Environment
Eid-ul-Adha Cleanliness Tips: Keep Your Home and Surroundings Spotless After Qurbani
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, holds profound significance in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command. Muslims worldwide honor this event by performing Qurbani, the ritual sacrifice of an animal such as a goat, sheep, cow, or camel. This act is a manifestation of devotion, obedience, and charity. However, with the joy and blessings of Eid-ul-Adha comes the responsibility of maintaining cleanliness, especially after the Qurbani. Proper hygiene is vital to prevent disease spread and to respect the environment and community.
Preparations Before Qurbani
Choose the Right Location
Selecting an appropriate location for the sacrifice is the first step in ensuring cleanliness. Ideally, this should be a clean, designated area that is easy to sanitize post-Qurbani. If you are performing the sacrifice at home, choose an open, ventilated space like a backyard or garden. Avoid places where food is prepared or consumed to prevent contamination.
Gather Necessary Supplies
Before performing Qurbani, gather all the necessary supplies to facilitate an efficient and hygienic process. These include:
- Cleaning supplies: Disinfectants, antiseptic solutions, garbage bags, and cleaning tools.
- Protective gear: Gloves, aprons, and masks to maintain personal hygiene.
- Containers: Clean containers for storing meat and other parts of the animal.
- Tools: Ensure all cutting tools are clean and sanitized before use.
Read more: What is ‘Zero Waste’ and why is it important?
Inform Neighbors
It is courteous to inform your neighbors about your Qurbani plans, especially if you live in a close-knit community. This allows them to make necessary arrangements and ensures cooperation in maintaining cleanliness. Encourage your neighbors to follow similar cleanliness practices to keep the entire community tidy.
During Qurbani
Maintain Hygiene
Maintaining hygiene during the Qurbani process is crucial. Use clean and sanitized tools for the sacrifice to prevent contamination. All individuals involved should wash their hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water to maintain personal hygiene. Additionally, wearing protective gear such as gloves and aprons is important to prevent direct contact with blood and other fluids, further ensuring a safe and sanitary process.
Proper Handling of Waste
Proper handling of waste generated during Qurbani is essential to prevent contamination and maintain cleanliness. Here’s how you can manage waste effectively:
- Separate the edible parts from the waste immediately after the sacrifice.
- Use designated bins for different types of waste. Organic waste, such as blood and internal organs, should be disposed of in specific bins and covered properly.
- Avoid throwing waste in open areas or public spaces to prevent attracting pests and causing a nuisance to others.
Read more: Plastic Pollution: Harmful effects on human health and environment
Immediate Post-Qurbani Clean-up
Waste Disposal
After Qurbani, the immediate disposal of waste is crucial. Pack the waste securely in heavy-duty garbage bags; double-bagging is recommended to prevent leaks and spills. Dispose of the waste at designated locations or waste collection points rather than leaving the garbage bags outside your home or in public areas. This practice helps maintain cleanliness and prevents the spread of disease.
Disinfect the Area
Once the waste has been disposed of, the area where the Qurbani was performed needs to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Use disinfectants to clean the site, paying special attention to areas with blood and other residues. Wash the area with plenty of water to ensure no traces of blood or waste remain. Additionally, disinfect all tools and equipment used during the Qurbani to prevent any bacterial or viral contamination, ensuring a hygienic environment.
Personal Hygiene
After completing the clean-up, it is important to ensure personal hygiene. Thoroughly wash your hands and any exposed skin with soap and water to remove any contaminants. Clean and disinfect any protective gear worn during the process, such as gloves and aprons, to prevent the spread of bacteria. If possible, take a shower to ensure complete cleanliness and to feel refreshed after the task. These steps are essential for maintaining personal health and hygiene.
What is ‘Zero Waste’ and why is it important?
Zero waste is not just a trend; it is a movement towards sustainability and environmental responsibility. March 30 marks International Zero Waste Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about waste management and sustainable living practices. This concept extends beyond individual actions to encompass a holistic approach involving communities, businesses, and policymakers.
What is Zero Waste and Zero Waste Movement?
Zero waste is a philosophy aiming to eliminate trash. It is a lifestyle that focuses on minimising waste generation and resource depletion. It advocates redesigning resource life cycles so that all products are reused or recycled, leaving no waste to be sent to landfills or incinerators.
In 2008, the term "Zero Waste" primarily referred to industrial and municipal waste management methods. However, Bea Johnson, a French American adopted this concept for her household. By 2009, she began documenting her journey on the Zero Waste Home blog, gaining recognition when featured in The New York Times in 2010.
Read more: Eight ways to overcome waste pollution crisis
The zero waste movement promotes sustainable practices, such as reducing consumption, reusing items, recycling materials, composting organic waste, and refusing single-use products. By embracing these principles, individuals, communities, and businesses can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future, where resources are conserved, pollution is reduced, and ecosystems are protected.
US to work with Bangladesh to ‘enhance economic investment’ in next 50 years and beyond
The United States has said it looks forward to working with Bangladesh to "enhance economic investment" over the next 50 years and beyond.
The visiting US delegation met Salman F Rahman, Private Industry and Investment Adviser to PM Sheikh Hasina, to hear how government and private companies are collaborating.
Eileen Laubacher, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia, US National Security Council (NSC); Michael Schiffer, USAID Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia; and Afreen Akhter, US Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, are on a three-day visit to Bangladesh.
For over 50 years, the US has partnered with the government and the people of Bangladesh, providing over $8 billion to tackle issues like public health, education, energy, environment, food security, natural disasters, and more.
Read: Want to create a new chapter in our relations: Foreign Minister says after meeting with US delegation
The United States is one of the largest investors in Bangladesh and its largest single country export market, said the US Embassy in Dhaka.
"Our leadership from Washington D.C. joined local economic experts to discuss a range of issues impacting the bilateral trade relationship," said the US Embassy.
The United States "stands ready" to help Bangladesh create a business climate that attracts more investment from the US.
The delegation discussed ways to improve the business environment, making investment in Bangladesh more attractive to American companies.
Read: Bangladesh-US relations will be stronger based on environment, climate actions: Environment Minister
The three officials, according to the US side, are visiting Bangladesh to discuss with the government of Bangladesh ways to "strengthen diplomatic ties, address challenges, and promote a shared vision for the advancement of mutual interests in the Indo-Pacific region."
They also met Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, civil society representatives, labour leaders, youth activists and those engaged in developing a free and uncensored media.
"We discussed with the Foreign Minister how our two countries can work on mutual interests, including economic development, security, refugees, climate, labor, and trade," said the US Embassy in a separate message after the meeting.
Bangladesh is an important partner in the Indo-Pacific region, it said.
Read more: US Deputy Assistant Secretary meets Bangladeshi civil society members including Zillur and Adilur
Govt. to announce incentive packages for block brick production: Environment Minister
Bangladesh's Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury on Saturday (February 24, 2024) said that the government would introduce incentive packages to promote the production of environmentally-friendly block bricks.
Saber came up with the announcement during a media interaction following a meeting with officials from the Forest Department and the Department of Environment at Feni Circuit House on Saturday.
Brick kiln owners can be benefited from these incentives as part of the government's efforts to transition away from air-polluting and land-damaging brick kilns, he said, emphasising the need for the designation of specific areas for waste recycling by municipalities.
The minister urged officials to take proactive measures to combat environmental pollution, including the prohibition of polythene use.
Read more: Govt working to promote climate-resilient crops: Saber Hossain
He stressed prompt actions in cases where environmental clearance is lacking and urged against delays in issuing such clearances.
Moreover, Minister Saber underscored the need for the daily clearance of medical and municipal waste and instructed divisional forest officials to reclaim encroached forest land and initiate afforestation projects in urban and coastal regions.
Chaired by Feni District Magistrate Shahina Akter, various officials including BRTA Chairman Nur Mohammad, Additional Superintendent of Police Din Mohammad, Additional District Magistrate Abishek Das, Divisional Forest Officer Ruhul Amin, and Feni Department of Environment Deputy Director Showkat Ara Kali, among others were present on the occasion.
Following the meeting, Feni Awami League General Secretary and local MP Nizam Uddin Hazari and Feni sadar municipality Mayor Nazrul Islam Swapon Miaji exchanged greetings with the environment minister with floral tributes.
Read more: Is There Any Alternative to Brick Kilns?
Is There Any Alternative to Brick Kilns?
For centuries, brick kilns, characterised by fiery chimneys and billowing smoke, have played a key role in the construction industry. Despite their contribution in providing essential building materials, their operations entail harmful impacts on human health, biodiversity and environment.
What is a Brick Kiln?
A brick kiln is a specialised facility used in the production of bricks, fundamental building blocks for construction. These kilns play a vital role in shaping the urban landscape. The process involves heating clay or other materials in furnaces to create bricks and contributes to the growth of infrastructure. However, the traditional methods employed in brick kilns can have environmental and health consequences, making it imperative to explore sustainable alternatives and technologies.
Impacts of Brick Kiln on Health
Particulate Matter Emissions
Brick kilns pose a major health risk due to the emission of particulate matter, including pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Inhaling these pollutants can irritate the lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure may contribute to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Read more: 9 illegal brick kilns shut down, fined Tk 47 lakh in Sirajganj
Respiratory Issues
Prolonged exposure to emissions from brick kilns can lead to a range of respiratory problems. From workers within the kilns to residents in nearby communities, the inhalation of pollutants can result in asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments.
Occupational Health Risks
Workers directly involved in brick kiln operations face occupational health risks due to exposure to high temperatures, dust, and pollutants. Adequate safety measures and protective equipment are crucial to mitigating these risks.
Cardiovascular Problems
Brick kiln fumes, laden with pollutants, can obstruct arteries, elevate blood pressure, and disturb heart rhythms. These adverse effects heighten the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, underlining the severe cardiovascular risks associated with exposure.
Read more: 4 brick kilns shut down for polluting air in South Keraniganj
Skin Problems
Dust and irritants emanating from brick kilns inflict skin torment on workers, causing rashes, itching, and burns. The daily grind leaves exposed skin raw, rendering workers vulnerable and uncomfortable in their work environment.
Cancer
Inhaling brick kiln fumes conceal invisible dangers, harbouring carcinogens that escalate cancer risks over time. Exposed workers face heightened threats of lung, skin, and other cancers, emphasising the risks associated with prolonged exposure.
Producers of single-use plastics to be held accountable, hopes Saber
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Affairs Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury on Sunday said the government wants to hold anyone involved in producing single-use plastics accountable.
The minister also said his ministry is taking initiative to make rules in this regard.
Saber Hossain said this in reply to a call attention notice of ruling Awami League MP elected from Dhaka-10 Ferdous Ahmed in Parliament.
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The minister said 30,000 metric tons of solid waste is being produced every day throughout Bangladesh.
Of this total, around 7000 metric tons are being produced in the Dhaka city and 10 percent of this waste is single used plastic.
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“We intend to phase out production and distribution of single used plastic. We are taking action in this regard.”
The minister also proposed to ban single-use plastics. “If it is possible, it will be an example for the country.”
Shab-e-Barat on February 25
Earlier while speaking on his notice, Ferdous Ahmed demanded a ban on single-use plastic products.
“If usage of one time plastic products cannot be stopped, it will be a challenge to protect the capital's environment,” he also said.
Last 12 months on Earth were the hottest ever recorded, analysis finds
The last 12 months were the hottest Earth has ever recorded, according to a new report by Climate Central, a nonprofit science research group.
The peer-reviewed report says burning gasoline, coal, natural gas and other fossil fuels that release planet-warming gases like carbon dioxide, and other human activities, caused the unnatural warming from November 2022 to October 2023.
Over the course of the year, 7.3 billion people, or 90% of humanity, endured at least 10 days of high temperatures that were made at least three times more likely because of climate change.
Western and Arab officials are gathering in Paris to find ways to provide aid to civilians in Gaza
"People know that things are weird, but they don't they don't necessarily know why it's weird. They don't connect back to the fact that we're still burning coal, oil and natural gas," said Andrew Pershing, a climate scientist at Climate Central.
"I think the thing that really came screaming out of the data this year was nobody is safe. Everybody was experiencing unusual climate-driven heat at some point during the year," said Pershing.
The average global temperature was 1.3 degrees Celsius (2.3 degrees Fahrenheit) higher than the pre-industrial climate, which scientists say is close to the limit countries agreed not to go over in the Paris Agreement — a 1.5 C (2.7 F) rise. The impacts were apparent as one in four humans, or 1.9 billion people, suffered from dangerous heat waves.
At this point, said Jason Smerdon, a climate scientist at Columbia University, no one should be caught off guard. "It's like being on an escalator and being surprised that you're going up," he said. "We know that things are getting warmer, this has been predicted for decades."
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Here's how a few regions were affected by the extreme heat:
1. Extreme heat fueled destructive rainfall because a warmer atmosphere holds more water vapor, which lets storms release more precipitation. Storm Daniel became Africa's deadliest storm with an estimated death toll that ranges between 4,000 and 11,000, according to officials and aid agencies. Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey also saw damages and fatalities from Storm Daniel.
2. In India, 1.2 billion people, or 86% of the population, experienced at least 30 days of elevated temperatures, made at least three times more likely by climate change.
3. Drought in Brazil's Amazon region caused rivers to dry to historic lows, cutting people off from food and fresh water.
4. At least 383 people died in U.S. extreme weather events, with 93 deaths related to the Maui wildfire event, the deadliest U.S. fire of the century.
5. One of every 200 people in Canada evacuated their home due to wildfires, which burn longer and more intensely after long periods of heat dry out the land. Canadian fires sent smoke billowing across much of North America.
6. On average, Jamaica experienced high temperatures made four times more likely by climate change during the last 12 months, making it the country where climate change was most powerfully at work.
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"We need to adapt, mitigate and be better prepared for the residual damages because impacts are highly uneven from place to place," said Kristie Ebi, a professor at the Center for Health and the Global Environment at the University of Washington, citing changes in precipitation, sea level rise, droughts, and wildfires.
The heat of the last year, intense as it was, is tempered because the oceans have been absorbing the majority of the excess heat related to climate change, but they are reaching their limit, said Kim Cobb, a climate scientist at Brown University. "Oceans are really the thermostat of our planet ... they are tied to our economy, food sources, and coastal infrastructure."
Deadly flooding is hitting several countries at once. Scientists say this will only be more common
Schools in New Delhi were forced to close Monday after heavy monsoon rains battered the Indian capital, with landslides and flash floods killing at least 15 people over the last three days. Farther north, the overflowing Beas River swept vehicles downstream as it flooded neighborhoods.
In Japan, torrential rain pounded the southwest, causing floods and mudslides that left two people dead and at least six others missing Monday. Local TV showed damaged houses in Fukuoka prefecture and muddy water from the swollen Yamakuni River appearing to threaten a bridge in the town of Yabakei.
New Delhi schools close after monsoon floods kill at least 15, Pakistan on alert for more flooding
In Ulster County, in New York’s Hudson Valley and in Vermont, some said the flooding is the worst they’ve seen since Hurricane Irene’s devastation in 2011.
Although destructive flooding in India, Japan, China, Turkey and the United States might seem like distant events, atmospheric scientists say they have this in common: Storms are forming in a warmer atmosphere, making extreme rainfall a more frequent reality now. The additional warming that scientists predict is coming will only make it worse.
Heavy rains cause flooding and mudslides in southwest Japan, leaving 2 dead and at least 6 missing
That’s because a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, which results in storms dumping more precipitation that can have deadly outcomes. Pollutants, especially carbon dioxide and methane, are heating up the atmosphere. Instead of allowing heat to radiate away from Earth into space, they hold onto it.
While climate change is not the cause of storms unleashing the rainfall, these storms are forming in an atmosphere that is becoming warmer and wetter.
“Sixty-eight degrees Fahrenheit can hold twice as much water as 50 degrees Fahrenheit,” said Rodney Wynn, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay. “Warm air expands and cool air contracts. You can think of it as a balloon - when it’s heated the volume is going to get larger, so therefore it can hold more moisture.”
'Life threatening' flooding overwhelms New York roadways, killing 1 person
For every 1 degree Celsius, which equals 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit, the atmosphere warms, it holds approximately 7% more moisture. According to NASA, the average global temperature has increased by at least 1.1 degrees Celsius (1.9 degrees Fahrenheit) since 1880.
“When a thunderstorm develops, water vapor gets condensed into rain droplets and falls back down to the surface. So as these storms form in warmer environments that have more moisture in them, the rainfall increases,” explained Brian Soden, professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Miami.
Along Turkey’s mountainous and scenic Black Sea coast, heavy rains swelled rivers and damaged cities with flooding and landslides. At least 15 people were killed by flooding in another mountainous region, in southwestern China.
15 killed by floods in southwestern China as seasonal torrents hit mountain areas
“As the climate gets warmer we expect intense rain events to become more common, it’s a very robust prediction of climate models,” Soden added. “It’s not surprising to see these events happening, it’s what models have been predicting ever since day one.”
Gavin Schmidt, climatologist and director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, said the regions being hit hardest by climate change are not the ones who emit the largest amount of planet-warming pollutants.
Better flood management: China offers assistance for dredging rivers in Bangladesh
“The bulk of the emissions have come from the industrial Western nations and the bulk of the impacts are happening in places that don’t have good infrastructure, that are less prepared for weather extremes and have no real ways to manage this,” said Schmidt.
Plastic Pollution: Harmful effects on human health and environment
Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time, posing significant threats to both human health and the environment. As we observe World Environment Day today (June 5, 2023), it is crucial to shed light on the harmful effects of plastic pollution and raise awareness about the urgent need for action. This global observance serves as a timely reminder that the choices we make today have far-reaching consequences for the well-being of our planet and future generations.
Harmful Effects of Plastic Pollution on Human Health
Plastic pollution has become a major environmental concern in recent years, and its impact on human health is a growing area of research. Here are some of the harmful effects of plastic pollution on human health.
Exposure to Microplastic
Microplastics, small plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, have infiltrated various aspects of our lives, including our food and water sources. These tiny particles are found in high concentrations in the oceans, freshwater bodies, and even the air we breathe. Seafood, such as fish and shellfish, often contain microplastics due to their ingestion of plastic debris in the marine environment. As a result, when we consume these contaminated seafood, we unknowingly ingest microplastics.
Read more: Effects of Air Pollution on Unborn Children, Neonates, Infants
Microplastics can accumulate in our bodies over time, causing potential harm. These particles can pass through the intestinal wall and migrate to other organs, leading to inflammation, tissue damage, and disruption of normal cellular functions. Some studies suggest that microplastics may also have the potential to transport harmful chemicals and pathogens, further exacerbating health risks.
Coordinated efforts needed to save Bangladesh’s common rivers, environment: Speakers
Speakers at a discussion on Tuesday called for coordinated efforts by enlisting the support of the people to save Bangladesh’s common rivers and the environment.
They made the call while addressing a discussion organized by the International Farakka Committee (IFC) to mark the Farakka Long March Day 2023 at the National Press Club.
Today (May 16) is the Farakka Long March Day. On this day in 1976, leader of the toiling masses Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani led the March from Rajshahi to Kansat near the Bangladesh-India border to protest unilateral withdrawal of Ganges water, ensure due share of water and protection of Bangladesh’s environment.
The speakers said the long march paved the way for signing of the first Ganges Water Sharing Treaty in 1977. Subsequently a MoU and an agreement were signed but without the main safety valve - guarantee clause.
Also Read: Ensure flow of common rivers, avert disaster: Farakka Committee
With Mostafa Kamal Majumder, the coordinator of IFC, in the chair, the function was addressed, among others, by Mostafa Jamal Haider, chairman of Jatiya Party (Jamal), Saiful Huq, general secretary of Biplabi Workers’ Party, Shahidullah Kaysar, general secretary of Nagorik, Oikya, and Elahi Newaz Khan former president of Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ)
The speakers said that Bangladesh now can do nothing if water does not flow from upstream.
On the other hand, the country remains deprived of normal flooding due to construction of embankments on all 54 common rivers, but faces devastating floods at intervals, they observed.
In the dry season, a process of desertification is observed in the northern and the south-western parts of Bangladesh.
Also Read: Don’t sign off on Kushiara before Teesta: Farakka Committee
The Farakka Long March of Moulana Bhashani thus remains relevant even to this day, the speakers said.
They said that as the largest delta in the world, Bangladesh owes its origin to rivers which carried silt to form the land over the millennia. Disruption of flows of rivers has threatened the geographical integrity of this land of rivers.
The environmental balance of the country is in jeopardy due to reduction of flows of rivers for five decades. Harmful salinity of seawater has reached from the shore to Aricha in Manikganj with devastating effects on the river ecosystem, they said.
They said that as the natural floodplains do no longer have normal flooding during the wet season, indigenous fish, aquatic organisms, weeds, water lilies and other aquatic plants have disappeared from many districts.
Again, being deprived of the dry season flows, many small rivers in the lower catchments of the Ganges and the Teesta have died. In such a situation the life and livelihood of people have come under severe stress.
The speakers said Bangladesh would not have experienced such environmental disasters if International law relating to rivers and water was upheld.
Common rivers should continue to flow from their origins to their outfalls in the sea, otherwise, they will die, they said.
Water experts of India and the rest of the world are aware of the river-environmental disasters in Bangladesh and are vocal against them.
The speakers said that raising a voice against this cannot be termed as enmity. Works are ongoing worldwide on proper sharing of rivers and cooperation between upper-riparian and lower-riparian peoples.
They said that without this, rivers will not remain alive. Bangladesh should raise a strong voice to assert this and take steps to ensure natural flows of rivers and protect the riverine environment
The speakers eulogized the foresight of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani and urged all concerned to take inspiration from the lesson he taught at the age of 96 in the movement to protect the environmental balance of Bangladesh.
The meeting sympathized with IFC New York chairman, Atiqur Rahman Salu who had fallen ill and prayed for his early recovery.
Earlier, Dr. SI Khan, former adviser to the UN on water and environment and Sr. Vice-President, IFC Bangladesh, made a keynote speech.
Samyabadi Dal leader Kazi Mostafa Kamal, US-based senior journalist and poet Salem Suleri and IFC organising secretary Ataur Rahman Ata were among those who spoke at the function.