#Environmentally friendly concrete

[nnctales]

Basalt Fiber Reinforcement in Construction: A Sustainable Paradigm Shift

Introduction In the contemporary construction landscape, a notable shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly building materials is underway. Among the alternatives gaining prominence is basalt fiber reinforcement, positioning itself as a compelling substitute for traditional steel reinforcement. This transition is fueled by a collective desire to reduce environmental impact and elevate the…

[argothiathedreamer]

Got a splitting headache while working on this in Minecraft.

It's something I saw a YouTuber do once in passing and thought it looked cool so I've tried to recreate it for funsies.

Then I remembered that I hate working with Minecraft's water physics (hilarious because I like building underwater in survival) and it's taken me 3 days to get it mostly done (I still have to do the bottom).

admittedly a lot of the time has been spent just trying to scrape together all the sand/gravel/black dye I've needed for the concrete.

[engineeringmarvelsexplained]

Why Ancient Concrete might be the future!

Concrete is found in almost every structure that is around us, 20 billion tons are used every year, however it also has its drawbacks. It is estimated that 8% of yearly CO2 emissions can be attributed to concrete, this is due to the high temperatures needed to bind all the ingredients together. Modern concrete uses a mainly a mixture of silica sand, limestone, clay, chalk and other ingredients…

[fionazoomline]

What are the environmental impacts of an eco friendly asphalt plant?

Eco-friendly Asphalt Mixing Plant, Environmental-friendly Asphalt Plant,Environment Friendly Asphalt Mix Plant

For the pollution problems from the asphalt mixing plant, we have launched a Full-environmental Asphalt Mixing Plant with the strict environmental protection standards.

Environmental-friendly Asphalt Plant is developed on the basis of LB Series; it retains the advantages of LB Series and attaches great importance on environmental protection and safety. ELB Series asphalt mixing plant is featured by low noise and less pollutant emission, fit for road construction projects in all grades and scales and can be set in urban or near urban area.

From the storage, transportation, heating, mixing and unloading of the asphalt and aggregates, we have achieved environmental protection and effective control. It becomes the pioneer of environmental transformation of asphalt mixing plant because it can be controlled for the producing harmful flue gas, dust and high energy consumption in the production process.

[wachinyeya]

When Stockholm’s Traffic Office conducted a general assessment of street traffic in the Swedish capital in 2001, it came to the shocking conclusion that two-thirds of all trees in the city center were dead or dying.

City authorities agreed that an urgent response was needed to nurse these leafy urban ecosystem pillars back to health.

Enter Björn Embrén, Stockholm’s first “tree officer.”

Under his leadership, various technologies and materials were tested in an attempt to create a more suitable living space for trees in the urban environment.

“I knew that they could grow if the circumstances were right,” says Embrén, a former professional gardener.

“It’s like putting a plastic bag over your head and tightening it over your neck,” says Embrén. “That’s what happened to the trees in Stockholm. They were dying.”

Eventually, inspired by railroad embankments — which require only a small amount of organic matter for healthy trees to grow — Embrén concocted what was to become known as the “Stockholm tree pit” model.

By 2002, Embrén had drawn up designs. And by 2003, they were already building.

The design involves digging a pit and constructing a frame underground around the tree’s roots, and then filling said pit with a mixture of soil and stone, sometimes including biochar, to both aerate and fertilize the soil. These permeable layers are very strong and physically adaptable but also allow stormwater to flow in, meaning the trees are provided with sufficient air and water naturally. They also allow rainwater to be soaked up — a necessity amid more extreme weather brought on by climate change.

“We found that the more breathable the materials we used, the happier the trees were,” adds Embrén.

Proponents say the method has a number of benefits, including the fact that pits can be installed around existing trees, they can bear the weight of heavy-vehicle traffic, they require little topsoil — a resource that is becoming scarce — and they need less watering than traditionally-planted trees.

This approach, which allows tree roots to thrive beneath hard surfacing, ergo allowing healthy trees to grow within the modern built environment, is particularly relevant as cities attempt to re-green and reforest in the face of climate change.

According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, urban forests can help “future-proof” cities, which are responsible for about 75 percent of global CO2 emissions. Sustainable urban forestry, it says, can bring multiple benefits, such as lowering temperatures, improving public health, creating habitats for biodiversity, sequestering carbon, generating green jobs, and mitigating risks of floods and landslides.

“It’s more important now than ever before,” says Ryan Klein, an assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Horticulture at the University of Florida. “We have these massive populations in urban areas. And we’re seeing more extreme weather like hurricanes, wildfires and prolonged droughts. Trees can help to offset some of these negative effects.”

However, amid the rush to rapidly reforest cities, experts like Klein warn that due to ineffective methods and techniques being used, it’s common to see urban trees in poor health, and trees planted in cities often have very high mortality rates.

“We have the understanding of how to grow healthier, more sustainable and resilient forests,” says Klein. “The research backs it. Unfortunately, we don’t always invest the time, money or internal know-how on implementing this.”

A review of 16 scientific studies on urban tree mortality, published in 2019, found that in the first five years after planting, 6.6 to 7 percent of trees died annually.

“Urban soils are not very tree-friendly currently,” says Rik De Vreese, leader of the Urban Forestry Team at the European Forestry Institute. “It’s quite a serious threat.”

When trees aren’t properly anchored, De Vreese adds, it can also lead to other issues, such as trunks falling over and causing damage or roots warping sidewalks.

However, the Stockholm Tree Pit method — and the way that it’s been implemented in Sweden — is helping urban forests genuinely take root.

One of the first locations where Embrén introduced a tree pit was Erik Dahlbergsallén street in Stockholm, not far from the popular Swedish Museum of Natural History.

There, according to research by the municipality, the circumference of a selection of those planted trees increased from 30 to 35 centimeters to 70 to 83 centimeters between 2004 and 2013, even surpassing that of trees without the tree pits that have been there for more than 80 years. The latest figures from 2024 saw them reach between 100 and 136 centimeters.

“It’s easy to see how effective the pits have been,” says Embrén.

The municipality estimates that 2.3 million liters of rainwater are managed by the trees per year, and consequently, 4,600 square meters of roofs and sidewalks have been disconnected from the sewage system, reducing the burden on water treatment services.

This technique has proven so successful that it has become the standard for all other development projects in the public spaces of Stockholm. Embrén says he has been directly involved in constructing more than 3,000 tree pits, and while he has since retired, there are now three “tree officers” who have taken on the expanding role. 

Britt-Marie Alvem, one of the current tree officers, estimates that the city now builds between 500 and 1,000 tree pits a year.

These days, the tree pits are also in almost every Swedish city — with a few variations.

“Some have copied and changed a little bit, like adding pumice to the stone mix,” says Embrén.

Stockholm’s tree pits are now spreading across Europe, too. In Budapest, Hungary’s capital, the tree pits can be found all over Bartók Béla Boulevard and Arany János Street. Embrén says the Spanish city of Madrid has implemented the method using local materials. And it’s become increasingly popular in the U.K.

Ben Rose, the principal arboricultural consultant at U.K. tree service Bosky Trees and the founder of Stockholm Tree Pits, a U.K.-based company that produces the equipment required to make tree pits, says that he has planted about 500 trees using the Stockholm model in the U.K. since he began in 2019, mostly as part of small-scale pilot projects.

“The approach is very suitable for use in urban situations, particularly in car parks, in plazas, and beside walkways or cycle paths,” says Rose.

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Yet there are some drawbacks to the system. Installation costs can be high, the pits can require a large amount of space to install, and it is impossible to reuse existing soil. In addition, for now there is a relative dearth of professionals who know how to construct tree pits.

“Our main concern is the price,” says De Vreese, whose team is currently studying the importance of “structural soils” like those deployed by the tree pits. “Excavating the soil surrounding the tree and refilling it is no small job.”

And while Professor Klein praises the Stockholm Tree Pit’s use of structural soil and how effective it’s proven to be, he notes that the long-term success of urban forestry also relies on other factors such as the supply of high quality nursery stock and proactive tree management such as routine pruning by municipalities.

“If we don’t have these we are setting ourselves up for failure,” he says. “Some cities do the bare minimum. In the U.S.A., it’s the wild west. But others, like Stockholm, are proactive, and they have public officials seriously behind it. That’s what we need.”

By: Peter Yeung, March 4, 2025

[oldcorps8541]

This photo shows the steel reinforcement used at the base of a wind turbine. To complete it, approximately 800 cubic meters of concrete remain to be added, equivalent to a weight of almost 2,000 tons. Once the wind turbine, which has an average lifespan of twenty years, is dismantled, this base will remain buried forever in the ground. No matter what they tell you to fool you, this type of energy is neither clean nor environmentally friendly.

[forlornmelody]

Bad Seeds

Rating: Teen (About the same amount of violence, swearing, and angst you'd expect from an animated Batman movie.)

Fandom: DC Comics

Ship: Poison Ivy/Harley Quinn

Ao3

--

Summary:  

And so Ivy happened upon a quiet warehouse on the edge of the construction site. At least, it was quiet. Before it exploded. As Ivy hid behind a concrete wall, heard a familiar voice distorted, this time in the form of a wail. And laughter that made her blood boil. And, much later, the rumble of the Bat Cycle taking off. Honestly, Ivy wondered if perhaps the jet lag was getting to her. This all sounded too much like Gotham.

Well, there was one problem solved. At least for the moment. The explosion would delay the construction by months, if not years. And Ivy had more pressing issues to deal with. Time to find a ride home.

Wait. The Green tugged at Ivy’s senses. She felt the vibrations of something heavy disturbing a patch of trifolium nearby. Ivy reached out with her mind, immersing herself in the Green, and she gasped when she saw it.

A human hand.

Belonging to a child.

A living child.

---

Note: Basically, a canon-divergent AU where Ivy revives and raises the second Robin before Ra's Al Guhl can get to him.

---

“Perhaps a rest is in order, Master Bruce?” He nearly jumped at Alfred’s voice behind him. 

Bruce rubbed his face. “What time is it?”

Alfred set the tray down. “What day is it, more like.” He scrunched his nose as he took up the other two trays, the sandwiches and meat pie both left untouched. “Gotham’s most wanted botanist giving you trouble, sir?”

“You’ve no idea.” Bruce had been staring at the screens so long the images and words blurred together. 

Poison Ivy’s MO had changed so drastically Bruce wondered if it was a copycat. But the DNA checked out. Before it was billionaire CEO’s and the board members of less-than-environmentally-friendly companies. Poisoned one by one over dinner, or sometimes all together in the middle of a board meeting. Well. That stayed the same. 

Tonight Batman had found Ivy’s toxic pollen in the nostrils of the board members of Wayne Enterprises. But why? 

Dammit. Bruce knew each of them. Shelly Marks, Chairman, came to Dick’s graduation. Bill Roberts, Vice Chairman, was the second biggest sponsor of the Thomas and Martha Wayne Charity Gala three years running–they played golf together in the rare moment Bruce and Batman had a day off. Alex Shaeffer, secretary, always brought their homemade cupcakes to each meeting, even the emergency ones. Jade Wong, treasurer, always gave him a card on the anniversary of his parents death, along with a hand-delivered bouquet. Why on earth would Ivy want them dead?

—-

She wasn’t even supposed to be there that night. Poison Ivy primarily worked out of Gotham. Men who cared more about their pocketbooks and ledgers seemed to fester in that cesspool like it was a party. But the Green had whispered about construction of a nuclear power plant near one of the largest river systems in Markovia. Ivy remembered with a racing heart the scars of the “Red” Forrest. Never again, she told herself. 

And so Ivy happened upon a quiet warehouse on the edge of the construction site. At least, it was quiet. Before it exploded. As Ivy hid behind a concrete wall, heard a familiar voice distorted, this time in the form of a wail. And laughter that made her blood boil. And, much later, the rumble of the Bat Cycle taking off. Honestly, Ivy wondered if perhaps the jet lag was getting to her. This all sounded too much like Gotham. 

Well, there was one problem solved. At least for the moment. The explosion would delay the construction by months, if not years. And Ivy had more pressing issues to deal with. Time to find a ride home. 

Wait. The Green tugged at Ivy’s senses. She felt the vibrations of something heavy disturbing a patch of trifolium nearby. Ivy reached out with her mind, immersing herself in the Green, and she gasped when she saw it. 

A human hand. 

Belonging to a child. 

A living child. 

Barely. 

—--

The Botanical Gardens glitter in the moonlight, but Ivy and Harley pay them hardly any mind. 

“You’ve had some crazy ideas, Red, but this is batshit.” Harley has her hands folded behind her back, rocking back and forth on her heels. She watches the kid? Corpse? On the bed closely. His chest rises and falls, but his breath is wet. Fluid in the lungs. Yup. Alive. Not dead. Yet. 

“I’m aware, Harley.” Ivy doesn’t even look at her but waves her hand vaguely as she marches across the room, cradling a hoard of instruments in her arms. “Now are you going to help me or not?”

She giggles lightly, too lightly, like a breath frozen in the air as she steps to the other side of the gurney. “You know me. I love crazy.”

A little too much. “Then let’s put your medical degree to use.” Ivy reaches up, tilting the lamp down across a battered body. “What can we do to nurse this wilted one back to full strength?”

Harley lets out a low whistle. “Think we’re gonna need a lot more than just water.”

—--

“What exactly are we hoping to see here?”

“We’re looking for what we don’t hope to see.” Batman peers through his bat-noculars, the heat sensors showing him what the naked eye will not. As much as he hates to admit it, it’s nice to have Dick around. Tim has been good to him, more than good, but he still wears that damn costume. It’s not the same costume–that one is still on display in the Batcave, starched, with stains removed as if nothing had ever happened. But it still has Jason’s colors–Dick’s colors. And seeing Tim in those colors makes Bruce wonder if Robin was ever a good idea in the first place. Dick wears his own colors, thank God. He’s still here. Gotham hasn’t taken everything from him. Not yet. 

The rail yards once hummed at night, but Gotham’s once thriving freight and passenger trains have fallen into decline, save for the commuter monorail that ends service at midnight. And Batman can’t find a single security guard on site. Something big is about to happen. But what? Or more importantly, who?

One semi rumbles between stacks of shipping containers, its headlights off save for the markers.

“Drunk driver?”

“Or they don’t want to be seen.” Batman turns on the thermal scanner on his goggles and finds two people inside. The back of the truck’s refrigerated, so he can’t get a reading. “We need to get closer.” 

“You got it.” Ever so graceful, Dick Grayson cuts a shortcut across the stacks of shipping containers, cutting the truck off, but landing on its back so the driver doesn’t see him. He jumps to the cab, peering upside down through the shotgun window. Unfortunately, that’s when the driver swerves to avoid hitting a raccoon. 

Spinning off the side, Nightwing grabs the radio antenna for purchase, and that’s when the driver spots him.

“Gnah!!” He honks his horn as if that will help.

“So much for stealth.” Nightwing swings in, boots first, shattering the shotgun window on his way. “Alley-oop!”  He winks at the driver. “Hi there. What’ch’ya haulin’?”

“Oh fuck no!” The driver swerves again, but it’s already too late. 

“You see, the funny thing about escrima sticks—I can’t shock you with them and grab onto you at the same time. You’re conductive as copper wire.”

“GET OUT OF MY TRUCK.”

“No need to yell.” Nightwing twirls the stick. 

“Get on with it.” Batman murmurs in his ear.

“Fine. Fine.” He manages a dramatic sigh, and then he grabs the steering wheel. “But if I grab this? Insulating.” Nightwing reaches over with his other hand, and pokes the driver with the stick, electricity arcing in a way that leaves a sparkle in his eye. 

“What in the world does a crook want with natural gas?”

Batman’s eyes narrow as he listens through his coms. “Where’s he headed?”

“Well, he’s passed out, so I can’t exactly–”

“Look at the GPS.”

“Oh shit.”

“Nightwing. Tell me where he’s headed.”

“He’s heading for the dam!”

“Stop the truck.”

“There’s a driver in the way.”

“Stop the truck, Nightwing.”

Nightwing grunts as he maneuvers the driver in the passenger seat and himself into the driver’s seat. He swerves as the drunk threatens to go past the guard rails, braking so hard that the squeal echoes throughout the canyon. Sighing with relief, Nightwing turns the engine off, and hops out. “Easy peasy.” 

“Police are on their way. En route to pick you up before they do.”

“Oh good.” Nightwing starts stretching his limbs, taking a moment to admire the view of Gotham’s glittering skyline. It’s pretty, from a distance. “I’d hate to have to explain why I have a stolen truck in my--” The engine fires up behind him. “What the–” Whipping around, Nightwing registers a red helmet and a black leather jacket waving at him before he has to dive out of its path. 

“Batman, he’s got the truck!”

“En route.” Batman summons the Batmobile, opening the sunroof and landing in his seat with a flourish.

“Was that really necessary?” Alfred murmurs dryly over the comms. 

“Always.” Bruce takes off after the truck, racing down the windy road to the dam. As he ascends the ridge…something is off. In the mcmansions scaling said Gotham Heights…not a single light is on. It looks like a model train set that’s been turned off. 

“Alfred. Check Gotham Electric. Are there any notices about power outages?”

“No, sir, everything is online.”

“Hm. Check social media.” Batman pulls to a stop, allowing Nightwing to hop in before taking off again. 

“Nothing there, sir. But the Ring cameras are showing a hooded figure knocking on all the doors.”

“What?” Batman rounds the corner, almost reaching the gates of Gotham Dam. 

And that’s when the truck crashes into the dam in a fiery explosion.

[planet-mari]

Minecraft-style mushroom houses when? 🍄

[world-of-wales]

THE PRINCE DIARIES ♔

30 APRIL 2024 || NORTHEAST ENGLAND (1/2) : LOW CARBON MATERIALS

The Prince will be carried out engagements in the Northeast of England. He first visited, 2022 Earthshot Prize Finalist - Low Carbon Materials, in Seaham. During his visit he saw firsthand how they make their cutting-edge, carbon-negative products, and heard about the impact that being nominated for the Prize has had on the company. Low Carbon Materials was founded by three Material Science PhD students with the vision of becoming a world leader in low-carbon and environmentally friendly construction materials. They set out to develop products with the potential to drastically reduce emissions within the construction industry. William visited LCM's Research and Development lab where he was shown how the company creates and tests concrete samples containing their flagship product OSTO®. He also saw a a demonstration of LCM's process of incorporating waste CO2 into their products.

[nandinishenoy]

Hiranandani Communities: Leaders in Sustainable Urban Living & Eco-friendly Developments

Founded in 1984, Hiranandani Communities has been at the forefront of sustainable real estate, building communities designed to thrive for generations in a secure and environmentally conscious setting. With a strong focus on Hiranandani Sustainability, our vision has always been to foster responsible consumerism and social inclusivity. Over the past 45 years, we have successfully developed and delivered more than 50 million square feet of real estate, solidifying our position as pioneers in sustainable urban planning.

Our concept of a "city within a city" perfectly harmonizes urbanization with nature. Every Hiranandani Communities development integrates climate-conscious architecture, eco-friendly materials, terrain-adaptive structures, and meticulous design, setting new benchmarks in sustainable townships.

Hiranandani Communities Promotes Low-Carbon Living

Designed as a model of sustainable living, Hiranandani Chennai and other flagship projects advocate a low-carbon lifestyle. Our master-planned townships ensure residents can access daily essentials and luxurious experiences without excessive travel, reducing overall carbon emissions.

The infrastructure of Hiranandani Communities townships includes well-constructed concrete roads, concealed drainage systems, uninterrupted power supply, FTTP connectivity, landscaped gardens, tree-lined boulevards, beautified water tanks, and cooling water fountains, enhancing air quality and temperature regulation. Horticulture studies help preserve biodiversity, ensuring that flora and fauna flourish. These initiatives underscore our commitment to Hiranandani Sustainability and serve as exemplary models of sustainable urban development.

Sustainability and Comfort at Hiranandani Homes

Each Hiranandani Homes project is meticulously designed to withstand both urban and environmental challenges, enhancing residents' quality of life. Choosing to live in a Hiranandani Communities sustainable township means actively contributing to environmental conservation, reducing carbon footprints, and embracing a healthier, eco-friendly lifestyle. Our homes not only offer luxury but also exemplify Hiranandani Sustainability through green building practices and eco-conscious planning.

Hiranandani Communities: Building a Legacy of Sustainability

Hiranandani Park, Oragadam – A Green Haven in Hiranandani Chennai

Every Hiranandani Communities development is a carefully woven tapestry where each resident plays a crucial role in its growth. Hiranandani Chennai projects, including Hiranandani Park, Oragadam, exemplify this commitment. This 400-acre township is a tranquil retreat amid urban chaos, blending modern infrastructure with nature’s serenity.

Environmental responsibility is the foundation of Hiranandani Sustainability initiatives. Our flagship developments in Powai, Panvel, Chennai, and Thane demonstrate how urbanization can coexist with ecological balance. These projects represent green, self-sustaining urban ecosystems that prioritize biodiversity and environmental well-being.

Hiranandani Fortune City, Panvel – A Smart & Sustainable Township in Navi Mumbai

Hiranandani Fortune City, Panvel is an integrated township that exemplifies Hiranandani Communities’ commitment to sustainable urban development and world-class infrastructure. This township seamlessly blends residential, commercial, and retail spaces, creating a self-sufficient, eco-friendly urban environment that fosters a high quality of life.

Strategically located near the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and in close proximity to the Navi Mumbai International Airport, Hiranandani Fortune City enjoys excellent connectivity. The township is designed to reduce carbon footprints by promoting walkability, green spaces, and sustainable transportation solutions. The upcoming Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL) and new metro corridors further enhance accessibility, ensuring a well-connected and future-ready township.

Hiranandani Gardens, Powai – A Benchmark in Eco-friendly Urban Development

Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, is one of Mumbai’s most iconic mixed-use townships, transforming a once barren land into a thriving eco-conscious urban hub. Designed as a "city within a city", this development by Hiranandani Communities integrates luxury living, commercial spaces, green landscapes, and world-class amenities to create a sustainable and inclusive township.

This 250-acre township is renowned for its green infrastructure, with lush tree-lined avenues, curated gardens, and large open spaces that promote biodiversity. It is one of Mumbai’s most sought-after residential locations, offering a balance between urban convenience and nature-driven living. Situated in the heart of Mumbai’s commercial district, it is well-connected through Eastern and Western Express Highways, Metro Rail, and arterial roads.

FAQs

Where is Hiranandani Gardens located?

Hiranandani Gardens is situated in Powai, Mumbai, in one of the city’s most sought-after pin codes.

How large is Hiranandani Gardens, Powai?

The township spans an impressive 250 acres.

Who is Hiranandani Gardens ideal for?

It caters to affluent families and professionals seeking a premium lifestyle in a sustainable setting.

What environmental benefits does Hiranandani Gardens offer?

The eco-friendly development promotes cleaner air, reduced congestion, and a safer ecosystem.

How does Hiranandani Gardens conserve water?

With rainwater harvesting and centralized water treatment, the township recycles over 4 million litres of water daily, significantly reducing freshwater consumption.

What green initiatives are implemented at Hiranandani Gardens?

The township features afforestation with 4 lakh+ trees, curated forest spaces, treeline boulevards, and plantation avenues, reflecting our commitment to sustainable development.

What is Hiranandani Park, Oragadam?

Hiranandani Park, Oragadam, is a 400-acre township in Hiranandani Chennai, dedicated to sustainable urban planning and eco-friendly infrastructure.

What are Miyawaki forests at Hiranandani Park?

This township features 3 Miyawaki forests, comprising a mix of fast, medium, and slow-growing trees, resulting in 3,550 new trees that foster a rich and rapidly growing ecosystem.

How does the 55-acre golf course contribute to sustainability?

The 55-acre golf course at Hiranandani Chennai acts as a natural water reservoir and filtration system, enhancing the overall environmental health of the township.

What is the purpose of the theme gardens in Hiranandani Park?

The 7 theme gardens spanning 14 acres serve as the township’s green lungs, regulating temperature and providing habitats for birds and insects.

How does Hiranandani Park manage water sustainably?

The township includes a state-of-the-art sewage and water recycling facility, treating 1 million litres of water daily, supporting Hiranandani Sustainability goals.

What are the key environmental highlights of Hiranandani Park?

Major features include Miyawaki forests, a sustainable golf course, theme gardens, and advanced water management systems that enhance biodiversity, regulate temperature, and ensure sustainable water use.

Conclusion

Hiranandani Communities is redefining sustainable urban living by seamlessly integrating green technology, eco-friendly infrastructure, and smart urban planning. Hiranandani Chennai and other developments showcase our unwavering commitment to Hiranandani Sustainability, proving that modern, luxurious living can go hand-in-hand with environmental responsibility. Our townships serve as blueprints for a greener, more sustainable future, creating eco-warrior communities that lead the way in conscious urban development.

[nnctales]

Building with Butts: The Rise of Cigarette Butt Bricks

Cigarette butts are a major environmental concern. Discarded improperly, they leach harmful chemicals into the soil and waterways, posing a threat to wildlife and ecosystems. But what if these pesky butts could be transformed from pollutants into building materials? Enter cigarette butt bricks, an innovative concept that tackles waste management and construction with a single solution. The…

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Researchers from the University of Virginia have made significant strides in the rapidly advancing field of 3D-printed concrete by developing a more sustainable, printable cementitious composite. This new material, which combines graphene with limestone and calcined clay cement (LC2), offers enhanced strength and durability while significantly reducing carbon emissions, making it a powerful solution for addressing the environmental challenges in 3D printed construction. "Our goal was to design a printable concrete that performs better and is more eco-friendly," said Osman Ozbulut, a professor at UVA's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. "The addition of graphene to LC2 cement offers a unique opportunity to lower carbon emissions while maintaining the strength and flexibility required for 3D printed construction."

Read more.

[terrence-silver]

Has terry (all eras) ever won any awards in his life

---

You know how celebrities often get awards and you can list like several people off the top of your head who probably deserve the acknowledgment far more and you've no concrete idea what famous person McGee did to deserve this particular accolade other than, you know, being hip, famous and convenient for PR? Or how politicians who make a hobby out of starting wars worldwide regularly get Nobel Peace Prizes and nobody bats an eye?

Well, I figure Terry Silver runs on that exact level of oxymoronic irony too.

I think the man received everything from Environmental Protection awards all while polluting the planet and making an unimaginable profit out of it, various social awareness awards all while generally being a menace to public safety, citizen of the year awards when this man is genuinely a threat to society even if slightly pushed, some sort of Anti-Bullying choice award because I adore the profound comedy in that and Terry himself would too; in fact, I can envision him barely containing a smile or a hard-on while receiving that one. Business awards. Public service awards because Terry is the friendly neighborhood billionaire, didn't you know? Seaborg medal for astounding contributions to biochemical research. A barrage of martial arts related trophies. Some sort of coveted science award connected to Dynatox's noble endeavors in the field of, ehm, engineering breakthrough, new technologies and preserving the ecosystem. The Yeah, feel free to laugh. But, whatever the case, he has awards alright. Notches galore under his belt. He has medals, accolades and acknowledgements aplenty and he collected them over the decades like captured trophies. A great many of them would've been better suited in anyone else's hands but his...which he knows and doesn't care. In fact, it amuses him. He lied, schemed, cheated, scammed and baby, he still got rewarded, praised and applauded for it anyway because the world's his oyster and he gets whatever he wants, when he wants it.

The only awards I don't see him getting en masse are military service awards, admittedly, which is a sore point and has been all his life. Maybe why he gave such a gleefully envious and downright venomous expression when faced with Mr. Miyagi's own medal (or perhaps, it is simply the notion he believes someone like, say, John, deserves it more over an old (insert slur here)). The one endeavor Terry did participate and actively toil in in the form of the Vietnam war without any of it being faked, unearned, bribed for or a media stunt and he doesn't have that many things to show for it. Well, nothing tremendously spectacular anyway. I think he could have something very basic, like his Army Service Ribbon followed by a Silver Star and he never ceased being peeved about it because he might've been convinced his suffering earned him more. Or maybe it was just a matter of ego and pride. Maybe both. Whatever the case, the one thing Terry wanted and coveted, he didn't, in fact, get.

[clothingcable]

The Significance of Ethical Fashion in 2025

As 2025 approaches, fashion is about doing good rather than just looking good. We at Clothing Cable perceive ethical fashion to be a responsibility rather than just a fad. We feel honoured to be a part of the significant transformation in the production, sourcing, and consumption of clothing.

What Is Ethical Fashion?

Creating apparel in a way that respects people, animals, and the environment is known as ethical fashion. Fair pay, secure working conditions, eco-friendly materials, and cruelty-free procedures are all included. It's about opting for quality over quantity and slowing down fast fashion.

Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

Climate Crisis: One of the greatest polluters in the world is the fashion industry. Brands need to take concrete steps to reduce their environmental impact by 2025. This entails lessening carbon footprints, cutting waste, and selecting organic materials.

Human Rights: Human Rights: The brutal reality of exploitation in clothing manufacturers persists. Everyone in the supply chain is guaranteed to be treated with respect and compensated appropriately thanks to ethical fashion.

Consumer Awareness: Modern customers are more observant and aware than ever before. People want to know who created their garments and under what circumstances because they want transparency.

What We're Doing Differently

At Clothing Cable, we’re committed to:

using materials that have been certified sustainable, such as recycled polyester and organic cotton.

Working only with factories that uphold ethical labor practices.

Minimizing plastic packaging and using biodegradable alternatives.

Offering timeless pieces designed to last — not just seasonal fads.

Join the Movement!

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Costa is at a magical water garden that he has wanted to visit for years.

Austral Watergardens in Cowan, NSW, sits on 7 acres with views of the Muogamarra nature reserve.

Kevin and Lisa Metelik have been managing the mountain paradise for decades.

Kevin’s grandfather bought the land, set up the water gardens in the 1940s and inspired his daughter to follow in his footsteps; Kevin got the gardening bug from her.

Lisa met and married Kevin and got the bug as well.

Some of the original concrete ponds still exists, with plenty of new ones too, all filled with a range of different water plants. Visitors can choose plants from these stock plants and take them home for their own pond or bowl.

The water is kept clean by finding the right balance of shade and sun, plus native fish to keep down mosquitoes without affecting the frog populations.

Kevin says there are two main groups of water lily: Hardy or European and tropicals.

Hardy or European are the style seen in Monet paintings, with red, pink, yellow and white flowers that sit at water level. They flower earlier, from October to April, and blooms range from miniature to large.

Tropical waterlilies hold their flowers above the water line and are usually fragrant; colours include blues, white, yellow, and pink, and they bloom from December to June in the Sydney area (all year in tropical climates) but may not survive winters in colder areas.

Hardy waterlilies have rhizomes while the tropical ones have bulbs.

Lotus are different again; they are large plants, are revered as sacred in many cultures. The leaves sit above the water and flowers form distinctive seed heads.

Other less obvious but equally useful plants include the native Snakeskin vallisneria, which grows underwater and improves water quality as well as providing habitat for fish and frogs.

Border plants such as jointed twig-rush can tolerate quite deep water.

Red-stemmed thalia gives a tropical look to a pond and is a favourite with frogs.

How to build your own water garden:

A water feature will bring frogs, dragonflies and beauty to a garden, creating a mini oasis. Here are some basic steps to get you started.

Consider the size and depth of a water bowl as well as the material – a lightweight fiberglass or polymer resin makes a large vessel easier to handle. Ceramic bowls may need to be sealed.

The minimum depth is 30cm for water plants; deeper is better. Lisa tries to create three levels in a pond:

* a submerged aquatic plant

* a shallow-water creeper group to grow on the edges

* a tall marginal plant for height

Add in water lilies for flowers and floating leaves; if you can fit two plants, choose one hardy and one tropical species for a longer flowering display.

Put river sand or gravel on top of the soil mix in the pot to avoid muddying the water.

Aim to cover about half to two-third of the water surface with plants.

Add native, tadpole-friendly fish to keep mosquitoes at bay

Filmed on Dharug Country in Cowan, NSW

Featured plants:

Waterlily ‘Escarboucle’ (Nymphaea cv.)

Waterlily ‘Marliacea albida’ (Nymphaea cv.)

Waterlily ‘Blue Triumph’ (Nymphaea cv.)

Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)

Snakeskin vallisneria (Vallisneria nana)

Jointed twig-rush (Machaerina articulata syn. Baumea articulata )

* Red-stemmed thalia (Thalia geniculata)

Water milfoil (Myriophyllum ‘Dragonfly’)

* Taro (Colocasia esculenta cv.)

Waterlily ‘Colorado’ (Nymphaea cv.)

Waterlily ‘Green Smoke’ (Nymphaea cv.)

Firetail gudgeon (Hypseleotris galii)

* Always check species before planting: they may be environmental weeds in your area.

[asl-dumpsters]

Efficient Waste Disposal with ASL Dumpster: Your Go-To Solution

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Finding the right waste management solution can be overwhelming, but ASL Dumpster simplifies the process with professional dumpster rental services tailored to your specific needs.

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Why Choose ASL Dumpster for Your Waste Management Needs?

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Industries That Benefit from Dumpster Rentals

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From home renovations to spring cleaning, a dumpster rental makes it easy to dispose of unwanted materials without hassle.

Contractors & Construction Companies

Keeping a construction site clean is essential for safety and efficiency. Our roll-off dumpster rental options help manage construction debris effortlessly.

Businesses & Commercial Properties

Companies looking to declutter office spaces or manage large amounts of waste can benefit from our professional dumpster rental services.

Event Organizers

Large-scale events generate a significant amount of waste. Renting a dumpster ensures efficient cleanup and proper waste disposal.

Tips for Maximizing Your Dumpster Rental Experience

Choose the Right Size: Overestimating or underestimating your waste volume can lead to extra costs or the need for additional rentals.

Know What You Can Dispose Of: Some items, such as hazardous materials, may have restrictions. Check with us for guidelines.

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Book Your Roll-Off Dumpster Rental Today!

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