Salman Zafar is the CEO of BioEnergy Consult, and an international consultant, advisor and trainer with expertise in waste management, biomass energy, waste-to-energy, environment protection and resource conservation. His geographical areas of focus include Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Salman has successfully accomplished a wide range of projects in the areas of biogas technology, biomass energy, waste-to-energy, recycling and waste management.
Salman has participated in numerous national and international conferences all over the world. He is a prolific environmental journalist, and has authored more than 300 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. In addition, he is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management and environmental sustainability through his blogs and portals.
Salman can be reached at salman@bioenergyconsult.com or salman@cleantechloops.com.
There is little doubt that energy bills are a big drain on your finances, what with the Big Six energy providers hiking their prices recently, with two of them doing it twice within a year! What is one to do? Toe their line or search for the best and cheapest energy tariffs? Of course, you will save a pretty packet if you search for the cheapest energy rates. Find below certain practical tips that will enable you to find the right energy provider and save on money.
1. Avoid standard variable rate tariff
You need to be careful when your fixed tariff deal ends, for it is then that your energy provider will nudge you towards standard variable rate tariff. Their reason for doing so is simple, that is, to make money. These variable rate tariffs are expensive. According to the figures of previous year obtained from First Utility, will escalate your energy bill by an average of £262 annually. Not only are these variable rate tariffs expensive, but they also provide leeway for your energy supplier to hike costs.
The way out of this is to search for smaller suppliers that offer the best-buy tables and better services. You can do this by manually researching lists of energy suppliers or using online comparison sites. Spending time doing manual research can pay dividends as you can often find deals not apparent on switching sites, however the latter are much faster to use.
Power tip: When using switching sites, always check the box that says something like ‘include plans that require switching directly though the supplier’ as this will reveal even cheaper deals.
Today, the minnows are giving a run for money to the Big Six energy providers. These suppliers offer you a choice of long-term fix and even variable rate that are well under £1,000. Opting for a fixed rate tariff will give you a secure price on each unit of electricity for a set period, whereas variable rate tariff, where the price can fluctuate up and down.
In the past, variable rate tariffs tended to be cheaper, but this trend has changed. Today, the cheapest rates are offered on one-year fixes. Opting for it will save you money. This is because this type fixes the rate you pay for each unit of electricity, usually for a 12- to 18-month period.
The latest trend is to opt for two-year fixed deals. Whether it is one-year or two-year fixed deals, the idea is to avoid expensive variable standard tariffs. It needs to be noted that fixed deals are slightly more than the cheapest deals, if you are going in for long-term security. However, it certainly does not mean that you pay a fixed amount and be done away with it. It will still depend upon the amount of energy consumed, only the tariff per unit is somewhat reduced.
You need to be careful about some fixed deals that charge exit fees if you decide to leave early. Also, there is no guarantee that a fixed deal is the best long-term option, but if you want to give certainty over bills, this is the best choice.
3. Benefits of energy switching
Your local energy suppliers are the real beneficiary since they tend to charge more for electricity from people living in their vicinity. This is because they build a monopoly in the region and dictate the energy rates.
To break the stranglehold of your local energy supplier, you will do well to explore the possibility of moving away. This switching will certainly save you money. Of course, finding the cheapest supplier will primarily depend upon where you live. A little search will not only help you find cheap suppliers but also help you in comparing prices to find the best price.
If you are scared that switching from your current energy supplier will attract a penalty, if you decide to leave before the term expires, it will still be worth it. So, accept the penalty and you will still end up saving big. Check out Simply Switch for some current deals.
4. Cutting your energy bills
If you are still in two minds regarding switching to a smaller energy supplier, you can still limit your energy bill in the following ways:
Ask for return of credited money: If you are paying a set amount by direct debit pay each month for gas and electricity, it will be a good idea to ask for a return of money during summer and spring. You may get it back with interest.
Save energy: Change the way you use your gas and electricity. This will reduce usage and save money.
Pay online: This could cut more than £10 off your annual bills.
Conclusion
Switching energy supplier is a big decision. However, if your current supplier is offering cheaper tariff than what you are currently using, it is wise to switch to it, rather than opt for a new energy supplier. You still end up saving money.
Used cooking oil can be easily recycled. All that is required the availability of a recycling plant and the used cooking oil to recycle. It is not a difficult process and anyone who would want to venture into the industry can quickly learn how to do it. They can then source for the used cooking oil and they are in the business of recycling.
Here are some advantages of used cooking oil recycling.
For your business
If you own a business, used cooking oil recycling is here to help you. Used cooking oil can be recycled to become fuel. If you are in the transportation business, you now have cheaper fuel for your trucks.
Further, in the agriculture industry, used oil recycling can be used to develop high quality organic fertilizer. This is fertilizer that you can trust to not only help produce healthy and nutritious crops but to also help balance and improve your soil in the long run. Organic fertilizer is much cheaper, and you can therefore make significant savings as you farm.
For your home
At home, used cooking oil recycling has numerous benefits. You will never again have your kitchen sink and drainage clogged by used cooking oil. Many people drain their used cooking oil down the sink which leads to clogging.
When you accept to be part of the people who want to have used cooking oil recycled, your recycling team will give you a container in which to pour your used cooking oil. Then you will agree on a day and time that they will come to collect it and leave you with another empty container.
For the environment
Another advantage of recycling used cooking oil is felt in the environment.
In many cities and municipalities, you will find numerous drainage systems full and overflowing.
A major cause for this pollution is used cooking oil. When it is drained in the sink at home and in restaurants, it gets into the sewage system, where it causes blockages that lead to overflow of sewage onto the city roads.
In addition to sinks, many landfills have lots of poorly disposed of used cooking oil. Recycling helps develop better methods of disposal, ensuring that none of the oil finds its way to landfills.
Recycled used cooking oil is also used as an alternative to biodiesel. It is much cheaper and easier to produce and does not affect the price and supply of food in a country or region.
For the economy
Recycling used cooking oil is also a boon to the economy.
With an improvement to the environment, it is likely that the country gets cleaner. This means that it can attract people from other countries to live, work and invest in your clean country.
Used cooking oil recycling also creates jobs for hundreds of people. It creates new jobs for the teams of people collecting the used oil from homes and restaurants. It creates high level jobs for the scientists who understand the chemistry of turning used cooking oil into soap or fertilizer.
With the creation of new jobs, the economy will have more people engaged and more money circulating in it. As a result, there will be significant economic growth in the country driven by used oil recycling.
For your pets
Used oil recycling also has significant advantages to your pets and animals. Used cooking oil can be recycled and turned into healthy, nutritious, organic animal and pet feeds.
Recycled used cooking oil creates high quality fish feeds and dog food. It also creates high quality pig and cattle feed.
Conclusion
Recycling used cooking oil is full of advantages. It can be converted into many things that are useful at home and in industry. It helps bring about a cleaner environment with fewer overflowing drainage systems clogged by used cooking oil that was drained down the sink. It also contributes significantly in developing organic farming affordably.
Waste is an inevitable byproduct of human activity. Your day-to-day actions generate substantial rubbish, much of which can negatively impact the planet if not managed responsibly. Implementing effective eco-friendly waste disposal solutions centered on recycling and composting, however, provides opportunities to transform management practices in sustainable ways that cleanse the environment.
Importance of Waste Management
Implementing proper waste management is crucial for maintaining public and environmental health. Uncontrolled dumping of rubbish poses severe threats, including groundwater and soil contamination leading to waterborne and communicable diseases. Gas emissions from decaying waste contribute to air pollution and climate change. Methane and carbon dioxide emitted from landfills are potent greenhouse gasses. They trap heat in the atmosphere.
Efficient and responsible waste handling minimizes these substantial hazards. Systematic rubbish collection combined with waste processing innovations like recycling and biogas generation helps promote sustainability for both current and future generations. Proper management facilitates a cleaner living environment while also conserving resources and mitigating pollution emissions.
Evolving Waste Management Practices
Waste management approaches and technologies have progressed considerably over time across municipalities and nations, shifting away from basic waste burial or burning towards more eco-conscious and circular economic processes.
Previously, waste disposal and recycling were largely unregulated practices without mandatory standards. However, most developed countries have now implemented stringent guidelines and legislation around waste. These strict protocols govern waste handling, transportation, treatment and disposal while also incentivizing material recovery.
Progressive companies like Dirt Cheap Rubbish Removal further supplement existing municipal waste programs by offering affordable and responsible rubbish solutions focused on recycling non-biodegradable materials as much as possible. Learn more about Dirt Cheap Rubbish Removal by checking out their website. Their comprehensive services significantly reduce household and business waste volumes by reclaiming a wide variety of reusable materials from customer premises.
Eco-Friendly Waste Disposal Techniques
Implementing eco-friendly waste disposal fundamentally requires properly categorizing and sorting rubbish into core types before collection. This enables more efficient downstream recycling and responsible treatment. Gradually minimizing dependence on waste dumping into landfills and incinerators without energy recovery infrastructure also drastically reduces environmental impact.
In addition to cutting greenhouse emissions, these alternative techniques aid wider sustainability efforts by preserving raw materials and the energy resources needed to manufacture brand new products from scratch. Recycling materials can thus support the transition towards a more resource efficient circular economic model.
Separation and Sorting of Waste
Separating rubbish into broad categories like glass, different paper grades, plastic polymers, metals and organic waste is an essential initial step. This streamlines sorting at materials recovery facilities while also reducing contamination across recyclables.
Categorization at the source enables more efficient recycling processes further downstream. For governments and businesses, cleaner waste streams also directly translate into reduced processing costs and higher profits from harvested materials. Over time, uniform adoption can drive broader recycling rates at a systemic level.
Reuse and Repurposing Strategies
Reusing packaging containers or repurposing other items for alternative household applications extends product lifespans. This directly decreases waste volumes ending up in landfills. For example, glass jars and bottles can simply be washed and reused multiple times for household storage before finally requiring recycling.
Even single-use plastics like shopping bags can potentially be repurposed as household waste bin liners instead of being immediately discarded. Such small reuse efforts at scale collectively reduce the amount of waste produced by households and commercial facilities.
Recycling: An Essential Practice
Recycling involves the systematic collection and processing of waste materials into reusable secondary raw materials or feedstock for manufacturing new products. This closed loop approach reduces pressure on extracting finite virgin natural resources to meet consumer demand.
Additionally, recycling substantially preserves energy and water resources while also minimizing environmental pollution through the avoided emissions and waste from conventional linear material production. Recycling paper saves trees. And recycling aluminum cans consumes 95% less energy compared to creating metal from mineral ore.
In short, establishing recycling frameworks and culture is indispensable for transitioning societies towards more sustainable systems of production and consumption. It is one of the most effective environmental policies for achieving resource conservation at scale.
Waste-to-Energy Transformation
The principle of waste-to-energy is to convert non-recyclable waste into usable energy forms like heat and fuel. For instance, biodegradable waste routed away from landfills can become feedstock for biofuel digestion facilities producing renewable biogas and nutrient rich digestate. The biogas can directly substitute natural gas for heating or generating electricity.
Even non-biodegradable plastic waste, usually harder to manage, can be thermochemically converted into synthetic gas or oils also usable as fuel. WTE provides an efficient waste disposal solution while also harnessing the underlying calorific value within discarded rubbish. Over time, this approach can decrease reliance on extracting and importing fossil fuels for national energy needs.
Impact on Climate Change
Our prevailing extractive and linear modes of economic activity also translate into suboptimal waste management, which directly influences climate change. Uncontrolled methane emissions from landfills and waste dumping are substantial contributors to global warming, given methane traps heat much more effectively relative to carbon dioxide.
These impacts can be mitigated by reducing biodegradable waste and extracting landfill gas for energy use. Additionally, recycling energy-intensive materials like metals and plastics at scale also dramatically lowers the embedded carbon footprint of goods by reducing demands for carbon-intensive manufacturing using virgin materials.
Given the urgency of keeping global warming below 1.5°C this century, improved recycling and recovery frameworks worldwide that enable circular resource flows can reduce cumulative emissions by over 15-20% according to some estimates. This is equivalent to over 10 billion tonnes less carbon dioxide released compared to conventional linear production systems.
Role of Education in Waste Management
Education is a fundamental long-term tool for promoting broad adoption of responsible waste management attitudes and practices at a societal level. Integration across school curriculums helps inform future generations regarding the significance of responsible waste disposal and management starting from a young age.
Public awareness campaigns led by governments, communities and businesses also play a key role in emphasizing proper waste sorting, recycling and composting. They illustrate the tangible environmental and health impacts of uncontrolled dumping in landfills compared to the circular economy benefits of effective resource recovery systems. Such active and repeated educational initiatives foster mindset shifts and cultural values centered on conservation, sustainability and collective responsibility.
Future of Waste Management
Waste management services on this website broadly touch every fabric of modern society. Its future hinges on sustained innovation, emerging technologies and reimagined infrastructure systems.
Automated sensor-based sorting or advanced waste processing approaches like enzymatic bioremediation, pyrolysis, gasification and plasma treatment show strong promise for efficiently handling diverse waste types. These emerging technical capabilities can help radically divert rubbish away from landfills if widely deployed.
Technology indeed cannot deliver sustainable waste solutions alone without simultaneous social adoption of circular economy principles across households, businesses and policy. However, strategic and context-specific integration of sensors, digital platforms, artificial intelligence and waste processing infrastructures provide potent tools to reshape the sector.
Closing Remarks
Responsible worldwide waste management warrants a collective effort spanning across households, businesses, communities and governments. Beyond just eco-friendly waste disposal, it requires a cultural commitment towards mindful consumption, maximal material reuse and recycling alongside rapid deployment of emerging technical capabilities for sustainable resource recovery.
Every single one of us can do something to improve our impact on the planet, but it is a given that businesses of all sizes have a bigger footprint than families – commercial accounts for 12% of total greenhouse gas emissions. A big factor of that is waste management. From the physical process of picking up garbage, to the methane-released process of decomposition, there are numerous factors that add up to create a large carbon footprint.
A key form of commercial waste is food waste. Between the home and restaurant, it is estimated by the US Department of Agriculture that 133 billion pounds of food is wasted every year. Much will end up in the landfill. How is technology helping to tackle this huge source of environmental waste? Restaurants themselves are benefiting from lower priced and higher quality commercial kitchen cooking equipment, that helps to raise standards and reduce wastage.
Culinary appliances for varied cuisines also benefit from a new process being developed at the Netherland’s Wageningen University. A major driver of food waste is rejected wholesale delivery, much of which will be disposed of in landfill. The technology being developed in Holland aims to reduce wastage by analyzing food at the source, closer to where recycling will be achievable.
Route optimization
Have you ever received a parcel from an online retailer only to find the box greatly outsizes the contents? On the face of it, this is damaging to the environment. However, many retailers use complex box sorting algorithms. The result is that the best route is chosen on balance, considering the gas needed to make the journey, the amount of stock that can be delivered and the shortest route for the driver. This is an area of intense technological innovation.
The National Waste & Recycling Association reported in 2017 on how 2018 would see further advances, particularly with the integration of artificial intelligence and augmented reality into the route-finding process.
Balancing the landfill carbon footprint
It is well established that landfills are now being used to power wind turbines, geothermal style electricity and so on. They are being improved to minimize the leachate into groundwater systems and to prevent methane escaping into the atmosphere. However, further investigation is being pushed into the possibility of using landfill as a carbon sequester.
AI-based waste management systems can help in route optimization and waste disposal
Penn State University, Lawrence Berkeley and Texas University recently joined together to secure a $2.5m grant into looking into the function of carbon, post-sequestration. This will help to shed light on the carbon footprint and create a solid foundation on which future technology can thrive.
Businesses of all sizes have an impact on the carbon footprint of the world. The various processes that go into making a business profitable and have a positive impact on their local and wider communities need to be addressed. As with many walks of life, technology is helping to bridge the gap.
Eating a whole food plus plant-based diet is believed to contain all the nutrient required for your daily needs. Well, this is not entirely the case. When on a vegan diet, you might have the need to add supplements. Although some people advise vegans to not take supplements, this isn’t sound advice. Supplementing your nutrition is easy and good for your health with vitamin supplements.
Vegans do not eat animal products and the practice of completely abstaining from eating animal products is called Veganism. When you are on a vegan diet, it means you are a strict vegetarian. All things animal and dairy like eggs, dairy products are completely abstained from.
Been on a vegan diet helps you lose weight. It is a good plan once in a while to use for overall body health. The possible downside to a vegan diet is there might be deficiency in vitamins in your body. There might be certain vitamins which your body can no longer produce because you do not eat the foods which your body gets this nutrients from.
This been said, there are some essential vitamins which vegan diets should have.
Vitamin D
This is called the fat-soluble vitamin. Its job is to aid the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from your gut. It is also one of the vitamins that guards important body functions like muscle recovery, memory, immune function and even your mood. Vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins to have in the body for overall sound health. The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin D for adults is 600 IU daily. Sadly, most foods do not contain enough vitamin D to meet this RDA.
One way by which you can up your daily intake of vitamin D is by been in the sun for a short while. A short while is between 12-15 minutes. You cannot have sunscreen on if you want to take this route. The negative effect of this route is excess UV radiation so it might not be best for you. So, the other option to make sure you get the recommended dietary allowance is by taking supplements. Consult you doctor before taking any form of medication.
Iodine
This aids in your metabolism and healthy thyroid function. Iodine is so important that mental retardation can occur in infancy from a lack of iodine in pregnancy. The negative effects of iodine in adults results in hypothyroidism. It manifests itself in dry skin, tingling in hands and feet, depression, weight gain, forgetfulness, low energy levels, seemingly loss of mind. With a report of people on vegan diets having a 50% lower blood iodine levels, it is crucial that you increase iodine intake. The recommended dietary allowance of iodine for adults is 150mcg daily.
If you say you can just get the required dietary intake from plants, yes this is true but, the iodine levels in the plant is dependent on the iodine levels of the soil the plant is gotten from. So, it follows that plants grown in areas that are dry would have less iodine, while does closer to the sea would have more iodine. Asides from plants, seafood contains iodine, dairy products contains iodine. Unfortunately a vegan diet does not include these foods. So, consider taking an iodine supplement to boost your iodine levels. Consult your doctor before starting any medication.
Vitamin B12
Because most of the vitamin B12 we consume are gotten from plants grown in vitamin B12 rich soil, most vegan diets believe this is something they shouldn’t bother about. Vitamin B12 is gotten from foods like chlorella, mushrooms, nori, unwashed organic produce etc. Sadly, this isn’t entirely the case. It is more that probable to have low levels of vitamin B12 while on a vegan diet.
Vitamin B12 is crucial for producing the cells which transport oxygen to our blood. So, s deficiency of this vitamin isn’t best for your overall health. The negative effects of lack of vitamin B12 are fatal, like heart disease, bone disease, anaemia, infertility, nervous system damage etc. the recommended dietary allowance is 2.4mcg daily for adults. When on a vegan diet, to get this RDA, you have to take a supplement. Consult your doctor before starting any medication.
Iron
The negative effects of insufficient iron in the blood is anemia. The function of iron in the body is to create new DNA in addition to creation of new red blood cells, oxygen transportation in the blood. Need more energy? You need more iron. The recommended dietary allowance is 18 mg for adults daily.
Iron is divided into two; heme and non-heme. Non-heme is gotten from plants while heme is gotten from animal products we eat. Of the two, heme is easily absorbed by the body so, when on a vegan diet you are advised to increase your intake of iron. To increase it eat food which are rich in iron like peas, dried fruit, cereals, nuts, seeds, breads, beans, etc. You can choose to take an iron supplement, but it is best to do so on the recommendation of your doctor, as an increase iron intake can have negative effects on your health.
There are some foods which are a great source of the essential vitamins which a vegan diet needs. These foods are hemp, flax, chai seeds, tofu, legumes, nuts, seeds, calcium-fortified plant milks, yogurts, seaweed, nutritional yeast, spouted and fermented plant foods, whole grains, cereals, pseudocereals, choline-rich foods, fruits and vegetables.
Final Words
From the above said, the best vegan multivitamin 2019 would be one which is duly recommended by your doctor to help meet your daily dietary levels of any of the vitamins. Although is seems like the disadvantages of been on a vegan diets is numerous, the advantages are also numerous. Such as, weight loss. We all at one point in time want to drop a few pounds and consuming organic foods is a good way to start. Make sure you get professional medical opinion before embarking on any form of diet and regular check ups to ensure you are fine.
In the era of environmental consciousness, the quest for sustainable energy solutions has led to significant advancements in solar technology. Among the key players in this domain, REC – a prominent solar energy company – has stimulated notable attention for its innovative approach to solar panel development. Ergo, this article provides an in-depth exploration of REC solar panels, assessing their features, benefits and how they contribute to sustainable home energy.
Understanding REC Solar Panels
REC (the Renewable Energy Corporation) has established itself as a leader in the solar industry with a focus on research, development and production of high-quality solar panels. REC solar panels are designed to convert sunlight into electricity through the use of advanced silicon technology. The key distinguishing factor lies in their efficiency, durability and commitment to environmental sustainability. These cutting-edge solar panels from REC are efficient and durable, underscoring the company’s dedication to advancing sustainable energy solutions for a greener future.
Key Features of REC Solar Panels
REC solar panels are at the forefront of technological innovation in the solar industry. The following key factors set REC panels apart, focusing on high efficiency, robust design and aesthetic appeal:
High efficiency
REC solar panels are engineered for optimal energy conversion, boasting high efficiency that translates into increased electricity generation. This feature is particularly critical for homeowners seeking to maximize the output of their solar systems, making REC panels a sound investment in the pursuit of sustainable energy.
Robust design
The durability of REC solar panels sets them apart in the solar market; rigorous testing ensures their resilience against diverse weather conditions, making them a reliable choice for homeowners in varying climates. The robust design contributes to the longevity of the panels, providing homeowners with a sustainable energy solution that stands the test of time.
Aesthetic appeal
REC recognizes the importance of aesthetics in residential solar integration – the design of their solar panels goes beyond functionality, seamlessly blending with diverse architectural styles. This commitment to aesthetic appeal enables homeowners to harness solar power without compromising the visual harmony of their homes.
Environmental Benefits
Beyond efficiency and design, REC solar panels contribute significantly to environmental sustainability. The following aspects encompass the environmental benefits of adopting REC panels, including the reduction of carbon footprint, responsible resource management and their role in promoting widespread renewable energy adoption:
Reduced carbon footprint
Adopting REC solar panels translates to a tangible reduction in carbon emissions; by harnessing solar energy, homeowners can decrease their reliance on conventional energy sources, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future. The reduction of carbon footprint aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and environmental degradation.
Resource conservation
REC places a strong emphasis on responsible resource management; the production process of their solar panels involves efficient use of materials and adherence to sustainable practices. This approach minimizes environmental impact while underscoring REC’s commitment to responsible manufacturing in the solar industry.
Promoting renewable energy adoption
The widespread adoption of REC solar panels contributes to the broader goal of transitioning to renewable energy sources. By choosing REC, homeowners actively participate in the shift towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape. This collective effort is pivotal in addressing global energy challenges and reducing dependence on finite fossil fuels.
Economic Considerations
Although environmental benefits are undoubtedly paramount, economic considerations are also crucial for homeowners contemplating the switch to solar energy. The following points outline the economic aspects of REC solar panels, including return on investment and incentive programs:
Return on Investment (ROI): While the initial investment in solar panels may seem substantial, REC panels offer a promising return on investment over time. The high efficiency and durability of REC solar panels contribute to long-term cost savings by generating more electricity and requiring fewer replacements or repairs.
Incentive programs: Governments and local authorities often incentivize the adoption of solar energy through various programs; homeowners installing REC solar panels may be eligible for tax credits, rebates or other financial incentives. These programs make solar energy more accessible while accelerating the transition to sustainable practices on a larger scale.
Conclusion
In conclusion, REC solar panels stand at the forefront of sustainable home energy solutions, offering a combination of high efficiency, durability and aesthetic appeal. As the world increasingly turns toward renewable energy, REC’s commitment to environmental responsibility and innovative solar technology positions their panels as a reliable choice for homeowners looking to power the future sustainably. By harnessing the sun’s energy, REC solar panels contribute equally to individual households and the collective effort to build a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
Many of us know Bitcoin was introduced in 2009. Initially, it was not that familiar among all, and they were costly also. Later on, with technical advancements, bitcoin’s hidden colonization took its stand and became the top first cryptocurrencies in the world. Still, as the number of users increased, there was a reduced speed in the processing of transactions. This happened because of the size restrictions of blocks in the blockchain of 1MB.
To solve this issue, Bitcoin cash, which can store blocks of sizes 1MB to 8MB. This article discusses Bitcoin cash and the differences between Bitcoin cash and Bitcoins. You can invest in bitcoins using bitcoin trading wih the app btc loophole
The Emergence of Bitcoin Cash
The blocks in the blockchain are set to the size limit of 1 Mb due to various reasons. To make the system complex from the access of malicious users, the blockchain size was limited to 1 Mb. At those times, the Bitcoin users were also minimal. But as the number of bitcoin users increased, this size restriction produced increased transaction times, and many users complained that it was taking three days to complete a Bitcoin transaction. To overcome this situation, the users were paying higher transaction fees even for transferring $3 worth Bitcoin with $15 as a transaction fee.
The Bitcoin community overcame these problems by proposing the following solutions. They are:
Bitcoin Unlimited
SegWit (Segregated Witness)
SegWit2x
Bitcoin Unlimited
The Bitcoins unlimited allowed the miners to hard code 1 MB block size, and the transaction that falls within 1 MB size can be allotted. If greater than 1 MB size comes, the space of unused blocked are added up to fit the block size. This might increase the speed of transactions by avoiding all the transaction traffic. But the miners have to be paid with higher fees and bonuses.
SegWit (Segregated Witness)
In this method, the miners adopted an idea of storing information related to the blocks outside of the blockchain, to some other storage space. By doing so, there will be no sizing issue, and the transaction time and confirmation time will be speedy. But as time went on, this system also became complicated.
SegWit2x
Later during August 2017, the SegWit2x protocol was implemented, in which the part of the information is stored outside of the blockchain, and at the same time, the block size can be increased to 2 MB. But still, there were transaction timing issues.
Hardfork
On August 1st, 2017, a Hardfork was introduced, were a new Bitcoin network with 8 MB block size was introduced. Hardfork is just updating the existing Bitcoin software to a new version, and the entire Bitcoin network is split into Normal blockchains and hard forked blockchains. These two networks function independently. After the hard forking, the user with a standard Bitcoin network will receive the equivalent amount of Bitcoin cash tokens to the total Bitcoins they held.
After this challenging forking process, the Bitcoin cash was being prevalently used by most of the people than Bitcoins. The Bitcoin cash was also very cheaper in terms of the transaction fee than the Bitcoin transaction fee.
Difference between Bitcoin cash and Bitcoins
The Bitcoins have a block size capacity of 1 MB leading to prolonged transaction time. Bitcoin cash, on the other hand, the Bitcoin cash has a size of 8 MB, allowing fast transaction time.
The Bitcoins have only one mining pool, whereas the Bitcoin cash has three mining pools.
The Bitcoin cash has a unique hash signature for each Bitcoin cash use. But in Bitcoins, the previous block’s information will also be available at the next block.
Bitcoin cash has a unique verification process that is secured when compared to Bitcoins.
A new algorithm was developed in maintaining the mining process of Bitcoin cash to ensure efficient work when there is scarcity in the number of miners.
The bitcoin cash has a speedy transaction when compared to all cryptocurrencies.
Thus, this section has provided a deep insight into what Bitcoin cash is and how it is different from Bitcoins.
Growing products in a greenhouse environment are ideal for providing healthy organic options for consumers. Organic means everything used with production is exempt from harmful pesticides and other contaminants. Professional like those with
The Prospiant greenhouses incorporate only natural elements to prevent disease and keep plants free of pests. Merely because the products are grown in a greenhouse does not automatically imply these have been produced using organic methods.
There are strict guidelines that need to be followed in order to receive 100% organic certification.
The Benefits of Growing Organically in A Greenhouse
Typically, commercial growers use a number of pesticides and fungicides to control disease and pests on plants; however, more are turning to organic production methods with the public’s growing demand for toxin-free, healthy choices.
The “Research Institute of Organic Agriculture” indicates, based on studies performed, more of the public are choosing organically-grown products since these contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
Growing plants within a greenhouse environment using organic methods offer many advantages. Some benefits of an organic greenhouse you can anticipate include:
1. Eco-friendly
Opting for greenhouse production using organic methods proves environmentally friendly. Many growers tend to use solar power for lighting with rainwater as a watering resource, and waste is recycled for compost for plant use.
Hobby or home greenhouse enthusiasts have the option of home-grown compost combined with natural pesticide choices much more readily than a larger commercial facility. That does not make the leaders in the greenhouse industry who are 100% certified organic any less prepared. These greenhouse growers become informed on the safest soils, seeds, containers, overall products, and the ideal environment needed to produce the healthiest plants for consumers.
The commercial greenhouses are placed under stringent guidelines to receive certification as organic growers, so you know their processes are on point.
2. Organically grown plants offer a more extraordinary flavor and more nutrients
Products certified as organic contain as much as 40% greater antioxidants than those grown conventionally. In addition, these options will provide more minerals and nutrients while offering fewer nitrates.
There will be no GMOs or Genetically Modified Organisms, or preservatives in any plants that are grown organically.
3. There is a much longer growing season with a greenhouse
When growing in a greenhouse, the season is prolonged. The temperatures are relatively consistent with the structure retaining the heat of the sun’s rays allowing growth even in those colder climates or in the cooler seasons.
The weather is also not an issue, as it would be if you were attempting to maintain a garden in the field. You can work the plants even if there is a rainstorm or other foul conditions. And because the climate is controlled, there are more options for the plant families, including exotic options instead of being restricted to local varieties.
4. Protection from predators and pests
When growing a garden in the field, growers are at the mercy of wildlife, particularly deer and small animals like moles, groundhogs, and squirrels. The greenhouse environment is more easily controlled with various barriers like screens or plastic. A commercial greenhouse will have more effective and elaborate means for preventing entry.
That being said, things happen. Nature usually doesn’t care what you want to do. If pests can find a way into your greenhouse, they will get in. How do you fix this problem? Modern pests control specialists use the best of technology: Everything from organic pesticides to pest control scheduling software to get the right tech to your greenhouse at the right time.
5. The suitable insects can be kept as a benefit for the plants
Some insects serve as a benefit to the plants, including ladybugs. These have the capacity to reduce the number of pesky insects. The beneficial insects do not stick around in the outside gardens. But in a contained greenhouse atmosphere, the insects keep problems with pests under control.
Many gardeners find methods for attracting these bugs to keep them happy and coming around. It is a natural pesticide technique for an organic garden.
Commercial greenhouses will, of course, use much more efficient natural pesticide methods, but hobbyists or at-home greenhouse gardeners can benefit from this advice.
Certifying A Greenhouse as Organic
A commercial greenhouse (or even a hobbyist or at-home greenhouse atmosphere) can be certified as organic if the stringent NOP rules are met. The difference between a traditional and an organic environment is not significant, but there are considerations when developing the operation.
“Grassroots principles” is the understanding of the guidelines for operating a 100% organic greenhouse and determining what organic growing entails. Certification is not granted as 100% organically grown without following the NOP regulations.
Not only does a grower need to ensure the seeds, containers, soil, and pesticides are all natural, organic materials – the soil should be 30% compost, 60% loam, 10% blend of vermiculite, perlite, peat most; containers should be biodegradable; seeds should be organic – but the lighting, ventilation, heat, and air circulation should be consistent, so the plants thrive.
Final Thought
Because plants are grown within a greenhouse environment does not automatically mean these are certified as 100% organic by the NOP. The regulations set forth by the NOP are stringent, but commercial growers choose to do what they need to follow the guidelines since organic products are in demand by the public. More people are concerned with toxins and contaminants in their products, preferring to buy organic options instead.
The commercial greenhouses have an advantage over the field growers since their growing seasons are prolonged, weather-resistant environments, and contained, meaning they can control the growing conditions. That includes the lighting, ventilation, air circulation, and heating, allowing the plants a better opportunity to thrive. This gives the public not only organic options but better, healthier plants.
Bitcoins are the virtual currency system, where the transactions take place quickly and easily. Initially, Bitcoins were not used by many people. But as it has profitable returns, many people opted for bitcoin investment. Bitcoins are generally stored in a wallet, a file either stored in the cloud or a computer system. This article gives deep insight into what a bitcoin wallet is and how it is used.
The technical meaning of Bitcoin wallet
The Bitcoin wallets are the files that hold the digital currency. To make a Bitcoin transaction, the user must contain a public wallet address and a transaction signature. These both can be accessed only with a private key, which is known as the Bitcoin wallet. You can invest in bitcoins using online platforms
Types of Bitcoin wallet
There are many types of Bitcoin wallets. The following section discusses Bitcoin wallet types.
1. Bitcoin in a paper wallet
As the name indicates, the paper wallets are just like a document, where the receiver’s public wallet address and the sender’s private key will be printed as QR codes in the paper. By scanning those codes, through software, the keys can be entered and initiate the transaction process. The paper wallet is safe from hacking as it is done offline.
But there is much vulnerability for spying your paper document while generating the keys. So it is mandatory to use operating systems like Ubuntu and use a safe printer that is not connected to the internet. The paper wallets have to be safeguarded in a waterproof cover to avoid getting wet and tampering.
2. Physical Bitcoin
Like the standard coins, Bitcoins took the shape of credit first, loaded with some amount of Bitcoins. Later on, it takes the form of a gold medal. The medal can be used for transactions only with a private key, and these private keys will be hidden inside a removable hologram. The key will be available as a tamper manifest seal. By doing so, the Bitcoins can be used for transactions.
This type of wallet allows you to store your Bitcoins physically and thus aiding for offline transactions. But the main disadvantage is that there are many malfunctions with physical Bitcoins, and hence the usage of physical Bitcoins has been stopped.
3. Mobile Wallets
For those who need frequent usage of Bitcoins for online shopping, mobile wallets will be handy. The users need to download e-wallets to their Smartphones. The user’s private key will be generated, which can be used to make payment for any online shopping that supports Bitcoins.
Mobile wallets are beneficial for frequent Bitcoin users. They can give a single tap for initiating a Bitcoin transaction. But the mobile wallets can be hacked by hackers, and the Smart Phones without locked security allows the wallet access by anyone who uses your phone.
4. Web wallets
In the case of web wallets, the private keys will be stored in a server. The user can acquire their private key using registering their account with the e-wallet website. The user will be provided with login details, and after login, a code will be generated to access the digital wallet.
Again though it has lots of benefits, the websites are vulnerable to hackers, and the third parties might be fraudulent who might gain access to your private key leading to the loss of all the Bitcoins.
5. Desktop wallets
In the case of e-wallets, the e-wallet software can be downloaded on the desktop systems, and the private key can be generated on your order. But as they are files, there is a chance of viruses corrupting your system and leading to the loss of entire wallets. Or sometimes, hackers might hack your system while connected to the internet. So, appropriate protection mechanisms must be enforced for safe transactions.
Thus there are different types of wallets available for Bitcoin transactions. Each one has its one advantage and disadvantage. It depends on the user’s convenience to choose any Bitcoin wallet, which must have specific protection mechanisms for a safe transaction.
Paper has many different uses. Receipts, paper bags, cartons, and books all use paper. That being said, the utility of paper is quite clear especially given the fact that the world is going greener by the day. However, while there has been a lot of progress in attaining a green standard in the paper and pulp industry, there’ve also been quite a few challenges.
Also, as our contemporary society has evolved over the years, the demand for paper has increased exponentially. Probably because we use a lot of it. It comes as no surprise then that the world is creating sustainable processes and innovations to increase yields to sustain the ever-increasing demand for paper globally. You’d be right in saying that the rate of innovation, as far as making paper is concerned, is quite rapid.
Unfortunately, paper and pulp production account for some of the pollutions in our society. Also, plenty of water is wasted during the process. As much as 100 liters of water can go into making a kilogram of paper. Moreover, due to poor industry practices, the polluted water that comes out as a byproduct of this process is dumped in places where it shouldn’t be e.g., the ocean. Also, on that note, a lot of energy is wasted in the process. Almost every stage of the paper-making process uses a lot of energy.
Also, in the world’s bid to make the future renewable, wood will be a very important part of this transition. Therefore, sustainable forestry should be instituted as a matter of urgency otherwise it will be hard to meet our targets. Mind you if resources are used improperly, unwanted consequences may arise.
That being said, the following is a brief guide on sustainable paper and pulp production. It details some of the things you need to know about the industry seeing that it’s an industry that’s seen many advancements over the years. It also gives some vital outlooks as far as sustainable forestry is concerned.
1. Sustainable Manufacturing and Harvesting
Wood is the primary raw material in the paper-making process. Paper is made from pulp and pulp is made from fibers (cellulose) found in wood. As such, plenty of wood is required to produce more and to meet demand. Thus, the necessity of sustainable forestry. More forest is needed to harvest and produce more. The move towards sustainable paper and pulp production has to be facilitated by adopting innovative technology. Here’s why:
Since production starts in the forest, you need the machinery to harvest the wood. Sawing equipment like deck saws and saw chains are used to cut and log trees for further processing. To minimize wastage and save time, you need the help of advanced technologies. Reputable brands like Pacific Trail Manufacturing have a wide array of equipment to choose from. They have the most cutting-edge technologies in terms of sawing trees.
Moreover, if sustainability is to be attained in the paper and pulp production industry, it should start somewhere at the source (forest) e.g., if you salvage time savings, money savings, and reduce waste (water and electricity) by using advanced technology when harvesting wood, these costs, and environmental advantages will trickle down the value chain.
Machine technology is more effective and efficient compared to the human hand. Humans are not as fast as computers, robots, and machines. Since machines are more productive, they make fewer mistakes than humans. Mind you, making mistakes may not be good for a business’s bottom line. That’s why the paper and pulp production process is mostly automated. Human involvement is needed before upkeep and maintenance. From source to processing to the end product, every part of the production has some form of automation in it. A sustainable future cannot be secured apart from innovation, information and technology, and machinery.
2. Forest Biodiversity
This establishment of sustainable forests is good for the industry. It allows for the spread and diversification of plant species. Also, if done right, it contributes towards environmental equilibrium. While it is true that some people still engage in irresponsible logging activities, there’s still a concerted effort toward making the paper-making process environmentally sustainable. You certainly don’t want to produce paper at the expense of natural habitats. Also, you do not want to destroy habitats all for the sake of meeting a demand for paper. It makes a lot of economic sense, but it’s morally skewed.
Moreover, when forests are grown specifically for raising trees that will be used in the paper in paper production, we preserve the integrity of the nature reserves surrounding those areas. That’s why it’s important to have regulations in place that govern how sustainable forestry should be done. You need to work with nature lest it works against you.
Furthermore, the whole point of sustainability is to improve productivity without worsening the condition of nature. Otherwise, we will pay a heavy price for disrupting the equilibrium that’s already there. Thankfully we have experts in the field of biodiversity research. Tons of research help people to understand the dynamics of nature, what to look out for, and how we can improve production without damaging our environment.
3. Certification
The objective of certification procedures in forestry is to legitimize the paper and pulp production process. It’s no secret that healthy forests are essential in building a sustainable production process. The paper production industry accounts for a lot of waste as mentioned before. So, if sustainable production is to be attained, regulation is required.
In North America, there are three notable programs in place to help validate processes of harvest and production namely the American Tree Farming System (ATTS), Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and the Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI). They are all different regarding the key focus areas they intend to address. But the end goal is more or less the same, to instill credibility accountability in forestry.
These programs can elaborate on the practices which are supposed to be followed by all landowners as far as growing trees and sustainably harvesting them is concerned. Those landowners who can prove their certification automatically improve their credibility. They will also have greater access to other markets. The more landowners that partner with such endeavors, the more sustainable the value chain will be. Remember, if any sustainable future is to be secured, it has to start from the source.
An additional benefit of managing forests is that the paper and pulp industry accounts for a lot of jobs globally. Establishing regulations that protect forests can contribute to protecting the jobs of the many people who are employed in the industry. Throughout the value chain, you will find that there are a lot of people who are employed from the tree cutting to the final product (paper).
4. Renewable Energy
Paper is perhaps one of the most renewable substances on this planet. Paper recycling is quite popular nowadays and it accounts for much of the paper that we use. The fact that paper is recyclable means that it’s a better substitute for non-renewable substances like plastic. The more that our world gravitates towards a pro-paper society, the more inventive people have to be to extract more volumes of paper from waste and landfills.
Demand is and will most likely stay high. Recycling is going to be a part of the renewable future that the world is aiming towards. A lot of energy is lost in processing and extracting paper. Therefore, innovation will be a constant feature insofar as attaining sustainable paper and pulp induction is concerned.
Also, relying too much on energy can be deleterious because it means that if a power cut occurs, the whole process will be affected. Using renewable energy sources to facilitate production can help. Renewable sources of energy like biomass and solar energy are alternatives to electrical energy.
Although the energy from renewables is hard to harness, it’s possible to create hybrid systems that utilize both renewable and non-renewable energy. If the production process is transformed into a renewable machine as much as possible, less energy is wasted and fewer emissions are produced. A renewable energy cycle can be created wherein most parts of the system are powered by green energy.
5. The Problem of Deforestation
Deforestation is a big problem. Agriculture, mining, and construction projects are the main causes of deforestation. It’s a practice that marks the epitome of unsustainable forestry. Harvesting trees without replacing them will lead to all kinds of problems in the long run.
If people make the habit of cutting forests illegally and not replacing them, it could lead to desertification and habitat loss. This also ties in with biodiversity loss which is devastating to maintaining the equilibrium of the environment. Destruction of food chains can have far-reaching effects on the entire ecosystem. That’s why deforestation must be shunned. Also, that’s why forests are being regulated more diligently.
Moreover, deforestation is a barrier to sustainable paper and pulp production. If deforestation is allowed to continue, the hope for building a sustainable paper and pulp production system is futile. It’s like moving forward-backward. That’s why most authorities around the world put punishments in place for people who cut trees without permits or some form of authorization legitimizing their activity. Trees are an important natural resource and they must be protected. If trees are harvested improperly, the effects will be felt across the whole production chain and in the environment.
Conclusion
Sustainability is much sought after in today’s contemporary society. Thus, the drive for efficiency and innovation in production. The pulp and paper industry is no different. There is no determining what the ceiling is when it comes to technological innovation. All that can be ascertained is that any form of progress is welcome. Because if the future is to be green, every opportunity for growth needs to be utilized. All things considered, sustainability is and will always be a worthwhile goal.
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