Page 115 – Green Prophet

How to join the sea circus

Karin Kloosterman

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December 13, 2022

Sea clown Sustainable Circus — *Hey ma, I’ve run away and joined a sustainable sea circus.*

Dreams evolve with the times: 50 or 100 years ago, running away to join the circus was a far-fetched dream for plenty of kids and some adults. But today circuses are no longer about freak shows or entraining lions and elephants to do tricks. A sustainable circus of today features humans and tricksters, acrobats, aerialists and artists. With “circus” a class at my kids’ Waldorf School in Tel Aviv, we better plan for a lot more of our kids running away to join the circus.

But where will they go? Perhaps to the sustainable circus at sea, The Sea Clown Sailing Circus currently travelling around our part of the woods in the Mediterranean.

Sea clown Sustainable Circus, New York Times — *Clowning around. Via the NY Times.*

What makes the Sea Clown Sailing Circus sustainable is that the crew of 8 and sometimes more, moves from Greek island to island by sailboat, using the motor as infrequently as possible. If you are a musician, an acrobat or a sailor you are welcome to apply to the circus. If you have all 3 skills even better.

“Our nomadic band of merry musicians and acrobatic activists combine the playful and daring spirit of the traveling circus with an attention to low-emissions travel and environmental impact,” write members of the Sea Clown Sailing Circus. “We have been inspiring and motivating audiences with our shows and unconventional modes of transportation for over 20 years, evolving from bicycles to boats and hoping one day to fly.”

Maybe by a salt, crystal or solar-powered airplane, because by choosing fair and sustainable practices such as sailing, rowing, cycling and solar energy, the sea circus says, “we try to maintain a mindful relationship with the ecosystems we come in contact with.

“While living communally on our small fleet of restored boats, we embrace recycling, repairing and re-using as a way of living, striving to have a regenerative effect on the planet and leave no harm in our wake.”

Tips for joining a circus

If you want to join the sustainable sea circus which docks at various Greek islands, you can reach out here. Just ask.

I had a friend who joined a circus crew in France, a land-based circus, and in practice they played and built ideas together and then the group busked for a living on the streets in major cities and tourist stops. If street performance and acrobats is where you headed just try where you are local. Look for street performers and ask them about groups, mentors or places you can go to start.

Acrobatics courses are becoming mainstream. While you may not live near a place that offers a high-wire there are plenty of aerial acrobats and aerial calisthenics and yoga classes in most major cities around the world.

Get good at an instrument. Pianos and the contrabass aren’t good travellers, but taking up the accordion, trumpet or clarinet could be a good start.

If you want to travel sustainably, you can always find and sail your own boat or outfit a floating home: I had another friend who built a raft from plastic bottles (way before David de Rothschild built Plastiki) and sailed around the North Sea out of Germany as a sort of art and environmental statement.

Art and clowning around, if done sustainably could be a far more satisfying job than being a global nomad tied to your laptop and selling NFTs. While it may not be a calling that will last forever, the Sea Clown Sailing Circus, at least some members from the group, have been making a life of it for 15 years.

Green Tech Gadgets to Try for an Eco-friendlier Lifestyle

Tech

Bhok Thompson

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December 12, 2022

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floating home — *Floating homes with the latest eco gear*

With the effects of climate change increasing each year, it is high time for a few critical decisions. Consumers can contribute to the cause, which sometimes means limiting their use of particular tech gadgets. Or choose better.

Learn about the benefits of green tech gadgets and tech gear, alongside the viable options you can purchase for yourself or as a gift in the coming days.

How to Classify Green Tech?

With so much information about green technology, it can be challenging to distinguish genuinely green gadgets. Green tech not only helps you reduce your carbon footprint but also allows for responsible and environment-friendly employment of most people who are part of its supply chain.

Green tech means devices designed to have a lower impact on the environment. Many companies proclaim or plan carbon neutrality, and it is wise to pay attention to how companies perform these tasks.

Why Choose Green Tech Gadgets?

Utilizing green tech gadgets can bring forth several positive changes.

Eco-Friendly Lifestyle

You can reduce your carbon footprint by using green devices which are more energy efficient or which run using solar power. Furthermore, many donate to charities worldwide to support afforestation and other eco-initiatives.

Promoting Responsible Supply Chains

When buying a green gadget, you support a responsible supply chain that doesn’t harm the environment.

Low Energy Costs

As several green devices are powered by solar panels, you need to charge them less frequently than regular gadgets. It also translates to a less expensive energy bill for the user.

Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse

About 20% of this mouse’s shell is made from plastic filtered from oceans and waterways. That plastic is ground into fine bits and mixed with materials to create a scroller that offers a comfortable user experience. Microsoft even ships the ocean plastic mouse with packaging material consisting of wood and sugarcane. So, you can throw it away in your local backyard without harming any plants in or around it.

Google Nest Smart Thermostat

nest labs google — *The Nest smart thermostat, owned by Google*

It can be tedious to manage the air conditioning and heating of your home efficiently. The Google Nest Smart Thermostat does the job for you by integrating all systems and lending you intelligent control via your phone.

You can adjust the setting in real-time and calculate your electricity savings. The system can also adapt to maintain the perfect balance of comfort and efficiency by monitoring your daily energy consumption. Smart lights are also a great solution to save electricity and waste less energy.

Casetify Biodegradable Phone Cases

Whether you broke your phone or are just looking for an aesthetic change, biodegradable phone cases can help you keep your device’s looks and the Earth cool. Such cases take only weeks to break down into safer components for the soil, even enriching it with nutrients. While you can browse through several manufacturers, Casetify is an excellent choice for both Apple and Android smartphones.

Fossil FB-01 Solar-Powered Watch

Made entirely from plastic waste recycled from the ocean, this rugged watch offers a tough look on any wrist. The primary highlight is its microscopic solar cells that continuously replenish its battery so long a bright enough light source is present. Theoretically, you can wear this watch for decades without the dials coming to a halt. Not to mention that the strap is quite comfortable as well.

Adidas RPT-02 SOL Headphones

You may use your headphones for jogging or gym sessions to listen to motivating tunes. But the Adidas SOL-series headphones take that one step further by charging themselves with solar energy. The batteries can power them for up to 80 hours (for the RPT-02) after dark. Additionally, 87% of the plastic in the headphones is recycled.

Conclusion

And that concludes our list of the top green gadgets and gear you can use in 2023. No matter which one you choose, or all of them, you’ll be supporting an economy that is more responsive to the environment and the people as part of their manufacturing.

8 ideas to create a sustainable kitchen

Home

Bhok Thompson

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December 12, 2022

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Sustainable kitchen, shelves, storage, open concept — *A sustainable kitchen has loads of easily accessible shelves. So you know what you have and don’t buy twice.*

Considering the impact of climate change, now more than ever, homeowners should choose an eco-friendly design for their kitchens. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce the carbon footprint of your cooking space. It’s all about making conscious decisions that won’t harm the planet, such as using the right materials and construction methods.

There are many factors to consider in the design of a kitchen, and homeowners want to make the most of their cooking space so it can both look and feel good. Thus, they follow the kitchen triangle rule to achieve comfort and ensure there’s enough space for movement in the room. So, understandably, homeowners may wonder whether they can build a green kitchen without compromising its functionality and aesthetics. We’re here to tell you that’s definitely possible! Keep reading to learn more.

Consider cabinetry

Experts state that kitchen cabinets last up to 20 years until you have to replace them. Sadly, many homeowners opt for new cabinetry, even if the old one is still functional, only because they get bored of its aspect and want a different look in their kitchen. Unless your kitchen cabinets are highly damaged and don’t work properly anymore, there’s no point in replacing them. If you really want to breathe new life into your kitchen, you can do so by changing only the cabinet doors. Doing this is both cost-efficient and more convenient than buying new cabinetry. Alternatively, consider refacing your units instead of renovating them entirely.

Opt for eco-friendly flooring

The type of flooring you choose for your kitchen also plays a role in turning it into a sustainable space. The good news is that different green options are available, such as lino and cork. These two are genuinely sturdy, making them the perfect choice if you’re looking for durable, beautiful flooring obtained from renewable materials. Both are made from natural materials and can be a great addition to your kitchen, perfectly fitting the existing colour scheme.

Linoleum and cork flooring both provide significant benefits, like underfoot warmth. However, the difference is that the latter requires less maintenance as it’s resistant to mould, water and scratches.

Add antique furniture

Reducing waste is at the core of sustainable living. So, if you’re designing your kitchen with this in mind, you’ll likely succeed in making it as eco-friendly as possible. But don’t worry! You can still create the kitchen you’ve been dreaming of, as there’s no need to put up with those pieces you dislike. For instance, painting wood furniture is an excellent way to update your old pieces.

Alternatively, you can opt for antique furniture that will add a sense of charm to your cooking space while also helping you contribute to a healthier planet. This type of furniture is timeless and an excellent way to incorporate quality craftsmanship into your home. It’s definitely a worthy investment that adds character to any modern home, making it look spectacular.

Be energy efficient

Lighting is a vital element of a kitchen’s design, and when it comes to sustainable spaces, you want to be as energy efficient as possible. Prioritising this aspect isn’t only beneficial for the planet but also for your finances. Make informed decisions when choosing lighting for your kitchen and ensure key areas get sufficient natural light. For instance, glass doors can maximise daylight in the area dedicated to cooking.

Consider replacing traditional bulbs with LEDs – they are cost-effective and have an increased lifespan of around 30,000 hours, which will help you save money in the long run. When selecting LEDs for your kitchen, make sure to check both their brightness level and the colour temperature. While warm whites create a cosy feel in your cooking space, cooler tones are suitable to work by.

Shop local

Buying from local kitchen suppliers is one of the best ways to reduce your kitchen’s harmful effects on the environment. That’s because it reduces the air miles of the materials and the final product, which translates into fewer vehicle emissions. If shopping locally isn’t possible for you, consider checking the eco policies of the company you want to purchase the materials from. That way, you’ll ensure whether they implement sustainable practices. You can also buy handmade products to showcase your kitchen’s uniqueness.

Use recycled materials

sustainable kitchen, dried legumes in jars, — *Buy local and without plastic bags. Refill dried goods at co-ops or bulk shops.*

Recycling is essential in creating a green kitchen. Luckily, many interior design brands have options for the eco-conscious homeowner, whether cabinetry, lighting, flooring or tiles. Opt for composite work surfaces and ensure the cabinet fronts are created with recycled materials. But most importantly, make sure they can be recycled at the end of their lifespan. For instance, most stainless-steel sinks are 100% recyclable and are aesthetically versatile, offering a modern vibe. Copper and bronze designs are also recyclable and durable.

Avoid toxic chemicals

Everyone wants to keep their space clean, but many people don’t know that cleaning products contain many toxic ingredients that harm the planet and individuals alike. Thus, make sure you purchase biodegradable detergents from reliable natural cleaning businesses. If you’re a DIY enthusiast, you can create the cleaning products yourself, as it is really easy – you only need everyday ingredients like baking soda and vinegar. This is a fun and budget-friendly way to create a sustainable kitchen.

Choose freestanding design instead of fitted

Freestanding kitchens are more than just a trend – they are a sustainable alternative to designing a cooking space. An unfitted kitchen is more flexible than a generic one, allowing you to make changes whenever needed and incorporate new pieces. It provides a unique feel due to the materials it is made of, turning your kitchen into a timeless and splendid room. You can reuse cupboards however you want, something you wouldn’t be able to do in a fitted kitchen.

When designing a freestanding kitchen, you can choose among many designs. For instance, you may want to choose a farmhouse table that adds personality and interest to the room. Or, if you wish to exhibit a luxurious look, consider mixing different components. The options are truly endless – it’s all about choosing what best matches your preferences!

Last words

The kitchen is among the most wasteful rooms in your home, and it can have a detrimental effect on the planet. Following the tips above will help you create an eco-friendly cooking space; that way, you’ll play your part in protecting Planet Earth, which is your first home.

Hermès Dubai upcycles for falcons

Fashion

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December 12, 2022

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Hermes falcon stand, Dubai, Petit h — *Hermes pop-up shop Petit h creates a falcon stand for Dubai mall shop*

Even though the idea started more than 10 years ago, Hermes shows it’s never to late to embrace upcycling and recycling. The French luxury design house established in 1837 which specializes in leather goods, lifestyle accessories, home furnishings, watches and ready-to-wear brought its upcycled shop Petit h to Dubai last month. They called it Petit h Souk. Souk means market in Arabic.

Hermes, Petit h, Duabi Mall, luxury upcycing — *Items in the “souk” at Petit h, Dubai*

The items on display are made from scraps and materials from the Hernes workshop while some products like the falcon stand (top image) appear to be made mainly out of new materials such as ceramic.

The idea of Petit h began as a sustainable solution to the waste problem at the workshop where the project’s founder, Pascale Mussard, frolicked as a young girl.

The direct descendent of Hermès father, Thierry Hermès, Mussard grew up running around the atelier surrounded by the world of Hermès and the luxury products made by her family, but she also noticed the wasteful habit of throwing the leftover material away. Every scrap of leather and silver had potential for a new product or idea. She decided to launch a new atelier to create something beautiful out of what would have gone unused and unappreciated.

The Petit h is a traveling pop-up collection that has travelled to main cities around the world with its assortment of products such as leather animals and chairs and guitars made from horse saddles, in a manner where, Mussard explained, “creation takes place in reverse, because work here does not start with a preconceived idea or grand design, but with materials such as leather, silk, crystal and porcelain for which the other métiers have no further use, and with which artisans, artists and designers improvise by combining, assembling and altering them in a thousand and one ways.”

The resulting collections are full of one-off – or close to one-off – pieces that are whimsical and offer a touch of mischief. Like a guitar made with a horse saddle.

The Petit h collection was in Dubai in November bringing it with it a few pieces inspired by the region. The objects were staged in a space inside the brand’s The Dubai Mall store, custom designed by Emirati architect Abdalla Almulla. The area was reminiscent of a souk – all earthy tones, terracotta, clay, fabric and wood structures.

Objects created specifically for the tastes of Dubai include a falcon stand that brings together terracotta with leather.

Supplements That Might Actually Help

Health

Julie Steinbeck

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December 12, 2022

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charcuterie plate, meat, cheese, olives, fruit — An organic, locally-produced and sourced charterie plate might seem like a good idea if you are not getting enough B12. Vegans should test their blood to see if a lack of this essential vitamin is making you feel low in energy.

When it comes to supplements of any kind, do your homework before taking any. Be sure that whatever supplement you happen to be considering has been studied extensively for efficacy and safety. Also, talk to your physician over the phone, in-person, or through a telehealth visit before starting any new supplement. This is especially important if you have any health issues.

Many nutritional supplements are nothing more than marketing hype. That said, some of them truly seem to work. They might assist with health challenges or even with losing fat and gaining lean muscle. In the following paragraphs, you’ll learn about some of the supplements out there that actually work and what they do.

Vitamin B12

This vitamin plays a critical role in the formation of red blood cells, nerve function, cell metabolism, and the actual production of DNA. You can get it from Vitamin B12 supplements, and food sources such as dairy, fish, meat, and poultry products. There are even some foods that it’s added to, like fortified breakfast cereals. If you need it, you can also get it as an injection or in the form of a nasal spray.

Amino Acids

The most critical benefits of this particular supplement include the possibility of increasing the loss of fat, less fatigue, a boost in cognitive function, less inflammation, more rapid growth of muscle, more endurance, and it offers support to repair processes. While all of those benefits are all well and good, there may be a side effect or two when you take amino acid supplements. These include things like a loss of coordination and fatigue. As with anything, if you’re planning on beginning to take this supplement, talk with your doctor first.

Rhodiola

This is an herb that’s native to more arctic regions. It’s been used for centuries as a medicinal plant in Greece, Russia, France, Sweden, and Iceland. People who use rhodiola say that it may help to reduce fatigue and improve cognition. Even though this herb is considered to be safe, it may cause effects like excessive saliva production in some people and dry mouth for others, and even dizziness. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should stay away from this supplement as there hasn’t been enough research to determine if it’s safe for you and the baby.

Probiotics

As far as probiotics go, you need to be careful. Many foods that claim to have probiotic content don’t actually contain the strains that are able to survive the severe conditions inside the stomach. You should also know that more strains of probiotics don’t always necessarily mean better.

The crucial thing is to find a strain or product that’s been studied to treat whatever health condition you want to improve. Have a conversation with your doctor about which ones you should be taking for which conditions. Remember that lifestyle and diet remain the most critical determining factors when it comes to the composition of gut microbes.

Zinc

Zinc is more than just an essential trace mineral. It’s also the second most plentiful metal found in humans. Since our bodies don’t store this metal in excess of what we need, it needs to be consumed on a regular basis as a part of our diet. Some of the benefits you may see from taking a zinc supplement include things like a boost to the immune system and a decrease in respiratory tract infections, the flu, ear infections, and the common cold.

Some side effects can include stomach and kidney damage, metallic taste, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Side effects that might occur when zinc is applied to the skin include things like tingling, itching, stinging, and burning.

When it comes to supplements of any kind, do your homework before taking any. Be sure that whatever supplement you happen to be considering has been studied extensively for efficacy and safety. Also, talk to your physician before starting any new supplement. This is especially important if you have any health issues.

Lidless toilets spread poop droplets – worse than you think

Health

Karin Kloosterman

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December 8, 2022

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A never-before-seen look at bathroom physics.

Yeah my mom told me that Dr. Phil told her to put down the lid of the toilet when we flush. But do droplets of urine, faeces and infectious viruses like Covid spread with every flush?

According to scientists reporting in a new study at Nature, they do. The researchers used lasers to illuminate in unprecedented detail the aerosol cloud emitted by a flushing toilet of a common type in US public restrooms. Sort of in the way Laurie Tumer illuminated the spread of pesticides in her photographic artwork (see my Grist story from 2005).

So maybe Dr. Phil started it, but more than a decade now, researchers have been saying that lidless toilets do eject droplets of water containing things that might harm us. The droplets carry urine, faeces and, potentially, infectious diseases such as Covid-19 and norovirus. What wasn’t clear to the scientists is how quick and wide the particles spread after the flush.

toilet physics, flush laser and particles of poop flying in the air, green laser — *The lidless toilet setup in the lab. A green laser catches droplets of toilet matter as it flies in the air*

Within 8 seconds, these toilet drops shoot up to our breathing zone and no doubt we are putting them inside our body. Time for a toilet redesign at public restrooms which typically do not have lids? Lead researcher John Crimaldi thinks so; “Look at the video,” he says. “It couldn’t possibly be worse.”

How high poop particles soar when we flush

In the study the researchers from University of Colorado positioned a laser to beam a laser of green light above the lidless bowl: If any normally invisible particles emerged as the toilet flushed they would scatter the light and appear as green dots. To record the physics of the toilet, the team rigged up a camera a few feet away.

Then … flush.

What happened silenced everyone: “We were all just stunned,” recalls Crimaldi. “We saw this incredibly energetic jet of particles shooting up towards the ceiling.”

A cloud of particles flew into the air and hovered.

“People just started laughing. They were like, ‘Oh, my God, you’ve got to be kidding me. That’s what happens when you flush the toilet?’” he recalls.

Should we be worried about lidless toilets?

“The bowl water in a toilet contains elevated levels of pathogens for dozens of flushes after that contaminated feces was put in there,” Crimaldi says.

So probably, yeah.

Saudi Prince’s yacht Serene spews carbon emissions

Karin Kloosterman

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December 8, 2022

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Saudi Prince’s yacht Serene spews carbon emissions

The yacht Serene, owned by Saudi Arabian Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, sailed for 5 days over 2,552 km at the end of November, reports climate chnage yacht tracker Politiyacht.

During this voyage at sea, Politiyacht writes, the yacht produced at least 1,456 tons of CO₂. Its itinerary was calculated using global sea routes.

Politiyacht tracks yachts owned by politicians, world leaders and their allies using data from the AIS network. It then estimates CO₂ emissions, a proxy for understanding greenhouse gas emissions.

Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud is the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of #SaudiArabia. He and his family own the largest company in the world, which happens to be the largest oil company in the world, Saudi Aramco. They also own the Public Investment Fund pouring money into destination travel to sites like The Rig.

Saudi Arabia, the rig, oil rig theme park — *The Rig, a converted oil rig turned into a theme park, hotels, restaurants*

Neom and The Line are a couple other mega travel destinations and cities planned by the Saudi Arabian royal. He also serves as the chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs and chairman of the Council of Political and Security Affairs.

Follow your favorite oligarchs and polluters here.

Balena’s biodegradable plastics for fast fashion

Fashion

Karin Kloosterman

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December 8, 2022

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It’s a whale of an idea. A biodegradable plastic that returns to the earth with a little bit of help.

Stella McCartney runway models… start your engines. A new biodegradable plastic is about to hit the fashion world. If you’ve ever been to the beach in Tel Aviv after a rainstorm you will notice the effects of plastics and micro-plastics rolling around in the sea. Storm sewers spit all manner of plastics out from the city sewers and among the detritus are unmatched plastic flip-flips and Crocks. Lost and floating flip-flops are such a problem in the Seychelles that a research team has come in to study the nightmare for the local fishermen.

Those who want to help the plastic problem offer a few solutions:

Don’t buy plastic at all. But we want flip-flops. They are so handy and comfortable.
Buy second-hand products, but this doesn’t really work with flip-flops and slides which are personal items.
Make products recyclable, yet we know recycling doesn’t really work with the current state of plastics.
Make plastic products 100% from natural items and make them biodegradable. It’s a challenge making a “plastic” from plants or minerals that doesn’t degrade when you are using it or when it gets wet.

An Israeli-Italian company, Balena, may have made our plastic dreams come true but they are hush about the source of raw materials, leaving us with cinnamon as a natural colorant to their first product, the Balena slide.

Balena, which means “whale” in Italian, is a nice combination of Italian craftsmanship and design matched with Israeli innovation. Balena claims their new shoe BioCir Slides are 100% biodegradable, which means a complete return to the earth and not in tiny plastic bits. This is if the shoes are returned to their own facility where a special process breakdowns BioCir to natural materials.

The shoes, which are both flexible and compostable, will not decompose when you are wearing them or when they get wet, but when their treads are thin and the shoes’ life is over, you can send them back and be rest assured that they will be processed back to the earth.

The company is not presenting itself as a design house but more of a bio-plastics product and material company that has launched a product to prove its impact. They have sent 1000 pairs to Tel Aviv, a city of people who wear flip-flops and slides to all occasions including weddings.

BioCycling, they note, is the ability to control a product’s end-of-life status. The Balena product goes through decomposition and biodegradation in a biological environment without leaving any waste or contamination behind that could be dangerous to the earth and seas.

More on BioCir and the plastic recycling system

Balena’s BioCir, is according to Balena, “the first fully moldable, biodegradable elastomer, provides a viable alternative to the polluting plastic materials currently used by fashion brands for clothing and footwear.”

Its BioCycling facility helps complete the end of life cycle for the shoes, or for any materials made from BioCir. Once a customer has finished using the slides, instead of tossing them into the garbage on their way to a landfill, they can instead return them to designated take-back spots throughout the city where they are collected for full biodegradation.

This model, aimed at reducing fashion’s contribution to plastic waste, can be replicated around the world. But it will only work if BioCir finds a dominant place in the market. Even with easier to recycle items like batteries, there are depots for collections in cities, consumers still toss them into the trash.

The world is addicted to fast fashion. Balena aims to create a circular model that relies on the power of composting to lower fashion’s footprint on the global environment.

The biodegradable material Balena creates can be used in injection molding and integrated into existing manufacturing lines for plastics, the company maintains.

“The global fashion industry is one of the world’s biggest polluters. At Balena, our goal is to help turn this around,” said David Roubach, Founder and CEO of Balena.

“We’re doing this by creating our own viable biodegradable plastic alternatives and fully circular systems that can be easily scaled, and copied and pasted across the globe.

::Balena

Man catches stray “dog” but brings fox to shelter

Animals

Karin Kloosterman

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December 7, 2022

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An Arabian Red Fox spotted on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Via Project Noah

He thought he was doing a good deed but it turns out a man in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) mistook a fox for a dog. The Arabian fox was caught and brought to the shelter and surprised the staff who posted on their social account:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stray Dogs Center (@straydogscenter)

Caretaker: Madam I catch dog in trap
Me: So cute but that’s not a dog!
Caretaker: But he small maybe puppy
Me: Not a dog he’s a fox
Caretaker: ???
Me: Release him ???

Now we know whose eating the food we put out every night for the illusive, roaming desert dog ??? Cats oh and now foxes ???

The incident took place at the Stray Dogs Center, a long-running animal shelter based in UAE emirate Umm Al Quwain. The shelter shared a video of the unwilling fox (see above) who didn’t need help but who was happy for a free meal.

One commenter noted that wild animals should be brought to the Sharjah Wild Arabian Animals Center, in Sharjah where they have a breeding and conservation program.

Another said, “It is a pleasant surprise to see real wildlife which is extremely rare in the ever expanding city [Dubai}.”

Sadly, another local had seen foxes too but the outcome wasn’t good: “Is he skinny or in good health? Poor foxy, I saw a few at the mangroves in Abu Dhabi and by the time the entity responded to save them they went and found them dead. We were too late.”

Wild and stray animals need our help in the UAE, and all over the Middle East and the world. But in different ways. Here are a few ways you can help the animals.

Helping stray animals

There are sad stories in the Middle East:

A Palestinian mayor offered $6 for every dead dog brought to City Hall, and sadly animal abuse, neglect and lack of education about animals is lacking in the Middle East. Faisel, reporting from Jordan wrote sad story after sad story about what happens there. It’s not uncommon in Israel for people to adopt a dog one day and then leave him on the side of the road if it doesn’t work out.

Luckily there is a growing number of shelters available if you can find them. See Diana’s Dogs in Bethlehem.

Domesticated animals and abused farm animals need shelter, loving homes and farms. There are shelters globally that help rehome stray cats and dogs. If you can’t adopt, consider volunteering to help the animals or offer donations. Money is always needed and vets and staff at these shelters are notoriously underpaid and overworked.

Helping Wild Animals

While it’s in vogue with princes, kings and sheikhs in the Middle East who can be found walking cheetahs on a leash (Dubai Porsche driver walks cheetah on a leash) or hanging out with them in their cars, wild pets should never be kept as pets.

The Abu Dhabi Zoo for instance has been accused of smuggling in wild animals and it’s also known that many of the animal traffickers smuggling animals from Africa make their way to the Middle East:

Live Baby Leopard Found in Suitcase En Route to Dubai

Injured Cheetah Discovered on the Streets of Abu Dhabi

Lion Cub Shot Dead in Egypt

Don’t buy a wild animal. Rehome a dog or a cat. If you find an injured wild animal or bird bring it to a local wildlife animal hospital.

Common sense also says that wild animals not be fed as it encourages the animals to fraternize with people. We learn this from Canadians who avoid feeding bears at all cost.

The Rig theme park turns Saudi money steampunk

Architecture

Karin Kloosterman

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December 7, 2022

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The Rig is a revamped oil rig off the coast of Saudi Arabia, to be steam-punked into 3 hotels, 800 rooms, 11 restaurants, a roller coaster, a water slide, a Ferris wheel

Saudi Aramco, the largest company in the world, and now publicly-traded on the Saudi Arabian stock exchange, bankrolls oil money so you can come visit Saudi Arabia and be impressed by oil money and teach the kids how oil rigs work. The new “extreme park” theme park set to be ready by 2025 will revamp an out-dated Saudi Arabian oil rig turning its shafts and platforms into hotels, restaurants, roller coasters and water slides that soar into the Red Sea.

Get in line early as only 50 yachts can dock at its port. Otherwise you will need to arrive by cruise ship or helicopter.

Saudi Aramco, owned by Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and his family, puts money into the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which then goes on to build outrageous, out of touch so-called “sustainable” mega projects like Neom, The Line and Trojena, a skill hill in the hot desert.

If you think about The Rig, and the practice of repurposing the built environment, it is actually a better idea than all of other hair-brained ideas that Westerners have sold to Saudi’s prince and which he has green-lit, with more than a bit of green-washed marketing and PR rolled into the result. I’ll give the Saudis this: Taking existing structures and repurposing them for tourism and travel al la Mad Max is a smart idea. Saudis don’t need to hide their oil history. And we can’t be so 2-faced to not acknowledge that modern life is fuelled by cheap oil.

the rig, oil rig hotel in Saudi Arabia — *A sensational stop in the Red Sea*

The rig underwater hotel — *Dine at The Rig’s underwater hotel*

An oil rig room with a view — *Every room has an endless view*

The scale of it, in terms of energy needs (how will it run?), water and food, and human waste and garbage – are questions that need good answers. We know that Gulf countries might like to think about those unimportant things as an afterthought — consider Burj Khalifa, that giant tower, where trucks of human waste get hauled away each day.

The Rig’s not right in a climate crisis

“Offshore platforms were created for discovery,” advertises the project in marketing copy. “The Rig takes that legacy to the next level. This is the ultimate living laboratory for pioneering new thrills, extreme sports and adventure. Climb aboard and experience the future of adventure.”

A Gizmodo writer hates the idea, calling it evil: “Now, all of that might sound cool in an alternate reality in which our planet wasn’t in a climate crisis and where fomenting needless pollution was a good idea. But we live in this reality, where fossil fuel companies are wrecking the climate and humanity is in a “code red.

“In this reality, Saudi Arabia’s shameless attempt to court the public’s favor for its oil rigs by literally creating a nice, shiny, and fun rig is despicable. It’s also dangerous because it downplays the challenges posed by climate change.”

House of Saud, Turaif, saudi Arabia mud palace, UNESCO site — *Turaif, the original House of Saud home in Saudi Arabia*

Well… from all the ideas that have been funded by Saudi’s PIF recently, we like this one the best along with opening up the ancestral House of Saud, a mud palace in Turaif. If you are starting out as an architect and looking for a sensible sustainable direction don’t look to The Rig, start with Rotterdam.

Malaria a new threat to Europe

Karin Kloosterman

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December 6, 2022

0

*Malaria threatens Europeans as the world warms*

The “who’s who” in medical journals just published a study for healthcare authorities in southern Europe, Near Middle East and Mediterranean to follow. Along with a growing surge in cholera in Lebanon there is a new malaria threat now in places where the disease has been eradicated. Malaria is very common in Africa, and here and there imported cases come to the Middle East Gulf countries via foreign workers. Malaria wasn’t something people sitting on a beach in Cannes had to worry about: until now.

A paper published in The Lancet Global Health journal is sounding the alarm about the growing threat of malaria potentially spreading to countries in Europe where the disease has been pretty eradicated since the 20th century.

Endemic malaria, saw 229 million new cases and 409,000 deaths in 2019 but mainly in Africa. Historical descriptions of intermittent “tertian” and “quartan” fever were long ago reported in texts of Hippocrates in Greece and Celsus in Italy suggest malaria. So we know it was there. But as climate change heats Europe, new malaria vectors – novel species never before found in Europe – are moving in. They could bring suitcases of malaria with them as the newly introduced Anopheles species (a kind of mosquito) spreads.

The rapid increase in the population of an invasive species of mosquito Anopheles Stephensi across urban settings from east to west Africa, poses a viable threat of malaria spreading to warmer European countries around the Mediterranean over the next decade, the researchers report.

A stephensi, native to rural and urban China, parts of Asia and the Middle East was first discovered in Africa in Ethiopia in 2012. Because it shares similar behaviour patterns to the Aedes mosquito, which is responsible for the ever-growing morbidity burden of the dengue virus now present in 129 countries, urgent action is needed to control its spread.

The new paper in The Lancet outlines how A stephensi has adapted to breed, like Aedes, in man-made water containers in densely populated urban settings. This has huge implications for increased malaria morbidity and mortality potentially affecting millions of people.

With a large proportion of urban residents more immunologically susceptible than rural communities, patients that get infected with malaria are at greater risk of developing severe clinical symptoms with a proportionately higher risk of death.

Richard Allan, Mentor CEO and lead contributor to the paper, said: “The aggressive spread of Anopheles stephensi is closely linked to increases in population movement and rapid, unplanned urbanisation which leads to poor water quality, sanitation, water container removal and hygiene systems.

How we can stop malaria

mosquito net — *Mosquitos carrying malaria expanding their range*

The simple and hardest answer is stop climate change.

“But we can stop the spread of A stephensi in African urban settings by using improved community-based vector control practices that also target Aedes, such as managing water storage and waste removal; alongside targeted larvicidal source management and the use of new tools like spatial repellents and mosquito proofing of houses.

“We must escalate our response to stop the potentially rapid development of urban malaria transmission and the spread of dengue viruses and other Aedes-borne viruses.

“It is also important that the surveillance of A stephensi is integrated into new and existing entomological surveillance programmes in Europe.

The technical challenges of controlling A Stephensi and malaria in African urban settings, he adds, are no more complex than those used to control diseases that Aedes mosquitoes spread. This presents a real opportunity for disease control and health agencies working together with water and sanitation services and urban planners to effectively protect the millions of people at risk.

7 Tips to Ensure You’re Booking The Best Vacation Accommodation

Travel

Bhok Thompson

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December 6, 2022

0

fake tree Disneyland — *You might be looking for a sustainable holiday. Places like florida has nature everywhere but also the opposite like deep fakes: the trees at Disneyland*

As a frequent traveler, you have to keep track of different things to ensure a seamless journey. From booking tickets to packing your stuff, you have to pay attention to different areas. But accommodation is one of the most crucial things that you need to focus on while planning a trip.

Whether you want to book a hotel or campground, you need to take steps according to your budget. It will help you limit your options, so you can choose vacation accommodations easily. The best way to choose the accommodation for your trip is to assess which facilities you require in daily life. For example, there will be some days during your journey when you do not feel like going out, so you require access to the kitchen. Therefore, you have to figure out your basic needs and make a final decision accordingly.

Without further delay, let’s find out how to find the best vacation accommodation.

Research According to Location

Before starting an accommodation search, define the region where you intend to spend your vacation. For example, if you are planning a trip to Orlando, then do research about the hotels and vacation rentals there. It will give you a clear idea of their prices and the amenities.

More importantly, doing location-specific research will help you find the accommodation as per your needs. Let’s say you are looking for resort style hotels in the Orlando area, do your research accordingly in advance. During peak season, it can be very tough to find slots in hotels. So, doing research in advance can also help you to book the hotel easily and ensure a hassle-free journey.

Another thing to remember while booking the hotel wherever you roam in the world, is to ensure that the places that you want to visit are near to the accommodation. It can save your traveling cost and help you travel conveniently. Another thing you need to ensure is that there should be shops and restaurants around the accommodation that you intend to book.

eco hotel lit by candles — *Sustainable hotel in the Middle East*

Set a Clear Budget

Another important aspect that you cannot afford to overlook while booking the accommodation is your budget. Setting your budget smartly can positively impact your travel expenses.

The best way to define your budget is to list down all the amenities that you need in the accommodation. For example, if you will be spending most of your day outside, then you have to find a place that can ensure peaceful sleep at night.

Also, you need to ensure the surroundings of the accommodation are not noisy, and that they serve healthy food, so you can avoid sleep disturbance. It will help you remain active and energetic for the next day, which will positively impact your overall vacation.

Consider Reliable Booking Platforms

Safety is one of the important factors that you need to consider while booking accommodation. It can be shocking to hear at the last moment that the hotel has rejected your booking request.

Therefore, consider reliable online platforms that offer exceptional customer support and the best vacation packages. The best thing that you can do in this regard is to get in touch with your peers or friends who have some traveling experience.

Go Through Reviews

naples florida at the beach — *Does your seaside hotel in Florida actually have beach access? Read the reviews to see what the hotel might be hiding*

Nothing can give you a better idea about the accommodation than the past review of the customers. It can provide you with valuable insights about the overall services and amenities of the hotel or vacation rental that you need. Reviews of accommodation are available in the form of scores. The higher the score of the accommodation is, the better quality of services you can expect. Additionally, you should read reviews of travelers who have traveled to the same region where you want to go.

Consider going through reliable booking websites to read reviews. The overall ratings of the hotels are given on the basis of comfort, location, amenities, and staff behavior. While reading reviews, you should not worry about the hotel’s stars. For example, it is possible that in one state or city, a 4-star hotel provides better services than a 5-star hotel. Therefore, only consider the reviews of people and analyze the services and facilities of different hotels.

Beware of Hidden Costs

Sometimes hotels and vacation rentals do not show their full prices as the final cost. Taxes are the most common hidden charges that you may have to pay daily, so you need to look for this cost. In some cases, you may also have to pay for the towels, bedsheets, and other service changes separately. That is why you should check beforehand for any extra costs, or else it can increase your travel expenses.

Check All Services and Facilities

Before booking the accommodation, you must thoroughly check what services and facilities they are offering. Some places can charge you for Wi-Fi separately, so you need to be vigilant.

On the other hand, some places may have specific rules, so you should know about them in advance. For example, some places have restrictions on the timings. Considering these factors beforehand is crucial as it can impact your journey. You may also look for other facilities such as a gym, swimming pool, spa, and parking to ensure that you have a perfect stay.

Try to Book Early

As mentioned above, you should try to book accommodation in advance. It will help you book the slot in your favorite place. Furthermore, the prices can go sky-high in the peak season. It can make it difficult for you to book a place at a reasonable price.

Knowing that your favorite place is out of rooms can be a bummer. It can ruin your vacation plans, so it is recommended to book accommodation early.

Conclusion

To book the best accommodation, you have to keep in mind different factors. From considering your vacation location to defining a clear budget, you have to focus on different things that can help you get the best place as per your needs. Checking reviews of people can help you big time because nothing is better than learning from the real-life experiences of people.

3 signs you need a new bed frame

Home

Bhok Thompson

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December 2, 2022

0

woman in bed holding coffee cup — *A good night’s sleep isn’t just about the mattress. Make sure when you buy a frame, buy one that can last at least a decade, or better your lifetime. That’s sustainable bed-buying.*

A new bed frame isn’t just about a comfortable sleep — it’s about getting you ready for the rest of your life. A new bed is a big investment, and it’s something that you’ll have for a decade or life if you buy right, so it makes sense to consider the purpose of your new bed frame. If you’re not comfortable in your bed, you’ll likely toss and turn all night long. You might even wake up with back pain or other aches and pains no matter how comfortable and eco friendly your organic mattress is.

The right mattress will help you get a good night’s sleep — but it won’t do much good if the foundation of your bed doesn’t support it properly. Here are three signs that your current frame needs replacing and consider that you might need to buy a new frame. If so, consider that you might buying a best frame at VidaXL.

The Headboard Is Too Tall

If the headboard on your current bed is too tall, then there’s no way that you’re going to be able to get comfortable while lying on your side or stomach. This can lead to back pain, neck and shoulder pain, numbness in arms or legs and even headaches and migraines if you’re someone who suffers from them. A good rule of thumb when buying a new headboard is that it should be at least an inch shorter than the tallest part of your body.

You feel don’t fit the bed

Your bed has lost its support. If you sleep on a springy mattress, an ill-fitting frame won’t be able to support it. This can lead to back pain and leg cramps, and you don’t want to go to your garden for your morning coffee. Forget about a workout.

You wake up with sore shoulders or neck. If your mattress isn’t properly supported by your frame, it can cause headaches and sore shoulders if you roll over in your sleep.

Bed frames are the backbone of your bed. They’re not just a place to sleep, they’re also a place where you can store your clothes and keep your bedding clean. A bad bed frame can lead to back problems and even worse, it can be a safety hazard for you or your children.

The bed has large gaps under the box spring
The mattress sags toward one side
There are exposed wires in the headboard

Your feet don’t fit the bed. The size of the bed should match the size of the mattress. If your feet are too big for the bed, they could slip out from under you during the night and cause injury.

Too low or too high

Your bed frame is too low or too high. If you’re feeling like you’re sleeping on the floor, it’s time for a new one. If your bed frame is too low and you have trouble getting in and out of bed, it probably means that it needs to be raised. Don’t worry — it can be done easily with a few tools and some elbow grease. Your headboard is uncomfortable or falling off the wall. If your headboard isn’t attached to the wall properly, it will fall over time. Make sure that your headboard is secure by bolting it to the wall with screws or bolts.

You need a new mattress set. Your mattress may not be as comfortable as it once was due to wear and tear, so replacing it could be beneficial for both body and wallet alike!

Ethereum’s merge made cryptocurrency more sustainable

Tech

Bhok Thompson

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November 30, 2022

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Ethereum’s merge made cryptocurrency more sustainable

The second largest cryptocurrency, Ethereum (Ether, or ETH), has completed a plan to substantially cut carbon emissions with a software upgrade known as “the Merge.” It’s about an upgrade in the security architecture that supports the digital coin’s blockchain, the second most essential piece of infrastructure in the crypto ecosystem. Ethereum employed “proof-of-work” (PoW) to validate transactions on the network and to guarantee that everyone in the community agreed on who held what virtual coin.

With the completion of the Ethereum Merge, the switch to a “proof-of-stake” (PoS) method has eliminated the necessity for mining, and has given birth to a new digital coin – Ethereum 2.0. It resulted in decrease in Ethereum’s energy usage and the possibility of extending the Ethereum ecosystem even further.

Keep reading to understand Ethereum’s expectations and what the Merge actually is.

What is the Ethereum Merge?

Ethereum’s planning to reduce its energy consumption by ~99.99%, functioning now with ~99.95% less energy than before the Merge. Even though its carbon debt is now low, this wasn’t the case until mid-September 2022.

The migration has transferred the whole blockchain to new PoS validator nodes, which require locking up or stacking 32 Ether (ETH) in order to participate. For investors, Ether coins are unchanged, and Ethereum-based apps should continue to operate normally.

Ethereum intended to adopt a PoS consensus mechanism initially, but achieving this without sacrificing decentralisation and security required years of intense development and research. As a result, a PoW process was utilised to get the network up and running. This demands miners use their computational hardware to determine a value, which consumes energy. The blockchain’s overall energy usage peaked at a little under 94 TWh/yr during the peak of the crypto bull market in February 2022. Prior to the implementation of PoS, energy demand was comparable to that of Uzbekistan, or closer to 78 TWh/yr, with carbon emissions of 33MT/yr, similar to that of Azerbaijan.

How did the Merge impact the environment?

The impact of Ethereum’s switch from PoW to PoS was investigated by CCRI, which concluded that annualised electricity usage was lowered by 99.98%, according to the Ethereum Foundation. Similarly, the blockchain’s carbon footprint has been reduced by 99.992%.

According to the website, this equates to a reduction in emissions from the height of the Eiffel Tower to the size of a little plastic toy figure. As a result, the environmental cost of network security is dramatically lowered, and network security is considered to have improved.

And if you’re wondering if Ethereum’s upgrade impacts the Bitcoin price USD (since it’s a natural question, as Bitcoin is the #1 cryptocurrency), know that the effects are minimal. Ethereum is now being seen with better eyes, and crypto enthusiasts are waiting for the BTC blockchain to follow Ethereum’s example. However, the validation process for Bitcoin is competitive, energy-intensive, and rewards-based, so it’s hard to predict when this technology will become environmentally friendly, if ever.

If you want to invest in cryptocurrency this year but don’t want to harm the environment, there are more sustainable digital coins you can choose from:

IMPT (IMPT)
Tezos (XTZ)
Solana (SOL)
IOTA (MIOTA)
Hedera (HBAR)
Chia (XCH)

Can you be certain of Ethereum’s security?

Through PoS, a financial incentive to prevent fraudulent transactions is provided. The long-awaited enhancements strengthen Ethereum’s security against coordinated assaults because the validators that protect the network under PoS must stake huge sums of Ethereum into the protocol. Should they attempt to assault the network, the protocol will destroy their Ether, and probably no dishonest validator wants to risk losing money for uncertain profits.

Are there good password practices to learn?

If you want to invest in Ethereum, Bitcoin, or any other cryptocurrency, you must use strong passwords for the accounts on the chosen exchange. You are advised to use a long combination of characters, symbols, and numbers because most account hacks are a consequence of weak passwords. Don’t make the common mistake of using dictionary words because you risk being the victim of a “dictionary attack”. Here’s an example of a strong password: 8#fq28q9h3!@1y9*12. And this is how a weak password would sound: 26ofseptember.

Also, don’t use passwords that can be revealed through social engineering —not the date of your birth, your dog’s name, or an inside joke with your spouse. Avoid common dictionary words and personal details. Instead, use a mixture of symbols, numbers, lowercase, and uppercase, and make passwords as long as the form you’re filling out allows you to.

Extra tip: Using a password manager eliminates the need to create and remember strong, unique passwords. This provides an encrypted and safe storage location for your passwords and can be accessed with a single strong passcode. Plus, such apps can also recommend strong passwords, so you don’t have to stress about creating one yourself. Some will also inform you if you are a victim of a data breach and allow you to reset your passwords before any unwanted attempts are made.

What about Ethereum’s scalability?

Nodes are essential to store and operate the blockchain, and Ethereum must be able to process more transactions per second without growing their size. It’s expected that transactions will occur faster and that extra nodes will be added because increasing the size of the existing ones would be impractical and require expensive and powerful computers. Ethereum is looking for sharding upgrades to remove the need for every node to hold 100% of data and to distribute data storage requirements over the whole network.

Sharding should optimise efficiency on rollups, allowing for more advancements than the actual 15-45 transactions per second limit.

To summarise

The Ethereum network changed from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake as a result of the Merge, a software upgrade that put an end to the mining era and consequently lowered the blockchain’s energy usage by more than 99%.

All investment strategies and investments involve risk of loss. Nothing contained in this website should be construed as investment advice.

House of Saud palaces built from mud

Architecture

Karin Kloosterman

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November 30, 2022

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At-Turaif, or simply, Turaif, a Saudi Arabian town in the Northern Borders Province, which lies close to the border with Jordan, is now open to the public. The UNESCO-recognized site has cultural significance as the original home to the ruling Saudi Dynasty, the House of Saud. It is the birthplace of the austere form of Islam found in Saudi Arabia today. The mud and earth buildings and palaces of Turaif, was closed to tourists, until now.

The vernacular buildings of Taraif are a living monument to traditional building from the region, and a statement that respectable buildings, palaces even, can be built from mud. The site has special significance because it is the original home to the current ruling Saudi dynasty whose family lived there in the 1800s.

What is Najdi Architecture?

Najdi architecture is an approach from the central Arabian Gulf region that combines three main factors –– from the people who lived there over the years including Bedouin tribes. Najdi is built in harmony with nature and 1) works in hot desert climates; 2) it provides privacy in residential buildings as Muslims guard their privacy (see mashrabiya), and 3) uses locally available materials such as mud brick, stone and wood.

Founded in the 15th century, Turaif is built in the Najdi architectural style, which is specific type of vernacular architecture from the Central Arabia.

In the 18th and early 19th centuries, the political and religious role of Turaif increased in importance and the citadel at at-Turaif became the center of power for the House of Saud and the spread of the Salafiyya reform in Islam. The property includes the remains of many palaces and housing units built on the edge of the ad-Dir’iyah oasis.

Modern Turaif is one of the cities that have been established for running the Trans-Arabian Pipeline.

According to UNESCO, the UN body that preserves human and natural heritage sites, the site of at-Turaif District in ad-Dir’iyah illustrates a significant phase in the human settlement of the central Arabian plateau, when in the mid-18th century Ad-Dir’iyah became the capital of an independent Arab State and an important religious centre. At-Turaif is an outstanding example of traditional human settlement in a desert environment. The current Saudi family building out Neom and The Line might look back to their ancestors for some more practical ideas of building the future.

The at-Turaif District was the first historic centre with a unifying power in the Arabian Peninsula. Its influence was greatly strengthened by the teachings of Sheikh Mohammad Bin Abdul Wahhab, a reformer of austere Sunni Islam who lived, preached and died in the city. He started the austere form of Islam called Wahhabism.

Abd al-Wahhab arrived to Najd in 1744 and preached a return to “pure” Islam. To that extent he sought protection from the local emir, Muhammad ibn Saud, head of the Al Saud tribal family, and they cut a deal.

The Al Saud, now the House of Saud we know today, will endorse al-Wahhab’s austere form of Islam and in return, the Al Saud tribe will get political legitimacy and regular tithes (money) from al-Wahhab’s followers. The religious-political alliance that al-Wahhab and Al Saud forged back then endures to this day in Saudi Arabia, according to a PBS history special.

By the 19th century, the House of Saud spread its influence across the Arabian Peninsula, stretching from the Red Sea to the Persian Gulf and including the Two Holy Cities of Mecca and Medina. But in 1818, forces of the Ottoman Empire sacked Riyadh, and executed many of the religious and political leaders. Over the next eighty years the Al Saud attempt to reestablish their rule on the Arabian Peninsula without success.

Wahhabism, a fundamentalist approach to Islam had already spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula and the Muslim world.

Today, most of the ancient part of Turaif is in ruins. If you visit it today what you will see has not been altered or reconstructed during 20th century reemployments or restorations. A major programme of restoration work is in place, which respects the original locations, plans and techniques. It must take particular care to preserve the attributes of the authenticity of its buildings and the road network.

Turaif, now open to tourism, is located at a bend in Highway 85 as it turns west to Jordan. It is located at around 31°40′39″N 38°39′11″E. In 2010, it had a population of 48,929.

All images above via UNESCO.

Have an edit or correction to make on this story? Want to share your travel experiences? Send us an email [email protected].

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Use recycled materials

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Too low or too high

What is the Ethereum Merge?

How did the Merge impact the environment?

Can you be certain of Ethereum’s security?

Are there good password practices to learn?

What about Ethereum’s scalability?

What is Najdi Architecture?

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