Tag Archives: sustainability

AI-Powered Conservation

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Artificial Intelligence has rapidly transformed from a technological novelty into a driving force across multiple sectors, from healthcare and finance to education and environmental conservation. As organizations worldwide harness AI’s analytical capabilities to solve complex problems, one promising application has emerged in wildlife protection and environmental monitoring.

Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab illustrates the potential of applying AI to projects that range from monitoring endangered species to modeling Earth’s natural systems and enhancing disaster response and preparedness. Since 2018, the lab has launched over 200 projects worldwide, combining artificial intelligence with initiatives focusing on sustainability, humanitarian action, and health.

An example of their innovative approach is the development of SPARROW (Solar-Powered Acoustic and Remote Recording Observation Watch), a new tool in biodiversity surveillance technology. This sophisticated system employs solar-powered devices equipped with energy-efficient AI chips. The devices are capable of operating autonomously for years while transmitting data via low-Earth orbit satellites.

Implementing these systems on a larger scale will require overcoming obstacles such as weather interference, equipment durability in harsh environments, and the complex task of filtering out background noise in dense forest environments. However, the potential of this technology has already been demonstrated through initial projects.

In a pioneering study, biologist Jenna Lawson deployed 350 audio monitors throughout Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula to track Geoffroy’s spider monkeys. These primates are sensitive to environmental changes and difficult to track on the ground. Using SPARROW’s AI systems, Lawson collected and analyzed vast amounts of recorded data. Published in March, her findings revealed that the monkeys avoided areas near roads and plantations, highlighting the need to rethink and redesign conservation efforts like the wildlife corridors that bisect the region’s protected reserves.

Microsoft’s commitment to global conservation continues to expand. Plans to deploy SPARROW devices across all continents by late 2025 are underway. The collected data will be open-sourced, making it accessible to researchers worldwide while protecting sensitive location information from potential misuse. This initiative is a step forward in understanding and addressing the causes of the extinction risks faced by 28% of plant and animal species. As this technology continues to evolve, it offers a promising blueprint for how AI and conservation can work together to safeguard Earth’s biodiversity.

Sustainability in the Textile Industry

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The textile industry is increasingly turning to sustainable materials and innovative production methods to address the environmental challenges posed by fast fashion. As BEXIMCO’s Ahmed Shahryar Rahman said, “we are proud to lead in advanced material technology, and other sustainability practices by integrating cutting-edge sustainable practices into its operations.”

Innovative Sustainable Materials

Many companies are now exploring eco-friendly alternatives to traditional textiles. They are looking for materials that are fast-growing or a renewable resource, plant fibers that can be grown without negative environmental impact from pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, and ways to recycle materials to repurpose waste.

As President of BEXIMCO’s Textiles, Apparel, and PPE divisions, Ahmed Shahryar Rahman has explained that the company has committed to exploring and implementing as many sustainable measures as they can in economic, social, and environmental spheres.  

In their creation of textiles, BEXIMCO is pioneering the use of hemp fiber, recognized for its environmental benefits. Their patented electrical cottonised hemp process enhances the usability of hemp fibers, allowing them to overcome the traditional limitations of hemp’s coarse texture and poor spinnability. Additionally, this innovation offers environmental advantages because hemp requires substantially less water and pesticides compared to other natural fibers and presents a resilient alternative in the context of climate change.

Beyond hemp, BEXIMCO has expanded its sustainable material portfolio by utilizing recycled and biodegradable materials. The company incorporates biodegradable synthetic fibers and recycled polyester made from post-consumer waste like plastic bottles and textile scraps, which directly reduces landfill contributions and resource consumption. Recycled polyester can be further recycled through mechanical or chemical processes at the end of its life, while bio-based polyester uses renewable feedstocks like crops or bio-waste instead of petroleum.

Advanced Production Methods

Sustainability in the fashion industry extends beyond material selection. It requires transparency. Consumers need to trust that materials are sourced where companies say they are sourced, and that the fibers are being produced in ethical and sustainable ways.

The company FibreTrace works with over 60 suppliers of cotton, recycled polyester, viscose, wool, and leather and combines physical tracers with real-time digital monitoring to provide transparency and traceability in the textile industry. They work with companies like Target, Cargill, Reformation, 7 For All Mankind, and many others including BEXIMCO.

For BEXIMCO, FibreTrace provides traceability for their GOTS-certified organic cotton supply chain which is grown with low environmental impact methods that maintain soil fertility and reduce pesticide use and have achieved certification from the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI). All of this ensures that consumers can verify the origins of their products, enhancing trust and accountability. Ahmed Shahryar Rahman has said that the company is searching for other ways to integrate this kind of technology into other aspects of their textile production as well.

By integrating these advanced sustainable practices, BEXIMCO demonstrates how large-scale textile manufacturers can reduce environmental impact while meeting growing consumer demand for ethical fashion. The company’s approach serves as a model for sustainable textile production, balancing technological innovation with environmental responsibility and setting new standards in the industry.

Urban Grazing: A Growing Business Opportunity in City Landscapes

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Urban grazing, which involves using sheep and goats to manage green spaces in cities, is emerging as an innovative and eco-friendly business model. This trend is gaining traction across the United States, with cities like Nashville and Santa Barbara leading the way.

The Nashville Chew Crew, managed by urban shepherd Zach Richardson, highlights the potential of this business opportunity. The company grazes sheep on approximately 150 acres of city property annually, including historic sites like Fort Negley and Nashville City Cemetery. This method proves to be more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable than traditional landscaping techniques. Additionally, urban grazing creates a unique attraction for residents and tourists, enhancing community engagement and potentially boosting local tourism.

The benefits of urban grazing extend beyond mere lawn maintenance. It addresses various land management concerns, including control of invasive species, protection of native vegetation and animal habitats, maintenance of historic sites, and even reduction of wildfire risks.

In Santa Barbara, California, urban grazing has been successfully implemented for about seven years as part of a wildfire prevention strategy. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department deploys sheep to graze approximately 15 acres of open space across four City park properties. This approach not only reduces wildfire risk but also maintains defensible space between homes and parkland, protects infrastructure, and provides safe access routes for firefighting. The community’s positive response to the grazing sheep has made it an effective tool for public engagement and education about land management

For entrepreneurs, this business model requires minimal equipment compared to traditional landscaping services. However, it does demand specialized knowledge in animal husbandry and land management. Additionally, business owners must also consider essential factors such as livestock guardian dogs for flock protection and proper fencing to contain the animals. As cities increasingly prioritize sustainable practices, urban grazing presents a promising business opportunity for those looking to blend agriculture with urban land management.