Home Blog Page 518

Environmental Chemicals Pack The Pounds On You

0

image-soap-bubbles

It’s not just excess calories anymore. It could be that environmental chemicals are ordering your body to put on the pounds.

We  live surrounded by synthetic chemical substances. They’re in our food, our soaps, in hundreds of thousands of things we handle daily. Like parabens, a preservative found in moisturizers and bath products. Exposure to toxic chemicals is associated with a long and dismal list of ailments. An article in onearth magazine now shows us that toxic chemicals have a real link to obesity too.

10 Tips for Travelling Like A Millionaire, Without Stuff

travel light with baby moroccoHow you can travel lightly and simply, with baby.

I just returned from a 9 day trip in Morocco. Besides attending a conference, my mission was to pack lightly, and return home lightly, without piles of tourist junk I would quickly throw away. I hiked in the Atlas Mountains, took a bus from Fez to Rabat, a train from Casablanca to Marrakesh, endless bus trips from Rabat to Mehdiah for a 3 day conference, along with some taxi rides. It was a planes, trains, and automobiles sort of trip, energized by the local atmosphere. I did this all with a 10 month old baby on my back, and one small carry-on handbag with wheels. I had no need for a local StorageMart, and if I needed something while on the road I knew I could easily buy it.

After traveling on several international flights, I noticed that the richer the travelers (people on business class), the less luggage they hauled on the plane with them. Less luggage equals less fuel usage, and certainly less hassles and haggling when on the road. And how many of us have gone on backpacking trips, only to return home with much of what we’ve packed unused? I wanted to have a “richer” experience, and by that I mean one which was easier on me, the person who’d be hauling around stuff with a baby.

Want to travel lighter this summer? I’ve compiled some tips for you, should you decide to go traveling, in the lightest possible way, with baby, or without.

Canada, Japan, Russia and France Bid to Build Jordan’s First Reactor

map of jordan with ammanThere’s no stopping Jordan: it will build a nuclear reactor outside of Amman despite risks.

In an unstable situation in good times, it’s surprising to learn that Jordan (with its plentiful sun) is intent on building its first nuclear reactor, for what it believes to be a source of nonpolluting, sustainable energy. In the wake of Chernobyl, and now Japan’s nuclear saga, the inability for humanity to learn from its past leaves me dumbfounded.

Cyprus Fears Environmental Impact of Undersea Gas Drilling

1

natural gas drilling Mediterranean seaNatural gas drilling near Cyprus could affect lucrative tourism industry says its commerce minister.

Drilling for natural gas by Israel in the eastern Mediterranean has already resulted in undersea territorial disputes between Israel and Lebanon, resulting in the United Nations deciding to mediate the dispute between the two countries. Besides the environmental concerns of this undersea drilling, there are also concerns about a proposed plan by Israel to construct an undersea gas pipeline to supply natural gas to European countries. After a jet fuel spill last week, environmentalists call into question Israel’s qualifications in building such infrastructure and protecting it from leaks and spills.

The environmental concerns of too much undersea drilling have now been expressed by Greek Cyprus Commerce Minister Antonis Paschalides , concerning his country’s exploration for natural gas in what is known as the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) south-east of Cyprus, known as Block 12. In an interview in the Cyprus Mail, Paschalides expressed concerns that drilling for natural gas could result in environmental damage.

1.5 Million Liters of Jet Fuel Spills Into Israeli Desert

nahal zin jet fuelJet fuel spurts into pristine nature zone in Israel. Who will pay for this unthinkable mistake?

A month ago, Israeli airlines suffered from a jet fuel contamination, grounding flights, and causing chaos as officials tried to figure out if planes loaded with the contaminated fuel would be damaged. This past Wednesday, there is another chapter in the country’s jet fuel saga. Some 1.5 million liters of jet fuel (about 400,000 gallons) spilled out into the desert, as a tractor ran over and damaged the Eilat-Ashkelon Pipeline. The jet fuel spilled out into a nature reserve, calling into question the legitimacy of running pipelines through protected areas. If the jet fuel seeps into the groundwater it can be especially damaging, and exposure to it can be linked to cancers, such as Hodgkin’s Disease.

Afghanis Prepare for Food Crisis

0

afghan boy breadAbnormally dry weather a nightmare for Afghanis who rely on wheat crops for survival.

Afghanistan is likely to face a significant food shortage in the coming months, following poor rains which have affected this season’s wheat crop. Wheat is the primary food staple for most families. “There have been problems with rainfall, so there will be a significant shortfall in the harvest,” Challiss McDonough, spokesperson for the UN World Food Programme (WFP), said. “The Ministry of Agriculture is conducting an assessment to determine the numbers of those affected, but there are also concerns about livestock, especially in the northern and highland areas.”

Water-poor Egyptians Use Sewage For Crops Instead

4

egypt irrigation sewage
If you buy vegetables in Cairo, they could be contaminated with human waste.

Faced with a shortage of water for irrigation (and the fact it might lose its right to the Nile), Ahmed Osman, a farmer in his late thirties, opted to divert local sewage water to irrigate his two-hectare vegetable plot in the heart of Egypt’s Nile Delta governorate of Sharkia. “Without water, any water, our plants will die, and we will go begging,” he said. “There can be no agriculture without water.”

He is not alone. Other farmers in his village, Kafr Saqr, are doing the same. But experts say the practice is dangerous, according to the UN news source IRIN.

Sustainable and halal? 10 easy ways to eat like an eco-Muslim

1

10 Ways To Eat HalalHave a low-carbon footprint by following this sustainable halal guide. 

Muslims, whose dietary laws are similar to the Kashrut laws of Judaism, are obligated by their faith to eat only “clean” food that has been blessed in God’s name. The popularity in halal foods has resulted, in part, from the immense industry that packages and mass produces food for convenience to an international market.

When buying Muslims look for that “halal” label (Islamically permissible), or the more recognised vegetarian ‘V’ sign. Read on for Green Prophet’s guide.

What is halal food?

For Muslims, virtually everything available from nature is halal. The only exceptions are:
• Swine/Pork and its by-products
• Animals improperly slaughtered or dead before slaughtering
• Alcohol (and intoxicants)
• Carnivorous animals and birds of prey
• Blood

However, checking every label isn’t practical and more often than not, the full ingredients aren’t listed. This makes it hard for you to know if a food is truly halal. Your active lifestyle doesn’t permit “scratch” cooking for every meal.

This is where Green Prophet’s guide to eating halal can help.

1. Eat at home

Meals in restaurants are pricey and don’t always contain the best ingredients. Regular take-outs are not the healthiest lifestyle option either. Eating at home enables you to cook individualised easy, staple meals, save money, eat more slowly for improved digestion, and learn a few culinary skills. Invite neighbours around for family meals to build community spirit.

2. Eat seasonally

artichokes on a white plate

It is better to enjoy ‘local’ produce which is sourced by local farmers. Buying locally – from your home town or country – helps the economy and businesses. Take a trip to the food markets to buy fresh fish and baked breads, ask for the current season’s fruit and vegetables. Buying direct from farmers helps keep your food halal since you know exactly what you’re getting for your money. (Green Prophet has an in-season guide).

3. Buy halal packaged food

The Muslim market is exponentially expanding due to demand and we’re even seeing ‘halal carts’ on the streets of New York. When buying packaged food Muslims look for the ‘halal’ labels meaning it’s ok to eat in accordance with Islamic Shariah (law). Checking labels is important because even if a product is labelled vegetarian or vegan, it may contain alcohol which is haram (prohibited) for Muslims.

4. Eat less meat

VioLife 100% vegan mac and cheese
100% vegan mac and cheese

Muslim vegetarians unfortunately get caught in the meat debate. There is good reason to become a Muslim vegetarian, and so long as you’re not on a mission to convert others, you can live without meat, raise awareness of animal welfare and stay true to eco principles.

Meat is expensive and too much meat isn’t good for our health. Meat can be responsible for high cholesterol and heart attacks. All you need to do is shift your sources of protein to vegetarian options such as lentils, beans and whole grains.

5. Balance your meals and eat smaller portions.

Consuming in moderation is a strong Muslim ethic. Reducing how much you eat will save you in cost in the long run. Smaller portions and frequent eating are two ways you can drastically improve your health. Balance your meals by colour – at least two portions of red, green or orange fruits and vegetables with each meal.

Eat more carrots –these orange gems are loaded with fibre are high in Vitamin K and A; they’re easy to pack, versatile sticks and easy to cook. Blend together two carrots for every apple to create a sweet and filling smoothie.

Go bananas – cheap to buy in bunches and available all year round, this monkey treat works well for replacing sweeteners in your meals. Try banana muffins, use in milkshakes or slice over cereals with honey.

6. Support sustainable agriculture

Simple yet innovative farming technologies and techniques save natural resources while increasing incomes

What you purchase is a powerful mechanism for creating change. As consumers, we can support sustainable agricultural businesses by buying food and drink that is produced according to sustainable principles: protecting the environment, the economy and society from negative environmental impacts and helping to ensure adequate supplies for future generations.

7. Buy organic

Is organic food better for us? There is no straightforward conclusion but opting for organic food and drink does avoid toxins that non-organic food can contain. Organic food can cost more; when you’re on a tight budget you do not have to buy everything organic. Buying just one organic item the next time you go shopping will at least make a difference to the environment because people will be doing the same thing all over the country.

Eating halal means you’ll experiment with organic food at some stage. Organic produce is the only practical way to avoid eating genetically modified (GM) food and tastes so much better and opens up many different varieties. In the UK alone there are 600 different types of apple. Bet you didn’t know that.

8. Grow your own food

a sustainable garden is one next to your home and which involves the entire family

You may not have a garden or access to a community allotment but you can grow your own herbs, tomatoes and ‘bushy’ vegetables in containers on a windowsill, balcony or the back yard.

What to grow – mustard, cress, basil, coriander and salads are easy to grow from seed and a good way of getting greens into your sandwiches.

As an eco-Muslim I do have access to a large plot of land in which I grow corn, seasonal vegetables and fruit trees. If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, dedicate a part of it to herbs. Create a haven of peace and get low-cost fruit and vegetables by sharing an allotment with like-minded people.

9. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Reject

Traditionally implemented as the 3 R’s – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, I include Reject as an action to take when your food is sourced unethically.

  • Reduce waste by reusing containers and freeze left over foods for another day. This works best for soups, strudels, kebabs and homebaked breads.
  • Recycle: ask your council for a green recycling bin, save each week’s food containers for a trip to your local recycling centre or let creativity flow by recycling packaging into pieces of art.
  • Reuse clean newspapers by keeping a few damp sheets wrapped around bunches of herbs; cut large plastic containers in half for home-made plant pots; feed your garden by throwing all uneaten uncooked food and peelings to create a compost.
  • Reject: avoid processed foods and synthetic additives – rejecting preservatives is all the more reason to go organic; and reject foods from regions of conflict.

10. Fast throughout the year

Although the Islamic month of fasting lasts 30 days, you can practice better control by following a few Ramadan tips:

  • Avoid complex carbohydrates such as chips, cookies, cakes and white bread.
  • Stay more hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially in the weeks towards Ramadan and check where your water is sourced from.
  • Limit your caffeine intake or cut it out altogether. Fizzy drinks need to be reduced to as their caffeine content makes your body lose water.

Read more on spiritual, green food choices:
Green Deeds: Don’t Waste Food, Man (10 Tips)
Jews And Muslims Unite Against EU Slaughter Labeling
Zabihah.com, World Guide To Halal Eating
RECIPE: Fesenjan, Persian Chicken in Walnut Sauce
This Is What A Muslim Vegetarian Looks Like

(Slightly edited for formatting by Karin Kloosterman, Jan. 2024)

Emefcy Funded to Make Bugs Produce Energy

1

Two serial water technology entrepreneurs from Israel, Eytan Levy and Ronen Shechter, who also founded Israel’s AqWise, have come up with another way to put bacteria in wastewater to work for us. Their electrogenic bioreactor generates electricity directly during the process of treating wastewater.

Origin Oils Algae Should Inspire More Mid East Biofuels

2

algae biofuelAlgae based bio-fuel may someday be an important fuel source

Los Angeles based Origin Oil has recently announced its intention to up-list its stock exchange shares as a result of the development of a new large scale oil extraction from algae process that could result in the process of up to 1100 liters (300 gallons) per minute of algae culture continuously. This biomass culture can be used to process bio fuel for cars and other vehicles. Converting algae into bio fuel has been written about on previous occasions for Green Prophet: Israel and China are planning to work together on a joint bio fuel project.  An Israeli Isaac Berzin brought the idea back to life while working for NASA. Another article reported that  algae based bio-fuels may even one day send astronauts into space.

The Accelerating Decline of World Oceans: Why It Matters for the Middle East

2

world oceans delcine
War and conflict overshadows the environment in the Middle East, and oceans overlooked, now on brink of catastrophe.

At a time when Arab media attention was focused on extended wars, failed states, and austerity measures, a recent report on the world’s oceans failed to gain considerable attention in the region. The news that the marine environment is in danger is not new, and may seem irrelevant to this part of the world. However, the report should raise global concerns as new findings show that urgent action is needed to avoid a “catastrophe unprecedented in human history”.

GP Exclusive Interview: Turkey Beginning to Lay Infrastructure for Hydrogen Economy

Hydrogen-fueled vehicles and power systems could be feasible in Turkey by 2020, says Mustafa Hatipoğlu, managing director of the UN’s International Centre for Hydrogen Energy Technologies in Istanbul.

Since it was established  in Istanbul eight years ago, the International Centre for Hydrogen Energy Technologies (ICHET), a project of the United Nations International Development Organization, has been developing a series of small, experimental hydrogen energy projects. But Turkey is beginning to lay the infrastructure for a much larger hydrogen economy, according to the man at the head of ICHET, Mustafa Hatipoğlu.

Green Prophet recently sat down with Hatipoğlu for an exclusive interview about the future and progress to date of hydrogen energy in Turkey.

Lebanese Okra in Olive Oil recipe

0

image-okra
Call it Bamyeh in Arabic or Bamiah in Hebrew, but okra is relished all over the Middle East.

Okra is a vegetable with an inferiority complex. Its delicious flavor hides under a certain goopiness, or mucilage released in cooking, and some people don’t like it.

On the other hand, you may want the beneficial mucilage. It soothes the entire digestive tract with a protective demulcent coating, much like its relative, the mallow (ideas for how to cook mallow leaves here). The liquid is appreciated as a natural thickener for soups and stews, as the Americans use it in gumbo.  While okra is usually served hot, this surprising Lebanese recipe serves it cold as a part of mezze, those lovely little Middle-Eastern salads and nibbles set out on the table before the main dish arrives.

The best pods are no longer than 4 inches long. To avoid releasing mucilage in cooking okra, stir fry the pods over high heat, making sure to include a little of something acidic: tomatoes, lemon juice or vinegar, like in the recipe below.

Okra in Olive Oil

Ingredients

3 cups tender young okra pods
10 pearl onions
3 medium sized tomatoes
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (coriander leaves)
8 cloves garlic
1/2 cup cold water
1/2 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper

Crush garlic. Add cilantro and chop it finely, together with the garlic.

Trim the pods of their hard stem ends. Wash well, drain, and tumble in a clean towel to dry them.

Slice the tomatoes thickly.

Fry the okra in deep, hot olive oil until just tender. Remove the okra and fry onions in same oil till soft and golden. Pour off most of the oil and fry the cilantro mixture for 1 minute.

Cover the bottom of a large pan with a layer of sliced tomatoes. Cover the tomatoes with the okra. Scatter the onions over it. Pour the lemon juice over the vegetables, and spoon the cilantro mixture over all.  Make a depression in the center of the okra and fill it with the onions. Spoon the cilantro over all. Season with salt and pepper.

Cover and bring the vegetables to a gentle boil over medium heat. Turn the heat down immediately and simmer, uncovered, until most of the liquid is reduced. Check the seasoning.

Spoon the cooked okra into a serving dish. Cover, chill, and serve cold.

Enjoy!

More of Green Prophet’s delectable Middle-Eastern vegetarian recipes:

A Greener Space Planned Between Abu Dhabi and Dubai

0

urban planning, sustainable development, UAEA 1770 hectare site between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is set to get a green makeover.

After long consultations between residents, prominent community members, and the Abu Dhabi municipality, the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) has unveiled the Shahama and Bahia Revitilization Master Plan. A 1770 hectare site between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which includes Al Shahama, Al Bahia, and Coastal Bahia, will receive a green upgrade that fits in with the capital’s Estidama sustainable development initiative.

How Climate Change Threatens Alexandria, Casablanca, and Tunis

0

climate change, casablanca, morocco, IPCC, natural disastersIn the coming decades, natural disasters could costs Alexandria, Casablanca, and Tunis $1 billion each.

The Middle East/North Africa region is the second most vulnerable to climate change, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC). Especially vulnerable are some of North Africa’s most famous cities, including Alexandria, Casablanca, and Tunis. A new World Bank study shows that increased flooding, storm surges, and coastal erosion could cause up to $1 billion in damages in each city over the next two decades.