Why sand is selling in the desert

Extracting sand for building material affects ecosystems and causes islands to erode and disappear. Photo: USACE NY, Flickr.
Of: Aida Esmailzadeh Davani and Erika Alm
Selling sand in the desert is an old proverb to describe a skilled salesman. However, the definition may need to be reevaluated. Sand used in construction is becoming a rare and precious resource and the high demand is causing problems for ecosystems and humans alike.