Gardening - Green Prophet

Regenerative circling faming with man, AI, robots and solar power

Karin Kloosterman — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 05:46:00 +0000

In the next wave of regenerative agriculture, the farm is no longer a grid of efficiency but a living circle—with the human spirit at its core. Instead of replacing the farmer, AI and robotics now orbit like silent companions, extending our hands rather than erasing them. A rotating robotic arm moves through the plot not as a master, but as an assistant, guided by ecological intelligence and human intuition. This is not automation for profit—it’s a return to sacred design, where technology becomes humble, circular, and in service to the soil, the grower, and the wider web of life.

During Covid, when the world lost its bearings and I feared the global food distribution system would snap like a dry twig, I did the only sensible thing a mother could do: I built a garden. Not a Pinterest garden, but a functional, wartime-style victory garden (download the original here), a mashup of raised Middle Eastern circular plant beds with permaculture herbs spiraling from the center, borrowing wisdom from desert farmers and American agricultural resilience manuals from the 1940s. We planted beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, molokhia (it grows faster than hemp), lettuce, zucchinis, melons and more.

The reward wasn’t just food security — it was witnessing life return. Birds began swooping low to take a peek and eat bugs during the day, chasing the pollinators that came to kiss the flowers. A watermelon I planted was one day the size of an egg and then ballooned into a full, striped universe almost overnight, as if showing me how quickly life responds when humans step back and design with respect. Life happens!

Floris Schoonderbeek

Now, in a strange and beautiful echo of my inherited Dutch farming ancestry, a Dutch industrial designer, Floris Schoonderbeek, is proposing a new way to farm — in circles, not squares. They call it Circle Farming, an invention that I see it as a technological reverence for something ancient. Farming in circles in the Middle East isn’t new. Look from above and you will see circular crops irrigated in Libyan deserts.

Pivot irrigation is used in California and Libya but the scale of farming takes out the “man” in the center

The Al Khufrah Oasis in southeastern Libya, near the Egyptian border (photo above is from 2004), is one of the country’s largest agricultural developments and a distinct geometric landmark of pivot irrigation is easily spotted by astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Since only about 2 percent of Libya’s land receives enough rainfall for farming, the project relies entirely on fossil water pumped from a deep underground aquifer. In tandem, the Libyan government launched the Great Man-Made River project to transport these groundwater reserves to the coast to support population growth and industrial expansion.

Today, parts of the system are still functioning, but years of conflict. the death of Gaddafi, and lack of maintenance have reduced its reliability. While water continues to reach some agricultural and urban areas, the original vision of full capacity and expansion has largely stalled.

Circle Farming founder enjoying his work on the farm without breaking his back

But the Dutch, famous for stubbornly living and growing on land that is supposed to be emerged are updating the instead of plowing rectangles with tractors, a robotic arm is fixed at the center of a 30-meter circle. It moves slowly, like a clock hand made of steel, pulling familiar agricultural tools behind it — for weeding, watering, even harvesting — except now without carving brutal tire tracks through the earth. The land between circles is left untouched — a commons for insects, wildflowers, birds, even humans to linger. Farming becomes a woven pattern instead of an industrial grid.

Each circular strip holds a different crop, creating a precision-farming mandala that’s both productive and biodiverse. Sensors and AI whisper data back to the farmer — moisture here, pest pressure there — giving advice like an oracle rather than a command chain.

Workers aren’t expected to bend and break their spines in the fields. Instead, they lie belly-down on suspended beds attached to the rotating arm, gliding over the crops with dignity — hovering like dragonflies as they weed, prune, harvest by hand. It turns farming from grunt labor into something closer to communion with the land.

This model is being designed for small peri-urban farms, the exact kind of places that struggle to compete with industrial agriculture but carry the soul of food sovereignty. It’s automation not as replacement, but as companion. A bridge for urban people longing for meaningful work, who might rather float over lettuce than sit under fluorescent lights answering emails for a salary that buys them tasteless tomatoes.

This is the new agricultural aesthetic: not tech versus nature, but tech in service to a more intelligent form of nature-culture. Circular design — which ancient farmers, Bedouins, and mothers like me already knew — is returning, this time with robotics and AI strapped in for the ride. What happens when farming becomes beautiful again? When robots don’t dominate, but make room for birds, wildflowers, kids, rest, and wonder?

Greenhouse farming which allows the farmer to adjust micro-specific conditions to the plant is a market dominated by Dutch and Israeli technology. Will the Dutch own regenerative farming? Given the history of farming and efficiency in both of these countries, it will be technology that will be available to all of humanity.

Read up on the history of Dutch irrigation farming

In Israel: Simcha Blass and the perfection of modern drip irrigation in Israel

::Circle Farming

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How to grow an olive tree in a container

Miriam Kresh — Sun, 18 May 2025 15:37:13 +0000

Don’t have a garden? You can still own a fruiting olive tree, grown in a container. A sunny balcony and the right climate are the essential things; that, and time.

Italians have grown fruit trees in containers for centuries, keeping them protected in special sheds during the winter.

Come spring, the trees are wheeled out to the sunshine again. While we can dream of owning an olive grove like the one we visited in the Galilee, olive trees successfully grow in pots too.

Assuming your climate suits the olive, you should acquire a sapling from a nursery or buy one online. Olive trees grown from pits revert to the original wild olive, and if they produce fruit at all, it will be wizened and not very good to eat. So don’t do it. Consult the nursery manager and choose the variety you’d like best. To maximize fruiting potential, you should actually have two of the same variety in the area. This may be impractical where there’s limited space, of course.

When to plant an olive tree in a pot?

Read this guide for growing an olive tree in a pot

Spring is the best time to re-pot the sapling into its permanent container. Tender saplings suffer under frost or harsh winter weather, so it’s best to transplant after all danger of frost has passed. When the temperature threatens to dip under 50°F/10ºC, the tree should be brought indoors. It may be taken out to enjoy the sunshine on warmer days. A trolley, on which the container stands permanently, is useful there.

Choose a spot that gets plenty of full sun and only partial shade. Have a clay pot about 2 feet/61 centimeters deep and the same width at the ready. No need for pebbles or other drainage device at the bottom. Pour enough soil in to cover the bottom thickly. Knock the sapling out of its original container and place in the new pot. Fill the pot with soil around the tree and make sure it stands stable. Water thoroughly.

Soil and watering olives trees in a container

Ordinary potting soil; no special fertilizers or compost at first. Wait until there are signs of growth in the following spring to add compost or concentrated fertilizer to the soil. Keep the soil lightly moist, but not over-watered. A mature tree can withstand drought, but until a sapling is established and thriving in its new environment, it needs light moisture.

Care of the tree

We recommend pruning with caution for the first four years: remove branches under 3 feet/91.5 centimeters as well as suckers. Others recommend watching for flowering and then pruning off the tips of the branches, above a pair of leaves, as well.

Plant hygiene

Watch out for scale infestation. Buy a natural insecticide product from the plant nursery. Traditional Mediterranean farmers whitewash the bottom half of the trunk to keep ants away. Weed out any wind-born seedlings the minute you notice them.

The next step is to enjoy the lovely sight of the tree’s silvery-green foliage moving while the breeze rustles through it. Because it may take up to five years before it produces any fruit for you. You’ll need to discuss when you can expect fruit with the gardener at the nursery. But by then you and the tree will have become good friends, and the fruit will be a nice bonus.

If you can’t find local, search online for olive tree sapling delivery to your home. Once you get one growing you can grow clones from the original using patience or a rooting hormone.

What kind of olive tree to plant in a container?

Make your own tasty marinade, no matter what olives you have at home.

Barnea, suri, kalamata? Your supermarket or farmer’s market usually offers a good variety of olives. Juicy green, black, brown or purple olives glistening in their own oil. Olives seasoned with chilies, lemons and herbs; olives pitted and left empty; olives stuffed with red pimentos; olives in brine or in wine marinade – enough olives to make your senses reel.

And like grape varieties for wine, there are more kinds of olives in the world than you’ll ever know. Every region where olives are grown yields a particular variety, each with its unique shape, size, and flavor. Get the low down on olive varieties here. Having problems? Check out the olive tree guide to longer-term

More about olive trees and olives:

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Make moss graffiti

Miriam Kresh — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 06:02:00 +0000

DIY moss grafitti

Express your green views for all to see – right on the walls of your house, restaurant or office. It’s the hottest trend in urban agriculture, after hydroponics and vertical farming.

This way you can follow the customization trend and literally green your walls: create whimsically-shaped words and images out of live moss to decorate your outside walls.

The environmentally-conscious gardener adapts to the climate, as Jordan did with its brown golfing greens. Still, it’s not all arid desert and sand in the Middle East. Many countries here contain hilly, wooded areas where damp winters allow enough moisture for moss to thrive.

An underestimated garden ornamental, moss requires no fertilizers nor even watering after its established, making it a sustainable house decoration. Here’s the way to encourage the velvety green stuff to grow just the way you want it to.

Old buildings are ideal for this, especially those standing in damp, shady corners. You could leave a message of love, or a rant on life, or express political opinions in living moss. Or if you’re into The Lord of the Rings, write a graceful green rune in Elvish to cast a spell over those who might wander into your garden. It needn’t be limited to walls: moss being a tough, resistant plant, a living green message could also decorate a footpath.

According to the National Gardening Association, moss thrives in shady, moist, sheltered areas. It likes filtered light, such as that falling through tree branches, and morning or late afternoon sun.

You need to either collect moss from an established patch (search your own or a friend’s garden) or buy some from a specialized garden center. Take it into your kitchen.

Moss Graffiti – What you need to DIY

1 can of beer

1/2 teaspoon sugar

Several clumps of garden moss

Tools for making moss graffiti

Recycled plastic container with lid

Blender

Paintbrush

Stencil with your design

Crumble the moss into the blender. Add the beer and sugar and blend just long enough to create a smooth, creamy consistency. Now pour the mixture into the plastic container.

Paint the moss blend onto a damp and shady wall, either free-hand or using a stencil. Water the new moss at regular intervals for the first month. Be gentle – don’t aim a hose at it, because that would wash it away. And don’t fertilize; moss doesn’t like a rich environment. Soon the bits of blended moss should begin to grow together into a whole rooted mass. You’ll need to trim excess away once it begins to grow and stray out of your design area – or just let it go to become a green tapestry on your garden wall.

Got moss graffiti growing?

Now, read on for the world’s oldest terrarium here!

Or how to grow an olive tree in a container. It’s easy!

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City garden project pays you to compost and earn coupons for food

Julie Steinbeck — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 10:11:33 +0000

Lira Shapira is a city farm in Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv one of 7 cities to win a world Green City Awards 2024

Tel Aviv has won Future Green City award for the Tel Chubez Agricultural Farm and the Lira Shapira initiative in Tel Aviv. The award was made at the Future Green City World Congress held in Utrecht, Netherlands. (In other news Tel Aviv gets an A- for sustainability).

The project was selected alongside six other cities for its unique model that bridges urban sustainability with community engagement that encourages a sustainable urban lifestyle.

Lira Shapira is a green local currency that rewards residents for separating organic waste for compost to enrich the farm’s crops. For every kilogram of organic waste separated and processed, residents receive one Lira, which can be spent at local businesses—thus not only protecting the environment but also strengthening the local economy and community.

Lira, the name for the old form of currency in Israel, can be spent on buying food from the garden.

The initiative is operated by local residents from the Shapira neighborhood in collaboration with the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality’s Environmental and Sustainability Authority.

Ruth Molcho, represented Lira Shapira at the congress: “Receiving this award was especially moving, as we realized that our small initiative at the Shapira neighborhood was gaining global recognition.”

Tel Chubez is an urban agricultural farm located in the Shapira operating on principles of a circular economy. This vacant city land was transformed three years ago into a farm, providing residents with a green, productive space within the City, increasing wellness and access to fresh and healthy food while strengthening community resilience and increasing biodiversity.

Related: Fugee Fridays

Tel Aviv–Yafo is constantly growing with massive construction and infrastructure projects. Preserving urban nature and connecting residents to it, maintaining and increasing the quality of life in this intense urban growth are significant challenges. Shapira neighborhood is located in the southern part of the City. In addition to the urban renewal phases, it has been identified as a vulnerable neighborhood in the climate change era dealing with more extreme heat waves and potential floods.

Refugees from Sudan learn how to be modern farmers on a roof in South Tel Aviv. This is a project from 8 years ago to show how hydroponics can feed people in dense urban environments.

The farm, occupying four dunams, is being maintained by city employees, Lira Shapira NGO and volunteers. The cultivation method incorporates principles from permaculture and Biodynamics without any pesticides, focusing on growing local species following the seasons and a variety of over 60 fruit trees and local wildflowers that create an ecological system and habitat for birds and insects. The farm includes workshop plots where courses and training sessions are held to transfer the practices to participants’ yards to improve biodiversity and attract butterflies and honeybees.

Tel Chubez was included in the City Urban Nature Sites Index, together with 100 more sites. It is on the infrastructure layer, and future planning will have to avoid violating the area, as it has become an anchor for future urban green belts.

Tel Chubez became a green anchor for residents, plants and animals within a relatively short time. A model for collaboration internally in the municipality and externally with non-profits and businesses working together to build a new nature-based platform where environmental, social, economic and health positively impact.

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Food gardens on the roofs of medical centers and hospitals

Julie Steinbeck — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 08:30:53 +0000

Green roof urban farm and solar panels on Boston Medical Center

In urban jungles and in medical settings it’s refreshing to see food gardens popping up as green roofs. Hospitals are to treat ailing folks, yet the food served to patients is usually over processed and of low quality.

Boston Medical Center (or BMC) is an academic medical center that delivers a model of healthcare where innovative and equitable care empowers all patients to thrive. In June this year Recover Green Roofs celebrated the opening of Newmarket Farm at Boston Medical Center and its 7300 square foot rooftop farm with wheelchair accessible green space.

With raised beds, a pollinator garden, plus an outdoor classroom, the design process highlights a critical collaboration between BMC, Recover Green Roofs, and Higher Ground Farm. Marking Recover’s second design and installation on BMC’s campus following the initial Boston Medical Center Power Plant Farm, both sites collectively forge new community partners and enhance access to fresh foods.

A portion of each harvest is donated to several South End nonprofits, including Rosie’s Place.

In 2022, Mayor Wu established GrowBoston to promote urban agriculture and food production, deploying funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. GrowBoston provided $300,000 to support the expansion of Newmarket Farm. The farm features a unique green roof media blend developed by Ben Flanner of Brooklyn Grange and Chuck Duprey at Naturcycle. They used a locally manufactured version of the innovative blend developed for the Javits Center Expansion Rooftop & Farm, optimized for deep growing crops, long term performance and water management. The growing media depth ranges from 19-23 inches and large growing beds with a granular drainage base retain tens of thousands of gallons of rainwater throughout the year, reducing the need for irrigation.

A high-tech custom drip irrigation system supplements regional rainfall.

Managed by Sarah Hastings, BMC’s Rooftop Farmer, and Higher Ground Farm, the farm adds valuable green space to the Newmarket District, addresses food insecurity, and offers culturally relevant fresh foods. Cultivating hard-to-find produce, they grow aji dulce, Malabar spinach, Callaloo greens, bok choy, napa cabbage, cranberry beans, and Japanese turnips, among others.

Because of Newmarket Farm’s location overlooking the Boston skyline, it also optimizes sun-loving fruit, including tomatoes, and flowers that attract pollinators. A covered seating area provides education and outreach classes to students from Boston Public Schools, members of local community organizations, and staff & patients to get hands-on training on hyperlocal vegetable gardening. Plus, both BMC rooftop farms serve as a model for other hospitals, understanding that the local environment is intrinsic to supporting the overall health and wellbeing in our communities.

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Creating a Private and Environmentally Friendly Garden Oasis

Bhok Thompson — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 12:47:14 +0000

A room of one’s own, a little office, pottery studio, or granny flat. Building a tiny home in your garden might be a better eco investment that renting a whole new space.

In today’s busy world, our gardens have become sanctuaries where we seek solace, unwind, and reconnect with nature. Privacy is an essential aspect of any garden, allowing us to enjoy these outdoor spaces without prying eyes. However, striking a balance between privacy and environmental friendliness can be a challenge. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can create a private garden oasis while being mindful of the environment.

The team from Outdoor Fountain Pros understands the essence of blending privacy with eco-friendly design solutions. By incorporating natural elements like water features and greenery, they help homeowners create serene, private spaces without compromising sustainability.

The Importance of Privacy in Your Garden

Imagine stepping into your garden, surrounded by lush greenery, with no worries about neighbours or passersby peering in. Privacy is essential for creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. It allows you to truly immerse yourself in nature, practice yoga, read a book, or simply enjoy a cup of tea without any distractions.

The Challenge of Balancing Privacy and Eco-friendliness

While privacy is important, it can sometimes come at the cost of the environment. Traditional privacy solutions, such as tall fences or concrete walls, may block out prying eyes but can be visually unappealing and harm the ecosystem. Chemical-based treatments or non-recyclable materials used in these structures can have a negative impact on the environment.

Natural Privacy Solutions for an Eco-friendly Garden

Planting a Hedgerow

One of the most effective and environmentally friendly ways to create privacy in your garden is by planting a hedgerow. Choose the emerald green arborvitae, a beautiful evergreen shrub that provides excellent coverage and a vibrant touch to your landscape. These low-maintenance plants are known for their dense foliage, making them ideal for privacy screens. Ensure proper spacing when planting the arborvitae to allow them room to grow and thrive.

Vertical Gardening with Climbing Plants

Another fantastic way to add privacy and greenery to your garden is through vertical gardening with climbing plants. Install trellises, pergolas, or fences and train climbing plants such as jasmine, clematis, or ivy to grow along these structures. Not only will these plants provide a natural screen, but they’ll also add beauty, and fragrance, and attract pollinators to your garden.

Living Walls and Green Screens

A green wall in Cairo

Living walls, also known as green walls, are a visually stunning solution for both privacy and environmental friendliness. These vertical gardens are created by attaching planters or pockets to a wall and filling them with a variety of plants. The plants act as a living screen, adding privacy while improving air quality and biodiversity in your garden.

Bamboo for Privacy and Sustainability

Bamboo Dome by Raistudio. This material can do so much. It is flexible and strong.

Bamboo is a versatile and fast-growing plant that can be an excellent choice for privacy and sustainability. Opt for clumping bamboo species to avoid invasive spread. Use bamboo screens or plant bamboo in strategic locations to create a natural barrier. Bamboo is a renewable resource that grows quickly and can be harvested for various purposes, making it an eco-friendly option.

Bamboo in Clore Science Park

Final Thoughts

Creating a private garden that is also environmentally friendly is not only possible but also rewarding. By embracing natural solutions such as hedgerows, vertical gardening, living walls, and sustainable plants like bamboo, you can strike the perfect balance between privacy and eco-friendliness. Let your garden become a haven where you can relax, unwind, and connect with nature, all while being mindful of the environment.

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How to build a terrarium

Ariel Weil — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 10:48:39 +0000

Learn how to build a terrarium in some quick and easy steps

Welcome to the world of terrariums! You came here because you might have seen the video about the man who built a terrarium 50 years later it was still thriving. These delightful little ecosystems are like magical gardens tucked into a transparent plastic or glass world. Picture yourself as a skilled architect, creating a miniature paradise for your leafy friends. Let’s embark on a journey of imagination and make this terrarium adventure even more fun!

Making a terrarium is a fun and creative way to bring a miniature garden into your home or office. Terrariums are self-contained ecosystems that require minimal maintenance.

Why build a terrarium?

Terrariums are a fantastic addition to your home for many reasons. They can elevate your living space with their natural beauty. The terrarium’s miniature garden can be enjoyed without the mess and hassle of traditional gardening. With their self-contained ecosystem, terrariums require minimal maintenance, making them easy to look after and perfect for those with busy lifestyles.

Creating a terrarium can also be a fun and creative project that allows for personal artistic expression. They provide a way to keep plants alive and thriving throughout the year, even if unsuitable for your native environment. Additionally, tending to a terrarium can be a calming and stress-relieving activity.

Terrariums allow you to grow plants in places with low natural light, such as offices or rooms with limited sunlight, providing a green touch to spaces that are not conventional for traditional gardening. Terrariums are an excellent choice for plant enthusiasts and those seeking to enhance their indoor spaces.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a terrarium:

Choose a container: Select a clear glass or plastic container with a lid. It could be a fish tank, a glass jar, a vase, or a transparent container. An old Italian wine jar works well.

Gather materials: You’ll need the following materials:

• Gravel or pebbles (for drainage)
• Activated charcoal (to filter the water)
• Potting soil
• Small plants (such as moss, succulents, or ferns)
• Decorative elements (such as rocks, pebbles, or figurines)
• Spray bottle or watering can (for watering)

Prepare the container:

• Start by adding a layer of gravel or pebbles at the bottom of the container.
◦ This layer will provide drainage for excess water.
• On top of the gravel, add a thin layer of activated charcoal.
◦ The charcoal helps filter the water and keeps it fresh.
• Add a layer of potting soil or your chosen substrate.
◦ Make sure it’s deep enough for the roots of your plants.

Planting

• Plan your design before placing the plants.
• Consider the size and growth habits of each plant.
• Create small holes in the soil to accommodate the roots of the plants.
• Gently place the plants into the holes and cover their roots with soil.
• Press down gently to secure them in place.
• Leave enough space between the plants so they have room to grow.

Decorate

• Add decorative elements like rocks, pebbles, or figurines to enhance the visual appeal of your terrarium.
• Be creative and create a miniature landscape.

Moisture

• Water the terrarium sparingly using a spray bottle or a watering can. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to fungal growth or root rot.
• Monitor the moisture level by checking the soil. If it’s too dry, mist the terrarium lightly. If it’s too wet, leave the lid open to allow excess moisture to evaporate.

Placement and maintenance:

• Place your terrarium in a location with indirect sunlight.
• Avoid direct sunlight, which can create excessive heat and damage the plants.
• Monitor the terrarium regularly.
• Remove any dead leaves or plants to maintain a healthy environment.
• If condensation builds up inside the terrarium, open the lid briefly to allow air circulation.

Remember that each terrarium is unique, and you can experiment with different plants, containers, and decorations to create your own personalized miniature garden.

Enjoy the process, and have fun creating your terrarium!

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Eco solutions against cockroaches

Danielle Meyers — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 08:22:27 +0000

Cockroaches are everywhere, getting in our houses, food, and garbage. Some cultures might eat them but these pesky pests are annoying, large, and gross. No one wants cockroaches roaming their homes. While we all want to get rid of these pests, it is important to do so in a manner that is eco-friendly because pesticides can kill. I will teach you how to get rid of cockroaches in a way that is won’t harm the environment or you.

Pesticides are bad for the environment because the chemicals in them runoff into water bodies and contaminate the water. According Adam Teva Ve Din, Israel still uses glyphosates and more chemicals on its fields than most other Western nation. In Israel, there is widespread use of herbicides in agriculture and urban landscaping. Glyphosate is used widely in Israel to grow wheat, banana, avocado, watermelon, melon, grapes and other agricultural produce. Municipalities often use Roundup (owned by Scotts) and other pesticide products that contain glyphosate to maintain landscaping in parks, gardens, playgrounds and other public open spaces.

Consider that eight of Canada’s ten provinces have instituted restrictions or bans on the use of non-essential pesticides including glyphosate. Roundup has been banned in numerous other countries, states, and cities, due to concerns that exposure to the pesticide may lead to serious health concerns including cancer.

Pesticide contamination on the landscape is detrimental to ecosystems too. Pesticides are also bad for vegetation and soil as they kill plants and insects non-selectively – the good ones and the bad. In addition, pesticides are toxic to humans and can cause unpleasant side effects, such as headaches, nausea, and even cause death in extreme cases. In general, pesticides are so toxic that they quite literally kill everything.

Luckily, there are ways around the toxicity of pesticides so they can be used in an eco-friendly way. One way is by using an all-natural powder called diatomaceous earth (DE) which some people also eat for health reasons. DE is a naturally occurring remnant of fossils and shells found in underground deposits. It can be found in sediments of water bodies such as rivers, streams, lakes, and oceans all over the world. It is used in everyday products such as toothpaste and face washes.

Simply dust this powder over areas that you don’t want cockroaches in and this option works great. It cannot harm you if ingested or inhaled, so it is a great option to use as a pesticide alternative. It also works on a wide range of pests because it absorbs the oils that insects are attracted to. You can usually find it in health stores.

Borax as antidote to cockroaches

The next eco pesticide to get rid of cockroaches is one you can make at home. By mixing borax and sugar, you can have a pest-free house. Borax is also naturally occurring and can be found in household cleaners and laundry detergents. But it is toxic to your body to injest (to your kidneys, and don’t inhale the powder). This method works because pests eat the borax, so you will need to mix it with sugar.

Mix equal parts of borax and sugar and you have an alternate, eco pesticide. Sprinkle this powder over the areas that you want pests to avoid and will kill many insects, including cockroaches. Although this method is environmentally friendly, it is still toxic and needs to be handled carefully. Avoid children being exposed to it, getting it on the skin, or eyes, or inhaling it. Keep it away from food. Under-counter or where the cockroaches hide is a good place to start.

Eco pesticides you can buy

If you are looking for companies where you can buy all-natural, eco-pesticides directly, this is a good one: Wondercide creates a wonderful pest control spray based on peppermint that is safe to use in the household and is made from natural essential oils.

This peppermint spray kills cockroaches and other pests that may make their way into your home. The spray is vegan, cruelty-free, and does not contain any artificial colors, dyes, or fragrances. It is safe for humans and pets, so it’s a great option in the household.

Spray Essential Oils

Research has found that some essential oils—especially rosemary oil—are effective at repelling roaches. Rosemary oil was found to offer a 100% roach mortality rate at the concentration range of 2.5% to 30%. So mix it with warm water, mix vigorously, and spray away at your problem areas. We find lavender oil works well against fleas too.

If you are trying to avoid using any powders or sprays, Pest Reject is another option that is eco-friendly. Pest Reject is a plug-in device that uses an ultrasonic frequency to repel pests such as mouses, spiders, mosquitos and cockroaches.

This device is long-lasting, low consumption, does not produce any radiation, and has no chemical odor. It does not make any noise so everyone in the household can sleep peacefully. The device can cover up to 1200 square feet per unit, so they recommend that you have one device per room.

They can be found online. I highly recommend this device if you struggle with pests of all kinds.

No one should have to worry about cockroaches infesting their homes, so take these sustainable steps to kick them out of your house.

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Gazoz: Cafe Levinsky’s delicious summer time beverage

Danielle Meyers — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 14:28:00 +0000

Benny Briga: the owner and founder of Cafe Levinsky

A must-try location in the Levinsky Market after Tavlinksy in Tel Aviv is Cafe Levinsky. In the heat of an Israeli summer, this is definitely a place you want to stop at. Ever heard of a gazoz? This is the drink to try at Cafe Levinsky. Ask Benny Briga about it, the founder and owner of Cafe Levinsky.

Benny Briga opened Cafe Levinsky because he loved nature. He loved how nature blooms beautiful and delicious fruits which he recalls plucking off of trees as a kid. Benny wanted to spread the pleasure of nature to others, which led him to open Cafe Levinsky.

After finishing in the military and traveling the world, Benny settled down in Tel Aviv. After exploring the hospitality industry and opening his own restaurant, Benny reevaluated his career and wanted to open a place that allowed him to invest in his childhood delights. He opened the tiny shop and bought a tank of CO2 and began storing all sorts of herbs and flowers in the tiny corner shop in Florentin in Tel Aviv. He began storing all it in jars with sugar water and making gazoz.

What is gazoz?

Gazoz is a bubbly seltzer drink made by the fermentation of fruit. (Like beer, Ethiopian honey bee, wine). The gazoz that Benny sells is non-alcoholic, all-natural, and highly nutritious. Similar to soda, gazoz is refreshing and makes the perfect beverage in the heat of the summer.

Gazoz goes way back was originally invented in Tel Aviv in 1909 and has been a popular beverage ever since. Each gazoz that Benny sells includes macerated fruit, syrup, and some type of herb, depending on the gazoz of your choice. For example, the “Green Almond” gazoz is made of arugula flowers, fresh lemon verbena, lavender, and dried licorice root stick. It is fermented with green almonds and syrup, and topped by seltzer and ice.

Benny made me an apple gazoz, which tasted fresh and sweet. Once you finish your gazoz gives free seltzer refills.

The apple gazoz with sustainably made straw and spoon

Sustainable practices

Cafe Levinsky also practices sustainable measures of service. For starters, the straws are all natural because they are made from apples. You can even eat the straws after you finished your gazoz. In addition, the spoons are made free of plastic. Benny also composts at his farm in Jaffa where they grow all of the ingredients used in the cafe.

A sustainable studio

Benny took me into the studio right around the corner from the shop were the fermentation magic goes down. The beautiful studio is filled with jars filled with all kinds of things, from fruits to herbs.

One of the oldest of which is six years old: the “Quince” is from 2017. A quince is a kind of apple that when cooked becomes pink. Benny thinks it is better the longer something is fermented. Some jars are fermented with sugar and water, while others are fermented with salt and vinegar. He also uses anaerobic fermentation and aerobic fermentation.

Each day, he ferments something new for the gazoz, constantly having new and tasty things for his customers. He also has a wide array of alcohols that are available to buy from the bottle from 5% to 7% alcohol.

Inside of Benny’s fermentation studio in the Levinsky Market showing the array of alcohols he fermented

The Quince fermented fruit is the oldest in the studio

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PepsiCo chooses MENA region startups for its 2023 Greenhouse Acceleration Program

Isabella Hannah — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 09:30:42 +0000

Dooda is a Lebanese vermiculture compost business that makes healthier soil out of worm poop.

PepsiCo announced the six companies that will be a part of the second cohort of its Greenhouse Accelerator Program: MENA Sustainability Edition, focused on sustainable agriculture.

Following a rigorous multi-stage selection process, this year’s cohort brought forward innovative ideas across five key criteria: alignment to PepsiCo’s sustainability strategy – PepsiCo Positive (pep+) – strategic synergy with PepsiCo, scalability, relevance to MENA, and breakthrough potential.

Reigniting the partnership with the United Arab Emirate’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Food Tech Valley, PepsiCo’s Greenhouse Accelerator Program intends to unlock innovative and disruptive agricultural solutions in partnership with purpose-driven start-ups from the region that share PepsiCo’s vision for a more sustainable food system.

The six shortlisted companies, Dooda Solutions (UAE), NoorNation (Egypt), RoboCare (Tunisia), SmartWTI (Jordan), Smart Green, and YY ReGen (Lebanon), were selected from over 180 applications across the MENA region.

Dooda Solutions is a woman-led earthworm farm from Lebanon, specializes in raising worms and producing premium-grade vermicompost at a commercial scale.

NoorNation is a renewable energy start-up from Egypt which aims to provide sustainable decentralized energy and water infrastructure solutions.

RoboCare from Tunisia specializes in using technology to provide a digital monitoring system for preventing the late detection of plant disease, enabling fast propagation, and reducing pesticide use.

SmartWTI, an IoT/AI solutions provider from Jordan, specializes in designing and manufacturing water management solutions to enable the Internet of Things (IoT).

Smart Green, another Jordanian start-up, provides Agri-tech solutions to agribusinesses for Digital Transformation from traditional agriculture to modern agriculture.

YY ReGen, another Lebanese start-up, provides innovative solutions through the promotion of renewable energy, sustainable water management, and regenerative farming. These startups have the potential to disrupt the sustainable agriculture industry and make a positive, lasting impact on society.

Each will receive an initial grant of $20,000 to support their business and help scale up their innovation, along with guided mentorship from regional subject matter professionals, as well as PepsiCo and Food Tech Valley experts. At the end of the six-month program, one winning company will be awarded an additional $100,000 in funding to continue its expansion and have an opportunity to extend its collaboration with PepsiCo to further expedite its growth.

“The UAE places great importance on strengthening its food security and overcoming the significant obstacles that hinder increasing production. Considering that local production of agricultural products and food is an essential component of this strategy, we are working to harness agricultural innovations and modern technologies to overcome the challenges facing the development of this sector, increase and improve production, and promote and consolidate the concept of sustainable agriculture.

“With this in mind, the country is committed to utilizing modern agricultural technology that not only boosts productivity but also aids in conserving natural resources by preventing waste and limiting carbon emissions produced by the agriculture sector and the entire food supply chain,” said His Excellency Eng. Mohammed Mousa Alameeri, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector – Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE).

“In light of the UAE Year of Sustainability, the ‘Greenhouse Accelerator Program’ of this year is a significant enhancement and contribution to the nation’s initiatives towards implementing modern, sustainable agriculture and food systems. As we gear up for hosting the Conference of the Parties COP28, we aim to showcase the UAE’s achievements in sustainable farming practices, exemplified by the ‘Greenhouse Accelerator Program,’ in which we are proud to collaborate with PepsiCo and Food Technology Valley. Looking forward, we at the Ministry aspire to broaden our collaborative efforts with various relevant entities, both local and global, to propagate the use of modern, sustainable, and climate-smart agricultural technologies.” HE Alameeri added.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with MOCCAE and the Food Tech Valley in search of pioneering solutions that help us strengthen the resilience of our food system. This year, we have embarked on a search for transformative direct farming innovations that increase agricultural productivity while conserving our precious natural resources for the next generations. I was impressed with the caliber of the participants in the second cohort, and I am confident that together, we can blaze new trails in sustainable agriculture,” said Aamer Sheikh, CEO of Middle East – PepsiCo.

“The theme of this year’s PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator Program aligns with the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051 that aspires to position the country as a world-leading hub in innovation-driven food security. Our mandate at Food Tech Valley is to facilitate business growth in the food tech space, and we are pleased to support this worthwhile initiative that harnesses the power of innovation for a more sustainable future,” said Ahmed AlShaibani, Project Lead at Food Tech Valley.

Introduced regionally in 2021, the winner of last year’s inaugural program of the PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator Program: MENA Sustainability Edition, focused on sustainable packaging and recycling, was UAE-based start-up Nadeera, a social enterprise that leverages technology to promote waste sorting at source. Through its ‘Yalla Return’ product, the company applies a trash-for-cash model, providing cash rewards based on the quantity of recyclables consumers turn in.

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