Page 66 – Green Prophet

Fly from Paris and London guilt-free with sustainable fuel on Emirates flights

Nature

Karin Kloosterman

-

June 13, 2024

SAF and biofuels for emirates — Neste’s SAF biofuel tested in Boeing Emirates flight in 2023

Emirates, the official national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has begun using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as part of its fuel agreement with Neste, Singapore on flights departing from Singapore Changi Airport, marking its first investment in SAF investments Asia. Approximately 807,000 gallons of blended SAF have been integrated into the fuelling system of Changi airport over the course of the last few weeks.

Neste is a Finnish company but its Singapore refinery, with 300 employees, started its SAF operations in 2010 producing exclusively renewable products.

“Emirates’ investment into Neste-produced SAF in Singapore marks a first step forward in our SAF adoption in Asia, a region that is primed to become a leading supplier of SAF, which continues to be in short supply,” said Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and Chief Operations Officer, from Emirates.

Emirates is tracking the delivery of SAF into the fuelling systems, accounting for and assigning its environmental benefits through widely used and accepted industry methodologies. Earlier this year, the airline closely collaborated with Neste for the supply of 2.6 million litres of neat SAF in the fuelling systems of Amsterdam Schiphol airport.

The SAF being provided by Neste is produced from sustainably sourced and 100% renewable waste as well as residue raw materials, including used cooking oil and animal fat waste. SAF used as part of this agreement can be safely used in existing Emirates aircraft and airport fuelling infrastructure, and in neat form reduces lifecycle carbon emissions (CO2) by up to 80% compared to using conventional jet fuel.

Emirates currently operates flights from Amsterdam, London Heathrow, Paris, Lyon and Oslo with SAF. The airline also integrated SAF into the fuelling systems at its Dubai hub late last year.

In 2023, Emirates was also the first airline in the world to operate two landmark demonstration flights from Dubai on the Boeing 777 and A380 with 100% SAF in one engine in partnership with Neste and other committed partners, supporting future certification where 100% drop in SAF is approved for commercial airline operations.

Currently, SAF is approved for use in all aircraft, but only in blends of up to 50% with conventional jet fuel.

Eco-Friendly Tech Trends: Embracing 5G Efficiency

Nature

-

June 11, 2024

0

Image by storyset on Freepik

Over the past few decades, mobile technology has advanced rapidly, transforming how we communicate, access information, and conduct business. Mobile technology has evolved rapidly since the introduction of 2G networks in the early 90s, primarily facilitating voice communication. The advent of 4G LTE brought high-speed internet to our fingertips, revolutionizing connectivity. Each generation of mobile technology has brought significant speed, capacity, and functionality improvements.

However, The 5GThe Manufacturing smartphones and network equipment requires substantial amounts of raw materials, including rare earth elements. The energy needed to operate and maintain network infrastructure has contributed to greenhouse gas emissions. The frequent upgrading of devices has led to an increase in e-waste, with many not being recycled. In fact, 76 percent of e-waste is unaccounted for, as most are left sitting in storage homes or aren’t disposed of properly.

With 5G technology, will the world deal with more environmental concerns, or is it the technological efficiency we are looking for?

The Rise of 5G Technology and Its Environmental Impact

5G technology isn’t only revolutionizing internet speeds. It represents a shift towards increased connectivity and intelligent ecosystem promoting ecological sustainability.

Energy efficiency and 5G

One of the most compelling eco-friendly aspects of 5G technology is its potential to reduce energy consumption. Thanks to advancements in hardware and network architecture, 5G networks are more energy-efficient than previous generations.

For instance, 5G uses beamforming techniques to direct signals more precisely, reducing power wastage and enhancing the overall efficiency of data transmission. The infrastructure supporting 5G can dynamically adjust energy usage based on demand, minimizing unnecessary energy expenditure.

Image from Analog Devices

The environmental benefits of 5G extend beyond its direct energy efficiency. 5G technology can substantially reduce energy usage across various industries by enabling more innovative applications and services.

Smart buildings, for example, can utilize 5G to optimize heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, significantly cutting down on energy consumption. Similarly, industrial processes can become more efficient with real-time monitoring and automation, reducing waste and improving productivity.

Reducing electronic waste

5G technology also has the potential to contribute to a more sustainable, circular economy by reducing electronic waste. For example, users can upgrade their 5G Samsung phones through software updates rather than hardware replacements. This shift extends the lifespan of electronic devices. As a result, it reduces the need for new hardware production, which is often resource-intensive and environmentally damaging.

By embracing 5G, manufacturers and consumers alike can play a part in minimizing electronic waste and promoting sustainable consumption practices.

Furthermore, the enhanced connectivity provided by 5G can facilitate better management and recycling of electronic waste. IoT-enabled devices can be tracked throughout their lifecycle, ensuring they are responsibly disposed of or recycled. This comprehensive waste management system can significantly reduce the environmental impact of discarded electronics.

5G networks supporting a circular economy will highlight the interconnected nature of technological advancement and environmental sustainability.

Smart agriculture and sustainable farming

Implementing 5G technology will benefit the agriculture sector immensely, particularly in the context of sustainable farming practices. With 5G-enabled precision agriculture, farmers can leverage real-time data to optimize crop management, irrigation, and pest control.

This approach enhances productivity but also minimizes the use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, leading to more sustainable farming operations. The efficiency brought about by 5G can help farmers meet the growing global food demand while reducing their environmental footprint.

Moreover, 5G can support the development of innovative agricultural technologies such as autonomous tractors, drones, and sensor networks. These tools can perform various tasks with high precision, from planting and harvesting to monitoring soil health and weather conditions. Farmers can enjoy higher yields with fewer resources with these technologies, promoting a more sustainable and efficient agricultural system.

Driving transportation efficiency with 5G

The transportation industry is responsible for about one-quarter of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 5G technology is poised to transform the transportation and logistics sectors significantly. By enabling real-time data exchange and communication, 5G can enhance the efficiency of transportation networks and logistics operations.

For instance, 5G-powered smart traffic management systems reduce congestion and emissions by optimizing traffic flow and providing real-time updates to drivers. This can lead to more efficient transportation, reducing fuel consumption and lowering vehicles’ carbon footprint.

5G can facilitate more efficient supply chain management in the logistics industry through enhanced tracking and monitoring capabilities. With real-time and actual visibility into the location and condition of goods, companies can optimize their logistics operations, reducing delays and minimizing waste.

Additionally, deploying autonomous vehicles and drones for delivery services can enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Sustainable medical innovations

The healthcare industry is set to undergo a revolution with the integration of 5G technology, particularly in terms of sustainability and efficiency. 5G enables the deployment of telemedicine and remote monitoring solutions. It reduces the need for physical visits, thereby cutting down on associated travel emissions. Patients can get high-quality care from the comfort of their homes, reducing the environmental impact of healthcare services.

Moreover, real-time data sharing facilitated by 5G can improve patient outcomes and streamline medical processes.

5G can support the development of advanced medical technologies such as connected medical devices and AI-driven diagnostics. These innovations can improve the accuracy and efficiency of medical treatments, reduce waste, and improve patient care.

For example, smart medical devices can continuously monitor patients’ health and adjust treatments in real-time. This minimizes the need for excessive medication and reduces overall healthcare costs.

Embracing a Sustainable Future with 5G

The widespread adoption of 5G technology promises to drive significant advancements in sustainability and efficiency across various sectors. However, it must be a collective effort from all stakeholders. With the expansion of 5G networks, it’s best to prioritize eco-friendly practices and leverage this technology to its fullest potential.

Doing so can pave the way for a greener, more sustainable world, ensuring a better quality of life for future generations. Embracing 5G is about enhancing connectivity and building a smarter, more sustainable future for all.

Are black olives safe to eat?

Karin Kloosterman

-

June 11, 2024

0

real versus fake black olives — Black olive producers have been duping us all this time. The black isn’t a fermented olive, and it’s actually a green olive in food coloring. The left are fake olives. The ones on the right are the real deal. Mushy, greyish, with

Olives –– the symbol of the Mediterranean and of good heart health and peace. The Old Testament speaks of olives are as loved as honey, figs, grapes, and pomegranates. As cherished as they are, black olives may be keeping a not-so-healthy secret. Olives naturally turn from green to black when they ripen, but they usually don’t ripen uniformly. To even out the color and look of black olives, and to make them cure quicker, Californians invented a way to dye them so that they will look and taste great.

What we are saying is that most black olives that you buy are actually green olives dressed up in black! It’s like the take of pink pistachios.

fake black olives — Uniform in color, and like a small rubber tire: these are fake olives and they are as dead as pickles cured in vinegar.

So when you buy ripened black olives in a can, the olives are usually neither actually black or ripe. Many olives in a can are picked when they are green and are cured using an iron salt and brine and lye solution to cause the olives to darken and preserve quickly. Additives may include lye, acetic acid, chloride salts, iron salts (such as ferrous gluconate also known as ferrum sulfate) and compressed air bubbled through the olive curing vats help develop the black color.

home pickled fermented olives — Naturally darkened olives. They aren’t uniformly dark.

Some health effects of eating ferrous gluconate, which is generally regarded as safe, or GRAS for human consumption: This chemical study found that there are people who may have allergies to ferrous gluconate, represented by the food labeling E number E579 in Europe: “Although ferrous gluconate is widely applied in food processing and is generally regarded as safe, it should be used according to the prescribed level. Excessive application can lead to iron overload.”

This site is a food additives watchdog that points out some potential side effects of ferrous gluconate, used as a common iron supplement pill. Possible Side Effects of Ferrous Gluconate E579 can be gastrointestinal discomfort, anorexia, diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, vomiting, constipation, fecal impaction, darkening of stools, gastrointestinal necrosis, and hematemesis. Allergic reactions and cardiovascular effects such as circulatory collapse.

Green olives colored black. Read the label. Naturally fermented olives should in

Natural shops offer what they call black olives that are not “dead” or treated with pasteurization, lye and other chemicals.

They argue the case against additives in olives are to make them look better: “Olives don’t need to be this way. The difference between raw and pasteurised; between brine or salt or water and the chemical lye is little known, but significant on all levels. And that difference can be vast.

“Olives are a huge global market and something that we are likely to consume with little thought on a regular basis. Increasingly, even modern processing methods such as lye are being outpaced by techniques such as ultrasound, taking a natural process even further away from its roots,” they add.

Wait, is there a problem with green olives too?

Lye is a powerful corrosive substance which may be still present when you or your family eat the olives. It is used in commercial olive processing in both green and black olives to speed up the process, but like vinegar to make pickles, this method of using lye takes out all the good stuff that fermented fruits and vegetables can give you. Traces may be left on the olives.

Self sufficient culture explains why he won’t use lye. “I use lacto fermentation to cure my olives because I want good bacteria to survive the curing process and be present in my olives for the heath qualities it brings particularly for “gut” health.” We have piles of stories on health fermentation. Start with Jeff’s article on Sandor Katz.

While we have made and cured ripened black olives in the past (here is a recipe for making olives at home, which include blackened olives), we are now going to think twice about buying any black olive in brine if it means eating additives that may be harmful to my health or my kids. We are also going to look for naturally fermented green olives, because we didn’t realize that green olives in the can are industrialized.

How you can avoid lye and ferrous gluconate in your olives?

Make your own olives means you need to live close to a Mediterranean market or olive groves in California. We have done the process which involves washing the olives every day for a month and then letting them sit for a month more. My son did it for a school project without the washing part. They added salt and lemon and after a few weeks they were picked perfectly. If you live in a Med area country, there ma be olive trees that you can forage from in towns and cities. Ask around.
Buy your olives at a natural food stores with labels and vendors you trust.
Go visit natural, slow food farms as part of your summer holidays in Europe and eat your heart out.

Love everything about olives? Here is more:

Here are 17 varieties of olives. How many do you know?

Want to plant an olive tree in a container at home? Read here how.

oldest olive tree with man — The world’s oldest olive trees

Here is a story about the world’s oldest olive tree. Guess where?

Meet the olive oil pioneer who fixed his heart with olive oil.

Upgrade simple olives to fancy with this easy marinade

Food

Green Prophet

-

June 11, 2024

0

Upgrade simple olives to fancy with this easy marinade

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

The price of your grocery bill does not need to suffer over the cost of olives. You can buy simple fermented olives from California or if you live in the Mediterranean from France, Italy or Greece, and upgrade the olives with a marinade you make it home. Marinating olives is not the same as fermenting olives, a process which takes months and which turns a very bitter olive into a delightful side dish eaten with a glass of wine, cheese or any Mediterranean salad. Olives come in hundreds of varieties. Here are 17 of the best olives you can try with your new marinade. Scroll down for the recipe.

Marinating Olives

Upgrade store bought olives with this olive marinade

large bowl
glass jar with lid

2 cups olives (either one variety or an assortment of different colors and sizes)
1/2 cup olive oil (extra virgin)
1 peel lemon (try to use organic lemon as most sold contain pesticides on the peel. You can also add wedges, to taste.)
2 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
1 leaf bay (Take a large bay leaf, broken up, or 2 small whole bay leaves)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, or za'atar (Crushed)
1 coriander seeds
2 red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon chili pepper flakes ((optional) or to taste)

If using black olives, rinse them separately to prevent discoloring the rest of the olives.
Drain all olives; place them in a large bowl.
Smash the coriander seeds in a mortar once or twice. Don't pulverize them. If you don't have a mortar and pestle, wrap the seeds in a kitchen towel and bang them with the bottom of an empty bottle or jar a few times.
Toast the coriander seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes, or until the fragrance rises. Remove from the heat.
Combine the oil, coriander seeds and the rest of the seasonings, except for the vinegar, in the pan. Heat this seasoned oil over low heat for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool.
Pour the marinade over the olives. Drizzle the vinegar in. Mix gently.
Cover the olives and allow them to marinate at least a couple of hours at room temperature, turning them over twice. But they'll taste better after a week in the refrigerator, and will keep for up to a month there, the flavors improving as they mature.

Take the olives out of the fridge an hour before serving, to let the solidified olive oil thaw.

Appetizer

Mediterranean

Easy, olives

Stedsans – the floating sauna, Farm to Table retreat is for sale

Karin Kloosterman

-

June 7, 2024

0

wood fired floating sauna, Sweden — Stedsans in the woods, in Sweden. A little bit wild, no luxury eco retreat in the woods in Sweden.

During the hours of COVID boredom (and isolation fantasies) we stumbled across the Forest to Table eco retreat in Sweden, called Stedsans. We feel in love with their floating sauna, but also their lopsided off-grid cabins. And obviously we fantasized about being their eating foraged everything, running around with fragments of moss between our toes.

Stedsans is an off-the-grid forest resort in Southern Sweden (2 hours from Gothenburg/Malmö and less than 3 hours from Copenhagen) with a regenerative farm, a restaurant that goes deep into the flavors of seasonal ingredients, 16 simple wooden cabins, campsite, and a floating sauna on the lake.

The vision was started by a Swedish chef who moved her passion to the forest where people could book a cabin and a lovely communal meal created by findings from the forest and hyper local suppliers nearby. But every vision and creation, when done well, has a lifespan.

They are selling: “After 8 years in the forest it is time for us to hand over our beautiful project to someone else. Our decision to let go of this very special place has not been easy. We have poured our hearts into creating a little slice of paradise on Earth, and we hope and expect to find new owners who will take well care of it and all of the potential it offers.”

Stedsans is now a popular restaurant and forest resort with it’s own permaculture farm, but it may very well become something else, they suggest. “Maybe a retreat center, a conference space for a forward-thinking business – or a private home, maybe even a little village, with amazing development potential. Whatever dream you carry in your heart, we will be happy to show you around and give our feed-back to ensure we find a really good match for this place and business.”

Link to Stedsans for more, below.

::Stedsans

Most Saudi residents are climate aware

Karin Kloosterman

-

June 7, 2024

0

Saudi prince and cybertruck — A Saudi prince and his Cybertruck

In a new survey by the French energy company Veolia, they found that 86% of Saudi residents in 2024 believe that climate change is real, compared to 59% in 2022, indicating a growing acknowledgment of climate change within the population.

These findings are part of the second edition of the Barometer of Ecological Transformation, a biennial survey conducted by Veolia in partnership with Elabe to understand the world’s views on existing solutions for addressing the triple challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The results of the global study can be found here (links to PDF).

Other Saudi Arabia data highlights on environmental issues:

52% of Saudi residents feel exposed and vulnerable to pollution-related illnesses
43% of Saudi residents feel exposed and vulnerable to migration due to pollution and climate factors
86% of Saudi residents in 2024 believe that climate change is real, compared to 59% in 2022
58% of Saudi residents think that the future is still in our hands, and we can still limit climate disruption and pollution
A majority of Saudi residents would consume food (68%) and water (58%) grown from recycled water

The positive increases in belief and awareness regarding climate change and ecological transformation in Saudi Arabia between 2022 and 2024 reflect the efforts in the Kingdom as well as the region to prioritize sustainability and an emissions-free future – underscored by two COPs being held in the region, the UAE’s Year of Sustainability Initiative, and the Saudi Green Initiative. This year Saudi Arabia hosted the UN World Environment Day.

According to the latest edition of the survey, the perception of climate disruption risk being serious and immediate increased from 56% in 2022 to 67% in 2024, showing a heightened awareness of the urgency of addressing climate issues.

Mark Tester, Ryan Lefers — RedSea founders Mark Tester and Ryan Lefers

In an encouraging sign of progress, 78% of respondents in Saudi Arabia believe that there is sufficient discussion about implementing solutions to mitigate pollution and climate disruption. Acceptance rates for green solutions have greatly improved, with recycling initiatives and water treatment receiving moderate support while significant acceptance is evident in adopting measures like consuming food (68%) and water (58%) grown from recycled water.

This exclusive study aligns well with Veolia’s 2024-2027 strategic plan GreenUp, which aims to stimulate innovation and growth to depollute, decarbonize, and regenerate our resources. The drivers behind the GreenUp strategy will uniquely position Veolia to meet the challenges raised in the recent survey.

Globally, more than 66% of the world is gripped by ecological fears, with respondents feeling vulnerable to risks linked to climate change and pollution. The findings highlight widespread recognition of climate change (89%) and a prioritization of health over cost in decisions regarding water, waste, and energy (97%), with two-thirds foreseeing greater costs from inaction and expressing openness to health-centric solutions despite potential cost increases.

The survey was conducted in 26 countries across 5 continents, involving over 29,500 people. Collectively, these countries represent nearly 60% of the world’s population, 67% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and 77% of global GDP.

Veolia is a French transnational company with activities in three main service and utility areas traditionally managed by public authorities – water management, waste management and energy services

Solar panel islands find new energy uses for a dam reservoir in Turkey

Green Tech and Gadgets

Karin Kloosterman

-

June 7, 2024

0

Solar panel islands find new energy uses for a dam reservoir in Turkey

Turkey is prototyping a new kind of solar panel, one that floats on hydroelectric dam water reservoirs.

We adore Turkey’s solar energy project in the desert, and the fact that Turkey youth will pay 10% more for renewable energy. Now let’s look at a new floating island of solar panels in a pilot in the Elazığ province in Eastern Anatolia, Turkey on the Keban Dam.

The installation of a new floating solar power project in Elazığ, worth $2.2 million USD and with a capacity of 1 MW, has been completed by the State-owned General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works (DSI), marking the initiation of its test production phase. This project, with a total cost of EUR 2.2 million, is anticipated to produce approximately 1.8 GWh annually.

With dam reservoirs covering about 4000 square miles in Turkey, the country envisions significant potential for floating solar power plants. Such plants could generate 79.5 billion kilowatt-hours annually, meeting a substantial portion of the nation’s energy demand while conserving water resources. Turkey is currently building one of the world’s biggest dams, the Ilisu dam and water experts believe it will impact the drought in Iraq. (For the last 15 years Iraq has been asking Turkey and Syria to help release water from their dam projects.)

The project director, Yumaklı, highlighted that the floating solar power plant is complemented by a 2 MW unit situated on land. Comprising 5,028 panels spread across 1.5 hectares, this land-based unit is expected to generate an additional 4.2 GWh per year.

Yumaklı underscored the financial strain caused by pumping systems, especially in cases where irrigated areas are situated at a higher altitude than the reservoir. To mitigate such expenses and adapt to the effects of climate change, Yumaklı emphasized Turkey’s shift towards closed irrigation systems utilizing gravity wherever feasible.

The potential of floating solar power extends beyond electricity generation, with significant implications for water conservation. Yumaklı mentioned ongoing scientific monitoring of water quality and aquatic life in the Keban area, where the project has been implemented.

Turkey has some great new projects happening in solar energy. But the fact that it is also actively building nuclear energy plants is not great news for environmentalists. Germany shut down its last operating nuclear reactor last year as Turkey fired up its first.

Hacks to Make Your Air Conditioner Work Harder

Energy

Isabella Hannah

-

June 7, 2024

0

Keeping your home cool during the hot and humid summer months is costly and damaging to the climate because of all the extra energy usage. But with a few strategic hacks to using your current window-based air conditioner, portable air conditioning unit or central air condition system, you can make your air conditioner work more efficiently. And that means more coolness for you and no more choosing your friends based on who has an air conditioner at home. It also means buying less carbon credits if you are doing carbon accounting for your home.

Here are some expert tips to enhance your AC’s performance and ensure a comfortably cool home, office or hang out space. These are from Green Prophet’s experiences we’ve taken from living in New York, Canada, Europe (there is practical no air-con there) and the Middle East and will ensure your air quality stays high too.

Deep clean vents every few years

Dust and grime can accumulate in your central system AC vents and mini-split units over time, slowing airflow and reducing efficiency. Performing a deep clean of your air vents every three to five years is crucial. This maintenance ensures that the maximum amount of cold air is released into your living spaces.

This routine boosts your AC’s performance but also extends its lifespan by preventing it from overworking to push air through clogged ducts. Here is a guide on how to deep clean your air ducts. You can do it at home without paying for an an expensive AC repairman.

If you live in Arizona, or a dusty, desert location with hot temps throughout the year consider a deep clean more regularly.

Replace air filters

In addition to deep cleaning vents periodically, replacing air filters on a regular basis is important for efficient operation. Air filters trap dust, pollen, and other airborne particles, preventing them from entering your air conditioning system. Open them up and if there is a lot of humidity in your region they may also be food of black mould. This mold will fly all over your home, clogging filters and your lungs.

The clogging also makes the unit work harder, giving less output. Ask how to change the air filters when you buy or acquire the unit. Read this guide on how to replace filters.

Pair the air con with fans

Spend-thrift people know that a high energy air con unit can heat a whole floor of a home if ceiling fans or floor fans are turned on. Fans take much less energy and they push the cool air through your home. This cools the room faster and makes it feel cooler by evaporating humidity from your skin. You can use less air and more fan, finding the happy balance at night, saving you money on your power bill.

Invest in window shades

Keeping sunlight out of your home can significantly reduce indoor temperatures. High-quality window shades or blinds can block the sun’s rays, preventing your rooms from heating up during the day. This means that your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to cool your home.

By minimizing the amount of heat that enters your home, you can create a more comfortable environment and reduce the load on your AC unit. This not only enhances efficiency but also prolongs the life of your air conditioning system.

Keep the doors and windows closed

It might seem intuitive but part of what makes the summer feel hot is the humidity. Air conditioners typically remove the humidity from the air, cooling it in the process. Make sure you teach your kids and family members the importance of keeping windows in the entire house shut when the air conditioner is running or else you are basically pouring electricity down the drain.

Close vents and doors of rooms not in use

If you have a central AC unit, you can but small covers to put on the vents so the cooling stays out of rooms you aren’t using. If there is no-one in the guest bedroom or office, keep the door closed and let the cool air circulate where needed.

Now that you know how to hack your air con so it’s cooler this summer, read these 5 ways to re-use air conditioner AC water.

Drinking on a plane can hurt your heart, new research

Transportation

Karin Kloosterman

-

June 4, 2024

0

Drinking on a plane can hurt your heart, new research

Flying First Class on Emirates? Ask for a mocktail- it’s better for your heart.

Sometimes about the only place you feel like drinking is when you are stuck for 12 hours on a long-haul flight. But researchers from Germany suggest that all people, young and old, should avoid alcohol on flights. They say that combined with cabin pressure, the alcohol puts too much pressure on your heart.

After a series of lab experiments the German scientists discovered that when people fall asleep after consuming alcohol at low air pressures, your blood oxygen can drop to worrisome levels. Heart rate levels can increase without warning in both young and old people, they write in the journal Thorax.

Read related: why Muslims don’t drink alcohol

Co-author Dr. Eva-Maria Elmenhorst, deputy of the department of sleep and human factors research at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine at the German Aerospace Center in Cologne, Germany says that passengers should think twice about drinking alcohol in flight.

Even without the burden of alcohol, dry cabin air causes dehydration and being immobile can trigger trigger blood clots in the legs.

The German said they expected that alcohol consumption at low air pressures in-flight would have an effect on people, but they “we were surprised to see that the effect was so strong,” Elmenhorst said, suggesting to flyers: “Please don’t drink alcohol while being on an airplane. The decreased oxygen saturation together with the increase in heart rate could exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions.

Read related: Ask for in-flight mocktails instead

“The oxygen saturation dropped to quite low levels during sleep,” she said. “This is why I would recommend to avoid drinking alcohol even when someone is healthy.”

The study looked at 48 healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 40 who were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Half went to sleep in a sleep lab that had air pressure at sea level. The other half would sleep in an altitude chamber that mimicked the air pressure found on planes traveling at a cruising altitude.

Twelve people in each group slept for four hours after having consumed two cans of beer or two glasses of wine. The other group slept without. Then the procedure was reversed.

Read related: Is sex on an airplane legal?

Those who drank before falling asleep in the altitude chamber had their blood oxygen saturation drop to 85% on average, while their heart rates rose to compensate to an average of nearly 88 beats per minute.

Solar panels power up the artificial island of Yas in the UAE

Julie Steinbeck

-

June 3, 2024

0

Yas Island is going to get powered by the sun

Emerge, a joint venture between the UAE’s Masdar and France’s EDF Group, has announced the successful energization of two high-profile solar photovoltaic projects on Yas Island at Yas Marina Circuit and Yas Bay Waterfront, Abu Dhabi’s vibrant day-to-night dining, entertainment and leisure destination.

The 1 megawatt peak (MWp) solar car park at Ethara’s Yas Marina Circuit, home to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, will generate approximately 30 percent of Yas Marina Circuit’s total annual energy demand, equivalent to powering nearly 200 Abu Dhabi households and offsetting 900 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year.

Yas Island, an artificial island on the coast of the UAE includes Ferrari World, home to the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, which offers an adrenaline-pumping experience for thrill-seekers, Yas Waterworld, an expansive water park with over 40 rides, slides, and attractions inspired by the UAE’s pearl diving heritage.

Yas Island provides pristine beaches like Yas Beach, perfect for sunbathing and water sports. Additionally, the island is home to Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi’s largest shopping center.

Yas Island also boasts luxurious accommodations, including hotels such as the W Abu Dhabi.

Under its agreement with the venue’s operator, Ethara, Emerge has installed more than 1,800 solar modules across the car park of the track of the Marina Circuit, which holds a capacity of 60,000 spectators, delivering a comprehensive turnkey solution for the project, including finance, design, procurement, construction, operations, and maintenance for 25 years.

The 520kWp Yas Bay Waterfront development for Miral involved the installation of over 900 solar modules, equivalent to powering around 100 Abu Dhabi households and offsetting 425 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year. The solution included finance, design, procurement and construction and Emerge will operate and maintain the solar modules.

Jonathan Brown, Chief Portfolio Officer at Miral, said: “This project is a testament of our commitment in further positioning Yas Island as a top global destination for entertainment and leisure, while consistently priorisiting sustainable practices.”

Hesham Al Jneibi, Yas Marina Circuit and Etihad Park General Manager, said: “We are keen to play our part in supporting the wide-scale sustainability efforts of the UAE, and we are focused on setting the new standard for responsible event and venue management through collaboration in the region.”

Michel Abi Saab, General Manager, Emerge, said: “The energization of these two solar projects on Yas Island shows the commitment by Miral and Ethara to sustainability and to minimizing their environmental footprint. These projects will deliver high-quality and reliable clean energy to Abu Dhabi’s race circuit and to one of its premier entertainment destinations, which attracts millions of visitors from home and abroad. The successful implementation of our projects demonstrates the compelling case for installing renewable energy projects at entertainment sites in the UAE.”

Yas Bay Waterfront is the third collaboration between Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, and Emerge. In March 2023, Miral inaugurated Abu Dhabi’s largest solar rooftop project at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, with an impressive 7-megawatt peak (MWp) capacity.

The project incorporates approximately 16,000 solar modules across the theme park’s roof area of 36,000 square meters and produces nearly 40 percent of its annual energy demand.

Emerge has also deployed on-site solar energy systems at the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi theme park, which has a capacity of 8.4 megawatts (MWp) and is scheduled to be commissioned during the second quarter of 2024.

Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar and EDF Group, was formed in 2021 to develop distributed solar, energy storage and hybrid solutions for commercial and industrial. As an energy services company, Emerge offers clients full turnkey solutions through solar power agreements and energy performance contracting at no upfront cost to the client.

Should Pride flag colors appear on BMW Saudi Arabia?

Julie Steinbeck

-

June 3, 2024

0

BMW saudi Arabia pride month — BMW Saudi Arabia pride month: did you run out of ink?

Social media influencers are asking why BMW in Saudi Arabia, and international brands in general are not changing their famous logos to the colors of the LGBT movement, a rainbow flag to celebrate Pride Month? BMW has changed its international logo to reflect Pride, but the Saudi Arabian version remains unchanged.

It is common for international brands to celebrate and reflect certain holidays and celebrations throughout the year. Local branding is usually left to local marketing companies who handle the brand and its expression in respectiev countries. Should Saudi Arabia go rainbow?

Homosexuals and people who have affairs outside marriage can face death by stoning in Saudi Arabia. It is legal for a man to have more than one wife in Saudi Arabia. They are by law allowed to have up to 4.

Women were only allowed to start driving in 2018.

Cisco, BMW, Lenovo and Bethesda don't celebrate Pride in the Middle East — Cisco, BMW, Lenovo and Bethesda don’t celebrate Pride in the Middle East

According to Islamic Shariah law homosexuality is punishable by death. Men in Iran are sentenced to death if they are found engaging in love partnerships or sexual acts with other men. A Palestinian man was beheaded for being gay while seeking asylum in Canada. Canadians encourage people to explore their sexuality choices starting in grade school so it a safe place to live if you seek sexual freedom.

Being gay is not allowed in most Islamic countries. Be careful in countries like Iran, the UAE or Saudi Arabia if you engage in sexual freedom. You can be arrested or worse.

Vivo Barefoot collaborates with compostable shoe company Balena

Fashion

Karin Kloosterman

-

June 3, 2024

0

vivobarefoot and balena — Vivobarefoot partners with Balena to 3D-print compostable and biodegradable barefoot-style footwear

Vivobarefoot is a wildly popular shoe brand founded by Galahad and Asher Clark of the Clark shoes empire. The shoes are outrageously expensive ––about twice the price of leading fashion sports brands such as Nike, yet loyal customers come back time and time again to buy shoes that give the most true-to-barefoot experience in a shoe.

Vivo is now collaborating with an Israeli-Italian company Balena which is making a method and material so that shoes at the end of their lives will compost. It should be said that even the plastic parts of Vivo’s shows start to disintegrate anyway after a year.

Balena, eco and biodegradable sandal slide, plastic, eco plastic, biocir, cycles of decomposition

What are barefoot shoes?

They have wide area for your toes to open out. The soles have zero padding, and just a thin layer of rubber between your foot and the world. No support. Because “you are the technology” as the slogan goes. Our feet, essentially, are built to support our backs and bodies. Modern shoes, Vivobarefoot claims, can actually damage your feet and body by changing your gate, and by putting pressure on areas of your body when running like your knees.

Why does Abebe Bikila run without shoes?Abebe Bikila - Wikipedia 1960 Rome Olympics In Rome, Abebe purchased new running shoes, but they did not fit well and gave him blisters. He consequently decided to run barefoot instead. — At the 1960 Rome Olympics Ethiopian runner Abebe purchased new running shoes, but they did not fit well and gave him blisters. He decided to run barefoot instead. And won.

My son has been wearing Vivo shoes for 7 years and so have I. The rubber on the soles of the shoes wear out before the rest of the shoe. So if rubber and plastics aren’t going to last a lifetime, we can say it’s time to usher in the idea of footwear that can melt back to the earth.

Vivobarefoot says they have been prototyping 3D-printed footwear since 2019. Brand co-founder Asher Clark previously called the development of a 3D-printed shoe “an obsession”. The process involves 3D-printing the harder parts of the shoe such as the sole, then 3D-knitting the upper part. By 3-D printing, essentially shoes can be customized to a customer’s foot in the color choice they want.

Vivobarefoot and Balena 3D print a shoe to mimic the shoes of primal man

Vivobarefoot, 3D printed and knitted uppers.

By making shoes to measure, less material is wasted and product longevity is likely enhanced due to the shoes fitting the wearer perfectly. This translates to reduction in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions across the product value chain, according to companies that assess product life cycle.

Balena, eco and biodegradable sandal slide, plastic, eco plastic, biocir, 3 colors — Balena slide, biodegradable and compostable

Through its new partnership with Balena, Vivobarefoot is aiming to create 3D-printed shoes made with material that is both compostable and recyclable. Balena will apply its ‘BioCir flex’ material to the partnership. This material includes at least 50% bio-based content.

VivoBarefoot’s Clark said: “The world doesn’t need new shoes. We need a new system and new materials.”

David Roubach, balena shoes — David Roubach, Balena shoes

Banela’s founder David Roubach said that there “is a need to advocate for a clearer circular economy model with a fundamental change in the materials we use” to reduce waste in this sector.

Billions of pairs of shoes are made globally each year. And most of these get thrown out as a by-product of fast fashion. That’s why there are so many flipflops in the Syechelles. If you have a business idea to work with a biodegradable material for rubber ducks and flipflops on a cruise line, you have a new impact company.

Shakshuka, Tunisian Eggs Poached in Tomato Sauce

Recipe

Miriam Kresh

-

June 2, 2024

3

Shakshuka, Tunisian Eggs Poached in Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce, eggs, and a little chili heat. What’s not to love?

Shakshuka came to Israel by way of immigrants from Tunisia. Its rustic North African origin is betrayed by the chili bite and how it makes the most of local ingredients: ripe tomatoes, bell peppers, and eggs. Sustainable, flavorful, folkloric and quick. Can’t get better than that.

Shakshuka: Eggs Poached in Tomato Sauce

Yield: four servings

Ingredients:

4 ripe tomatoes, not peeled and roughly cut into chunks

2 medium yellow onions, peeled and sliced thinly

2 bell peppers of different colors (red and yellow are especially attractive), seeded and sliced into eighths

2 cloves garlic, chopped roughly

1 teaspoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons salt, or to taste

Freshly-ground black pepper to taste

1 small, de-seeded red chili, finely chopped – or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne flakes

1/4 – 1/2 cup water, as needed

4 large eggs

A handful of chopped coriander, parsley, or spring onions, for garnish

Method:

Prepare the vegetables, putting each sliced or chopped one in a separate bowl.

1. Put the ground cumin into a large skillet and let it heat through for a few seconds or until the aroma rises. Add the olive oil to the skillet.

2. Add the onions and sauté for two minutes, till they wilt. Add the sliced peppers to the skillet and sauté another 5 minutes, or until they too are softened.

3. Add the chopped tomatoes, garlic, salt, pepper, and chopped chili or cayenne flakes. Cook over medium heat, stirring, for 20 minutes. Add water as needed to make a thick sauce. Do not add so much water as to make the sauce runny. It should be juicy but semi-solid, like a thick pasta sauce.

4. With a spoon, gently push aside the vegetables in four places. Break one egg into each of these places. Cover the skillet with a lid, lower the heat, and cook a further 10 minutes or until the eggs are set to your liking.

5. Sprinkle the shakshuka with the chopped green herbs. Serve 1 egg per person, with generous amounts of sauce.

1- portion serving: spoon some of the sauce into a small frying pan and cook one egg in it.

Meat alternative: Fry a few hot Merguez sausages in olive oil and garnish the Shakshuka with them.

Lazy cook’s alternative: Take any amount of leftover pasta sauce, cook green peppers in it, add cayenne, and poach eggs in it. Add grated cheese (not traditional, but nice) or sausage as above.

Green alternative

Moshe Basson's book has a version of green shakshuka — Moshe Basson’s book has a version of green shakshuka

In any case, make sure to have plenty of fresh bread to mop up the sauce.

Enjoy!

More Middle-Eastern recipes from Green Prophet:

Za’atar-topped Pita

Moroccan Stuffed Artichoke Hearts
Apricot Chutney
Pea Pod Soup Recipe

Photo of shakshuka by Miriam Kresh

Quran guidelines on how to be ecological in the Muslim faith

Julie Steinbeck

-

June 2, 2024

0

honey beekeepers palestinian — Muslim women learn the art of beekeeping.

The new Al Mizan offers Quranic context to ecological concerns and questions

Similar to Pope Francis encyclical Laudato Si’ published in 2015, Al-Mizan is an Islamic-inspired global call to head the cries of the people and the earth seeking to inspire billions of people from all religions in all parts of the world to tend to our one planet, our home.

The Muslim-based Covenant ushers in a movement for comprehensive action and concerted efforts to achieve, collectively, sustainable lifestyles. Some of the topics inside include the prohibition of killing birds for sport, protecting nature and plants, and the discussion on genetic engineering, if it’s satanic or sent from God? In this case, only questions are asked?

We quote from the guide: “Genetic engineering brings with it a host of ethical and practical problems. Is genetic manipulation to be prohibited absolutely as the satanic “changing of God’s creation,” which may lead to environmental catastrophe? Or does it offer legitimate means to cure genetic illnesses and to stave off starvation by enhancing the drought resistance and disease resistance of our crops?

“We might bear in mind that justifications are offered for most evils on the basis of the benefits they bring, whereas if, like intoxicants and gambling, the harm in them is greater than the good, the sharī‘ah requires their prohibition. If, on the other hand, genetic engineering is permissible within limits, how are these limits to be defined?”

“Al-Mizan,” or “balance” in English, gives a Muslim perspective on how faith can inform and inspire action in the face of current global ecological challenges. It calls on Muslims and the broader global community to unite to restore ecological balance and preserve the Earth for future generations.

“The word ‘Al-Mizan,’ the title of our treatise, means equilibrium and reciprocity. The Quran describes all beings as balanced and integrated in interconnected and interdependent equilibrium,” said Othman Llewellyn, one of its lead authors. According to the scholar, God had unfolded all things in a balance with one another, and all things need, support and benefit the other.

“Nothing is created wantonly or in vain. All are created in truth and for right, and each has rights on us: that we care for it,” said Llewellyn, a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s World Commission on Protected Areas and World Commission on Environmental Law.

Christian leaders said the document struck a balance between the Islamic worldview and the Christian perspective, particularly that of the Catholic Church.

“In many ways, ‘Al-Mizan’ is the Islamic equivalent to Laudato Si’, the encyclical of Pope Francis, and more recently, the ‘Laudate Deum,’ a follow-up document,” said Catholic Archbishop Hubertus van Megen, the apostolic nuncio in Kenya and South Sudan: “‘Al-Mizan,’ although building entirely on its own profound Islamic tradition, resonates in many ways the teachings of ‘Laudato Si’.’

“In fact, I would like to invite all of you to read them in tandem, as they raise together a harmonious song of praise, who is the creator of the universe,” said van Megen.

Rabbis in Israel have come up with a Jewish version of this theology and have called it the Eco Bible.

Al Mizan can inspire religious and secular people alike

Who is part of the covenant? The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, The Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Üsküdar University, The Qur’anic Botanic Garden, The College of Islamic Studies at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar, and UNEP Faith for Earth.

Al-Mizan draws from the Holy Quran, practices of Prophet Mohammad, and the teachings of Islam urging humanity to value and protect nature.

In October 2019, at the 8th Islamic Conference of Environment Ministers (ICEM) held in Rabat, Ministers approved a strategy of “enhancing the role of cultural and religious factors in protecting the environment and achieving sustainable development in the Islamic World”, building upon the foundations laid since the first ICEM held in Jeddah in 2002.

Following this, there was a sense that a global platform linking environmental issues to Islamic teachings and incubating Islamic perspectives on nature was missing, yet urgently needed.

This would serve to demonstrate how Islam can be a driving force towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, leveraging cultural practices and traditional knowledge in driving behavioral changes required alongside science and policy.

green promise, Muslim, eco sustainable Islam — Download the Islamic Covenant for the earth

To this end, the Covenant drew a team of renowned Islamic-environmental scholars and leading institutions comprising of diverse religious and geographic backgrounds to mobilize the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims towards a stronger environmental ethic and routine. You don’t need to be a Muslim to be inspired by the philosophy.

Read related: The Eco Bible for the Woke Generation

Titled Al-Mizan, derived from the opening of Surat Al-Rahman, the Core and Drafting Team present a Covenant for the Earth.

Want to know more? You can download the covenant here.

China starts to mine the moon

Technology

Karin Kloosterman

-

June 2, 2024

0

The space race is on: China has succeeded in landing a non-manned spacecraft to the far side of the moon, China’s space agency announced. The Communist nation aims to collect more minerals from the moon. There is a global debate on who should own minerals in space, and if we should take them. Another debate is on space junk and the over-lighting of the skies by space satellites like Bluewalker and Starlink.

While Elon Musk and the UAE have a mission to get to Mars, the immediate rush is to get to the moon to mine for minerals, and to begin the building of international moon bases for astronaut missions and missions to Mars.

The landing elevates China’s space power status in a global rush to the moon, where countries, including the United States, are hoping to exploit lunar minerals to sustain long-term astronaut missions and moon bases.

hydroponic moon mars — Lunar Plants Research Documentation, NASA

A Chinese spacecraft has successfully landed on the moon’s far side to collect rock samples, further intensifying the ongoing space race to the lunar surface with the United States and partner nations.

China’s Chang’e-6 entered the lunar orbit and landed on June 1, according to the European Space Agency (ESA), which contributed a Swedish-developed payload to the mission.

The mission is the sixth in China’s Chang’e moon exploration program. It is named after a Chinese moon goddess. The far side of the moon is permanently hidden from Earth’s view and olds significant scientific mysteries.

The lander is expected to drill and collect moon surface materials of up to 4.4 pounds which will be loaded into an ascent vehicle before launching back into lunar orbit for an expected rendezvous and docking with the orbiter.

Morocco and Austria space mission — Morocco and Austria also want to go to Mars!

Scientific and International Collaboration Onboard

While all eyes are on Communist China for its support of Iran and Russia, the Chinese have still managed to cooperate with several international scientific missions which included their instruments.

The Negative Ions at the Lunar Surface (NILS) payload, developed by the Swedish Institute of Space Physics, and the Detection of Outgassing RadoN (DORN) instrument from France will collect data during the lander’s operational period on the surface. An Italian passive laser retro-reflector and a small rover are aboard the lander. (Remember when the Italians reflected sun onto this town which was always in a shadow?)

Chang’e-6 also carried a small satellite called Icube-Q which was developed by Pakistani and Chinese universities.

China aims to put a person on the moon before 2030, which would make it the second nation after the United States. NASA plans to send people to the moon by 2026.

The big goal is an International Lunar Research Station planned for the 2030s which expects collaboration from many countries and organizations.

A 2020 Chinese moon mission brought back minerals to China. The Chinese discovery of a phosphate mineral in columnar crystal has the nation clamoring for more of the Moon. They have discovered a new phosphate mineral now named Changesite-(Y).

Several countries and organizations have signed up for this ambitious project, signaling China’s growing influence and commitment to leading the next era of space exploration.

The world’s first trillionaire will mine the skies

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson once told the World Government Summit in Dubai that the first trillionaires are likely to be those who mine asteroids for minerals and water to further the exploration of the universe. Planetary Resources and Deep Space Resources are working out which asteroids offer the greatest potential for profits.

Nation states are also involved in the space-mining race, with countries such as Luxembourg, Japan and the United Arab Emirates leading the pack.

We must ask ourselves as in the case of deep sea mining now started by Norway: Who owns resources in space? Will space mining be a free-for-all, operating on a first-come, first-served basis? And who – if anyone – has the oversight to ensure the resources are used responsibly and for humanity’s benefit?

Hot topics

Finance

Marketing

Politics

Strategy

Hot topics

Finance

Marketing

Politics

Strategy

The Rise of 5G Technology and Its Environmental Impact

Energy efficiency and 5G

Reducing electronic waste

Smart agriculture and sustainable farming

Driving transportation efficiency with 5G

Sustainable medical innovations

Embracing a Sustainable Future with 5G

Wait, is there a problem with green olives too?

How you can avoid lye and ferrous gluconate in your olives?

Love everything about olives? Here is more:

Marinating Olives

Deep clean vents every few years

Replace air filters

Pair the air con with fans

Invest in window shades

Keep the doors and windows closed

Close vents and doors of rooms not in use

What are barefoot shoes?

Shakshuka: Eggs Poached in Tomato Sauce

The new Al Mizan offers Quranic context to ecological concerns and questions

The world’s first trillionaire will mine the skies

Company

Headlines

Newsletter