25 Nov

The Technologies of Metal Recycling: A Comprehensive Overview


Metal recycling is the reprocessing of metal scrap into useful material through various techniques and processes. Such waste is often gathered via dumpster rentals or local curbside collection.

The recycling of metals, including aluminum, steel, copper, and precious metals like gold, relies on advanced technologies that allow more efficient separation, processing, and reuse. So let’s see the major technologies for metal recycling and how these are helpful in a circular economy that is sustainable.

The first step in the recycling process is the collection and sorting of metals. This is important in order to separate metals from other materials as well as for the process of metals separation into various kinds.

Magnetic Separation

Often, they are used to extract ferrous metals (iron and steel) from non-ferrous metals and other waste. To separate ferrous material efficiently, conveyor systems make use of either electromagnets or permanent magnets.

Eddy Current Separation

Eddy current separators use a magnetic field to induce electrical currents in non-ferrous metals, causing them to be repelled from non-metallics. It can be used successfully to remove aluminum, copper and brass from mixed waste streams.

Sensor-Based Sorting

Technologies which identify and sort metals according to their composition are typically sensor-based systems, utilizing advanced methods such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy or laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). These systems are accurate and handle high volume mixed material sorting.

Air Classification

This process employs air currents to isolate lighter materials, such as aluminum, from heavier metals like steel. In fields of recycling facilities where precise separations are necessary it is especially valuable.

Shredding and Size Reduction

After metals are sorted as described above, they are often shredded to reduce the size of the material and to allow more efficient processing of the material.

Industrial Shredders

Heavy metal shredders

These machines are built to chop up bulky metallic objects like cars, appliances and engines, pulverize them into bite-sized pieces. They have high-impact blades that are meant for thick metals.

Granulators

Granulators are used to make the metal pieces even smaller and into equal sizes. Recycling cables and wires is one popular use, where they are used to separate metal cores and plastic coverings.

Technologies of melting and recrystallization

Melted metals like gold are then processed to be formed into new raw materials.

Induction Furnaces

An induction furnace is a type of furnace which uses electromagnetic fields to heat up and melt its metal without even having to touch flame! Separating ferrous and non-ferrous metals using this method is energy efficient and is commonly used to recycle metals.

Blast Furnaces

Steel recycling mainly focuses on employing blast furnaces. These high-temperature furnaces dissolve scrap steel, later refined and blended with virgin iron ore to manufacture new steel products.

Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs)

Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs) are another familiar technology utilized for steel recycling. They use electricity to create the heat needed to melt scrap steel and have high throughput rates, meaning that they are particularly good for processing large volumes of scrap.

Electrolytic Refining

Electrolytic refining is applied in refining of precious metals like gold, silver, platinum etc. This entails running an electric current through a solution with the metal, which precipitates pure metal on an electrode.

Advanced Recycling Technologies

Several metals need different forms of technologies to recycle their specific properties or metal applications.

Cryogenic Recycling

For metal composites (electronics, aerospace materials, etc.), the technology works through cryogenic recycling. The process uses liquid nitrogen to freeze materials, making them brittle, and then separating metals more easily.

Hydrometallurgy

This is a biochemical process, which uses aqueous solutions to extract metals either from their ores or from waste materials. Its use for the recovery of rare earth elements and metals from e-waste is perhaps the most prevalent.

Pyrometallurgy

Pyrometallurgy is the extraction of metals from ores or scrap by high temperature processing, purification by melting. It’s often used when recycling aluminum and other non-ferrous metals.

Greener and Process Optimization Technologies

Metal recycling is fundamentally a green business: cutting-edge technologies work toward minimizing the environmental footprint. Novel systems trap and utilize the heat produced during melting significantly reducing energy and emissions.

Water Treatment Technologies

Metal recycling facilities frequently wash and cool metals with water. The advanced water treatment systems eliminate the need to discharge this water back into the environment so it can be polluted.

Emission Control

Emission control technologies like filters, scrubbers, etc. are installed at recycling plants to capture harmful gases and particulates in order to comply with environmental regulations.

Role of Automation and AI

The role of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) in waste management and the recycling of metals is transformative. Thanks to automated robotic systems and AI-driven algorithms, goods can be sorted faster and with more accuracy than ever before, slashing labor costs and improving efficiency. Through enhanced longevity and avoiding wear and tear to recycling equipment predictive maintenance systems also improve overall performance.

Over the years, metal recycling technologies have experienced monumental progress, significantly improving the efficiency and environment-friendly nature of the process, as well as its cost-effectiveness. From increasingly sophisticated sorting processes to cutting-edge melting and refining technologies, these developments guarantee that metals can be recycled infinitely without losing any quality. Metal recycling will always be an essentials of sustainable resource and waste management and environmental protection as technology developing.

21 Jun

Eternal Treasure: Gold Extraction from Antiquity to Today

Eternal Treasure: Gold Extraction from Antiquity to Today

Where is all the gold

We can estimate that of all the gold extracted since Antiquity, the essential part is still present in the anthroposphere, that is to say all the objects created and used by man. Alone
a small part, difficult to assess but perhaps of the order of 5 to 10%, has “disappeared”, i.e.

  • is dissipated by wear and tear in the environment (a gold wedding ring worn for years ends up scratching a little, which means that a few gold atoms are torn off)
  • either dissipated by non-recycling or non-recovery in its electronic uses or industrial, or marginal losses in recycling processes
  • is dissipated due to the nature of its use (food gilding, uses organic for certain medical tests, etc.)
  • is lost (lost treasures, sunken galleons – even if from time to time part of this gold reappears (treasures exhumed, or brought up from underwater wrecks)
  • either left in the form of dental crowns in the mouths of buried deceased persons
  • be sent into interplanetary space (gold equips satellites, Mars probes, equipment abandoned on the Moon, etc.)

In 2018, it is estimated the gold stock above ground at around 190,400 tons, i.e. most of what has been historically extracted, distributed 47.4% in the form of jewelry, 16.8% in
form of reserves in central banks, 21.7% in the form of coins and ingots in private stocks, 12.2% in the form of objects or in various equipment, which would total 186,700 tons, the remainder (3,700 tons) being not inventoried .

The sources of information differ slightly (total extracted reported: 188,650 tons according to historical data and recent production, other estimates at 190,400 tons, to be increased by gold
lost. It is important to focus on orders of magnitude, not precise figures, which are impossible to verify.

At the end of June 2018, the official reserves of central banks were 33,763 tons of gold, or around 18% of the gold available above ground. The World Gold Council has official gold reserves by country. It will be noted that these reserves of 33,763 tons stored in bank vaults would cover 101 years of technical consumption of gold (industry, electronics, dentistry) at its 2017 level. This is a unique situation compared to all others metals used by man, for which stocks rarely exceed a few months of consumption. This is one of the reasons why gold is rarely considered as critical in recent metal criticality analyses.

Known gold land reserves and resources

The accumulation of identified and listed land reserves amounts to 51,000 tons of gold in 2017, the equivalent of 15 years of production at the rate of 2017, and the total resources (inferred + indicated + measured) at 169,000 tons of gold, the equivalent of 50 years of production at the rate of 2017. These identified land resources are also comparable, in order of magnitude, to all the gold already historically extracted.

Let us recall that, in the strict sense, reserves are the part of the resources whose economic exploitability has been demonstrated by a feasibility study. Let us also remember that these tonnages of resources and reserves are dynamic quantities which evolve, mining exploration continuing to discover and highlight new resources, and feasibility studies continuing to convert additional shares of reserve resources.

Gold investment options

Gold is currently in an uptrend bullish market. Investing in gold offers a variety of options, each with its own advantages.

Physical gold, such as coins, bars, and jewelry, is a tangible asset that can be stored and held. Gold ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) allow investors to buy shares representing gold without the need to store physical gold. You can invest in both physical gold and gold ETFs by placing part of your retirement funds in a gold IRA.

Gold mining stocks in particular provide an opportunity to invest in companies that produce gold, offering potential for high returns but also higher risk. Gold futures and options are more complex financial instruments for more experienced investors, allowing for speculation on gold price movements with the potential for high returns. Each of these options caters to different investment strategies, risk tolerance, and financial goals, making gold a versatile asset in any well-diversified portfolio.

26 Aug

Plastic Freedom: Clever Ways to Cut Down Your Plastic Use

Nice ways to reduce our plastic consumption


Plastic pollution is flooding our lives and the oceans. It is a scourge for marine diversity but also for us human beings.

Why should we reduce our plastic consumption

  • Plastic is generally not recyclable. If it is, it is only once, unlike glass or aluminum.
  • It degrades very badly. At sea, it breaks up into microparticles and becomes a danger to marine animals.
  • Its production (via oil) and its incineration or burial as waste pollute enormously.
  • Several substances present in plastic are endocrine disruptors. They have a long-term effect on your health, which can lead to all kinds of problems (fertility, hormones, etc.).
  • Reducing your plastic consumption is making a gesture for the planet but also for your health! Give and take. So, what are the small gestures that are easy to apply on a daily basis?

In your bathroom

  • No more cotton swabs. In any case, they will be banned for sale in France from January 1, 2020.
  • Opt for reusable make-up remover cotton pads. You can even make them yourself.
  • Switch to the wooden hairbrush.
  • Choose clothespins and wooden hangers. They are also more resistant.
  • Use Head&Shoulders in its bottle made from 25% recycled plastic collected on the beaches.

In your kitchen

  • No more plastic straws, super polluting. The metal, bamboo or even pasta versions are just as nice.
  • Stop using plastic dishes (cutlery, glasses and plates).
  • Drink water from a glass bottle and go everywhere with your stainless steel water bottle.
  • Store your leftovers in glass or stainless steel containers.
  • Get started with homemade compost. It’s super easy, even on a small balcony in town!

In your house

  • Switch to online invoices and refuse advertising in your mailbox. It is often wrapped in plastic.
  • Choose wooden games for your children.

For your shopping

  • Remember to always have a reusable bag with you.
  • Buy in bulk, cut for cheese, meat and fish or directly from the producer.
  • Create your own fabric bulk bags. You can thus transport your fruits and vegetables easily but also rice, pasta…

All of these tricks are also a good way to save a few pennies.

How about renting a dumpster in Kentucky

If you live and want to recycle more in Kentucky such as in Lexington, one way to reduce your plastic waste and pollution is to rent a dumpster. This way you acn bring all your old plastic junk to the nearest recycling facility, all in one go! This can limit waste issues, such as creating a garage free environment.

The cost of renting a dumpster in Kentucky can vary widely based on several factors, including the size of the dumpster, the type of waste you’re disposing of, your location within the state, and the duration of the rental.

In Kentucky, for a small 10-yard dumpster, you might expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $400 for a one-week rental. If you require a larger dumpster, like a 20 or 30-yard container, prices can range from $350 to $600 or more. These are general estimates, and prices may differ from one rental company to another.

The type of waste you’re disposing of can significantly impact the cost. Household or general debris is often less expensive to dispose of compared to construction materials or hazardous waste. Specialized disposal requirements can lead to additional fees. Location also plays a role in pricing. Dumpster rental costs can vary from city to city and even between rural and urban areas in Kentucky.

Rental duration is another variable. Most dumpster rental companies offer standard weekly rentals, but if you need it for a longer period, you’ll likely incur extra charges.

To get an accurate quote, it’s recommended to reach out to local dumpster rental companies in your specific area of Kentucky, such as Same Day Dumpster Rental Lexington. They can provide you with detailed pricing based on your unique needs and circumstances. Additionally, inquire about any available discounts or promotions to save on your rental costs.

12 Jun

Waste Issues in Oklahoma

The Environmental Impact of Waste Disposal

The environmental impact of waste disposal is a critical issue that affects our planet in various ways. Improper disposal of waste, whether it is solid, liquid, or hazardous, can lead to severe consequences for ecosystems, human health, and the overall well-being of the planet. One of the primary concerns is the pollution of land, water, and air.

Land pollution occurs when waste is improperly dumped in landfills or left in open areas. As waste decomposes, it releases harmful gases and leachate, a toxic liquid that can seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater. This contamination affects the quality of drinking water and can have detrimental effects on both humans and wildlife. Additionally, the accumulation of waste in landfills takes up valuable land space and contributes to the loss of natural habitats and biodiversity.

Water pollution is another significant consequence of improper waste disposal. When waste is dumped into rivers, lakes, or oceans, it introduces harmful chemicals, pathogens, and toxins into aquatic ecosystems. This pollution can result in the death of aquatic organisms, disruption of food chains, and the destruction of coral reefs and other sensitive habitats. Furthermore, when contaminated water is consumed by humans or animals, it can lead to serious health issues, including gastrointestinal problems, infections, and even long-term diseases.

The impact of waste disposal on air quality is primarily associated with the incineration of waste. When waste is burned, it releases harmful gases and particulate matter into the atmosphere. These emissions contribute to air pollution and can exacerbate respiratory problems and cardiovascular diseases in humans. Moreover, the combustion of certain types of waste, such as plastics, releases toxic substances like dioxins and furans, which are persistent organic pollutants that can bioaccumulate in the environment and pose long-term risks to ecosystems and human health.

To mitigate the environmental impact of waste disposal, it is essential to adopt sustainable waste management practices. This includes reducing waste generation through recycling, composting, and minimizing consumption, as well as implementing proper waste treatment technologies. Waste-to-energy facilities that employ advanced emission control systems can help reduce the environmental impact of incineration.

Additionally, promoting awareness and education about responsible waste disposal practices is crucial in encouraging individuals, communities, and industries to take an active role in waste reduction and recycling efforts. By addressing the environmental impact of waste disposal, we can work towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for our planet.

Waste management issues in the state of Oklahoma

The state of Oklahoma faces several waste management issues that require attention and effective solutions. One of the prominent challenges is the disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW). With a growing population and urbanization, the volume of MSW generated in Oklahoma has been steadily increasing. However, there is a lack of adequate infrastructure and resources to handle this waste effectively. Many smaller communities and rural areas struggle to establish proper waste management systems, leading to improper disposal practices such as open dumping or limited recycling options.

Another significant waste management issue in Oklahoma is the disposal of hazardous waste. The state is home to various industries, including oil and gas, agriculture, and manufacturing, which generate hazardous materials that require special handling and disposal. Improper management of hazardous waste can lead to serious environmental contamination and health risks. While there are regulations in place to govern hazardous waste disposal, enforcement and monitoring efforts need to be strengthened to ensure compliance and prevent illegal dumping or mishandling of these materials.

Additionally, electronic waste (e-waste) management poses a growing concern in Oklahoma. As technology advances, the disposal of outdated electronic devices, such as computers, smartphones, and televisions, becomes a challenge. Improper disposal of e-waste can result in the release of toxic substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can contaminate soil and water sources. To address this issue, it is crucial to promote e-waste recycling programs and raise awareness among businesses and individuals about the importance of responsible e-waste disposal.

To tackle these waste management issues, Oklahoma needs to invest in infrastructure development and waste management facilities. This includes the establishment of more recycling centers, composting facilities, and hazardous waste treatment plants. Collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and communities are necessary to implement comprehensive waste management strategies.

Education and outreach programs should also be implemented to raise awareness about waste reduction, recycling, and proper disposal practices. By addressing these challenges, Oklahoma can work towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly waste management system.

Further Reading

19 Jun

Create A Junk Free Garage

The Garage Is The Ideal Place For A Junk Free Environment

It’s nice to have a garage. It has a lot of room and it’s a nice sheltered place that can keep your household tools safe from the elements. But garages are notorious for being cluttered and to increase pollution. It’s easy to let things pile up, especially if you’re not in the garage for a long time.

Fortunately, there are ways you can keep your garage clean and organized.

The Garage Itself Can Be Done In Some Ways, To Get The Best Results

The garage, of course, the garage itself is not enough to perform all of your chores, you need to prepare too. To get the best results, you need to make sure you have everything you need to do your work. You need to have the tools you need to get the job done. For example, you need a screwdriver, wrench, and so on. Do not forget, always replace or repair your tools so you can use them again.

Reasons Why You Should Declutter Your Garage

There are many reasons why you should declutter your garage, including for recycling.

The first and most obvious one is that it’s unhealthy to be surrounded by all that junk. You wouldn’t want your children to play in a room that’s covered in filth, so why would you allow them to play in a garage that’s full of clutter? There is also the threat of fires and dangerous items in a cluttered garage.

You don’t want to force your family to handle the burden of a messy garage. Let Quality Garage Storage be the one to take care of it! Contact us today to see how you can get started!

How To Get Your Garage Ready For A Dumpster

If you are renting a dumpster, you need to make a plan and get everything ready. Start off by removing any trash already in the garage and organizing it. Then you need to make sure you have places for the dumpster to be put down so it doesn’t block any exits. Also make sure that you have a plan for cleaning up afterwards, since you’ll have a lot of loose trash.

Make Your Garage Work For You

Whether you have a small garage or a big one, the possibilities are endless when it comes to how to use it. You don’t want to just store your car there. You can use it for a lot of things. For example, you can use it for a workshop or storage space for your tools.

You can use it for a playroom for your kids. You can even use it for a guest room for your friends that are staying over. You can also use it for a table to fold things and clean them. The possibilities are endless. When you have a big garage, you can even set it up to have multiple rooms. The possibilities are endless, so you should use the garage to have something done.

What Is A Junk Free Garage

Your garage is one of your most valuable storage spaces. In addition, cleaning it is not a fun chore that most of us look forward to doing. But what if there was a way to have a clean garage that’s easier to maintain than ever before?

That’s what we’re going to show you here. If you want to learn how to have a junk free garage, then you’ve already taken the first step. Just keep reading to learn more!

What Type Of Junk Should You Get Rid Of

It can be a lot of work to get rid of junk! There are different types of junk to get rid of, like old clothing or old toys. But how do you know what to get rid of?

You should get rid of anything you don’t use and haven’t used for the last 3 months! You should also get rid of anything that is broken and can’t be used. However, it’s important to remember that you have a sentimental attachment to certain things. If you haven’t used something for years and it is broken, it’s time to get rid of it!

What Should You Look For Before Throwing Something Out

Maybe you’ve heard the saying ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.’

This is a concept that is becoming increasingly important as our garbage is finding its way across the globe to places that may not be able to handle it in the most effective ways. Before you throw something out, here are some things you should ask yourself.

Is the item still usable or is it junk? Does it have any monetary value? Does it have any sentimental value? Is it recyclable? Using this guide should help you determine whether or not something should be thrown out.

02 Apr

Applying Recycling To Electronic Waste


Digital devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops are becoming increasingly problematic for the environment because, when they reach the end of one‘s useful lives, they generate nearly 50 million tonnes of technological waste each year, with a recycling rate of only about a quarter of that amount.

Improving it is critical to slowing climate changes & preventing environmental damage.

The Different Kinds Of Electronic Waste

How many different mobile phones have you owned during your life?

The solution to this issue will help you comprehend the environmental impact of e-waste, or electronic trash. Approximately every 15 months, according to MarketWatch, customers replaced their mobile phones in 2018.

Any gadget driven by electrical energy which has reached the end of its useful life is considered electronic trash by the Organization of Economic Co-operation & Development (OECD).

As a result, we’re not only talking about mobile phones. Examine some of the several types of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment that are now in use, as defined by a European Union directive, including:

• Refrigerators, freezers, and other types of cooling equipment
• Computers & telecommunications equipment.
• Consumer electronic devices, as well as solar-powered devices
• TVs, monitors, and screens are all types of displays.
• LED bulbs are a type of light bulb.
• Vending machines.

The World’s Problem With Technological Waste Can Be Summarised as: globally, 48.5 million tonnes of electronic waste were generated in 2018, according to a United Nations report.

This figure emphasises the growing necessity of better waste management, dumpster rental and recycling, that also reveals some concerning statistics: just 20% of this garbage is recycled, which is a disturbingly low statistic. If we continue in this manner, the United Nations forecasts that we would have generated 120 million tonnes of electronic waste by 2050.

The amount of e-waste created around the world, combined with poor recycling management, poses a threat to the environment. Cadmium, lead oxide, lead, antimony, nickel, and mercury are just a few of the chemicals that are present in these discarded objects.

Rivers, lakes, and seas become contaminated as a result of these poisonous elements that may be brought by dumpster rentals or other means, which also emit chemicals into the atmosphere which disrupt earth’s ecosystems. This means that moving away from current production and consumption models that generate excessive electrical waste cannot be pushed off any longer.

One of the solutions to this waste management problem is responsible consumption, which can help extending the usable life of products and decreasing the increase of this waste.

According to the CEO of a Pittsburgh dumpster rental company, “the reuse of electronic items is the only alternative available to us in the face of an ineffective recycling system” in order to limit the amount of electronic waste produced. In 2014, this Pennsylvanian company chose electronic restoration over traditional refurbishment and was recognised as one of the most inventive in Pittsburgh.

How Can We Decrease The Amount Of Technological Waste?

Reduce

Using an increasing number of devices & replacing them on a more frequent basis. In order to change this habit, it is necessary to engage both the customer who will be less vulnerable to marketing methods that stimulate consumption — and the manufacturing industry, which is increasingly embracing principles such as ecodesign.

Reuse

Specialists in electronic recycling urge that gadgets that are still in working order be passed down to friends or family members, or that they be sold on the second-hand market. It is also possible to donate them to charitable organisations that specialise in this field.

Recycle

When a device is no longer functional and there is no chance that it will be used by someone in the immediate vicinity, recycling should be considered. If a consumer wants to recycle an old item, he or she can drop it off at the store where the new one is being purchased or at a company that deals in electronic recycling.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12 emphasises the need of “ensuring sustainable consumption & production patterns.”

To achieve environmentally acceptable management of discarded electronic devices throughout its life cycle, as well as decreasing the release of toxins into air, water, and soil in order to minimise their detrimental influence on human health and the environment, is essential.

Profits Derived From The Recycling Of Technical Waste

As reported by Environmental Science and Technology magazine in 2019, mining minerals from natural sources is 13 times more expensive than recovering minerals from technological wastes for use in manufacture of new devices, which means that mining minerals from natural sources is the more expensive option.

To obtain minerals such as platinum, copper, and palladium, in addition to digging them up & processing them, large amounts of water & energy must be used in the process, which is extremely inefficient.

This is where the notion of circular economy plays a part, which is based on the utilisation of materials derived from recycled objects and a reduction in reliance on the extraction of virgin resources.

It is not only beneficial to the environment to recycle electrical devices; it also has a number of other advantages.

It is estimated that if these goods were properly recycled, they could generate opportunities worth more than $62.5 billion yearly and create millions of new jobs around the world, according to the International Telecommunication Union.

In light of this, both this organisation & the United Nations have set themselves the goal of increasing worldwide recycling to 30% by 2020, and reaching 50% in countries that have enacted legislation on e-waste by 2025.

Bad practises and ewaste pollution the processing of electronic-waste is a hindrance, and curiously, these are prevalent in those countries which generate the greatest amount of it, such as the United States.

Southeast Asia & Sub-Saharan Africa that are having a negative influence on the environment due to a lack of appropriate infrastructure. The most prevalent of the unlawful ways is what is known as “informal recycling,” which involves the use of harmful items in the open air as well as acid baths.

26 Apr

Getting responsible for our own health


Is it too big a challenge?

We are experiencing a transition from our health model. The system as it was designed in the 1950s no longer works. But there are ways to break the deadlock.

We are facing great changes. The first concerns what we could call the enlightened patient or augmented patient, the second focuses on new health technologies, connected health or e-health, and the third on epigenetics, the science that demonstrates how human behavior affects gene expression. These three elements create a new possibility of measurable prevention and making people responsible for their health, which the pharmaceutical industry is beginning to understand.

Enlightened patients

Enlightened patients are people who are increasingly connected to social networks and who can find information about their health on search engines. They discuss together, exchange and are more and more informed and concerned. Many doctors today assure that they appreciate dealing with patients who ask them the right questions, even if they can go as far as contradicting their prescriptions.

Digital plays a decisive role in the evolution of health models. The health applications available on smartphones are increasing exponentially today. The tools are not only portable, but also wearable. Like watches, for example, which measure a certain number of parameters on the skin, making it possible to visualize the results or the alerts on a personalized health dashboard, the screen of your smartphone for example, results that you can download elsewhere or send to your doctor.

Towards new models of health through subscriptions

Our behaviors will change and especially the relationship with our doctor. The latter will increasingly become a life counselor and not just a prescriber of prescription drugs.

To maintain good health, five behaviors must be respected: exercise, nutrition, stress management, pleasure, social and professional harmony. These five behaviors influence the expression of our genes and cause some to slow down, inhibit, or express themselves even more. We can somehow become the conductors of our own body, keep it in good health and slow down aging.

Prevention is not deprivation, it is a pleasure to do good!

The pharmaceutical industry has already become aware of this development. Some Big Pharma companies are already moving towards health maintenance programs. Even today, these companies live on the margins made by pharmacy sales of drugs prescribed by doctors and reimbursed by health insurance. However, we are starting to see that pharmaceutical groups associate with insurance companies and offer pharma-insurances: that is to say subscriptions to programs that ensure good health. This is what I call the health maintenance program or abbreviated PMS.

In this way some believe that the pharmaceutical industry will make more profits by subscriptions than by margins made on drugs sold in pharmacies. Besides, we can check on the Internet that the most successful companies are those that have many customers subscribed to their service and their products. Whether it’s music, subscriptions to renewable energy production systems, transportation, or housing.

It is in these new health models, possibly by subscription, that what is called 4P medicine comes into play, which means: Personalized, Predictive, Preventive, and Participative medicine. It is not only a question of curing when one is sick, but above all of not getting sick.

But these new practices risk creating a form of uberization of health. Companies have created the disintermediation of traditional structures by offering more personalized services and products, more quickly, in the face of systems that are too heavy, too expensive, too complex. Thanks to digital, we can reconcile supply and demand. These disintermediation companies, like GAFA, are disruptors who reverse the classic and traditional model that we know. In health too. This risk exists.

The doctor of tomorrow can be assisted by digital or AI tools.

Predictive medicine thanks to AI

With artificial intelligence (AI), which some now prefer to call auxiliary intelligence, we can increase human intelligence. No doctor can read and assimilate all the scientific reviews, all the studies, suitable for treating a pathology. On the other hand, who can correlate all the information already published to make predictions or improve diagnoses? Watson, IBM’s artificial intelligence program, does it in minutes.

Google is developing an AI usage support program, Kubeflow. The doctor of tomorrow can be assisted by digital or AI tools, to devote more time to his patients. Many are already experimenting with it, since you can download Watson on your smartphone.

The most important question for the future is the role that individuals will play in the prevention of their health, thanks to an improved knowledge of the fundamental principles of nutrition, of the fight against pollutants that we inflict on ourselves like cigarettes, or which are present in the environment due to a lack of efficient waste management systems.

The ministries of health of many countries realize today that the biggest savings on the health insurance system will be made thanks to the participation of people in improving their health capital and the permanent investment in this capital thanks to the basic rules of good living that are nutrition, exercise, or stress management. Hence the importance of education and especially of co-education in families and schools to make young people understand the fundamental bases of balanced nutrition and permanent reinvestment in their health capital.

We can already see that the major magazines, in addition to specialized magazines, and even the daily newspapers devote more and more important spaces to the explanation of these fundamental principles of balanced nutrition and moderate exercise. These trends will only get stronger in the future, given the economic challenges represented by healthcare systems around the world and the transition to more economic and more democratic models.

31 Mar

What Global Harming Has in Store for Our Grandchildren


As this decade 2020 promises to be decisive in terms of climate, we invite you to imagine what the future could be like at the end of the 21st century. A distant future for you. But so present for your children and grandchildren. A present which, in a scenario of generalized awareness takes shape rather rapidly. But which, in a scenario of business as usual”, looks very dark.

Grandpa, I am 15 years old today. My life is just beginning. Yours was completed yesterday. Today, I am offered this incredible chance to write you this postcard. A postcard from the future, of your future, from my present. Of this world that you left me. A chance to maybe be able to change things. Because in 2020, Grandpa, the time when you too were 15, there was still time.

I would first like to tell you that it was the heat that won you over. The one who, without pity for us who provoked it, now breaks in successive waves every summer. The last, it is true, has been particularly extreme. The information has just fallen. A new temperature record has been broken here: 54.9 ° C. Can you just imagine, Grandpa, from the top of your indifferent fortnight?

54.9 °C! This is what your SUV that you will buy in less than ten years have done to the world. Your insatiable hunger for fresh meat too. And, you will soon find out, all these things thrown away barely bought. This latest trendy T-shirt that you’ve only worn three times. Or this smartphone paid for at a hefty price that had to be replaced six months later by its latest development. Evolution? Grandpa, do you really think that this is evolution?

The climate crisis is global. Wait, you haven’t heard everything yet, but yes! you heard it. The scientists had alerted you. The sea level has risen. More than a meter today since your time. And you know what, Grandpa? Millions of people have suffered from it. Children on the other side of the world that you care little about? I imagine it pretty well. But also European children.

Children who look like you. Whose parents may have been sitting next to you on the school benches. Children like me. Florida has become an island. Amsterdam has been wiped off the map. Bordeaux has more than ever its feet in the water. And these children today are desperately knocking on the doors of those who were luckier than them. For how much longer? How much longer will we be able to welcome these climate refugees that nobody wanted to hear about, even in your time, Grandpa? How much longer … will we be luckier than them?

Tomorrow we will move out. We are going to have to leave behind this beautiful house that your father had built. This strong and solid house, all in concrete. This house from another time. The one you loved so much. The last coastal flood was the reason for this attachment. You see, Grandpa, it’s not just polar bears in the arctic circle that are pushed far from home. It’s not just anonymous strangers. Your own family is now suffering the consequences of your disbelief.

And if you only knew … Your daughter, Grandpa, she died two years ago. She was not 40 years old. It is not an age to die like this in a society that is said to be advanced. But she died. Carried away by yet another hurricane, somewhere in the Antilles that she cherished. A hurricane of such power that it devastated the region, leaving behind only sadness and desolation. Your own daughter, Grandpa! You cried all the tears of your body.

Living on this Earth today is hell! Every year, appalling fires are started. In the Arctic, in the Amazon rainforest, or what’s left of it, in Australia. They only worsen an already catastrophic situation. All ecosystems suffer. The animals are massively disappearing. The air becomes unbreathable. Pollution is everywhere and all the dumpster rentals in the world will not be enough to remove all the garbage and waste created by humankind.. The world is coughing. The world is choking. And people are dying earlier than before. You were lucky, Grandpa, to live so old. I will certainly not have as many years as you have.

But it can still be resolved. Drink a glass of water. To eat an apple. It has become a luxury. We have exhausted the resources of our Earth. Of course, solutions have been found. Because the researchers never gave up. But these are just simple bandages placed on open wounds today. What more could they do without the support of the people? Without your membership, Grandpa? They could not prevent water from running out even in the southern regions of our Europe. Droughts of several years have hit the United States.

And the researchers could not prevent the catastrophic rise in food prices that followed either. Your faulty indolence has cost us dearly, Grandpa. It has claimed the lives of those affected by extreme poverty or new diseases. It also, more subtly, cost people’s happiness. Because while you continue to eat hamburgers on this overheated terrace that blows tons of CO2 into the atmosphere, I cry a world that will never return. From the height of my 15 years, I know it. Everyone knows it now: there is no plan B. No planet B.

My only hope today is you, Grandpa! So I beg you, stop doubting science. Stop waiting for others to make decisions. Stop blaming them. You can act, now. Take the things over control. Choose a different future. You just have to believe it. And get started.

21 Aug

America’s Natural Wonders


When traveling to a new country, tourists often are concerned with a multitude of different things. What hotels they should stay at, what areas they should visit, and most importantly, what sites they should see are just a few of the details that every traveler concerns themselves with. Although some tourists focus on what sites they should see in a more urban setting, there are others that are more interesting in seeing the natural sites of the area there visiting.

Fortunately for tourists traveling to the USA, there are all sorts of different natural wonders that are worth visiting within the states. In fact, there are so many that one cannot possibly see them in one trip; because of this, which ones should you visit? Where are they located? Can you visit these places on your own or should you explore them with a tour group?

The Grand Canyon

One of the most breath-takingly beautiful natural sites to visit is undoubtedly the Grand Canyon. This Arizona view is utterly stunning. From either your own car or the park’s free shuttle bus, you are able to observe what the elements have created in one of the most well-known geological sites in the world. Watch the colors change in this mile-deep canyon from dawn until dusk.

For travelers with an adventurous streak, you are able to hike across this natural phenomenon. Guided tours of the Grand Canyon are also available. A few example of many of the great tours offered in the park include the following: a guided bicycle tour, mule trips, and guided hikes.

Old Faithful

Another spot to consider visiting is the awe-inspiring, reliable Old Faithful. Old Faithful is a cone geyser that is known as one of the most reliable natural wonders of the world. This is because the geyser erupts every 91 minutes, without fail. By visiting this spot not only do you have the opportunity to visit Old Faithful yourself, but you can also view anything else that strikes your fancy at Yellowstone National Park (a park which spreads across three states: Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana).

As well as the geyser and the park itself, you will be able to observe wild creatures, such as grizzly bears, in their natural habitat. Tourists are able to experience Old Faithful and the rest of Yellowstone National Park on their own; however, there are tours available as well. For example, there are hiking and backpacking tours, river safaris, Yellowstone safaris, and llama treks available for interested travelers.

Sequoia National Park

Yet another wonderful and stunning natural wonder in the United States is Sequoia National Park in Three Rivers, California. This is an astounding place to visit for one very simple reason: its trees. Although this nature preserve has many trees, it has one that you won’t be forgetting anytime soon. General Sherman is the name of this famous tree and it is the largest tree in world. This tree stands over two hundred feet tall and is definitely something you don’t want to miss while exploring America’s numerous natural wonders.

Aside from these spectacular trees, there are endless amounts of other plant life around the park for you to discover as well as exploring the Sierra Nevada Foothills, Moro Rock, and the Great Western Divide. Aside from the interesting and attractive plant life that is in this park, you also have the chance to see the wild life within this park, such as roaming black bears. This national park is one that you can explore alone or take part in one of its many tours. One example is the Sequoia Sightseeing Tours, the first which takes half a day, the second a full day.

The three previously listed national wonders are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the beautiful and exciting world of the United States’ natural wonders. There are many other exciting, beautiful, and fun places to explore all throughout the country’s fifty states.

11 Apr

The Healthiest Fish You Can Eat


The fact that you’re reading this article means you already know by now that including fish in your diet twice a week is needed for optimal health and weight.

Fish is a lean piece of protein that are packed in healthy vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids. With the variety of fish sold in the market, there are only a couple of them that are exceptionally good for you. Yes, not all kinds of fish deliver the omega-3 fatty acids your diet requires.

Fish is not just a healthy way to add protein to your diet, it is also a protein that can reduce the risk of developing diabetes and other heart-related diseases.

When choosing this protein, you need to make sure they are fresh. One way to look at it is that the eyes shouldn’t be bloodshot, and the gills should be a vibrant reddish pink. One factor to consider is its sustainability. As we have a responsibility to maintain the environment, choosing a sustainable fish will not only be beneficial for the entire community, but to the fish’s habitat as well.

Here are the 4 of the healthiest sustainable fish you can easily find in your market:

Purse Seine (Atlantic Mackerel)

This is a strong-flavored fish packed with heart-healthy omega-3s that works really well with bold seasonings. You can get 20 grams of protein in a fillet of 30 grams – not bad as a lean source of protein. Atlantic Mackerel is also a sustainable kind as they can repopulate easily and can handle frequent amounts of fishing. The gear used to fish them is a regular fish net, this makes the way of catching them efficient and environment friendly.

Freshwater Salmon

Salmon is widely used in many Asian cooking. Known for its use in sushi platters, salmon is typically caught wild. However, to maintain its sustainability, many freshwater farms have raised salmon to cater to the demands, especially in the United States.

To be specific, freshwater coho salmon is a farmed fish that got a Super Green Rating. This means they are deemed fresh, healthy and contain no contaminants at all. There are still other farms today that are still on the “avoid” list – that’s another information worth checking. The only downside of getting freshwater salmon is its susceptibility to parasitic infections. There are times that these fish are exposed to antibiotic treatments which many consumers are put off by.

Wild Caught Salmon (From Alaska)

Alaska’s Salmon fishery is considered to be one of the strictest fisheries around the world. Biologists are stationed at river mouths to ensure that wild fish comes back to reproduce again.

As soon as the number of fish depletes, the fishery closes down until it raises up the reference threshold again. Alaskan salmon contains 1,210mg of omega-3 for every 3 ounces of serving. Wild caught salmon, unlike freshwater salmon, contains less contaminants and are less likely to get parasites.

Wild Caught Sardines

Compared to salmon, tuna or just about any other fish in the market, this inexpensive and tiny fish contains 1,950mg of omega 3 for every 3 ounces of serving, making its was as one of the superfoods that you should have in your kitchen. Rich in vitamin D, sardines are also one of the most sustainable fish as they reproduce quickly.

Eating fish on a regular basis is a healthy habit. Not just that, you may also lose some weight if you replace your meat and junk food with fish, as you will feel full almost as fast but with much less calories intake.

The importance of including healthy fatty acids in your diet is a must. Always remember that not all fish contains the right amount of omega-3 and there are those out there that can do more harm than good for your health. Be mindful of contaminated fish and those that are high in mercury content.