THE ECOLOGICAL IMPERATIVE - INTERNATIONAL

THE ECOLOGICAL IMPERATIVE – INTERNATIONAL

Israel's innovative sectors are mainly the result of its numerous vulnerabilities. With almost no resources, lack of freshwater, large desert land, and surrounded by hostile neighbouring countries - Israel is left with the only option of investing heavily in the intellectual capacity of its people, creating numerous innovations in every sphere.

Israeli technologies are used worldwide to address humanitarian crises. 

A report, submitted by the world’s leading scientists states unequivocally that if we don’t move rapidly away from fossil fuels, we will experience more deadly heat waves, more destructive storms, and more intense and frequent droughts worldwide.

There could be more plastic than fish in the oceans by 2050 if current plastic disposal trends continue. It is estimated that only 14% of the world’s masses of plastic packaging materials is collected for recycling.

A solution to recycle plastic bottles, thereby making it easier for consumers and beverage manufacturers alike, has recently been patented by an Israeli company. Dubbed “Bakbuk” (Hebrew for “”bottle”), the simple process reduces the volume of the bottle by 80%. So far, patent applications have been filed in 58 countries worldwide.

UBQ, the cleantech Israel company’s innovative technology promises a solution to both waste production and multiple uses of plastic. It  has recently unveiled its solution of converting unsorted household waste into a sustainable, bio-based, climate-positive thermoplastic material that can be used for commercial and industrial products - instead of petroleum-based plastics. Called “the most climate-positive material on the planet”, by sustainability strategists Quantis International, it is garnering significant international attention.  

Combining decades of experience in the packaging and hi-tech industries, two Israeli entrepreneurs decided to join forces and approach the intimidating challenge of producing an alternative to polluting plastics. Together, they founded W-Cycle, a start-up that develops compostable packaging solutions to the huge ready-meal packaging industry. “SupraPulp   is made of 100% natural materials based on sugar-cane pulp. The company is currently in advanced discussions with ready-meal manufacturers and major airline catering companies from Europe and the Far East.  

At the same time researchers at Ben-Gurion University have devised a method to turn carbon-containing waste, including plastics and tires, into gas for energy. This serves the dual purpose by both reducing landfills and producing energy from non-fossil fuels. In addition, Israel has also become the first nation to ‘cyber regulate’ hazardous-materials industries.

An Israeli appliance producing water from air was named “Consumer Technology Association’s Energy Efficiency Product of the Year” at the recent annual award Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The Israeli company plans to expand its renewable and energy-efficient clean water solution to the 2.1 billion people worldwide, who lack access to safe water at home – and wherever else it might be needed. It also assisted rescue and recovery efforts during the 2018 California wildfires, and provided clean water to the residents of Texas and Florida in the aftermath of the devastation caused by two hurricanes.

Another Israeli company Watergen launched a pilot project in Gaza to answer to the urgent need for accessible clean water. The innovative machine can produce up to 800 litres of water a day and only requires electricity to work. It is also equipped with solar panels to provide another sustainable source of power. The pilot is a cooperative effort between Watergen, Israel’s Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, the Palestinian NGO for Community Development and the local municipality.

To quote rabbi Hillel in Ethics of the Fathers: “If not now, when?
Unfortunately, nobody’s got a plan for refreezing the Arctic once it’s melted!