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Eco luxury and sustainable hotels in Israel

Danielle Meyers
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Eco luxury and sustainable hotels in Israel

picture of jaffa

Are you planning a trip to Israel and don’t know where to stay? I want to share 10 hotels in Israel that are worth looking into. These hotels all practice sustainable management, from locally sourced food, to energy-saving light bulbs, and bans on plastic waste. From luxury hotels to a simpler, rugged desert experience, I have covered them all.

1. Six Senses Shaharut

Six Senses Negev Desert, eco luxury hotel in Israel
Six Senses Negev Desert, an eco luxury hotel in Israel with very high prices

Six Senses Shaharut is a magnificent place to stay if you are traveling to the Negev Desert. This beautiful property is committed to being a sustainable hotel, and they even list their sustainable measures on their website. The hotel is the first in Israel to be certified to achieve LEED by the US Green Building Council, although some Middle East countries use their own standard rating called Pearl.

The hotel was designed in a way that reduces energy consumption by 25 percent. The lighting systems are made motion censored and are energy-efficient. The food waste is composted and then used on-site in their garden. They also produce and bottle their own water in glass bottles and partner with BevGuard to ensure high-quality drinking water. The oil they use for cooking is recycled into biodiesel and they do not discharge any waste liquids via the use of a palm grove that absorbs all the treated wastewater.

They even have an Energy Lab where they encourage their guests to come and learn about the resort’s sustainability efforts.

2. The Vera

The Vera Hotel, Tel Aviv
The Vera is sustainability in the middle of Tel Aviv

This hotel is located in Tel Aviv just north of the Florentin neighborhood and has much to offer. Designed by Assaf Solomon, an architect, and designer of many hotels in Israel, this hotel is well worth staying in if you want to stay in a prime location in Tel Aviv. Besides having great amenities like a spa, cafe, bar, and fitness center, the hotel has a modern design that incorporates sustainable measures into its operation.

Firstly, they were the first hotel to ban single-use plastics. “The elimination of single-use plastics is an obvious decision and a forward step for the hotel industry,” says Danny Tamari, CEO and founder of The Vera. “We continually strive to build an environmentally-conscious society, and The Vera’s action reflects our vision of what a modern hospitality experience should be.”

In addition, The Vera uses locally sourced products they get from a company called Arugot, which their products are made from seeds in the western Negev. They also use an energy-efficient air-conditioning system and use eco-insulation.

picture of a desert

3. Abraham Hostel

Abraham Hostel, Tel Aviv
Abraham Hostel, Tel Aviv

One of my personal favorites which I stayed in myself was Abraham Hostel. Located on Levontin St in a prime location in Tel Aviv, this hostel was much to offer. Environmentally, the hostel takes part in sustainable practices to encourage sustainable travel for its guests.

They encourage recycling by having recycling spaces throughout the hostel. They also use LED lighting and use timers for the shower heaters to conserve energy. In terms of food, they make accommodations for vegans and get their food from local sources. They encourage public transportation with awareness campaigns on buses, bikes, and scooters. The hotel created an entire sustainable guide to travel that they share with their guests and is up on their website.

They also have locations in Jerusalem. Eilat, Nazareth, and Sinai, although the Sinai location is rumored to have shut down over political issues between its local owners there.

4. Dan Hotels

picture of Jerusalem

This Israeli hotel chain has 18 locations in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Herzilya, Eilat, Caesarea, North, and Haifa. They are highly regarded as being a sustainable and eco-friendly hotel. The hotels earned a 9.1/10 on the ETIC ethical and sustainable score according to the ETIC Hotels.

Most of the properties are made with isolated windows to increase thermal efficiency, which decreases the amount of energy needed for cooling and heating. They are also switching all our their lighting to LED, Neon lamps, or Fluorescent bulbs.

This energy-saving system that Dan Hotels are currently working to incorporate into all their locations works as a two-fold system, it saves energy lost while also being able to share energy generated from the air conditioning to heat the pools and so on.

5. Tzlil Hateva 

Wood cabins Israel

The Tzlil Hateva Hotel in Hosen is inspired by a wood cabin design that is located alongside the mountains and the valley. This hotel takes big steps to be an eco-friendly hotel. This hotel uses biomass as its renewable energy source, which reduces its emissions of greenhouse gases. It’s not a luxury hotel so don’t expect the look and feel of Tel Aviv or other hotels on this list, but it’s a decent budget option that puts sustainability into its practice.

Some of the other practices the hotel takes part in are getting materials for building from sustainable sources, using LED lighting, sustainable toilets, having low-flow toilets, composting organic waste, diet for vegetarians, and so much more. In addition, the hotel is part of the Travel Sustainable program, which is designed to adhere to the needs of the environment and sustainable development.

For more budget eco travel in Israel, here are some tips to avoid the very high prices of hotels. Israel runs a network of SPNI field schools and basic lodging. Usually set in Israel’s most untouched nature, an SPNI Field School in locations like Ein Gedi are a the nature-lover’s dream destination. SPNI Field Schools provide accommodation, and educational hiking and walking tours. Don’t expect the amenities of an eco hotel, but these sites are adequate for getting out into nature.

6. Hotel Indigo Tel Aviv – Diamond District

Hotel Indigo, Tel Aviv
Inside Hotel Indigo, Tel Aviv

This luxurious hotel located on Aholiav Street in Tel Aviv is modern, elegant, and spacious. The hotel is part of the IHG Green Engage system, showing that sustainability is a major player in their operations. This system allows the hotel to measure and manage their impact on the environment by providing all information they need to reduce their energy, waste, and emissions.

Nestled in the sophisticated Diamond District among eclectic architecture and fashion boutiques, the Hotel Indigo Tel Aviv Diamond District hotel is designed to be an Art Deco reinterpretation of the world’s most precious stone.

The hotel was rated 9.3/10 on their ETIC ethical and sustainable score because they completed all requirements to be an IHG hotel. This means they have reduced their energy consumption by 25 percent. They also earned a bioscore sustainability level A. Similar hotels are found in countries around the world and this boutique hotel has a location in Oman and one in Dubai.

7. Hotel Saul 

Hotel Saul, Tel Aviv
Eco-practicing at Hotel Saul

Hotel Saul in Tel Aviv is the heart of Tel Aviv and commits to a range of sustainable practices. The Saul is the first hotel in Israel to be a part of the Green Key Program, which sets standards for global sustainability tourism. The Green Key Program, which started in 1994 pushes the hotel and other operations in the tourism industry to pledge to sustainable practices and technology.

The Shaul specifically, has numerous operations that are sustainable. Some of which include the separation of waste and locally sourced products. They also use LED lights and harness a Miso system for lighting which is a power-saving technology. They use an economical water heating system and use Sunergy windows which help to maintain room temperatures by use of natural light.

8. Desert Shade Eco-Lodge 

Desert Shade, Mitzpe Ramon
Desert Shade, Mitzpe Ramon crater

This lodge is for people who like to be out in nature. In the Ramon Crater, the Desert Shade Eco-Lodge is a hand-built, unique desert experience that is known for the breathtaking views of the night sky. This hotel is eco because it allows its guests to reconnect with nature and get away from the craziness of the world. It supplies many desert activities such as stargazing, Nomad breakfast, fire pits, and bedouin tents, as well as drinking wine from their boutique winery.

There are 7 eco-huts, which were made sustainably with mud bricks and straw. In addition, the lodge only uses composting toilets. If you are looking for an authentic desert experience, this is the place for you.

9. Fabric Hotel

Fabric Hotel, Tel Aviv
The Fabric Hotel in Tel Aviv

This hotel in Tel Aviv is in a prime location on Nahalat Binyamin Street. Like many other green hotels, this hotel does not use single-use plastic and gets all of the food locally sourced. In order to promote sustainable travel, the hotel has free bikes available for its guests. The green spaces all use LED bulbs and the rooftop is a hit among guests. The directors of the hotel also own a chain of hotels, including Shalom & Relax, Tal by the Beach, Backstage Hotel, and more. All these hotels use similar sustainable practices to inspire and spread the sustainable tourism industry.

10. Alberto by Isrotel Design

alberto hotel in Tel Aviv
The Alberto Hotel in Tel Aviv

This hotel has numerous sustainable practices with waste, water, energy, and nature. They take numerous initiatives towards sustainable waste management by not using single-use plastic, recycling, and water dispensers to promote reusable water bottle use. They have water-efficient toilets, showers, and the option to opt out of room cleaning so guests can reuse towels.

Food in the hotel is locally sourced and great for vegans. They use LED bulbs, and double-glazed windows, and have green spaces such as gardens and rooftops. They also invest a large portion of revenue in community/sustainable projects.

Israel’s uneven impact in the cultivated meat market

Ariel Weil
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Israel’s uneven impact in the cultivated meat market
Believer Meats
Believer Meats is cultivated meat made in a lab

Israel is the global hotspot for alternative meat technology. The country’s growing population and limited farmable land, and climate change-induced water shortages have motivated Israeli companies to focus on developing cultivated meat as an environmentally-sustainable alternative. Alternative meat can mean a lot of things: it can be meat made in a lab using original meat or animal cells to create chicken or beef or fish; it can also mean creating meat-like proteins from plants or insects. But cultivated meat is meat that is real meat, made in a warehouse from original meat or animal cells, and which removes a lifetime of misery and pain for any animal by taking the animals out of the story.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog have publicly endorsed cultivated meat by investing $18 million USD and allowing Israel to ultimately lead in alternative meat and protein production.. Israeli start-up companies and academic labs dedicated to advancing cultivated meat technology has become a national research and development priority for Israel. And Israeli rabbis have essentially declared cultivated meat to be “non-meat” by agreeing its kosher status to be parve, the same as bread, apples, and vegan foods we eat today. It is classified to them as neither meat nor milk.

In 2021, Israel accounted for nearly a quarter of venture capital dollars invested in cultivated meat start-ups globally. Consider that three of the first eight cultivated meat companies in the world began in Israel, and today all three of them —Aleph Farms, Super Meat and Believer Meats, along with the new Nasdaq-listed Steakholder Foods—are poised for international distribution once the cost of producing these cultivated meats can be at par with traditional meat.

The top cultivated meat companies from Israel

Believer Meats, formerly known as Future Meat Technologies, is a cultivated meat company excited to scale to feed the world. Driven by a mission to ensure that all future generations can enjoy real and delicious meat, Believer’s technology and process will make meat accessible and affordable to all. Believer Meats culture meat from chicken cells and is working on cultured lamb kebabs and beef burgers. Based in Israel, its main office is located in Jerusalem, while its primary production facility is operating in Rehovot. 

Aleph Farms invested in by people like Leonardo DiCaprio, grows cultivated beef steaks, from non-genetically engineered cells, that are not immortalized, isolated from a living cow, without slaughtering the animal and with a significantly reduced impact to the environment. The company was co-founded in 2017 by Didier Toubia, The Kitchen Hub of the Strauss Group, and Professor Shulamit Levenberg from the Biomedical Engineering Faculty at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. The company’s vision is to provide unconditional nutrition for anyone, anytime, anywhere.

SuperMeat also from Israel is developing cultivated chicken meat, grown directly from cells, in a sustainable and animal-friendly process. 

BioBetter is creating complex proteins for the cultivated meat industry. They apply advances uses in the lab for making vaccines in tabacco plants to procure proteins that can be used for cultivated meat companies. Consider them a raw material supplier to the alt meat industry.

Steakholder Foods, formerly MeaTech 3D  “STKH” (formerly MITC), is developing a slaughter-free solution for producing a variety of beef, and seafood products — both as raw materials and whole cuts — as an alternative to industrialized farming and fishing.

This past month, the United States Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drugs Administration approved the sale of cultivated meat in the US, which is a landmark decision marking it safe for consumption. Until now the only country that allowed sale of cultivated meat to the consumer was Singapore. Two prominent US companies, Upside Foods and Good Meat, successfully introduced their “cultivated chicken” at a cost that competes with regular meat. Not long ago companies such as Aleph introduced steaks but at a cost of thousands of dollars an ounce to produce. 

According to the MIT Technology Review, Upside, one of the companies that received approval from the FDA, can churn out 50,000 pounds (22,600 kg) of completed goods annually. It will eventually be able to increase to a maximum annual capacity of roughly 400,000 pounds (180,000 kg). 

How is cultivated meat made?

Compared to meat alternatives cultivated meat is made in a lab from real meat. It takes harmless existing cells from an animal and growing them inside what scientists call a cultivator. This cultivator mimics what occurs inside an animal’s reproductive organs to give the cells warmth and the environment necessary to transform it into meat. This includes proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. A cultivator is very similar to growing plants inside a greenhouse. Eventually, the product produced is the same as regularly processed meat at a cellular level. However, it is made in a much more environmentally-friendly way, according to founders of the company. 

The emergence of cultivated meat represents a significant milestone in the quest for sustainable food production. With the tagline of “meat without slaughter,” these products offer a humane and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional animal agriculture. Cultivated meat technology holds tremendous promise for resource conservation.They can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and alleviate the strain on land resources.

According to the Good Food Institute, cultivated meat can reduce water usage by up to 78% and land requirements by up to 95% compared to traditional beef farming. 

The Israeli population has also shown a growing interest in alternative diets. A survey conducted in 2017 revealed that 5% of Israelis identify as vegan, 8% as vegetarian, and an additional 23% expressed a desire to reduce their meat consumption. 

Even the Israeli army has embraced alternative proteins, providing vegan meals and animal product-free gear to recruits. While cultivated meat may not appeal to those who altogether avoid animal products, it is expected to resonate with individuals who are already concerned about the environmental impact, inefficiencies, and ethical concerns associated with conventional animal farming.

Approving lab-grown meat for sale marks a significant step towards a more sustainable future. As more countries and companies embrace alternative proteins, cultivated meat has the potential to revolutionize the food industry and address pressing global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and animal welfare concerns.

 

The Blue Green Deal and climate pacts between enemies

Danielle Meyers
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The Blue Green Deal and climate pacts between enemies
peace sign young man made in dirt
Making peace in the Middle East through water

We learn from models such as Gidon Bromberg – the founder of EcoPeace – how a career in international environmental law can change the world and help young people impact the consequences of climate change. As countries across the globe struggle with climate change Middle East states such as Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and Jordan show the world how struggles with climate negotiation cooperation can lead to hope for sustainable peace.

Bromberg and his Jordan and Palestinian partners at EcoPeace have created a project to dismantle areas of complications and form stronger bonds. When there are sensitive subjects in relationships between countries, climate agreements becomes millions of times more complicated and much more challenging to discuss solutions among enemies. For this reason, EcoPeace has created the Green Blue Deal, which may be an answer to climate troubles in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Green Blue Deal

The Middle East is a ticking time bomb. To defuse catastrophic consequences which may be larger than the climate question, the Green Blue Deal has worked up four key areas in order to create climate resilience in the Middle East.

For starters, the Green Blue Deal attempts to improve relations between Jordan, Palestine, and Israel by creating a water and energy exchange system that allows the countries to share water and energy to benefit all of the Middle East. In this deal Israel will build a desalination plant in the region of Emek Hefer and Jordan will be able to purchase the water at reasonable rates.

The business arrangements, to be financed by third parties, will be part of a larger business plan that includes Jordan developing and supplying solar energy which it can then feed back to the Israeli grid. The cost of labor and more open space makes Jordan a more ideal place for solar energy production over Israel.

Part of the deal, EcoPeace will rehabilitate the shared Jordan River and will create education programs that target youth groups for early education on climate resiliency and diplomacy.

Through this deal, EcoPeace charters the way toward a region that is not only creating a greener environment but also building a stronger community. Settling disputes via climate discussion, is a passive method of compliance between nations that were previously in a high-tension state.

By working together “we can build the framework for peace and climate security for all,” hopes EcoPeace directors collectively. This deal sets up the framework for a mutual economic support system for the environment, and promotes solutions between Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

This is not only an Israeli, Palestinian or Jordanian discussion. EcoPeace also calls on leaders from other countries to help support the Middle Eastern deal.

How local conflict impacts us globally

Countries such as Australia, Germany, the United States, and Russia are all being urged to join a ‘coalition of the willing’ to help EcoPeace support the implementation of the Green Deal. In addition, countries in Europe can even benefit from EcoPeace’s plans, as Bromberg explains to Green Prophet from his office in Tel Aviv:

“All public areas were without heating in the winter,” and this was due to being dependent on Russian gas that was inaccessible at the time. However, with renewable energy technologies, countries all over the world can benefit from connections with other countries by getting resources for renewable energy from others.

This is why relationships between nations are so important, not only in the Middle East but everywhere. This plan can lay the foundation for inspiration for countries all over the world to come to a middle ground, settle disputes, and better our environment.

The Health Benefits of Dried Meat: A Nutritious and Delicious Snack

Bhok Thompson
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The Health Benefits of Dried Meat: A Nutritious and Delicious Snack
sustainable homemade snack made from meat
Preppers and people who live off the land know the importance of drying meat. It’s a sustainable way to keep meat without freezing it.

Drying meat is a beloved culinary tradition that continues to captivate people with its long-lasting qualities and delectable taste. The process involves dehydrating or removing moisture from the meat, resulting in a nutrient-dense and lightweight food option.

Because of these qualities, dried meat has been a popular food choice among various cultures since ancient civilizations, proving a portable and convenient source of sustenance. Aside from its convenience, dried meat provides a wide array of health benefits, making it a nutritious option for people who need a snack packed with protein.

This article will delve into the many health benefits of consuming dried meat, exploring its positive impact on muscle development, weight management, nutritional composition, and overall physical well-being. It will also explore the historical significance of dried meat as a survival food and the fundamental processes involved in producing the popular snack.

What is dried meat?

Commonly known as jerky, dried meat refers to the type of meat that has gone through dehydration. It’s a process that involves removing the majority of its moisture content. Removing water from the meat inhibits the growth of microorganisms that significantly extends the shelf life of the meat.

Since the invention of the first home electric refrigerator was not until the 20th century, various cultures throughout history needed a creative solution to address meat spoilage and scarcity. As a result, drying meat became a popular preservation method, ensuring meat shelf life and a readily available food source for long journeys or periods of scarcity.

The Historical Significance of Dried Meat

The practice of drying meat goes as far back as forty thousand years ago, at the beginning of the Cro-Magnon era. During that period, dried meat was far from the delightful shredded beef jerky snack you know today.

For ancient civilizations like the Native Americans, Mongols, and Egyptians, drying meat was more for preparation and survival rather than producing convenient snacks. As mentioned, drying meat was an essential method for preserving food for extended periods, allowing explorers and nomadic tribes to sustain themselves during harsh winters and long expeditions.

During ancient times, dried meat was particularly favored by travelers and hunters due to its long shelf life and lightweight nature. It provided a concentrated source of essential nutrients, energy, and protein, making it the ideal option for survival in the harshest environments and conditions.

Because of its significance in history, dried meat cemented itself as a culinary tradition millions worldwide can continue to enjoy today.

Traditional Methods of Drying Meat

Producing dried meat entails several steps to ensure proper flavor development and dehydration. While modern technology has introduced faster and more efficient meat drying methods, many individuals who still appreciate the time-honored art of producing dried meat utilize traditional techniques.

While different cultures and individuals have their own variations and recipes for drying meat, they all still follow the fundamental steps. These traditional methods of meat drying involve selection, preparation, slicing, marinating, drying, testing for doneness, and storing.

Meat selection

man hipster beard deli europe
A keto diet is based on meat. Scientists say the diet improves spatial memory and visual memory, lowers indices of brain inflammation, causes less neuronal death and slows down the rate of cellular ageing

During the meat selection, it is imperative to select lean cuts of meat, such as turkey, venison, pork, or beef, with minimal fat content. Fat can turn rancid during the drying process, affecting the taste and quality of the final product.

Meat preparation

Meat preparation entails trimming off any connective tissue or visible fat from the meat and then partially freezing the meat for a short time to make it easier to cut uniformly.

Slicing

The slicing process involves cutting the meat against the grain into thin strips. This helps achieve the ideal tender texture in the final product.

Marinating

After cutting the meat into thin and uniform strips, it’s time to prepare the seasoning or marinade blend according to a standard recipe or personal preference. Typical ingredients dried meat producers utilize in their marinades include vinegar, liquid smoke, spices, herbs, natural sweeteners, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.

The person responsible for preparing and measuring the ingredients must then marinate the meat in the mixture overnight or for several hours to infuse the flavors into the meat.

Drying

The next step is the drying process once the marinade adequately infuses its flavors into the meat. The drying process has various traditional methods, including sun drying, air drying, and smoking. 

Sun drying involves hanging or laying out the marinated meat strips under direct sunlight to dry out, similar to leaving wet clothes to dry. This drying method entails a high dependency on the weather conditions that must be dry and warm climates.

Additionally, the sun drying method requires regular protection from insects and monitoring, and it can take from several days to weeks for the meat to thoroughly dehydrate.

The air drying method involves hanging the marinated strips of meat in a well-ventilated location, which is often a cold and dry room. The person in charge of drying the meat leaves it to air dry naturally with the assistance of good air circulation.

Similar to the sun drying method, air drying is a time-consuming process that can take several days to about two weeks to dehydrate the meat thoroughly.

4 Summer Vacation Details To Iron Out Before Your Trip

Bhok Thompson
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4 Summer Vacation Details To Iron Out Before Your Trip
minimal packing
Pack lightly to travel sustainably. But also listen to poet John Milton’s words: “Luck is the residue of design.“

Your plane tickets are in-hand, your hotel is booked, and you are ready for your much-needed vacation. You have a solid plan set out, and you’re pretty sure you haven’t missed anything. Your toothbrush is packed, but are you missing anything else? 

The worst feeling in the world is being 20,000 miles away from home and realizing you forgot something important. It’s easy to do, and everyone has done it, but that doesn’t mean that’s how it has to be. In this article we will identify some frequent vacation details that get swept under the rug, and show you how to iron them out before you get to the vacation destination of your dreams. 

Digitize Your Group’s Schedule

Having a prepared schedule truly elevates any vacation, as it offloads the mental load of figuring out what to do well before you get into vacation relaxation mode. Once prepared, it can easily be shared with your entire group, and ensure everyone is where they need to be at the right time. It’s also just exciting to look forward to a long list of all the fun things you have planned!

Digital calendar scheduling tools have a variety of benefits, such as a polling option so you and your group can decide what to do, when to do it, or what to eat. While Calendly is a popular digital scheduler choice, there is a whole world of Calendly alternatives that may be a better fit for your group. These tools also allow you to easily share a group schedule, and even notify you and your group about upcoming events. 

Putting in the extra effort to have a digital schedule also means mid-trip or on-the-fly additions aren’t a hassle. A spontaneous hike thrown onto the shared schedule helps keep your group informed of your whereabouts without having to reach out to every person. 

Prepare for the Weather

A classic blunder when it comes to vacationing is making assumptions about the weather without checking. Assuming the Bahamas will be warm or Minnesota will be cold make sense logically, but the weather is a fickle thing, and a crazy heat wave or thunderstorm could always be around the corner. So make sure you prepare for the worst. 

While it may seem obvious, step one is to actually check the weather. This is the quickest and easiest way to have an overview of which days are best for the plans you’d like to make. Making sure your planned beach day is on a sunny day instead of an overcast one can make all the difference. Knowing there is a chance of rain on certain days gives you a chance to prepare backup plans if worst comes to worst. So hop on the weather app, Google, or check local new stations to get the weather on your radar. 

Step two is to be prepared for weather shifts. Even if the forecast looks warm and sunny, a light jacket may be a good choice to throw in your bag. It doesn’t take up much space, is great for any chilly flights, and when it does get cold, you’ll be thankful you brought it. No matter the expected weather, it never hurts to bring some “just in case” clothes. 

Plan Out Transportation

The Israel train line to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv
Travelling by train is the most sustainable way to travel on this planet

You might have a ton of cool ideas as to where to go and what to do, but have you considered how to get there? Transportation is a boring, though essential, logistic you should hash out before you arrive at your destination. Though all-inclusive destinations might eliminate this need, it’s still worth looking into if there are any local spots in the area you want to travel to. 

Plan to rent a car, use local transit, or taxi everywhere. These options might sound self-explanatory but deserve a little bit of time and research. Make sure your chosen option is possible, check for frequent issues, and plan ahead. If you rent a car, consider the parking situation of the locations you’ll be driving to. If using public transit, look up the schedule to ensure it is a realistic option. Planning for these problems in advance helps turn disasters into inconveniences, minimizing their impact on your trip. 

Make a List, and Check it Twice

Packing can seem like a simple task, but it really can make or break a trip. Forgetting a single thing can really throw a wrench in the carefree vacation headspace, and the best way to avoid it is to not forget anything in the first place! Start by checking out a travel packing list, and systematically go through what you do and don’t have.

Taking the time to check for things you might be missing is super smart, and saves you emergency trips for chapstick or deodorant while traveling. Depending on how much you travel, it might also be worth it to make your own list. Everyone has different things they need the most, and having a personal list that you can use repeatedly will help every trip be the best it can be. 

Finally, take the time to consider if you need anything specific for your trip. A towel? A water bottle for hikes or long city walks? A travel phone charger? You can pack tons of items that will nip some very real problems in the bud. If nothing else, picking up a travel size sunscreen can prevent sunburns and help you remain happy and healthy during your trip. 

 

This history of carrots and how they went from purple to orange

Naomi Ben-David
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7
This history of carrots and how they went from purple to orange

carrots colorsOriginating in ancient Egypt, carrots didn’t start out so orange. Can you imagine how Bugs Bunny would look chomping down on one of these?

When you think of carrots what is the first thing that comes to mind? One thing is for sure, you don’t think “Gee, you mean that long purple vegetable.”  Well here’s news for you, the original color of the carrot was not orange! Carrots originated in Middle Asia with some historians believing that they were known as far back as Ancient Egypt over 5,000 years ago. It is not clear if they were actually cultivated at this time, however by the 10th century in Afghanistan, they were being grown in the colors purple or yellow.

These weren’t the only colors around, however. In addition to purple and white, carrots were grown in red, yellow and even black. In fact to begin with carrots were not favored as a favorite vegetable, but rather in the times of the Ancient Romans, as a medicinal herb and even as an aphrodisiac. A “green” aphrodisiac at that.

carrots colorful purple
Here’s a simple way to add colour onto your table 

Today we know that carrots have great nutritional value being low in calories. Not only that but carrots are an excellent source of carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A. It is this particular vitamin that really helps with vision, which is why carrots are a great vegetable to add to your diet. If you ask us, your natural advisor? Search no more! Carrots are the thing!

Blame it on the “orange” Dutchmen

When you are preparing your carrots for eating, whether you plan on cooking them or eating them raw, there is something important to keep in mind: don’t peel the skin! In carrots, like many vegetables, most of the nutritional value is just below the skin, so instead of peeling, just scrub the skin clean. And choose organic varieties when you can.

So our popular orange carrot of today, isn’t even one of the original, natural color. Actually it is the product of cross breeding the red and yellow carrots. In the 16th century some Dutch farmers succeeded in growing the first orange carrots in honour of the House of Orange. It is this color carrot, which is most widespread today.

So when you are next making a delicious carrot salad, think just how much more colorful purple would look on your table. Try a local farmer’s market, or health food store near you and taste the difference. Or look for a way near you to order seeds of heirloom varieties of ancient carrots.

Read more on vegetables and health:
How green is your garlic
RECIPE – Flavors of Peasant Cooking: Majadra Means Lentils and Rice
Conserve What You Eat

Jaffa’s home-roasted coffee and music curated at Ada Hanina Cafe

Danielle Meyers
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Jaffa’s home-roasted coffee and music curated at Ada Hanina Cafe
picture of Tomer inside Ada Hanina Cafe in Jaffa
Tomer Adam Lenzinger, the mastermind behind Ada Hanina Cafe

In the beautiful streets of Jaffa near the Flea Market, Ada Hanina Cafe is a marvellous cafe must-try, an exquisite and artistic coffee shop offering the highest quality coffee. As a coffee guru who enjoys trying different coffee shops, Ada Hanina Cafe is unlike any other.

Owner Tomer Adam Lenzinger has been running this cafe for four years now and hasn’t disappointed. With his well-crafted blends featuring both dark and light roasts from the best coffee bean destinations in the world, you are guaranteed a fabulous cup of coffee.

What makes Ada Hanina stand out like any other cafe is how Tomer integrated his love of music into the design of the cafe. An element that stands out once you walk into Ada Hanina is the large stereo speaker and sound system. Either Tomer himself will play music or he will bring in others to play.

Tomer told me he plays music as often as he can, and he will play vinyl. For him, it’s all about the experience of a cafe, and for that reason, he designed the shop with two doors, so you can go in and go out. “It’s all about the vibe,” Tomer said, “a cafe is about talking, exchanging, taking a break, falling in love, or writing a book.” Coffee brings people together, he said and that was what was important in the designing and planning of the cafe, blending all these aspects into one.

picture of the stereo and sound system inside Ada Hanina Cafe

Sourcing his own beans, applying fair trade

The source of Tomer’s coffee beans comes from far and wide: including Africa, Brazil, Columbia, Guatemala, and more. The farmers they work with are the best, specifically the ones in Africa, the beans are wild and are picked by hand, never purified, and no use of chemicals or salts. You can watch videos of the farmers in action on their Instagram. The whole idea, says Tomer, is having fewer hands between us and the farmer. In addition, whatever is not used in the selection process gets composted.

The farmers in Ethiopia are being taught how to harvest and package more sustainably. It is important to Tomer that the farmers in Ethiopia are receiving at least 70% of the profits. Over in Brazil, the terra farmers in Brazil are the first and best rainforest alliance coffee farm. Overall, Tomer strives to have the best connections between him and his farmers to ensure quality coffee is delivered to his customers.

picture of the different coffee blends inside of Ada Hanina Cafe and the menu

Sustainable water

Like I previously wrote about in my article on Tel Aviv’s Vegan Fest vegan festival, Ada Hanina cafe also has vegan options. The most common milk option they use is Oatly oat milk, (you can make your own at home) which is used 70% of the time in the cafe.

According to Tomer, almond milk takes away from the flavor of the coffee and just turns the coffee into an almond flavor. He also is not a fan of the popular trend in America of flavor additives, which are sugary and are used to disguise the taste of bad coffee. In addition, Ada Hanina only sells water in boxes to take away from the plastic waste issue.

customers at Ada Hanina Cafe in Jaffa
Streetview of customers at Ada Hanina Cafe

The straws are from the Upper Galilee and are made of real straw. Tomer believes the biggest environmental issue in Israel right now is the issue of plastic, and wishes there were to-go cups for the cafe that were made of sustainable material. He also thinks there should be more green electricity and says we are moving way too slowly in our efforts to make energy all renewable.

Picture of the boxed water that is sold at Ada Hanina Cafe
Boxed water reading: “Drink water from a paper box and leave fewer footprints”

His favorite thing about his job is having customers come up to him and tell him that this is the best coffee they’ve ever had. He enjoys guiding his customers through the coffee selection process and finding the perfect coffee for them. The inspiration behind the cafe is all about having “a very, very good coffee with very, very good music around,” Tomer said emphasizing the very. He’s met people all around the world at coffee conferences who tried their coffee and asked him why he doesn’t bag it and sell it all over the world.

I had a coffee with oat milk, which Tomer said was made with about 20 hand-picked cherries, each having two seeds inside. I also had one of their best sellers and one of Tomer’s favorites, the Worka Wuri blend from Ethiopia, made wild and in an anaerobic process, meaning it was made fermented without oxygen.

It was delicious and had notes of flowers and fruit. Tomer most importantly wants to share with people the beauty of coffee and have access to taste the high-quality coffee beans that are offered inside his cafe in Jaffa. I highly recommend checking out Ada Hanina and asking Tomer all about his coffee. Check out our Green Guide to Jaffa for more sustainable travel ideas.

picture of the drinks I got at the cafe: a coffee with oat milk and the water in a box
A cold coffee with oat milk and the boxed water
picture of the Worka Wuri coffee at Ada Hanina Cafe
The Worka Wuri coffee, an Ethiopian coffee blend

The tradition of honey in Yemen

Green Prophet
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0
The tradition of honey in Yemen
Yemen beekeepers keep ancient tradition alive
Yemen beekeepers keep ancient tradition alive. Now they get support from the UN/credit FA

Yemeni honey has a history going far back into antiquity, tracing its origins to the tenth century BCE and gaining global fame for its quality. So not surprisingly, this golden liquid is found in practically every Yemeni home. It helps to sweeten many social events and is not only prized for its nutritional and social qualities but also regarded by Yemenis as having medicinal value. It is the first thing a woman eats after giving birth, while a patient usually licks honey before visiting a doctor.

But the production of Yemeni honey faces daunting challenges. In addition to the damage done by the country’s long-running conflict, honey producers like Salem Al-Diwali must also grapple with the unpredictable climate. In the dry season, pastures are depleted, and beekeepers must buy the pollen grains that are the main source of nutrients for the bees. When the beekeepers cannot afford to meet the high transport costs for these grains, hives are sometimes abandoned.

Although, at the age of 41, Salem has been keeping bees for more than 15 years in Abadan village in Shabwa Governorate, he has recently changed his approach, after taking part in trainings under the Smallholder Agricultural Production Restoration and Enhancement Project (SAPREP) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Bank. The initiative is part of the World Bank’s broader Global Agriculture and Food Security Program.

The SAPREP has helped beekeepers across Yemen to increase their productivity and nutrition through better beekeeping practices. These included more efficient handling of the bees and techniques for extracting honey.

The initiative also provided participating beekeepers with modern beehives and tools, allowing them to increase the quality and quantity of their production and earn more income to enhance their families’ food security.

Bees make a sweet business

beekeeper honey in Yemen, holding and inspecting hives
Beekeeping is a traditional form of agriculture. Supporting beekeepers supports our planet

For Salem, making the most of his honey business involves a significant daily commitment. He inspects his hives, observing bee movement and the amount of honey in the hive. Other crucial elements to monitor are the stock of pollen grains and nectar and the condition of the queen bees. By observing their activity, he can decide whether to transfer queens to different hives to increase output.

He must also juggle the responsibilities of being married with seven children and a lifestyle, which like many Yemeni beekeepers uphold, is partly nomadic. He spends a portion of his time trucking his hives around in search of the best bee pastures and avoiding the worst of the country’s harsh climate. Once he has found a suitable spot, he sets up his hives away from fields on which farmers have been using pesticides. But he often enlists the help of villagers to ensure the safety of his bees, turning the cultivation of honey into a “team effort.”

Salem has been able to grow his operation, though he admits it took a great amount of effort. He says he greatly benefited from the FAO training on how to extract raw wax and better monitor the production of pollen and amber.

As one of the beneficiaries of SAPREP, he received eight beehives, a water tank, a sorter to separate honey from wax and sheets of base wax on which bees can start building a honeycomb. This allowed him to upgrade his hives and increase the total number to 30, translating into increased yields of honey and wax.

Even so, Salem believes that despite the position which honey holds in Yemenis’ hearts, the lack of markets for it in the country does not reflect the high quality of the product. In fact, he keeps some of the honey collected at home due to the stagnation of the local market.

Confronting challenges as a beekeeper

Not surprisingly, one overwhelming factor influencing both supply and demand is the conflict, with explosions decimating many of Yemen’s beehives, especially at the beginning of the violence in 2015. Many of the obstacles faced by beekeepers, such as rough roads, are related to the conflict, making the transportation of honey, beehives and pollen a challenge. Then there are the additional challenges of poor rainfall, pests including bee flies, bee-eaters and wasps and the weak state of the Sidr trees, which provide a unique flavour to Yemen’s honey.

Despite these setbacks, the honey value chain plays a key role in food and nutrition security in Yemen and provides income for an estimated 100 000 beekeepers in the country. There is also huge potential for further development. FAO and the World Bank, under the Yemen Food Security Response and Resilience Project, are encouraging farmers to take beekeeping as an alternative income generating activity.

Thanks to such initiatives, smallholder beekeepers like Salem, are increasingly able to confront some of the challenges, continue producing the world-famous Yemeni honey and just perhaps look forward to sweeter times ahead.

 

The largest vegan food festival, Vegan Fest and it’s in Tel Aviv

Danielle Meyers
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The largest vegan food festival, Vegan Fest and it’s in Tel Aviv
picture of the vegan festival
Looking forward to sampling vegan food in Tel Aviv at the Vegan Foodfest, June 21 to 22, 2023

This past Thursday, I attended the world’s largest vegan festival, Vegan Fest at the Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv. This festival had over 100,000 attendees and 100 different food stands, guaranteeing everyone something they will enjoy. The festival had vegan sushi, meats, cheeses, desserts and so much more. They even had vegan soaps and clothing made from sustainable sources. My personal favorite, the vegan mac and cheese came in an assortment of colors.

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

Going vegan does not mean one must cut out all the foods they enjoy, it just means cutting out certain sources their food comes from. Today, being vegan has become so normalized that thousands of brands and companies across the globe have revolutionized their food systems to accommodate vegans. In addition, there are over 2,500 vegan startups, dedicated to spreading veganism. 

Israel is the vegan capital of the world. It is also one of the world’s biggest innovators of alternative meat, milk, eggs and vegan fish products.

A big reason why one decides to go vegan is because of its enormous environmental impact. The livestock industry has a massive impact on carbon emissions and majorly contributes to global climate change. It has been proven time after time that meat eaters have an exceptionally larger carbon footprint compared to those who do not eat any meat. In addition, according to Zero Smart, going vegan can reduce an individual’s carbon footprint by up to 73%.

In celebration of the Tel Aviv vegan festival that I was lucky enough to be able to attend, I will list some of the brands that showed their products this year at Yarkon Park.

Plenty

Plenty is a 100% plant-based company that sells a variety of dairy substitutes to accommodate the vegan diet. Some of their products include yogurt, ravioli, and different cheeses. The cheeses they sell include mozzarella, feta, and parmesan, all of which come from cashews and almonds.

Plenty vegan cheese, hebrew text, alternative cheese made from almonds
Plenty vegan cheese, made from almonds

They sell their products in stores around Israel and are all based on natural, raw materials that are highly nutritional. I picked up one of their vegan cream cheeses which has a delectable nutty, yet smooth taste and texture.

picture of the Plenty stand at the vegan festival

Creative Pea

This company Creative Pea is for meat lovers out there that want to try a vegan diet but don’t want to give up the delicious taste of meat. Creative Pea offers high-quality, vegan meat that is both delicious and sustainable. Their products include vegan chicken, beef, and fish. I tried all three of these and they were absolutely delicious.

Their meats are made from pea protein, each serving packs 16 grams of protein, so you don’t miss out on the protein in your diet. Creative Pea is a fabulous option for high-protein, nutritious meat substitutes.

picture of the vegan chicken at Creative Pea at vegan festival

Re Feel

Re Feel is a sustainable and ethical shop that sells products from sustainable materials to promote a vegan lifestyle. Their products include bags, water bottles, and even floss. Similarly to Madeo eco-chic, they re-sell products from other brands, including Black & Blum, Brush with Bamboo, Woodie, and Dental Lace. They sell toothbrushes from Brush with Bamboo, which is what it sounds like, a toothbrush made from bamboo.

The floss from Dental Lace is made from silk and is plastic-free and compostable. This company proves that almost anything can be made vegan and encourages a robust vegan lifestyle.

picture of the Re Feel stand at the vegan festival

Green Roll Sushi

Do you like sushi? Do you want to go vegan but love a good sushi roll? Check out Green Roll Sushi, which makes a variety of exciting sushi rolls without the fish. Located right next to Rothschild Street, Green Roll Sushi is a hit and showcased its rolls at the vegan festival.

My personal favorite, the Green Roll Special, is made with sweet potato, cucumber, tofu, and avocado. This roll won’t disappoint, and I like it better than normal sushi. Green Roll also offers buns, sushi sandwiches, and salads, all of which are perfect for the vegan diet.

pictured is Green Roll Vegan sushi's "Green Roll Special"
Green Roll’s “Green Roll Special”

Panda vegan chocolate

Lastly, for people who have a big sweet tooth, don’t worry about giving up chocolate. Panda vegan chocolate was created by two friends who were vegan but loved chocolate too much to settle for a no-chocolate diet. Instead, they invented Panda, a now big company all over Israel based on vegan chocolate. Their products are made from oats and cocoa, which the couple was able to create into 14 different flavors. The dairy-free chocolate is well worth trying, and good for the planet.

image of chocolate from unsplash

Vegan Fest included music shows, speed-dating for vegans and workshops on how to sustain a vegan diet and way of life. More about the Vegan Fest here.

What do young adults have to say about climate change?

Ariel Weil
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What do young adults have to say about climate change?

Green Prophet young adult survey on climate change, man with pine needles in background
Young people are our future. What are the young, global elite thinking about climate change? Ariel asks her peers

Climate change has emerged as a pressing concern for young adults worldwide. With its far-reaching consequences and potential for irreversible damage, the impact of climate change weighs heavily on the minds of the younger generation.

A study conducted by The Lancet sheds light on the concerns of young adults. The survey, which included 1,000 participants aged 16 to 25 from ten different nations, revealed that 84% of them were moderately concerned about climate change, while 59% expressed high levels of concern.

Climate crisis fuels fears of an incertain future

Maya Cohen, an American University student interning in Tel Aviv says, “My biggest fear is that my kids won’t be able to see the stars.” Maya’s concern reflects the broader anxieties about the future generations’ quality of life in light of the climate crisis.

Maya is in Tel Aviv on a program called Onward Israel. Onward provides University students in America an opportunity to live and work in Israel for the summer. The goal is to propel students personally and professionally, while immersing its participants in modern day Israel while equipping you with valuable experience and knowledge through internship opportunities. In the most previous cohort Onward had 3,200 participants..

The climate crisis impacts daily lives

bike paths downtown Tel Aviv, Rothschild Boulevard
Cycling paths are now linking all centers of Tel Aviv.

Young people worldwide are experiencing a sense of fear and discontentment with government actions, influencing their daily lives. 

Hannah Dworsky, a 20-year-old student also working in Tel Aviv for the summer, shares her concerns about bringing new life into an uncertain world: “I am concerned and scared for my future family and children due to the possible irreversible damage we have done to our environment.” Hannah explained that she does not doubt that the majority of people our age are scared of climate change effectively, just not enough to make a lasting difference.

Ava Selbst, another American abroad in Tel Aviv, fears that once climate change starts impacting necessities such as food, clean water, and essential resources, unthinkable scenarios where humanity begins to fight over natural resources. Ava says, “Once climate change starts impacting necessities such as food, clean water, and essential resources, humanity will possibly start to fight over natural resources.”

Ava foresees a future where access to basic necessities becomes a privilege reserved for the super-wealthy, potentially leading to civil conflicts over scarce resources.

I asked other university students living in Tel Aviv about their climate change fears. 

  • Kaley French says, “My biggest climate-related fear is that the careless actions of human beings will continue to affect the innocent lives of animals.”
  • Dylan Weiss says, “I am stressed about the things I love and think we take for granted being something that will be taken away.”
  • Lars Djuve says, “No more skiing all of the ski mountains are closing because of climate change”

Transforming fears into action

Tel Aviv, a thriving hub for environmentally sustainable innovation, provides a positive perspective for concerned young adults like Maya, Ava, and Hannah. Their summer experience in Israel offers them a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the transformative efforts undertaken by individuals and companies dedicated to making a positive impact. The crises feel endless, and it is easy to feel helpless as an individual. 

Paige Bohart is working this summer for a makeup company researching sustainable labeling options and the qualifications for these labels. Paige tells Green Prophet:  “My biggest fear for climate change is that we will not reduce our plastic consumption fast enough.”

She agrees that individual actions are vital to reducing global levels of plastic waste. Paige continues, “small decisions like choosing products with sustainable packaging makes a difference.”

Her work has shown me her sustainable initiatives can successfully intersect with different work spheres. 

Hannah emphasizes the need for collective action, stating, “We all have to do our own part to defeat this battle.”

It is through collective efforts, individual responsibility, and innovative solutions that we can overcome this global challenge. 

 

The ultimate hummus recipe

Green Prophet
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The ultimate hummus recipe

plate of hummus with chickpeas, black background

Got a yen for the food of strong men?

It’s so easy to just bop down to the corner falafel stand and pick up a pita full of the Middle Easts’ favorite fast food. But get to know – and make, another meal, the kind you have to sit down for.

In this recipe, dark, meaty fava beans set down in a nest of yellow hummus and a beige ring of tehini, topped with a brown hamine (long-cooked) egg. Parsley, to offset the earthy flavors. Lemon juice, to balance the dish with a little acidity, and a generous drizzle of good olive oil. On the side, pickles for piquancy, and a little bowl of hot sauce. Onion, just because. Some preserved lemon quarters. And fresh pitas. Nutritious, cheap, comforting. Satisfying in every sense. It’s ful and hummous: the Middle Eastern workingman’s lunch.

The ingredients are always the same, but each cook makes them a little different and never with frozen or canned chick peas. Some people like dark fava beans, using a traditional pot whose long neck allows slow evaporation of the cooking liquid. Some just boil up the quicker-cooking, lighter, haricot bean. Either way, ful and hummus is easy to make, but requires a number of steps. If you want to do this totally from scratch, you will need to prepare three ingredients the night before: beans soaking in one bowl, chickpeas in another, and a pot of gently-boiled eggs simmering on the stove.

The classic hummus and ful recipe

Make your Middle East friends proud with this genuine and tested recipe for hummus with ful

  • 1 pound dried fava or haricot beans, soaked overnight (organic everything if possible)
  • 2 cups dried chickpeas soaked overnight
  • 1 1/3 cup tehini
  • 6 eggs
  • 2 lemons, juice of 2 halves and one more tbsp
  • 2 large onions
  • olive oil
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 1 bay leaf
  • water for cooking

  1. The Ful.

    Pick over the beans.Rinse them and put them to soak overnight in plenty of water. Next morning, drain the beans and put them up to cook in fresh water.Add a fat clove of garlic, a bay leaf, and some olive oil to the water. Cook the beans till tender.

    Favas take 1-3 hours. If you choose white beans, they will cook in far less time – up to an hour.When the beans are soft but not falling apart, crush 2 fresh cloves of garlic into a small bowl. Stir 1 tsp. each of salt and cumin in, and add this seasoned garlic to the bean pot.

    Add a tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir the beans up. Crush some of them with a potato masher or a fork, so that they’ll absorb the flavors of the seasoning. Let them cook another 5 minutes.

    Then either turn the flame off, or start serving.

  2. The Hamine or Slow-cooked Eggs

    You can just boil eggs as usual, or take this opportunity to do it the old-fashioned way. Make several, it’s not worth the trouble for only one or two. Take 6 eggs and the peels from 2 large onions. Put it all in a pot.

    Cover the eggs and peels in plenty of cold water; bring to a simmer.Drizzle a layer of olive oil over the surface. This prevents the water from evaporating during the long cooking period. Simmer the eggs, covered, over the very lowest flame you can achieve for 6 hours or overnight. They are delicate, creamy eggs, unlike any others.

  3. The Hummus

    Put 2 cups of dried chickpeas in a separate bowl. Cover them with plenty of water and let them soak overnight. As with the beans, drain them, and cook in fresh water till soft. It’s not a sin to open a can of chickpeas either. Although fresh-cooked always taste the best, canned chickpeas still make good hummousDo not add salt to either beans or chickpeas till they are completely cooked and easy to mash.Put the cooked or canned chickpeas in a blender or food processor.

  4. To them, add

    1 fat clove of garlic

    3 Tblsp. of tehini

    Salt to taste

    Juice from 1/2 lemon

    2 Tblsp. olive oil

  5. Tehini

    Put into a bowl:

    1 cup raw tehina paste

    3/4 – 1 cup water, depending on how thick or thin you like it

    1 fat clove garlic, crushed

    salt olive oil

    juice of 1/2 lemon

  6. Get Blending

    Blend all the ingredients, either by hand or in the blender. If you’re not used to the ways of tehini paste, don’t be alarmed that it initially becomes very thick when mixed with water. Keep mixing, it will smooth out amazingly.

  7. To serve:

    Spoon a generous amount of hummous onto the plate. Take the spoon and spread it into a neat circle, thinner in the middle.

    Spoon a ring of tehina on the inside of the hummous circle.

    Put a pile of hot beans in the center of the plate. Top the beans with a little chopped onion, chopped parsley, and a peeled, still-warm hamine egg. Squeeze lemon juice over the whole; drizzle olive oil over it. If you’re fond of hot sauce, drizzle a few drops of it over the dish too.

    Put some small plates or bowls with pickles, olives, sliced onions, or pickled lemons in them.Now tear a chunk off your pita and use it to scoop up some of everything. Savor every mouthful, it’s the real McCoy.

Appetizer, Breakfast, Main Course, Side Dish
Mediterranean
hummus, vegan

Like this one?

Don’t stop here:

See also:

Organic Trend Hits Tel Aviv Where It Counts. The Hummus.
Pickling 101 – Vinegared Cucumber Salad

Dentistry’s Waste: 7 Ways Dental Offices Can Protect the Environment

Bhok Thompson
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Dentistry’s Waste: 7 Ways Dental Offices Can Protect the Environment

baby at highchair chewing on toothbrush
Greening your teeth with a sustainable dentist. It’s never too early to start.

Industries across the board are beginning to understand the need of reducing their environmental impact as global environmental awareness grows. The dental health industry, which offers vital services to the public, is also working to lessen its impact on the planet. 

According to my Surrey general dentist single-use plastics, toxic substances, and the quantity of water used all add up to a considerable amount of trash produced by dental clinics. But dental clinics may do their part to protect the planet and advance sustainability by embracing eco-friendly procedures.

This post will discuss seven efficient strategies dental clinics may use to save the environment and minimize their consumption of natural resources. 

  • Minimizing Single-Use Plastic

Disposable gloves, face masks, syringes, and even some packing materials may be found in abundance at dental clinics. Although they play an important role in preventing the spread of disease and ensuring the safety of patients, these products also add to the worldwide issue of plastic pollution. Fortunately, dental clinics may take the initiative to reduce their usage of disposable plastics and increase the use of more environmentally friendly options.

One strategy is to look at potential replacements for regularly used plastics. For instance, dental clinics may start using gloves that can be reused after being cleaned and sanitized, or gloves manufactured from biodegradable materials like latex or nitrile. Cloth masks and masks produced from sustainable materials are two alternatives to throwaway plastic masks that might considerably cut down on plastic use.

In addition, dental clinics may create recycling programs for single-use plastics. The correct recycling of plastic packaging materials, such as plastic wrap or dental tool packaging, prevents them from being thrown away or washed up in landfills or the ocean.

  • Implementing Amalgam Separator Systems

Mercury, which is found in dental amalgam, is very hazardous and presents serious dangers to human and environmental health if not controlled appropriately. Without proper safeguards, mercury from dental amalgam waste may enter wastewater and travel to rivers, lakes, and oceans, where it can pollute these waterways and potentially kill aquatic life. Dental clinics may take preventative action by installing amalgam separation devices to deal with this problem.

In order to prevent amalgam waste from being released into the wastewater system, special equipment called amalgam separators might be used. Filtration technology is used by these systems to remove amalgam particles and other solids from wastewater from dental offices. Dental clinics may significantly reduce mercury waste by using amalgam separators.

  • Proper Disposal of Hazardous Materials

As part of their everyday operations, dental clinics make use of a wide variety of chemicals, disinfectants, and X-ray fixer solutions. While these materials are necessary for delivering safe and effective dental treatment, they pose a threat to both human and environmental health if disposed of improperly. For this reason, it is critical that dental practices adhere to environmental standards regarding the separation, storage, and disposal of potentially dangerous chemicals.

First and foremost, dental clinics should have a thorough strategy for separating medical waste from other types of trash. The proper disposal of hazardous materials including chemicals, disinfectants, and sharps is facilitated by properly labeled containers or bins for each kind of trash. 

  • Efficient Water Management

Because of the importance of conserving this finite resource, it is imperative that dental clinics implement effective water management practices. Water is typically used in large quantities during dental operations for purposes such as rinsing and irrigation. Dental practices may help support sustainable water management by cutting their water use and making investments in water-saving methods and technology.

Low-flow faucets and toilets are two examples of water-saving devices that may be installed. To save water without sacrificing performance, low-flow faucets include aerators or flow restrictors to control water flow. Installing low-flow toilets, such as those with dual-flush mechanisms or lower flush volumes, may also drastically cut down on water use each flush.

  • Energy Conservation

By using these energy-saving procedures, dental clinics may have a big impact on environmental preservation. Most of the electricity used by dental offices goes toward powering the building’s lights, HVAC, and other electrical appliances. Dental clinics may help the environment and encourage responsible energy use by adopting these measures.

Changing to more efficient lighting is a crucial first step. Light-emitting diode (LED) lights are a great alternative to incandescent and fluorescent bulbs in dental offices since they use a fraction of the energy and last 10 times as long.

  • Paperless Practices

Paperless practices have the potential to improve dental offices in many ways, including efficiency and the health of the environment. Dental offices may make major strides toward environmental responsibility and efficient operations by switching to electronic dental records and using electronic communication platforms.

  • Eco-Friendly Materials and Practices

The use of eco-friendly products and procedures in dental offices may have a major positive effect on the planet. Dentist offices may help the environment by reducing their use of nonrenewable resources by switching to eco-friendly dental products and launching recycling initiatives.

Sustainable or biodegradable dental supplies are a good option for those concerned about environmental impact. Patient bibs used in dental clinics, for instance, may be crafted from compostable paper or plant-based fibers, both of which decompose quickly and easily. 

Final Words

Dental practices that implement these measures benefit the environment, their patients, and their bottom line. Incorporating sustainable methods shows that dentists care about their patient’s health and the health of the earth as a whole, which is in line with people’s changing expectations.

As dental clinics work to improve oral health for their patients, they can make a difference in the world by adopting eco-friendly practices. By adopting these seven eco-friendly procedures, dental clinics may make a real impact and set an example for the healthcare sector as a whole.

 

Gazoz: Cafe Levinsky’s delicious summer time beverage

Danielle Meyers
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Gazoz: Cafe Levinsky’s delicious summer time beverage

picture of Benny Briga in Cafe Levinsky
Benny Briga: the owner and founder of Cafe Levinsky

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

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

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

picture inside of Cafe Levinsky

What is gazoz?

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

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

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

picture of the apple gazoz that I got from Cafe Levinsky
The apple gazoz with sustainably made straw and spoon

Sustainable practices

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

A sustainable studio

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

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

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

picture of Benny's fermentation studio which shows his alcohols in the back
Inside of Benny’s fermentation studio in the Levinsky Market showing the array of alcohols he fermented

Picture of a jar of quince that Benny has been fermenting since 2017
The Quince fermented fruit is the oldest in the studio

Ful medames and musabaha recipes

Miriam Kresh
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Ful medames and musabaha recipes

humus via Unsplash

Make two flavorful, easy dips at one go, with fresh or canned fava beans and chickpeas. We’re fond of eating beans over here at Green Prophet, and supply you recipes like this little-known lupini bean recipe every so often. These dips are easy appetizers for a party or a meal with guests, or as a snack with pita chips. These are considered salads in the Middle East, but “dip” expresses the soft texture of these dishes better. 

Ful Medames Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups small brown fava beans: either 2 cans, heated with their water, or 2 cups prepared cooked favas – instructions below
2 cups chickpeas, either 2 cans, heated with their water, or 2 cups prepared cooked chickpeas. Reserve 1 cup for making the masabaha recipe below.
2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed with a little salt
1 medium tomato, chopped fine – reserve 1 tablespoon for garnish
1/2 medium red onion or 1 shallot
2 tablespoons roasted red pepper (grilled or from a jar) or 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh red chili pepper – reserve one tablespoon for garnish
1 handful cilantro or parsley – reserve a few good pinches for garnish
Juice of 1/2 lemon
About 1/4 cup olive oil 

Directions:

Drain and pour the hot ful into a bowl. Strain 1 cup of hot chickpeas with a slotted spoon into the ful bowl but don’t dump the chickpea water; you’ll need it later.
Crush the ful and chickpeas together with a potato masher.
Add the crushed garlic, chopped tomatoes, onion or shallot, chili or roasted red pepper; mix well. Continue crushing everything together coarsely.
Chop the cilantro or parsley finely; add to bowl and mix well.
Stir in the lemon juice.
Taste for salt and adjust.
Pour a generous amount of olive oil around the ful mixture.
Garnish with reserved chopped tomato, chili or red pepper, and cilantro.

Make Musabaha

Musabaha is a rough humus made with whole chickpeas instead of blending them.  Slather it on bread and garnish it with whatever takes your fancy.

dips with garnishes

Ingredients :

Remaining cup of hot chickpeas from the ful mesdames recipe above – reserve a handful for garnish
2 tablespoons raw tahini paste
1/4 – 1/2 cup chickpea cooking water
1 clove garlic, crushed with a little salt
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Sprinkles of cumin and paprika
Olive oil
2-3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
4 or 5 slices of chili or fresh red bell pepper, cut vertically to make a garnish

Directions:

Pour the hot, whole, remaining chickpeas into a serving bowl
In a small separate bowl, mix the tahini with 1/4 cup of the chickpea water. Add water as you go to make a dip that’s loose enough for your liking. Mix thoroughly, until white.
Add the crushed garlic clove and lemon juice to the tahini; mix.
Spoon the tahini into the chickpeas. Crush together lightly.
Taste for salt and adjust.
Garnish with reserved whole chickpeas.
Pour olive oil around the bowl.
Sprinkle cumin and paprika around the bowl.
Pile up a little chopped cilantro in the center.
Place 4 or 5 slices of chili or fresh raw bell pepper around the bowl.

How to eat these dips with pita or other flatbread: tear a piece of bread off, fold it to make a little cup, and spoon some dip into it. Eat as is, from your hand.
Suggested dishes to accompany: hard boiled eggs, baby radishes, all sorts of pickles, cucumber sticks.
This makes a light meal. Serve fish, chicken, or kebabs with these salads for a heartier meal.

* To prepare ful and chickpeas from raw:
Rinse 1 cup of each. In separate bowls, cover generously with cold water and allow to soak overnight.
Rinse each again and cook in separate pans, in plenty of water. It will take 1-1/2 hours to cook them until tender.
Do not drain the cooked chickpeas; you will need some of the cooking water for the musabha.

More excellent bean-based recipes from Green Prophet, and some history about well-loved Middle Eastern ful beans. The recipe below includes canned ful, tomatoes, peppers, and cumin.

Ful from Sudan, made in Sinai

Fresh Fava Beans For Salads

Ultimate Traditional Ful And Humus Recipe

Time To Settle The Debate: Oldest Ful and Humus Beans in Israel

Tel Aviv Guide to Strays in Need

Danielle Meyers
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Tel Aviv Guide to Strays in Need
Stray cats Tel Aviv, how to help them
A guide to finding homes for strays in Tel Aviv

Unlike many cities in America, street cats are found everywhere in Israel. Every corner you turn you are likely to find a street cat. Some of the strays are in excellent condition, getting well taken care of by the locals or by organizations like Hapishpesh in Jaffa. Others, are not being taken care of as well, and have to work really hard to fend for themselves. Unfortunately, the world is a tough place, and things always happen when these street animals are put in danger. For this reason, I’ve decided to write a guide to help you know what you should do when you see a stray cat or dog in critical condition.

Veterinary Hospital Babikar

Veterinary Ba Kikar
Vets taking care of a dog at Veterinary Bakikar

In continuation of my article on Hapishpesh and the AEA Bethlehem Shelter, I’d like to introduce another clinic that helps take care of stray pets in Tel Aviv. Veterinary Babikar, located on 157 Yigal Alon Street, Tel Aviv works long and hard to support the street cats that are brought in. Open 24/7, Veterinary Babikar always has staff on call to ensure the people that their pets have an inlet to receive care. I spoke with Dr. Shuki Karako, a fourth-year veterinary practitioner at Veterinary Bakikar in Tel Aviv.

He grew up in Tel Aviv but spent time studying veterinary medicine in Italy. Dr. Shuki always makes sure that the street cats that are brought into him are being taken care of. The clinic is a chain business, but the location in Tel Aviv is old and historic. Dr. Shuki and the rest of the vets work with clients that bring in stray cats for castration and treatment. Dr. Shuki told me that he is trusted in the area and that people come to him when they find strays that are in need of help. 

While people are good about bringing in sick/injured, they commonly don’t stay for them. Dr. Shuki said people just bring them in and leave them, expecting the vet to take care of them. However, he can’t do much for them after and they often just send the stray back to where they were found after receiving treatment. There are some people that will decide to adopt them afterward, but this is a common struggle that the vet clinic has to deal with. 

SOS Pets Israel

A pile of stray cats
Stray cats in Jaffa

SOS Pets Israel is a nonprofit organization that also works to help save and take care of stray pets. As part of their code of conduct, they believe that caring for homeless dogs and cats is essential to humanity as pets provide a great deal of nurture to our lives. Therefore SOS Pets strives on giving back to pets by ensuring they are well taken care of and being protected. SOS Pets has three distinct units: a dog unit, a cat unit, and an educational unit.

The dog unit, which is their oldest unit works to improve the lives of stray dogs by providing rehabilitation against euthanization. They take dogs out of kill shelters and work on their own to rehabilitate the dogs into loving homes. The cat unit specializes in providing castration procedures since the population of stray cats in Israel is so large. They also work to provide medical attention to injured and sick street cats in order to better their lives and find them new homes. Lastly, their educational unit prides to raise awareness of animal cruelty. They work alongside the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Environment to teach young children and youth organizations to inspire compassion for animals at a young age. SOS Pets is also looking for donations and volunteers to continue with their good work.

Let the Animals Live

Let the Animals Live is a nonprofit organization that works to provide care and protection to animals in need of rehabilitation. Located in Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv, the NGO strives to promote animal rights and welfare by expanding and enforcing the Animals Welfare Act.

In addition, the organization is strictly no-kill, therefore they ensure that each and every animal that is brought in will have the best chance of being adopted. They do numerous things for stray animals, including providing training, veterinary attention, sheltering, and transportation for rescues. Professional veterinary practitioners will spay and neuter animals at Let Live. They also have a legal department, the only of its kind in Israel, which handles any kind of protection of the animals’ rights. As a consequence of the Animal Welfare Act, the legal department handles many filed complaints of abuse and harassment that their animals have undergone. 

The Municipality of Tel Aviv

The Municipality of Tel Aviv vets will take care of stray dogs and cats, which, according to Dr. Shuki, does a good job and he hears mostly good stories. The Municipality helps stray and domestic animals in Tel Aviv live a better life and away from trouble. They partner with many agencies (including Let the Animals Live and SOS Pets Israel) to ensure that all dogs and cats are kept in good hands.

They help endangered and suffering animals get rescued and put into shelters, act against rabies, and provide access to vaccines for pet owners. They also initiated a project called Adopt an Animal in which they encourage adoptions of sheltered animals via special adoption days for every Friday of each month. You can find out more information on the municipality on their website as well as who to contact. You can read more about adoption days here.

SPCA Israel

SPCA Israel– or the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, based in Jaffa. The Society takes in abandoned animals and tries to find adopting homes for them. Additionally, it provides various services to the community: a veterinary clinic with subsidized prices, a boarding facility for pets, rescue and collection of animals in trouble and a department of education and guidance. This is a great place to find and rehome a pet in need. 

 

 

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