 to promote sustainable growth and development in Qatar through cost efficient and environment-friendly building practices. The organisation aims to support the overall health and sustainability its environment, people and economic security in Qatar for generations to come.

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The criteria of GSAS certification is divided into eight different categories

As one of the 30 members of the LEED roundtable, the Qatar Green Building Council endeavour to prioritise factors such as environmental conditions and its influence on green buildings. For instance, in arid regions such as Qatar, improving a building’s water efficiency in order to reduce the burden on local supply is a priority.

Benefits of Green Buildings for Qatar

Sustainable development has been identified as one of the top priorities in Qatar’s National Development Strategy. The ultimate objective of green buildings is to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment. This can be promoted by using water, energy and other resources more efficiently as well as ensuring occupant health and improving employee productivity.

Green buildings can bring a variety of social, economic and environmental benefits for Qatari residents. Through rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling and renewable energy systems, green buildings can promote water conservation, energy management as well as climate change mitigation. Moreover, this can also bring along sizable reduction in operation costs and offer long-term savings.

Finally, sustainable buildings in Qatar can improve overall health of the occupants by tackling common issues such as insufficient air circulation, poor lighting and temperature variances. Green buildings emphasize natural ventilation which creates healthier and more comfortable living environments.

Qatar National Convention Center – A Shining Example

The Qatar National Convention Center, located in Doha, has recently been accredited for its approach to environmental stress mitigation. The 177,000 square meter structure has been commended for its recognition as one of the world’s most iconic energy-efficient convention centers built to date. The building has 3,500 square meters of its roof areas with solar panels, contributing 12.5% of the building total electrical consumption.

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Other contributors include, LED lighting, air volume systems and carbon dioxide monitors. The building has also gained recognition for being one of Qatar’s first environmentally sustainable structures which has even been given the gold certification standards under the LEED system equivalent to 6 stars on the QSAS.

Conclusion

Structures such as the Qatar National Convention Center will be a benchmark for all future green structure in Qatar. With an increase in population along with an ailing environment, it is absolutely necessary that we begin to take an approach that is suitable to the demands of our time. It is heartening to see that Qatar has recognised the importance of green architecture and lucrative benefits associated with it.

Waste-to-Energy Outlook for the Middle East

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High-income Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait are counted as world’s largest waste producers in terms of per capita waste generation which is more than 2kg per day in some countries. The urban waste generation from the region has now crossed 150 million tons per year which has forced policy-makers and urban planners to seriously look for sustainable waste management solutions, including recycling and waste-to-energy.

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Let us take a look at solid waste generation in major countries across the Middle East region:

Country MSW Generation

(million tons per annum)
Saudi Arabia 15
United Arab Emirates 6
Qatar 2.5
Kuwait 2
Bahrain 1.5
Egypt 20
Tunisia 2.3
Morocco 5
Lebanon 1.6
Jordan 2

In addition, huge quantity of sewage sludge is also generated in the Middle East which presents a serious problem due to its high treatment costs and risk to environment and human health. On an average, the rate of wastewater generation is 80-200 litres per person each day and sewage output is rising by 25 percent every year across the region.

Waste-to-Energy Conversion Pathways

Municipal solid waste is a very good source of biomass in the Middle East. Municipal solid waste is comprised of organic fraction, paper, glass, plastics, metals, wood etc. Almost 50% of the solid waste is contributed by organic matter.

MSW can be converted into energy by conventional technologies (such as incineration, mass-burn and landfill gas capture). Municipal solid waste can also be efficiently converted into energy and fuels by advanced thermal technologies, such as gasification and pyrolysis.

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At the landfill sites, the gas produced by the natural decomposition of MSW is collected from the stored material and scrubbed and cleaned before feeding into internal combustion engines or gas turbines to generate heat and power. In addition, the organic fraction of MSW can be anaerobically stabilized in a high-rate digester to obtain biogas for electricity or steam generation.

Anaerobic digestion is the most preferred option to extract energy from sewage, which leads to production of biogas and organic fertilizer. The sewage sludge that remains can be incinerated or gasified or pyrolyzed to produce more energy. In addition, sewage-to-energy processes also facilitate water recycling.

Relevance of Waste-to-Energy for Middle East

The variety of technological options available means that waste-to-energy can be applied at a small, localized scale primarily for heat, or it can be used in much larger base-load power generation capacity whilst also producing heat. Waste-to-energy conversion can thus be tailored to rural or urban environments in the Middle East, and utilized in domestic, commercial or industrial applications in the entire region.

The world’s dependence on Middle East energy resources has caused the region to have some of the largest carbon footprints per capita worldwide. The Middle East region is now gearing up to meet the challenge of global warming, as with the rapid growth of the waste management sector. During the last few years, UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have unveiled multi-billion dollar investment plans to improve waste management scenario. In particular, the establishment of Domestic Solid Waste Management Centre in Qatar has catalyzed public interest in deployment of waste-to-energy systems in the Middle East.

Energy from MSW is rapidly gaining worldwide recognition as the fourth ‘R’ in sustainable waste management system – Reuse, Reduce, Recycle and Recover. A transition from conventional waste management system to one based on sustainable practices is necessary to address environmental concerns and to foster sustainable development in the region.

Biomass Energy in Middle East

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The major biomass producing countries in the Middle East are Egypt, Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Jordan. Traditionally, biomass energy has been widely used in rural areas for domestic energy purposes in the Middle East region, especially in Egypt, Yemen and Jordan. Since most of the region is arid or semi-arid, the biomass energy potential is mainly contributed by municipal solid wastes, agricultural residues and industrial wastes. According to conservative estimates, the potential of biomass energy in the MENA region is about 400TWh per year.

date-palm-biomass

Municipal solid wastes represent the best source of biomass in Middle East countries. Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Kuwait rank in the top-ten worldwide in terms of per capita solid waste generation. The gross urban waste generation quantity from Middle East countries is estimated at more than 150 million tons annually.

Food waste is the third-largest component of generated waste by weight which mostly ends up rotting in landfill and releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The mushrooming of hotels, restaurants, fast-food joints and cafeterias in the region has resulted in the generation of huge quantities of food wastes.

In Middle East countries, huge quantity of sewage sludge is produced on daily basis which presents a serious problem due to its high treatment costs and risk to environment and human health. On an average, the rate of wastewater generation is 80-200 litres per person each day and sewage output is rising by as much as 25 percent every year. According to conservative estimates, sewage generation in the Dubai is atleast 500,000 m3 per day.

The food processing industry in MENA produces a large number of organic residues and by-products that can be used as biomass energy sources. In recent decades, the fast-growing food and beverage processing industry has remarkably increased in importance in major countries of the region. Since the early 1990s, the increased agricultural output stimulated an increase in fruit and vegetable canning as well as juice, beverage, and oil processing in countries like Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.

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The MENA countries have strong animal population. The livestock sector, in particular sheep, goats and camels, plays an important role in the national economy of respective countries. Many millions of live ruminants are imported each year from around the world. In addition, the region has witnessed very rapid growth in the poultry sector. The biogas potential of animal manure can be harnessed both at small- and community-scale.

The Middle East region is well-poised for biomass energy development, with its rich biomass resources in the form of municipal solid waste, crop residues and agro-industrial waste. The implementation of advanced biomass conversion technologies as a method for safe disposal of solid and liquid biomass wastes, and as an attractive option to generate heat, power and fuels, can greatly reduce environmental impacts of a wide array of biomass wastes.

Around the region, pollution of the air and water from municipal, industrial and agricultural operations continues to grow.  The technological advancements in the biomass energy industry, coupled with the tremendous regional potential, promises to usher in a new era of energy as well as environmental security for the region.

If you want to learn about the benefits of using biomass energy for sustainability, check out this article.

Ruba Al-Zu’bi – Inspiring Green Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship

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Ruba Al-Zu’bi is a very well-known sustainable development policy and planning expert, and a true inspiration for youngsters in Jordan and beyond. Currently she is the Adviser for Science Policy and Programme Development to HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, the President of the Royal Scientific Society (RSS). Prior to that, Ruba led the Scientific Research Department at Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation.

In the past, she had been the CEO of EDAMA, a Jordanian business association that seeks innovative solutions to advance the energy, water and environment sectors. Ruba Al-Zu’bi is Global Resolutions’ Jordan Ambassador and a Plus Social Good Connector promoting SDGs and success stories around sustainability in the MENA region.

ruba-alzubi-jordan

She is also a founding member of the Jordan Green Building Council, and has facilitated its organizational establishment and strategic planning process. Ruba led the Clean Technology Sector Development at USAID Jordan Competitiveness Program with focus on enhancing private sector’s competitiveness, creating jobs and increasing exports in the clean energy, solid waste management and water resources management clusters.

She is associated with EcoMENA as a mentor, and has provided tremendous support to the organization in raising environmental awareness, mobilizing youth and disseminating knowledge. She was selected as Jordan’s Eisenhower Fellow for 2012 fellowship through which she investigated green economy, green buildings and sustainability policy in the US; and was named as 2012 Ward Wheelock Fellow for her outstanding contributions to her community.

Here she talks to our collaborative partner Impact Squared about her educational background, professional achievements, strategic thinking and visionary approach.

Impact Squared: Can you tell me a little bit about your background and what you do? Ruba Al-Zu’bi: I was originally trained as an environmental engineer. When I was studying to become an engineer, I found that the training was disconnected from, rather than supportive of Jordanian society and development. I wanted to make that connection. When Jordan established the Ministry of the Environment in 2004, I was involved in the development of the ministry, updating policies and building its capacity. I was really supported by a minister who believed in empowering women.

I continued my education and earned a degree in Institutional Change Management to be able to contribute to public sector reform in Jordan. Right now, I am the CEO of EDAMA, a nonprofit organization that activates the private sector to improve green technology and a green economy in Jordan.

Impact Squared: What specific challenges or issue areas are you driven to work on?
Ruba Al-Zu’bi: A big issue facing the world today is sustainability mainstreaming, which is the idea of bringing ideas and practices of sustainability to different sectors and development decisions. There are tradeoffs that we always need to make. In developing countries, it’s not always possible to put sustainability at the top of the priority list, it’s important to keep the costs of compromise and the tradeoffs in mind throughout the decision-making processes.

I also think that equal opportunity, job development and bridging education with job opportunities is another important issue. Currently, there is not a lot of green innovation because there’s a lack of understanding of market needs and not a lot of resources to support that. It’s important to support green entrepreneurs to innovate on sustainability. The vision I try to keep in front of me includes these things. Whenever I have the chance to speak, I always integrate these issues and concepts to mobilize efforts for global support and to create action on a larger scene.

Impact Squared: What motivated you to pursue your career and what drives you to continue?
Ruba Al-Zu’bi: I’ve worked in public, private, government, and international donor-based organizations. I really want to be where I can add value and make an impact. Right now, working at a nonprofit organization is challenging because there’s a lack of resources and a need for financial sustainability, but it’s also really important to be closer to the general public because that’s where there is a greater need.

At EDAMA, there’s an added advantage of working with the private sector. I’m able to link businesses with the community, which is a promising area in Jordan. The more we think about sustainable energy that can be provided to everyone, especially in light of the influx of Syrian refugees, the more we can alleviate pressure on both the economy and natural resources.

Impact Squared: How do you approach leadership? What skills or values or are important in leadership?

Ruba Al-Zu’bi: I recently took my team out for brunch. They told me that they wake up happy and feel empowered and appreciated. They feel like they have the space to create, innovate and make decisions, rather than just implementing other people’s ideas, which matters a lot in a leading a nonprofit organization.  As a leader, creating a small community for your team is important for them to create a community in their work around a cause. If you don’t succeed at creating the internal community, you can’t have an impact on the larger community.

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As a young leader, Ruba Al-Zu’bi inspires lots of youngsters in Jordan

I always say I wish I had a mentor in an earlier stage of my life – it wasn’t common in Jordan when I was younger. I have a couple of mentors now for myself and I serve as one for younger people. I think relationships like this are very important. It’s important for a mentor to understand how to give mentees support without influencing decisions. I like to help people find their way; I wish I had someone help me do that. Also, family support and friend support contributes to leadership. The more we’re comfortable in our personal lives, the more we can give professionally to our communities. I’m lucky to have that in my life.

I was a young leader, leading before age 30, which had advantages and disadvantages. If you’re not ready or mature enough, it can backfire on your career and how people see young leaders in general. So, it’s important to self-reflect, self-evaluate and to have the ability to see your own growth and skills. Keep learning about those things to be an effective leader. I try to explain that to the younger generation, as they rush, sometimes trying to climb the ladder too quickly. Maturity takes time.

Impact Squared: What values drive the ways you make decisions as a leader and in general?
Ruba Al-Zu’bi: In general, I try to implement my social and environmental values. I value social justice, equal opportunities, and gender equity, which is really what’s behind everything happening in the Arab world and Arab Spring. If we, as leaders, don’t care, integrate, and mainstream these values in our day-to-day life and then professionally, they can’t be implemented on the ground, cascading.

جامعات خضراء في فلسطين

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بدأت الجامعات الفلسطينية بربط النظربات العلمية التي تدرس في مساقاتها وبرامجها الاكاديمية  بالواقع العملي وحيث بدأت الجانعات الفلسطينية وبتميل من مؤسسات مجلية ودولية باستغلال اللطاقة البديلة من الشمس لتوليد الكهرباء باستخدام تقنية اللوحات الكهروضوئية لانتاج الطاقة الكهربائية والتي تساعد في  توفير استهلاك الكهرباء الذي يشغل جميع أبنية وقاعات ومراكز الجامعات بالطاقة لتوفير وذلك لتوفير الجو التعليمي المناسب لطلبتها  .

solar-car-palestine

وتأتي هذه الخطوة الريادية من قبل الجامعات الفلسطينية لتوفير استهلاك الكهرباء بحيث تكون مبان الجامعات أكثر صداقة للبيئة وتقلل ميزانية المدفوعات التي يتم دفعها ثمناً لاستهلاك الكهرباء والوقود واستغلالها بدعم برامج وأبحاث جديدة تساعد في تنمية مهارات طلبتها .

كما أن لهذه الخطوة المهمة الدور الكبير في التحرر من الاعتماد على الكهرباء التي يتم استيراد أكثر من 90% منها من شركات  الكهرباء الاسرائيلية مما له الدور الكبير في الاستغناء عن مصادر خارجية غير نظيفة للكهرباء واستخدام بدائل نظيفة وصدبقة للبيئة لتوفيرها .

ان تجربة الجامعات بدأت في معظم الجامعات الفلسطينية ولكن على مقياس صغير اقتصر في معظم الاحيان على مراكز أبحاث الطاقة الخاص بتلك الجامعات , ولكن المشروع الاضخم التي تم تنفيذها هي مشروع الطاقة الشمسية في جامعة الخليل ( تبعد 15 كيلو عن القدس ) وذلك بتمويل قدره مليون ومئتي ألف دولار من شركة فلسطين الغد للتنمية  , وهذا المشروع يتكون من مرحلتين والذي يتوقع أن تكون الطاقة الانتاجية للمرحلة الاولى  220 كيلو واط ساعة وحيث أنه سيتم استغلال المساحات المتوفرة على أسطح البنايات الخاصة بالجامعة لتركيب هذه الانظمة الحديثة وتوفير أبنية جامعية خضراء وكما يجدر العلم أن هذا النظام سيقوم بتوفير 60% من اجمالي استهلاك الجامعة من الكهرباء والذي بدوره يساعد على دعم الطلاب المحتاجين وتطوير البرامج والمشاريع التطويرية والتوسعية للجامعة .

كما أن شركة فلسطين الغد للتنمية  قامت بتمويل الجامعة العربية الامريكية  في مدينة جنين ( تبعد عن القدس  75 كيلمترا الى الشمال ) والتي يبلغ عدد طلابها الى أكثر من 8500 طالب وطالبة والتي يدرس فيها معظم التخصصات العملية والانسانية , ونظراً لاستهلاك شهري عالى من الطاقة يقدر ب 30000 دولار شهرياً ولحماية البيئة واستغلال موارد الطاقة النظيفة حصلت الجامعة على تمويل من شركة فلسطين الغد للتنمية بقيمة مليون ومئتي ألف دولار لتمويل محطة لانتاج الطاقة الشمسية في الجامعة  .

ويجدر الاشارة الى أن شركة فلسطين الغد هي شركة فلسطينية غير ربحية تقوم بتمويل مشاريع تنموية وبيئية للمؤسسات الفلسطينية ويرأسها رئيس الوزارء السابق د. سلام فياض , وحيث أنه قد تم تنفيذ المرحلة الاولى من المنحة والمقسمة الى 3 مراحل بقدرة انتاجية  75 كيلو واط ساعة وحيث أن المشروع الكلي سيقوم بتغطية احتياجات الكهرباء للجامعة  في مشاريع تطويرية في الجامعة اضافة الى منح 50% من القيمة المادية للطاقة المولدة عبر الالواح الشمسية لصندوق الطالب المحتاج و50% الأخرى لصالح صندوق البحث العلمي .

كما قامت جامعة بيرزيت (حوالي 20 كيلو متراً شمال غرب مدينة القدس ) وهي أقدم جامعة فلسطينية تأسست عام 1924 ميلادي بتوقيع اتفاقية  لتركيب نظام لتوليد الكهرباء بالطاقة الشمسية بقدرة 50 كيلو واط ساعة لمبنى سميح دروزة للصناعات الدوائية في الحرم الجامعي ،  

كما يجدر الاشارة الى أن جامعة النجاح الوطنية وهي أكبر الجامعات الفلسطينية من حيث عدد الطلاب و الحاصلة على شهادة التميز الأوروبي التي تمنحها المؤسسة الأوروبية للجودة EFQM وهي أولى الجامعات الفلسطينية التي تطبق نموذج التميز الأوروبي في الجودة، قامت مؤخراً بالمباشرة باعداد المخططات اللازمة لتنفيذ مشروع الطاقة الشمسية على مباني مستشفى الجامعة التابع لها وبقدرة 100 كيلو واط ساعة.

وغير بعيد في غزة فقد باشرت الجامعة الاسلامية بتركيب نظام شمسي لتوليد الكهرباء بقدرة 140 كيلو واط ساعة وبحيث  يغطي احتياجات مبنى المختبرات في الجامعة من الكهرباء وحيث أن الكهرباء في غزة أصبحت نادرة الوجود بسبب عدم توفر الوقود اللازم لتشغيل محولات الطاقة في قطاع غزة .

يجدر الذكر الى أن مثل هذه المشاريع والانظمة الحديثة يقوم بتصميمها وتركيبها شركات فلسطينية محترفوبأيد فلسطينية  وقام المهندس أحمد شوارب المدير التنفيذي لشركة مصادر لأنظمة الطاقة والتي تنفذ أكبر مشروع طاقة شمسية في جامعة الخليل بالتعليق على هذه المشاريع بالقول  : ” ان نعتز بدورنا المهني في توفير وتصميم وتركيب أنظمة الطاقة البديلة في فلسطين ونسعى لأن تكون فلسطين خضراء “.

أن هذه  المشاريع وغيرها من المشاريع يعطي أملاً للطلاب بربط نظرياتهم ودراستهم الاكاديمية بتجارب علمية وعملية  تطبق و يرونها أمامهم وعلى أسطح جامعاتهم  وبمصادر نظيفة ومجانية ولا تنضب .

المهندس عبد الناصر دويكات

باحث ومهتم بالطاقة المتجددة وترشيد الاستهلاك

A Quick Glance at Composting Methods

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The composting process is a complex interaction between the waste and the microorganisms within the waste. The microorganisms that carry out this process fall into three groups: bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes. Actinomycetes are a form of fungi-like bacteria that break down organic matter. The first stage of the biological activity is the consumption of easily available sugars by bacteria, which causes a fast rise in temperature. The second stage involves bacteria and actinomycetes that cause cellulose breakdown. The last stage is concerned with the breakdown of the tougher lignin by fungi.

Composting-Methods

Types of Composting

There are 3 broad types of composting methods—anaerobic composting, aerobic composting, and vermicomposting. In anaerobic composting, the organic matter is decomposed in the absence of air. Organic matter may be collected in pits and covered with a thick layer of soil and left undisturbed six to eight months. The compost so formed may not be completely converted and may include aggregated masses.

Aerobic composting is the process by which organic wastes are converted into compost or manure in presence of air and can be of different types. The most common is the Heap Method, where organic matter needs to be divided into three different types and to be placed in a heap one over the other, covered by a thin layer of soil or dry leaves. This heap needs to be mixed every week, and it takes about three weeks for conversion to take place.

Compost

The process is same in the Pit Method, but carried out specially constructed pits. Mixing has to be done every 15 days, and there is no fixed time in which the compost may be ready. Berkley Method uses a labor-intensive technique and has precise requirements of the material to be composted. Easily biodegradable materials, such as grass, vegetable matter, etc., are mixed with animal manure in the ratio of 2:1. Compost is usually ready in 15 days.

Vermicomposting involves use of earthworms as natural and versatile bioreactors for the process of conversion. It is carried out in specially designed pits where earthworm culture also needs to be done. Vermicomposting is a precision-based option and requires overseeing of work by an expert. It is also a more expensive option (O&M costs are high).

However, unlike the above two options, it is a completely odorless process making it a preferred solution in residential areas. It also has an extremely high rate of conversion, so quality of the end product is very high with rich macro and micronutrients. The end product also has the advantage that it can be dried and stored safely for a longer period of time.

8 Majors If You Want to Help The Public

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A growing number of people are choosing the direct paths of human services careers to make a difference in society. If you have a desire to contribute to society, then there are vast choices of majors and infinite possibilities that you can choose for your altruistic journey. Finding a career that allows you to be beneficial for the well-being of society is a noble pursuit to begin your journey with, but it can be equally challenging to select the degree, especially with the wide choices and resources each major offers. A public services job, such as teaching, nursing, or social work, requires the completion of a bachelor’s degree, with a good pay offer, job security, and employment benefits.

Majors that make a positive impact on the well-being of your society

If you are feeling confused about the major you want to select, which simultaneously matches your interest as well as makes a positive impact on others’ lives, we have prepared a list of degrees to help you begin your college application process.

1. Disaster Management

If you want to be a superhero for the public in times of crisis, then choosing a disaster management degree is an adequate option, as it equips you with the skills and knowledge to navigate through chaos and bring order to the chaos. If you are a person that can thrive in pressuring and chaotic situations, this degree prepares you to handle various types of disasters, from natural calamities like hurricanes and earthquakes to human-made emergencies like terrorist attacks or pandemics, while also remaining calm when faced with situations.

However, if you have already completed your bachelor’s in disaster management and now you want to seek a master’s in the same field, there are opportunities to start your online masters in disaster management, which will teach you scientific approaches to prepare and manage for the responses of natural and human-made catastrophes and disasters.

The course outline prepares you to gain knowledge of crisis communication, risk assessment, emergency planning, and resource management. With this knowledge, you can work for governmental organizations, nonprofits, or emergency management divisions. According to the research conducted, it is said that the employment opportunities of emergency management directors are expected to increase by 3% between 2021 and 2031, and the median pay is approximately $76,730 per year. So, if you enjoy helping people who thrive under high-pressure situations, earning a degree in disaster management could be just what you need to create an impact when it counts.

2. Public Health

Studying public health allows you to learn how to prevent diseases, aware the public about health promotion strategies, and establish nondiscriminatory health policies. With a degree in Public Health, you have the chance to improve the well-being of the community and address their public health challenges, such as obesity, chronic conditions, and diabetes.

3. Social Work

This is a major that focuses on helping individuals, families, and communities in need. The job description of a social worker includes counseling, case management, advocacy, and community development. Social work encompasses obtaining the knowledge and then applying the learned skills to empower marginalized populations, promote social justice about legal jurisdiction, and foster positive change in the community.

4. Education

Surely, teaching an individual from a young age and watching them grow up into an empowering, motivating member of the community can be a rewarding celebration for a teacher. This major encompasses tools to mold young minds and inspire future generations. With a degree in Education, you can start your career by being a teacher and a role model who imparts knowledge, skills, and values to students. Additionally, apart from teaching, you can contribute to educational policy-making, curriculum development, and creating inclusive learning environments.

إن التعليم البيئي يعد المفتاح لمستقبل أفضل

5. Environmental Science

There’s no harm in wanting to attain a major that explores the intricate workings of our environment and the interdependence between humans and nature. Through the in-depth study of ecosystems, preservation, pollution management, and sustainable practices, you can become an environmental activist or an advocate for environmental protection. A degree in Environmental Science opens doors to careers in research, policy-making, and environmental consulting.

6. Criminal Justice

This major revolves around keeping your society safe from criminals and offenders. It is tasked with upholding law and order, ensuring public safety, and promoting justice on local, state, and federal levels. It offers different specializations and requires in-depth knowledge of local law and its enforcement with legal systems and corrections. People with a degree in Criminal Justice can work as law enforcement workers, legal advocates, or policymakers, as well as contribute to homeland security, forensics, and immigration and border control.

7. Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of the complexity of human behavior and the way the mind processes. With a degree in Psychology, a psychologist can continue their careers as certified and professional counselors, as well as offer research, and therapy, helping individuals overcome challenges and improve their mental well-being. However, clinical psychologists have different job descriptions, as they mainly focus on individuals with harsher mental health conditions. Other than health care, there can be many career paths in the corporate avenues open in Human Resources or Success Coaching. Their careers are defined by the people and venues they explore.

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8. Nonprofit Management

A nonprofit management major prepares an individual to focus on issues dedicated to social causes. There is a variety of educational institutions and human services providers that operate on a nonprofit basis. Thus, they require their kind of approach in administering their day-to-day tasks. Managerial and administrative skills, with a less focus on profit, are desirable by a wide variety of industries. A nonprofit manager is responsible for overseeing programs, fundraising, and public service marketing, as well as responsible for working under limited and sustainable resources. This field offers further specialization, and a nonprofit manager can expect $119,860 per year, with growing job opportunities.

Conclusion

There are infinite ways to contribute to your society, hence different numbers of majors that will lead you to land a job, allowing you to make a positive impact on the well-being of your society. The best part about choosing majors is you get to be in charge of how you want to help the people around you.

Energy Outlook for the Middle East

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There are several problems confronting the world with respect to its fossil fuels-based energy supply. The first problem relates to the ever-increasing use of fast-depleting conventional sources of energy, like petroleum, coal and natural gas. The contribution of fossil fuels in global energy supplies is above 80 percent. Energy demand will certainly increase manifolds during this century due to industrial and developmental activities as burgeoning world population.

energy-outlook-middle-east

Global Trends in Energy Sector

The concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere is rising rapidly with use of fossil fuels leading to increasing emission of carbon dioxide which is having a detrimental effect on the climate. Another important issue is the security and stability of energy supply. Most of the fossil fuel reserves are concentrated in politically unstable regions, and increasing the diversity in energy sources is important for many nations to secure a reliable and constant supply of energy.

Energy trends in emerging economies are of global environmental concern as these countries are important contributors to greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel use and industrial activities. Deforestation and the emission of other greenhouse gases, such as methane and NOx, further raise the share of developing countries in total global GHGs emissions.

Although per capita levels of greenhouse emissions from energy use are much lower in developing industrial countries, rapid population and economic growth will increase their share of total emissions. The magnitude of these problems underlines the need for improving the efficiency of energy systems and fast-paced development of the renewable energy sector in such countries.

Energy Outlook for the Middle East

Energy use in the Middle East has increased manifolds over the past few decades and will continue its rapid ascent rapidly in the future. The increase in the services that energy provides is necessary and desirable, since energy services are essential for economic growth, improved living standards, and community development applications.

The fast economic growth in the Middle East puts onus on regional powers to devise new energy solutions and establish new and innovative sustainable energy trends. The energy demand in this region will grow rapidly which will have a profound impact on the global energy market. In addition, the region has many locations with high population density, which makes public health vulnerable to the pollution caused by fossil fuels.

Due to the rising share of GHG emissions from the Middle East, it is imperative on all regional countries to promote sustainable energy to significantly reduce GHGs emissions and foster dynamic economic growth. Rising proportion of greenhouse gas emissions from the region’s energy consumption is causing air quality issues and ecological degradation which may further deteriorate environmental sustainability in the region and globally. The adverse impacts of economic and ecological vulnerability would have profound implications for social inclusiveness, as the burden is being unevenly distributed among the countries in the region.

Energy scenarios for the 21st century are shifting away from fossil fuels and towards renewable and sustainable sources of energy. The potential role of renewable energy technologies in transforming Middle East energy sector and addressing climate change concerns is enormous. Renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, biomass, hydropower, and geothermal can provide renewable energy, based on a host of readily available, indigenous resources that result in very low emissions of greenhouse gases.

مشاريع الطاقة المتجددة في الأردن لعام 2013 – بين التخطيط و التطبيق

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أصبح البحث عن مصادر الطاقة المتجددة في الأردن هو الشغل الشاغل لجميع مسؤولين و باحثين كثر في هذا المجال , و رغم بطء التنفيذ و صعوبته أحيانا إلا أنه من الصعب التغاضي عن إيجاد طاقة بديلة عن النفط و الغاز في المملكة .حسب الإحصائيات الواردة في ندوة ( واقع الطاقة بين الاستهلاك والترشيد في الوطن العربي ) والتي عقدت في جامعة عمّان الأهلية ما بين أيلول و سبتمبر العام الحالي , فإن الأردن يستورد اكثر من 97% من مجمل احتياجاته من الطاقة، وان كلفة الطاقة المستوردة العام الماضي بلغت حوالي 4.6 مليار دينار، مشكلة 21% من الناتج المحلي الاجمالي .

وأوضح وزير الطاقة والثروة المعدنية الدكتور محمد حامد ان الأردن يواجه معدلات نمو سنوية مرتفعة في الطلب على الطاقة الاولية قياسا بالمستويات العالمية بلغت 5.5%، وبلغ حجم الاستهلاك الكلي من الطاقة الاولية العام الماضي 8 ملايين طن مكافئ نفط، وان نصيب الفرد من استهلاك الطاقة لذات العام 1250 كلغم مكافئ نفط، كما بلغ حجم استهلاك المملكة من الكهرباء عام 2012 حوالي 14275 ج.و.س،ونصيب الفرد من استهلاك الكهرباء 2230 ك.و.س وهي مستويات تزيد عن مثيلاتها في الدول النامية .

وأضاف ان مايزيد على 99.5% من سكان المملكة يتمتعون بخدمة التيار الكهربائي مقارنة ب 67% في العام 1975، وهو مؤشر على الزيادة الكبيرة التي طرأت على الاستهلاك نتيجة النمو الهائل والتطوير الكبير الذي شهدته المملكة .

مع وجود كل هذه الأرقام المتضخمة سنويا, هناك بعض المشاريع الجديّة التي تسعى بشكل دؤوب حول تأمين مصادر يمكن الإعتماد عليها مستقبلاً في المملكة بشكل أساسي . والطاقة الشمسية هي إحدى أهم مصادر الطاقة المتجددة , حيث أن عدد الأيام الشمسية في المملكة يزيد عن 300 يوم وبمعدل يتجاوز 8 ساعات يوميا .

و من هذه المشاريع التي تعتبر خلاصة عام 2013 لإنتاج الطاقة الشمسية في الأردن , وحدات الطاقة الشمسية لتوليد الكهرباء في مدرستي قرية الغويبة للذكور والإناث في لواء الأغوار الجنوبية، وذلك ضمن مشروع التعليم المستدام بدعم من الشركة الوطنية العربية للسيارات ” كيا الأردن ” . وهي خطوة سباقة أن يتم تدشين هكذا مشروع في أحد مدارس المملكة  .

أما على صعيد الجامعات الأردنية فهناك تقدم ملحوظ , حيث أقامت جامعتي البلقاء التطبيقية و الجامعة الهاشمية الحكوميتين مشروعي الخلايا الشمسية لتوليد الطاقة و تحقيق الإكتفاء الذاتي .

أطلقت وزارة الأوقاف و المقدسات الإسلامية في المملكة  مؤخرا مشروع (مسجدي) والذي يهدف إلى مشاركة القطاع الخاص في رعاية المساجد والمساهمة في نفقاتها بحيث يقوم أصحاب الأعمال في القطاع الخاص برعاية مساجد المنطقة التي يعملون بها تقربا إلى الله عز وجل وكجزء من مسؤوليتهم المجتمعية , وانطلاقا من هذا المشروع فقد قررت إدارة شركة ” الأثير ” للصرافة بالتبرع بنظام كهروضوئي لتوليد الكهرباء بواسطة الطاقة الشمسية لمسجد الوفاق الواقع في العاصمة عمان، مما يجعل منه المسجد الأول في الأردن الذي يعمل على الطاقة الشمسية .

و من المشاريع الملفتة حقيقة مشروع وحدات الخلايا الشمسية في مزارع منطقة الأزرق – الواقعة شرق المملكة – لاستخدامها في عدة مشاريع زراعية والتي تتلخص في : ادارة وتشغيل آلات ضخ المياه ، والبيوت البلاستيكية والزجاجية ، وتعقيم التربة ، وتجفيف المحاصيل والسماد العضوي ، وتفريخ الدجاج ، ومعالجة مياه الصرف الصحي والماء الراكد في البرك وذلك نظراً لارتفاع أسعار المحروقات والرغبة في تخفيض فاتورة النفقات الانتاجية .

وحسب بيانات رسمية، يحتاج الأردن حتى العام 2020 إلى استثمارات في قطاع الطاقة المتجددة تتراوح بين 1.8 و 2.2 مليار دولار لإنتاج 10 % من الكهرباء المولدة في المملكة في إطار الاستراتيجية الوطنية التي تسعى إلى رفع مساهمة المصادر المحلية من الطاقة في خليط الطاقة الكلي من 4 % العام 2007 إلى 39 % العام 2020. ويسابق الأردن الزمن لزيادة مصادره المحلية من الطاقة للتخفيف من ضغط فاتورة الطاقة على الموازنة العامة للدولة .

ويشار إلى أن الحكومة وضعت من خلال هيئة تنظيم قطاع الكهرباء أسعار استرشادية للطاقة الكهربائية المولدة بواسطة الطاقة المتجددة من خلال (مرجع قياسي) كحد أعلى, حيث قدرت سعر الكهرباء المولدة بواسطة الخلايا الشمسية بنحو 120 فلسا, ومن الطاقة الشمسية المركزة 135 فلسا.

و في ختام هذا الطرح لابد من تسليط الضوء على السيدة التي أثارت إعجاب العديد من الأردنيين و خصوصا رواد الطاقة المتجددة , السيدة ” رفيعة ” و التي قامت بإنارة 80 منزلا في البادية الشمالية الأردنية ,  قامت هذه السيدة البسيطة بعد جهد جهيد و عناء كسر حاجز ثقافة ” عيب ” الخاصة بالمرأة في المجتمعات البدوية بالسفر إلى الهند لتلتحق ببرنامج تدريبي مدته ستة أشهر يعلمها كيفية إنارة منزلها ومنازل قريتها باستخدام الطاقة الشمسية، وبدأ الشغف بالتعليم يظهر في الأيام الأولى من البرنامج، وهي تجلس بجانب سيدات من ثقافات مختلفة وتستمع إلى شرح المحاضر عن مكونات الخلايا الشمسية وتحفظ أسماء المكونات ووظيفة كل منها، وتدون ما تفهم في الدفتر .

وبعد مواجهتها لصعوبات المجتمع و التمويل في تطبيق مشروعها الذي اضطرها بمساعدة بعض المتطوعين و الخبراء في مجال الطاقة في الأردن من مخاطبة الحكومة الهندية لشراء المعدات وهذا ما حدث بالفعل . بعد الحصول على المنحة الهندية، نجحت أول سيدة أردنية خبيرة في مجال الطاقة الشمسية بإنارة 80 منزلا آخر في قريتها، ولا تزال قادرة على صنع المزيد إن آمنت حكومة أردنية بجدوى دعم مشروعها في افتتاح مركز لتدريب النساء على استخدام الطاقة الشمسية .

Greenwashing Unveiled: Deception in the Name of Sustainability

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Greenwashing, the practice of misleading consumers through deceptive environmental claims, has become alarmingly prevalent in today’s marketplace. With companies eager to capitalise on the growing demand for sustainable products and services, they often resort to misleading tactics that undermine genuine sustainability efforts.

As companies continue to employ vague and misleading labels, it is essential for the media to maintain its commitment to investigative reporting and consumer education. By providing accurate and reliable information, media outlets can empower consumers to make informed choices and encourage companies to adopt genuine sustainable practices. Continued media efforts are crucial in ensuring that greenwashing is exposed, challenged, and ultimately eliminated.

Impact of greenwashing on consumers and the environment

1. Explanation of greenwashing practices

Tactics Employed in Greenwashing

Greenwashing takes various forms, with companies employing different tactics to create an illusion of environmental responsibility. One common strategy is the use of vague and ambiguous terms such as “eco-friendly” or “green,” which lack clear definitions and standards. This vagueness allows companies to exploit the terms and mislead consumers, eroding trust and hindering their ability to make informed choices. The absence of clear guidelines and regulations on labelling practices further exacerbates the problem, necessitating stronger regulations and transparency to protect consumers.

Another tactic is the highlighting of irrelevant or minor green features while diverting attention from unsustainable practices. Companies often emphasise a single aspect that appears environmentally friendly, creating the impression of sustainability while neglecting larger environmental impacts. Consumers are often misled into thinking that they’re making environmentally responsible choices by focusing on small components that have minimal impact.

Approaching sustainability by making small personal changes can create an illusion of making a significant impact when in reality it does not contribute much to the betterment of the environment as a whole. We need to be more mindful of our choices and consider the bigger picture when it comes to environmental responsibility. To make informed decisions, consumers must look beyond superficial claims and evaluate a company’s broader sustainability practices.

False certifications create a false sense of credibility and environmental compliance, misleading consumers into believing that products or services have met rigorous environmental standards. Companies may use fictitious eco-labels or claim association with non-existent environmental organisations to enhance their green image. Manipulative visual elements, such as vibrant green colours or images of pristine landscapes, create an emotional connection with consumers, despite the product’s actual sustainability. It is vital for consumers to critically evaluate certifications and consider evidence-based sustainability practices, rather than relying solely on visual cues or false endorsements.

Impact of Greenwashing on Consumers and the Environment

Greenwashing has significant negative consequences for both consumers and the environment. Firstly, it misleads consumers, undermining their ability to make informed choices and contribute to genuine sustainability efforts. Studies have shown that a high percentage of consumers feel deceived by greenwashing claims, leading to distrust and frustration.

Deceptive practices of advertising low-emission vehicles have caused significant damage to the credibility and reputation of Volkswagen and other leading companies. The repercussions have been severe, resulting in a substantial loss of public trust and confidence. This serves as a warning to all companies that taking shortcuts to boost their business may result in long-term negative effects. Greenwashing not only harms consumers, but also prevents us from achieving true sustainability goals. It is essential for media and consumers to play an active role in exposing greenwashing and promoting genuine environmental responsibility.

The impact of greenwashing is far-reaching, affecting both consumers and the environment in significant ways. Firstly, greenwashing practices mislead consumers, luring them into purchasing products or services they believe to be environmentally friendly. This deception undermines consumers’ ability to make informed choices and actively contribute to genuine sustainability efforts. According to a recent survey conducted by the Moroccan Association of Environmental Journalists (AMJE), the majority of Moroccan consumers – 75% to be exact – feel as though the greenwashing claims made by companies are misleading, and as a result, they have developed a sense of frustration and distrust.

Without a doubt, greenwashing erodes the public’s faith in environmental assertions and hampers the numerous endeavors undertaken by various entities, businesses, and individuals to advance and acknowledge authentic sustainable practices. When companies engage in greenwashing, it becomes increasingly challenging for consumers to discern which products or services are truly sustainable. A report by Greenpeace International revealed that 56% of consumers worldwide feel that companies’ environmental claims are not trustworthy.

An article titled “The Challenges of Achieving Sustainable Development in Morocco” was recently published in the International Research Journal. The article highlights the urgent need to overcome obstacles and address concerns that are hindering the country’s long-term growth. The author emphasizes the importance of finding viable solutions to ensure the sustainability of Morocco’s economic, social, and environmental development. It is essential to take action promptly to promote sustainable development and ensure a prosperous future for the country.

Ways to Make Your Business Eco-Friendly

This study highlights the importance of taking action to achieve sustainable development in Morocco and paves the way for future progress and prosperity. The article emphasised that sustainable growth is a crucial solution to ensure the long-term viability of Morocco’s environments, habitats, and economies. The report sheds light on urgent issues related to sustainable development in the country, such as the harmful use of natural resources and the disastrous effects of climate change.

On an environmental level, greenwashing perpetuates unsustainable production and consumption patterns. By promoting false claims of eco-friendliness, companies continue to engage in practices that harm the environment, from excessive resource extraction to pollution and waste generation. This exacerbates environmental degradation and hinders the transition to a more sustainable future.

2. Challenges Faced by Moroccan Media in Exposing Greenwashing

Lack of Resources and Funding

Moroccan media organisations often face significant budget constraints, which impede their ability to effectively uncover and expose cases of greenwashing. A recent study by the Moroccan Media Association has revealed that 80% of media outlets in the country face severe limitations when it comes to resources and funding. Financial constraints often hinder the ability of journalists to conduct thorough investigations into greenwashing practices. Limitations on resources hinder the ability of journalists to thoroughly investigate greenwashing. As a result, there is a cap on the amount of time and personnel that can be dedicated to uncovering misleading environmental claims. Consequently, it can be quite challenging to expose these deceptive practices within the industry, given the limited capacity available to journalists. As a result, media organisations may be forced to prioritise other news topics or rely on press releases, rather than conducting comprehensive investigations into potentially deceptive environmental claims.

Journalists themselves have spoken out about the impact of limited resources on their work in exposing greenwashing. Many journalists feel frustrated by their limitations in terms of time and resources. These constraints make it challenging for them to adequately examine allegations of greenwashing and hold corporations responsible. Journalists have a challenging task of exposing companies that use greenwashing tactics because they have limited resources. This makes it difficult for them to dedicate enough time to conduct extensive research or investigate on-the-ground. The challenge of identifying companies that falsely portray themselves as environmentally responsible, while engaging in harmful activities, is massive. It highlights the significant work required to uncover deceptive practices and hold companies accountable for non-sustainable business practices.

In countries with more robust legal frameworks and freedom of the press, journalists have greater autonomy and support in exposing greenwashing practices. Press freedom advocates and Moroccan media professionals are pushing for legal reforms that will protect journalists, promote transparency, and encourage investigative journalism. There is a growing demand for an environment that supports press freedom, and the need for stronger legal protection for journalists is becoming increasingly evident. These changes will create a more open and transparent society, and will ensure that journalists can do their job without fear of reprisal or retaliation. Morocco needs to show its dedication to upholding the freedom of the press and acknowledge the crucial role journalists play in promoting democracy and accountability. It’s time for the country to take a bold step forward.

Legal and regulatory restrictions not only limit the ability of the media to effectively uncover greenwashing practices but also deprive the public of their right to access precise and credible information. To effectively address greenwashing, it is crucial to address the challenges faced by journalists. This can be achieved by introducing legal reforms and providing them with the necessary freedom and resources to bring important information to the public. Ensuring greater journalistic integrity will ultimately empower consumers with accurate information to make informed decisions about their purchases.

It is vital to preserve the operation of environmental watchdog organizations in order to hold companies accountable for their false environmental claims and to provide consumers with reliable information about sustainable products and practices. These organizations play an indispensable role in safeguarding our planet and keeping businesses in check. It’s crucial to provide maximal support to environmentalists as they play a pivotal role in creating a sustainable future for both mankind and nature. It’s essential for us to acknowledge and value their contribution towards saving the planet. This support will help them to keep up the good work and continue their essential role of promoting sustainable living. Let’s not underestimate the power of quality journalism in our fight for a sustainable future.

3. The role of Moroccan media in uncovering greenwashing

Investigative Journalism and its Impact

Statistics on the reach and impact of investigative journalism in Morocco further demonstrate its significance in exposing greenwashing. According to a recent survey commissioned by the Moroccan Press Club, over 70% of Moroccans have encountered environmental investigative reports that have led to an 80% shift in their consumption habits. This highlights the significant impact that environmental journalism has on society and demonstrates the need for more high-quality, in-depth reporting on environmental issues. With so many people now making better-informed purchasing decisions, it’s clear that investigative reports can drive meaningful change on critical environmental concerns. These numbers highlight the potential of investigative journalism to inform and educate the public about greenwashing practices, thereby influencing consumer behaviour and fostering a more environmentally conscious society.

greenwashing and sustainability

Moroccan media plays a vital role in raising awareness about deceptive green marketing through targeted consumer awareness campaigns. Experts recognize the effectiveness of media campaigns in combating greenwashing and shaping consumer behaviour.

A collaboration between media outlets and environmental organisations is another effective strategy in uncovering and exposing greenwashing practices. By working together, media outlets and NGOs can pool their resources, expertise, and networks to conduct thorough investigations and disseminate information to the public. This collaborative approach amplifies the impact of their efforts and increases the chances of successful exposure.

After conducting investigative research, interviews, and data analysis, it became evident that the eco-friendly claims made by the company were far from accurate. In actuality, the production processes utilized by the company were major contributors to pollution and resource depletion. This collaboration exposed the company’s misleading claims and shed light on the true impact of their operations. Such collaborative endeavours not only enhance the credibility and depth of media reporting, but also strengthen the collective fight against greenwashing.

Data on the success rate of collaborative efforts further underscores their significance. The Moroccan Environmental Alliance recently released a report demonstrating the effectiveness of collaboration between media and environmental organizations in raising public awareness about greenwashing tactics. This shows that when we work together, we can achieve significant results in combatting deceptive practices by companies claiming to be eco-friendly. As a result, people seek out genuinely eco-friendly products that are transparent. As a result of our joint initiative, there has been a significant rise of 30% in the desire for environmentally friendly products. This signals a growing awareness among individuals regarding the detrimental effects that disingenuous claims about sustainability by corporations can have on our environment. These findings highlight the positive impact of collaboration in bringing about tangible change and driving companies to adopt more responsible practices.

Conclusion

Overall, greenwashing slows down progress towards genuine sustainability by misleading consumers, undermining trust, diverting resources, perpetuating environmental harm, and creating complacency. To effectively fight against greenwashing, it’s crucial for both consumers and regulators to remain diligent, advocate for ethical media portrayal, and demand accountability and transparency from companies.

The fight against greenwashing is an ongoing battle, and the role of Moroccan media remains vital. In this era of greenwashing, consumers have a pivotal role to play in demanding transparency and supporting responsible media reporting. It is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and critically evaluate eco-friendly claims made by companies. By staying informed, questioning misleading practices, and supporting media outlets that prioritise investigative journalism, consumers can contribute to a marketplace that values genuine sustainability.

الاسلام وحقوق الحيوان

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جميع المخلوقات –البشر الطيور الحيوانات الحشرات وغيرها, هي كائنات تستحق الاهتمام والاحترام. ولانها جزء من خلق الله فدائما يشملها الاسلام في الحديث . الانسان هو دائما المسؤول عن كل الاحداث المحيطة  ومن ضمن تلك المسؤليات تواجد الحيوانات ومعيشتها, والتي كما ذكر القران لها حقوق لابد ان تصان وتحترم. قدم القران الكريم والاحاديث النبوية والتاريخ الاسلامي العديد من الامثله علي العطف والرحمة والشفقة للحيوان. فبالرجوع للاسلام نجد ان الحيوان جزء لا يتجزء من التسلسل الهرم للخلق ويوضح ايضا ان تواجد الحيوان وضمان استمراريته علي وجه الارض هو مسؤوليه الانسان.

الاسلام يطالب المسلمين بمعاملة الحيوان بالشفقة والعطف وليس الاستهان او التعدي عليه. ووضح القرآن ان الخلق جميعا من صنع الله حتي ما لم يدركه الانسان من مخلوقات اخري علي وجه الارض. وقد انتقد سيدنا محمد (صلي الله عليه وسلم) اتباعه عند الاساءه للحيوان وكثيرا ما حثهم علي اهمية العطف والشفقه بهم.

القران الكريم ورعاية الحيوان

يحوي القران الكريم العديد من الامثله والتوجهيات حول كيفية التعامل مع الحيوان. ووضح ان الحيوانات لها مجتمعات تماما مثل الانسان تعيش بها وتتكاثر.

فنجد في سورة الانعام الاية 38:

وَمَا مِنْ دَابَّةٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا طَائِرٍ يَطِيرُ بِجَنَاحَيْهِ إِلَّا أُمَمٌ أَمْثَالُكُمْ ۚ مَا فَرَّطْنَا فِي الْكِتَابِ مِنْ شَيْءٍ ۚ ثُمَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يُحْشَرُونَ.

وتصف الاية ان جميع الحيوانات تعيش بطريقة وضعها الله لهم في مجتمعات تحت طاعه الله وطاعه قوانين الله في الارض.

وفي سورة النور الايه 41:

أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُ مَن فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَالطَّيْرُ صَافَّاتٍ كُلٌّ قَدْ عَلِمَ صَلَاتَهُ وَتَسْبِيحَهُ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ بِمَا يَفْعَلُونَ. 

وفي سورة الرحمن الاية 10:

 وَالْأَرْضَ وَضَعَهَا لِلْأَنَامِ

ومفهوم الاية الكريمة ان الحيوانات وجميع المخلوقات بينها مشاعر ولغه اتصال روحاني للعالم المادي. ويجيب النظر الي عالمهم بنظره جديرة بالاهتمام والاحترام.

وفي الايه تذكير لنا بان الحياه البرية مثل حياه البشر. ويتم انشائها لهذا الغرض. ولديهم مشاعر يجب ان تحترم وتصان ولديهم الحق في الحياه والحماية من الاذي والمعاناه.

الاحاديث الشريفه التي تتناول حقوق الحيوان

نبينا محمد (صلي الله علية وسلم) حض المسلمين علي إظهار العطف والحنان تجاه الحيوان والطير. ومرارا وتكرار نهي عن القسوة تجاه الحيوان.

قال الألباني في “السلسلة الصحيحة“ أن رسول الله صلي الله عليه وسلم قال:

(من رحم ولو ذبيحة عصفور رحمه الله يوم القيامة)

وعن عائشة رضي الله عنها, عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال ( يا عائشة، إن الله رفيق يحب الرفق، ويعطى على الرفق ما لا يعطى على العنف، وما لا يعطى على ما سواه).رواه مسلم.

وايضا عن جرير عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال : (من يحرم الرفق يحرم الخير). رواه مسلم.
وعن احترام الحيوان ومعاملته معاملة كريمة, عن سهل بن الحنظلية قال : (مر رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ببعير قد لحق ظهره ببطنه، فقال:” اتقوا الله في هذه البهائم المعجمة، فاركبوها صالحة وكلوها صالحة). رواه أبو داود.

وهناك الكثير من الأحاديث التي حض فيها الرسول صلي الله عليه وسلم على عدم قتل الحيوان بدون سبب وعدم التمثيل به منهـــا:
(من قتل عصفورا عبثا” و عج إلى الله يوم القيامة يقول : يا رب إن فلانا” قتلني عبثا” ولم يقتلني منفعة), أخرجه النسائي وابن حيان في صحيحه.

و ايضا (لا تمثلوا بالبهائم , لعن الله من مثل بالحيوان) أخرجه الشيخان والنسائي عن ابن عمر وعبد الله بن جعفر.

وفيما يختص بالنهي عن الشريد والقتل, قد بين النبي- صلي الله عليه وسلم- ضوابط مشددة لقتل الحيوان. ففي الحديث الذي رواه أبو داود والنسائي وغيرهما من حديث شداد بن أوس قال: (خصلتان سمعتهما من رسول الله صلي الله عليه وسلم إن الله كتب الاحسان علي كل شئ فإذا قتلتم فأحسنوا القتلة وإذا ذبحتم فاحسنوا الذبح وليحد احدكم شفرته وليرح ذبيحته).

وروي احمد وابن ماجة من حديث ابن عمر, قال: أمر رسول الله- صلي الله علية وسلم- بحد الشفار وان تواري البهائم اي لا تشاهد البهيمة اختها اثناء الذبح, وقال: إذا ذبح احدكم فليجهز.
ففي الصحيحين عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم( أن رجلا رأى كلبا يأكل الثرى من العطش فأخذ الرجل خفه فجعل يغرف له به حتى أرواه فشكر الله له فأدخله الجنة). وفي رواية: قالوا: يا رسول الله: وإن لنا في البهائم أجرا، قال: في كل كبد رطبة أجر.

ويحكي أن بينما الرسول صلي الله علية وسلم كان في رحلة مع بعض الشباب, وفي خلال غيابه ,ذهبوا اثنين من الشباب لعش الطير واخذوا الصغار من العش وكانت الطير الام تحلق فوق العش تبحث عن صغارها وتضرب بجناحيها من الحزن وعندما اتي الرسول قال” لقد اذيتم مشاعر هذا الطير عند اخذ صغارها منها, ردوا اليها الصغار, اخرجه مسلم.

وقد ادان الاسلام الصيد لغرض الرياضه والهواية . والصيد المباح للمسلمين هو الصيد لسد الاحتياج من الغذاء. وقد كان الصيد منتشر في عهد الرسول صل الله عليه وسلم, وكان يدينها من وقتا لاخر.

نقاط تستحق التفكير

وما يجب الالتفات اليه هو, هل المجتمع الاسلامي يقوم بالدفاع عن حقوق الحيوان بالرغم من صدور الاوامر السماويه من الله سبحانه وتعالي ومن نبيه المصطفي( صلي الله علية وسلم). وما هو دورنا في السعي لتحقيق هذا الغرض من الاهتمام والرعاية.  وليس فقط من باب النقاش والحوار , ولكن من باب الخطوات الفعلية لحماية الحيوان وحمايه البيئة المحيطة بصورة عامة. هل نحن محرومين من الحياه البريه؟ وكيف لقوانين البلد التي نعيش بها الوقوف علي المبادئ الاسلاميه؟ واخيرا, كيف يدعمنا الاسلام للوقوف امام العقبات والمشاكل التي تواجه مجتمعنا في الوقت الحالي. 

وليس من الصعوبه اطلاقا المطالبة باتخاذ موقف اكثر قوة لدعم وحماية العالم الطبيعي. فقد جاب بوليفيا العالم ليعطي الحيوان حقوقا مساوية لحقوق الانسان. وقام بوضع قانون الارض الام والذي تعين فيه احدي عشر حق للطبيعة, بما في ذلك:

” الحق في الحياه والوجود, الحق في متابعه دورة الحياه والعمليات الحيوية بعيدا عن اي تغير يطرأ من قبل الانسان, الحق في مياه وهواء نقي, الحق في التوازن, الحق في عدم التعرض لاذي او تلوث, الحق في عدم العبث بالصفات الوراثية او الجينية, وقد قامت الاكوادور بتعديل الدستور الخاص بالبلد لتعطي الحق للحياة البريه في التواجد.

وهذه القوانين تعتبر قوانين الطبيعه الفطريه, وهي لا تسعي للكثير, بالعكس فهي تحافظ وتحترم حقوق الحيوان من الرعاية بقدر ما هو متوقع منا في الاسلام. والحكومات والافراد لها دور هام في تثقيف العامه وإنشاء مؤسسات لدعم الرفق بالحيوان.

ترجمه:

هبة احمد مسلم- دكتور الهندسة البيئية. باحث في الشئون البيئية. معهد الدراسات والبحوث البيئية– جامعه عين شمس.

مدرس بالاكاديمية العربية للعلوم والتكنولوجيا والنقل البحري-  مصر.

التحكم في البيئة والطاقه داخل المباني.

هندسة الميكانيكة- وكيل محرك دويتس الالماني بمصر. 

للتواصل عبر hebamosalam2000@gmail.com