(ENVIRO) Israel's Former Garbage Dump To Light Up The Skies

"Israel's enormous Hiriya waste disposal site, near Tel Aviv, is being transformed into a public park (twice the size of New York's Central Park) and an educational center for recycling industries to advance the principals of sustainability and environmental protection.

One of the largest environmental projects in the world, the Ariel Sharon Park is being designed to preserve the last green lung remaining in central Israel.

Starting in mid-July, a 3,000 square meter (about 32,292 square foot) area surrounding the site will be illuminated by 80 rays of light.

The light is provided by unique energy-saving bulbs whose power is derived from the alternative energy culled from recycled household waste generated by a nearby recycling plant.



Sixteen million tons of waste was buried at Hiriya, which was closed about a decade ago. The 80 rays will light up the sky for commuters between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem and for airline passengers approaching Ben Gurion International Airport.

The Beracha Foundation, that promotes park planning and execution with the Israeli government, donated the money for the lighting system. Foundation Director Dr. Martin Weyl says, 'Hiriya is testimony to the success of environmental organizations in Israel... their determination and public struggles attained great achievements for the environment, quality of life and social justice in the state of Israel.'" (source)