Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Portable Heater Disposal and Recycling Guidelines Portable space heaters are small electrical appliances that may contain metal heating elements, wiring, motors, electronic controls, plastic housing, circuit boards, and, in some models, rechargeable batteries. They should not be placed in curbside recycling. Whenever possible, repair, donate, sell, or recycle a safe working heater. If it is broken, recalled, damaged, or unsafe, use an electronics recycler, small-appliance recycler, manufacturer program, or local waste facility that confirms it accepts portable heaters. 1. Check for recalls first Before donating, selling, recycling, or disposing of a heater, check whether it has been recalled. Find the brand name, model number, and serial number on the heater or owner’s manual. Search the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Recall Database . Stop using a recalled heater immediately. Follow the manufacturer’s recall instructions for refunds, replacement, return, destruction, or disposal. Do not donate, sell, give away, or continue using a recalled heater unless the manufacturer confirms that the recall remedy has been completed. CPSC recall notices may direct consumers to dispose of recalled products according to state or local procedures. 2. Reuse or donate safe working heaters If the heater is working safely and is not recalled, reuse is usually the best option. Possible options include: Donate to a thrift store, shelter, charity, community organization, reuse center, or local assistance program. Sell or give it away through a local resale or neighborhood platform. Offer it to a friend or family member who can use it safely. Repair it through a qualified appliance or electrical repair provider if the issue is minor. Before donating or selling: Clean dust from the grille and exterior. Test the heater according to manufacturer instructions. Include the manual and remote control, if available. Disclose the heater’s age, condition, repair history, and known defects. Check the plug and cord for damage. Confirm that tip-over protection, overheating protection, thermostatic controls, and other safety features work as designed. Do not donate or sell a heater with a frayed cord, damaged plug, cracked housing, loose connection, burning smell, overheating, sparking, smoke, melted plastic, damaged grille, missing safety features, or other safety concern. 3. Recycle nonworking heaters Portable heaters should generally be taken to an e-waste recycler, small-appliance recycler, scrap-metal recycler, or local transfer station that confirms it accepts them. Possible recycling options include: City or county electronics-recycling programs Municipal small-appliance or bulky-item collection programs Electronics recyclers that accept household appliances Scrap-metal recyclers that accept electric motors, heating elements, and mixed-metal appliances Manufacturer take-back or mail-back programs Local appliance-repair or recycling businesses Call before visiting and ask: Do you accept electric portable heaters or space heaters? Are there fees, appointments, quantity limits, or preparation requirements? Do you accept smart heaters or heaters with electronic controls? Do you accept heaters with built-in rechargeable batteries? Must cords, remotes, batteries, or other components be removed first? Do you accept recalled, damaged, or nonworking equipment? Do not assume that a scrap-metal recycler accepts the entire heater. Some facilities may accept only the metal housing or heating elements, while others may require the full appliance to go through an electronics-recycling program. 4. Battery-powered and smart heaters Most portable heaters plug into a wall outlet and do not contain rechargeable batteries. However, some portable heaters, remote controls, smart plugs, thermostats, and battery-powered ignition or control systems may use lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, button-cell, or alkaline batteries. If the heater or accessory has a removable battery: Remove it only if the manufacturer provides instructions. Follow the receiving facility’s preparation requirements. Many battery programs ask users to cover exposed terminals with nonconductive tape or place batteries in separate plastic bags. Take the battery to a battery-recycling program or household hazardous-waste facility that accepts the battery type. If a heater has a built-in rechargeable battery: Do not open, dismantle, or attempt to remove the battery unless the manufacturer or recycler specifically instructs you to do so. Take the full device to an electronics recycler or hazardous-waste program that confirms it accepts battery-containing equipment. Do not place lithium-ion batteries or battery-powered devices in household trash or curbside recycling. They can create a fire risk if crushed, punctured, or short-circuited. 5. Do not confuse heaters with portable air conditioners Most standard electric space heaters do not contain refrigerant. They typically do not need household hazardous-waste handling solely because they are heaters. However, portable air conditioners, heat pumps, dehumidifiers, refrigerators, and other cooling appliances can contain refrigerant and compressor oil. These items require separate, specialized disposal. Do not cut refrigerant lines or dismantle cooling equipment. Contact a utility, appliance recycler, local waste authority, or qualified HVAC technician for instructions. What Not to Do Do not place a portable heater in curbside recycling. Do not place a heater with a rechargeable battery in household trash. Do not donate, sell, or give away a recalled heater unless the manufacturer confirms that the recall remedy is complete. Do not donate or sell a heater with damaged cords, exposed wiring, overheating, sparking, smoke, melted components, or other safety hazards. Do not dismantle the heater, cut the cord, remove heating elements, or open electronic controls unless the recycler specifically instructs you to do so. Do not assume that a heater contains refrigerant. Most standard portable electric heaters do not. Do not treat a portable air conditioner as a space heater. Portable air conditioners may contain refrigerant and require different disposal procedures. Where to Get Help Situation Who to contact Recalled portable heater Manufacturer and the CPSC recall database Working heater Local reuse center, charity, thrift store, repair provider, or resale platform Broken electric space heater Local e-waste recycler, small-appliance recycler, scrap-metal recycler, or municipal waste authority Heater with a built-in battery Electronics recycler or household hazardous-waste program that accepts battery-containing equipment Removable battery or remote-control battery Battery recycler or household hazardous-waste facility Portable air conditioner or other refrigerant-containing appliance Utility, appliance recycler, local waste authority, or qualified HVAC technician Heater is smoking, sparking, overheating, or on fire Call 911 or your local emergency number Sources and Resources U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Product Recall Database U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Electronics Donation and Recycling U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Appliance Disposal Consumer Reports, Space Heater Safety Tips Safety and Legal Notice Connecting The Dots Project provides this guide for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal, technical, electrical, product-safety, recycling, waste-management, hazardous-materials, or emergency-response advice. Disposal rules, recall remedies, accepted items, fees, preparation requirements, recycling laws, and facility policies vary by location, appliance type, manufacturer, product condition, and receiving facility. Before donating, selling, transporting, recycling, or disposing of a portable heater, contact the manufacturer, local government or solid-waste authority, and receiving facility for current instructions. Do not use, donate, sell, repair, dismantle, open, cut, or handle a recalled, damaged, smoking, sparking, overheating, leaking, or burned heater unless you are trained, authorized, and specifically instructed to do so by the manufacturer, emergency personnel, or receiving facility. If a heater is smoking, on fire, emitting sparks, becoming unusually hot, or creating an immediate danger, move people away from the area and call 911 or your local emergency number. Do not attempt to repair, open, move, or extinguish the heater unless directed by emergency responders. Mention of any company, retailer, recycler, program, certification, or organization is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement, affiliation, recommendation, or guarantee of acceptance, service quality, safety, or environmental performance. Connecting The Dots Project does not guarantee that this information is complete, current, accurate, or suitable for every appliance or situation. Use of this guide is at the reader’s own risk.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Disposable Contact Lenses, Cases, and Solution Bottles Used contact lenses, blister packs, foil lids, lens cases, and solution bottles require different disposal methods. Some qualify for specialized collection, while others may be accepted through local curbside recycling. Do not assume that every item belongs in the same recycling bin. Never dispose of contact lenses in a sink or toilet. A 2020 study surveyed 416 contact-lens users and estimated that approximately 21 percent flushed their lenses, corresponding to about 44,000 kilograms of dry lens material entering U.S. wastewater annually. In the study’s treatment experiments, biological wastewater treatment did not measurably reduce the plastic mass, and lens fragments accumulated in sewage sludge. These findings are study-based estimates and observations, not a current nationwide measurement of all discarded lenses. What to do with each item Item Preferred option Important instructions Used contact lenses Use a specialized contact-lens collection program. If none is accessible, place them in household trash. Keep lenses out of drains, toilets, and curbside recycling. Plastic blister packs Use a specialized collection program. For ONE by ONE, remove the foil completely and make sure the packs are empty and dry. Foil lids Collect separately from the blister packs for a specialized program. ONE by ONE accepts separated top foils. Do not assume that a local program accepting aluminum cans also accepts these small lids. Contact lens cases Use ONE by ONE or another program that explicitly accepts them. Cases must be empty and dry. Small contact-lens solution bottles and caps, 4 ounces or less Use ONE by ONE or local recycling if accepted. Confirm size eligibility and empty the bottles completely. Full-size solution bottles Check local recycling requirements for the bottle. ONE by ONE lists caps from full-size bottles of 10 ounces or more, not the full-size bottles themselves. Ask the program about intermediate sizes rather than assuming acceptance. Cardboard contact-lens boxes Use local paper recycling if accepted. ONE by ONE does not accept contact-lens boxes. Use a specialized collection program The Bausch + Lomb ONE by ONE Recycling Program, operated with TerraCycle, offers free collection through participating U.S. eye-care practices. It accepts contact lenses and specified contact-lens packaging from all brands. Collected items must be empty and dry. For contact-lens and lens-care waste, the program currently lists: Used contact lenses. Empty plastic blister packs. Foil lids fully separated from blister packs. Contact lens cases. Contact-lens solution bottles and caps measuring 4 ounces or less. Caps from full-size contact-lens solution bottles measuring 10 ounces or more. The program also accepts certain additional eye-care products, including single-dose eye-drop vials and their foil wrapping. Some other accepted products have brand-specific restrictions, so check the current instructions before adding them. Do not include unopened blister packs, cardboard contact-lens boxes, or blister packs with foil lids still attached. Use the program’s location finder and contact the eye-care practice before visiting. Collection availability, hours, and accepted waste streams may differ by location. Paid collection alternatives TerraCycle also lists a paid Contact Lenses and Packaging Zero Waste Bag. Its acceptance rules differ from ONE by ONE. For example, the paid product lists certain packaging materials but excludes contact-lens solution bottles. Review the exact product instructions before purchasing or collecting materials. Prepare items correctly For the ONE by ONE program: Peel the foil lid completely away from each blister pack. Empty all remaining liquid from eligible packaging. Allow lenses, packs, foil lids, cases, and eligible bottles to dry. Store collected materials in a clean, dry container. Include only items specifically listed as accepted by the program and receiving location. Do not send liquid solution or assume that outer wrapping, paper inserts, or other packaging qualifies simply because it came with contact lenses. Different collection programs have different acceptance lists. Handle solution bottles separately Full-size solution bottles are not included in ONE by ONE’s listed bottle acceptance. They may have a local recycling option, but acceptance must be confirmed with your recycling provider. Eligible caps can be collected through ONE by ONE according to its size requirements. Before placing a bottle in local recycling: Empty it completely. Follow local instructions for rinsing. Confirm that the program accepts that type and size of bottle. Follow local instructions on whether to leave the cap attached. Do not use a plastic identification number alone as proof that the bottle is accepted. When uncertain, ask your recycling provider rather than placing an unconfirmed item in the bin. If specialized recycling is unavailable Place used contact lenses in household trash rather than flushing them. Keeping lenses out of wastewater prevents them from entering the treatment pathway in which researchers observed fragmentation and accumulation in sewage sludge. For blister packs, foil lids, cases, and bottles, use local recycling only when the program explicitly accepts the item. Otherwise, follow your local waste provider’s disposal instructions. Specialized collection is useful where available, but it should not be replaced by placing unaccepted materials in curbside recycling. Safety and Legal Notice This guide provides general educational information for U.S. households. Collection availability and acceptance requirements vary by community, eye-care practice, and recycling provider. Confirm current instructions before dropping off or mailing materials. Follow your eye-care professional’s and manufacturer’s instructions for lens wear, cleaning, storage, and replacement. Recycling preparation does not make a used lens or container suitable for medical reuse. Do not extend a lens’s prescribed wear schedule to reduce waste. If you develop eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, sudden blurred vision, unusual watering, or discharge, remove your contact lenses and contact your eye doctor immediately. Do not resume wearing them until your eye doctor advises you to do so. Resources Bausch + Lomb: ONE by ONE Recycling Program. Accepted contact-lens materials and participating-location finder. https://www.bauschcontactlenses.com/recycling/ TerraCycle: Bausch + Lomb ONE by ONE Free Recycling Program. Current acceptance list and preparation requirements. https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/bauschrecycles TerraCycle: Contact Lenses and Packaging Zero Waste Bag. Paid collection option with a separate acceptance list. https://shop.terracycle.com/en-US/products/contact-lenses-and-packaging-zero-waste-bag PubMed: “Nationwide Mass Inventory and Degradation Assessment of Plastic Contact Lenses in US Wastewater.” Peer-reviewed research on disposal practices and the fate of lenses in wastewater treatment. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32869978/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Preventing Eye Infections When Wearing Contacts. Lens-care and replacement guidance. https://www.cdc.gov/contact-lenses/prevention/index.html Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: What Causes Contact Lens-related Eye Infections. Symptoms and instructions for seeking care. https://www.cdc.gov/contact-lenses/causes/index.html

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Plastic Can and Multipack Handles Plastic can handles, six-pack rings, bottle handles, packing straps, and other multipack carriers are often made from flexible or rigid plastic. They may be recyclable only through specific local programs, but they should never be littered or placed in curbside recycling unless your local provider confirms that it accepts them. These items can harm wildlife if they escape into the environment. Animals may become entangled in loops or handles, or swallow fragments, which can cause choking, starvation, injury, infection, drowning, or death. NOAA identifies plastic packing bands, six-pack rings, and plastic-bag handles among common types of debris that entangle wildlife, including birds, fish, sea turtles, and marine mammals. Why handles are hazardous Translucent white plastic six-pack rings. Closed loops can trap an animal’s neck, beak, bill, leg, wing, flipper, or body. As an animal grows or struggles, the plastic can tighten, cut into tissue, restrict movement, prevent feeding, or cause drowning. Small animals and young wildlife may also swallow loose plastic pieces. Swallowed plastic can create a choking hazard, block the digestive tract, cause internal injuries, or reduce the animal’s ability to eat. NOAA notes that plastic debris can entangle wildlife and make it difficult for animals to move or feed, potentially leading to death. How to dispose of them safely Separate the carrier from cans or bottles. Do not leave the holder attached after all containers are removed. Check local recycling rules. Some flexible plastic rings, rigid can carriers, and bottle multipack handles may be accepted through a special drop-off or manufacturer return program. Do not assume they belong in curbside recycling. Cut every closed loop before disposal. If the material is not accepted for recycling or reuse, cut through every ring, handle opening, and small closed loop with scissors. This reduces the risk of animal entanglement if the item escapes the waste stream. Place pieces in the trash if no recycling option exists. Bag small pieces when practical so they do not blow away during collection. Keep pieces away from children and pets. Flexible plastic rings and handles can be choking, strangulation, and entanglement hazards. The U.S. EPA advises that improperly disposed plastic ring carriers expose fish and marine wildlife to entanglement and ingestion hazards. Even degradable or photodegradable carriers can break into smaller plastic pieces, so proper disposal remains essential. Reuse and recycling Before cutting a carrier, check whether it is designed for reuse or return: Rigid plastic can handles: Some breweries, retailers, or local recycling programs may collect them for reuse or specialized recycling. Flexible six-pack rings: These may be accepted through limited plastic-film or specialty collection programs, but policies vary. Bottle multipack handles and shrink-wrap carriers: Follow local rules. They are often not accepted in curbside recycling. Plastic packing straps: Do not put them in curbside recycling unless explicitly accepted. Cut them before trash disposal because they can entangle wildlife. EPA has supported local projects that collect and recycle plastic six-pack rings, demonstrating that specialized programs may be available even where curbside recycling does not accept them. Safety and Legal Notice This information is for educational purposes only. Recycling rules and accepted materials vary by city, waste hauler, retailer, manufacturer, and collection program. Confirm local requirements before placing plastic handles, rings, straps, or packaging in any recycling bin. Use scissors carefully when cutting plastic carriers. Keep handles, rings, straps, and cut plastic pieces away from children and pets because they can cause choking, strangulation, entanglement, or injury. Do not attempt to rescue an entangled marine animal. Remain at a safe distance and contact local wildlife authorities or an authorized marine-mammal entanglement responder. NOAA advises that only trained, authorized personnel should attempt to free entangled marine mammals.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards LAND < Back Chronic Wasting Disease in Deer found in 36 states Image by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Chronic Wasting Disease in Deer found in 36 states in 2025 Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a prion-related disease that impacts deer, elk, reindeer, sika deer, and moose. Instances of CWD have been identified in Canada, the United States, Norway, and South Korea. CWD proteins, or prions, are believed to spread among deer and elk through body fluids like feces, saliva, blood, or urine. Once introduced into an area, CWD can quickly infect deer and elk populations and persist in the environment, posing a risk to other animals even after the infected animal has died. Experimental studies have shown that CWD can infect certain animals, including squirrel monkeys and laboratory mice with human genes. But there has been no report of human infection. What are the indications of CWD? Deer affected by CWD may appear healthy for 16 months or more before displaying signs of the disease. Throughout this period, they can transmit CWD to other animals and the environment. Signs of a CWD infection include: * Listlessness or a diminished interest in their surroundings. * Lack of coordination. * Frequent lowering of the head. * Blank stare. * Walking in predetermined patterns. * Drooling and grinding of teeth. * Increased water consumption and frequent urination. * Reduced body weight. So how can the infected prions be eradicated? Unfortunately, infected prions exhibit exceptional resilience to high temperatures, with the incineration of prion-contaminated material being widely recognized as the most effective disposal method. While incineration at 1,000°C proves successful in eliminating prion infectivity, residual infectivity can persist even after treatment at 600°C!! Even when subjected to freezing for extended periods, prions maintain their capacity to induce CWD. However, a recent study by scientists at the National Institutes of Health highlights a promising decontamination method. It reveals that stainless steel wires coated with chronic wasting disease (CWD) prions can be effectively cleansed by soaking them in a 40% household bleach solution for just 5 minutes. While these approaches may prove effective for cleaning small contaminated areas or disposal of dead animals, it is evident that it would be impractical for addressing contamination in the wild. Infographic by California Department of Fish and Wildlife Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/prions/cwd/transmission.html https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2658766/ ... . https://www.vet.upenn.edu/.../fac.../chronic-wasting-disease https://www.ncwildlife.org/.../CWD/CWD-General-FAQ.pdf

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards LAND < Back Antarctica’s Lost World: Geologists Decode the Hidden History Beneath the Ice This is so exciting! New research by scientists from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and the University of Colorado Boulder has revealed significant insights into the geological evolution of the Trans-antarctic Mountains, a vast and largely hidden 3,500-kilometer-long mountain range buried beneath Antarctica’s ice sheets. By applying advanced chemical analysis techniques to rock samples linked to this range, the team uncovered a far more dynamic history of Antarctica’s bedrock than previously known. These findings highlight how ancient formations continue to shape the continent’s landscape and climate systems today. Revealing a Hidden Landscape Antarctica’s ice sheets conceal most of its geological structure, making direct study difficult. However, by analyzing the internal chemistry of igneous rocks known to originate from the Transantarctic Mountains, researchers were able to reconstruct the region’s geological history. Their findings suggest that the landscape beneath the ice is far from static. The rock samples show a complex history of mountain formation, erosion, and glacial activity, offering a new perspective on how the continent evolved over hundreds of millions of years. Why the Transantarctic Mountains Matter Stretching across Antarctica with peaks rising over 4,500 meters, the Transantarctic Mountains were first identified during early exploratory missions. Once referred to as the “great Antarctic horst,” this range plays a crucial role in the continent’s environmental system by acting as a barrier that restricts the flow of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet toward the Ross Sea.Understanding the formation and evolution of this mountain range is key to interpreting not only the ice dynamics of Antarctica but also potential links to global climate cycles. What the Rocks Reveal Because much of the range is inaccessible due to thick ice coverage, scientists relied on thermochronology, a method that analyzes the time-temperature history of rocks, to extract geologic clues. Their work revealed that: * The Transantarctic Mountains underwent several distinct mountain-building and erosion phases. * These geologic events were closely associated with major plate tectonic shifts . * The data provides evidence of a previous glacial period approximately 300 million years ago . The chemical signatures in the rocks suggest that many layers of ancient material are missing. This indicates intense and repeated reshaping of the terrain over vast geological timescales. Broader Implications for Climate Science Beyond reconstructing the continent’s deep past, the findings have significant implications for modern climate science. The evolution of Antarctica’s bedrock, particularly the Transantarctic Mountains, appears to have influenced the movement and behavior of ice sheets. It may also have played a role in Earth’s ocean-atmosphere interactions .This research supports the idea that ancient geologic processes continue to affect glacial patterns, climate dynamics, and even ecosystem evolution on a planetary scale. ***The image is a conceptual illustration and does not represent the actual landscape or the discovery. *** Sources: https://phys.org/.../2025-05-bedrock-analysis-reveals ... https://www.sciencealert.com/mountain-range-hiding ... https://news.wisc.edu/antarcticas-ancient-ice-sheets.../

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back How climate change is impacting the livelihood of the semi-normadic Marsh Arabs 🐊 How climate change is impacting the livelihood of the semi-normadic Marsh Arabs 🌿 The Ahwaris, also known as the semi-nomadic Marsh Arabs, have inhabited the marshlands at the convergence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers for thousands of years. Although their exact population is not precisely documented, estimates suggest there are around 50,000 Ahwaris in Iraq and approximately 20,000 in Iran ( UNDP , 2023). Their history spans at least 5,000 years, making them one of the oldest surviving indigenous groups in the region ( UNESCO , 2016). A Unique Culture Rooted in the Marshes The Ahwaris’ way of life remains closely tied to the marshes. They construct their homes on floating islands known as tuhul , using reeds and Qasab grass sourced locally. These reed-based dwellings, built without nails, wood, or glass, have been crafted using the same sustainable methods for centuries, minimizing their ecological footprint. Their portability allows them to adapt to fluctuating water levels ( Eden in Iraq , 2022). Challenges: Climate Change, Conflict, and Migration The Ahwaris have faced significant hardships due to conflict, economic struggles, and limited access to essential services. Climate change has further exacerbated their difficulties, with droughts and dam projects reducing the marshes to nearly one-third of their size from a century ago ( UNESCO , 2016). As water sources dry up, many Ahwaris are forced to migrate to urban areas, leaving behind their traditional occupations and disrupting social cohesion. Hope Through Eco-Tourism Eco-tourism has emerged as a potential solution to preserve the Ahwari way of life while creating economic opportunities, particularly for women and youth. By fostering sustainable development, tourism initiatives can help reduce migration, enhance community stability, and safeguard the region’s cultural heritage ( UNDP , 2023). A Cultural Legacy: Abuḏiya Poetry and Song Despite modern challenges, Ahwaris continue to preserve their rich cultural traditions, including abuḏiya —a poetic and musical form expressing grief, longing, and resilience. Often compared to the Blues, abuḏiya remains a testament to the endurance of the Ahwari people. A notable example is the performance of Masoud El Amaratly, an Iraqi singing legend ( YouTube , 2023). Sources: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2023). Ahwari Women: The Beating Heart of Iraq’s Marshes UNESCO. (2016). The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities Eden in Iraq. (2022). Endangered Ecology of the Mesopotamian Marshes YouTube. (2023). Masoud El Amaratly – Abuḏiya Performance er equality. It reduces migration, bolsters population security, and preserves cultural heritage. ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Circular Economy: Recycling & Upcycling Prom Dresses & Suits Circular Economy: Recycling & Upcycling Prom Dresses and Suits Let's recycle prom dress! All the fellow high school students in Chicago, do you need a prom dress or suit but can't afford one? Look no further. These non-profit organizations offer free prom attires. They have designers and great collections. Please share the info because your friend might be able to use one. And to those who live in different states, there are many similar organizations around the country. If you are interested in a similar opportunity, you should google "Prom dress giveaway near me." Good luck! 1) The Gift of Glamour: https://www.facebook.com/thegifto.../https://www.713ceg.org/ 2) 713 Ceg & Prom Girls Rock: www.713ceg.org 713 Community Empowerment Group - Home Home 3) Humble Hearts: humbleheartsfoundation.org Home - Humble Hearts Helping People In Need Connecting resources to those in need by providing living essentials to end impoverishment through community outreach. Donate Our charity works to collect resources such as In-kind goods, hygiene products, food, & other miscellaneous items for the homeless, people in need, families leaving shelter life, & those who suffer from mental health issues.… #ctdp #connectingthedotsproject #recycling #recycle #circularfashion #upcycling #prom #prom2024 #dresses #promdresses #chicago #illinois #giveaway #giveaways #promdressgiveaway ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Apps for Not Wasting Food Imperfect Foods This merchant sells imperfect fruits or vegetables which would be otherwise wasted or tossed because of imperfection. It comes in a surprise bag/ box and you only find the content only when you open the package. Olio Sharing surplus or left over is another practical eco-friendly approach. With the Olio app, available on iOS and Android , you can share the food waste in your area. Just upload a pic of food which you want to share. Other app users will get a notification. You can also browse items your neighbors are willing to share, like food, cleaning products or other miscellaneous items. You have to coordinate the pick up arrangement between the offerer and recipient. Too Good To Go "Selling surplus food just got easy" Too Good to Go says. But actually buying surplus food just got easy also. With this app, you can buy leftover food from supermarkets, restaurants and cafes at a fraction of the regular cost. Not only that, we can save tons of food from going to waste, save the operational waste for establishments, and get discounted meals. They are available on iOS and Android . Food Rescue Us This app is transport food to where it is needed through volunteers. Their local volunteers pick-up excess healthy food from local food donors and deliver it directly to local social service agencies that feed the food insecure. FlashFood FlashFood’s founder spoke with hundreds of grocery store employees and executives to learn about their wasteful practices. Most unsold food items that were approaching their best-before dates by up to two weeks were typically thrown away. FlashFood allows users to browse those food items and buy them at a discount, keeping them out of landfills. YourLocal Connect with local restaurants and stores to purchase their surplus foods for up to 70% off. Their local volunteers pick-up excess healthy food from local food donors and deliver it directly to local social service agencies that feed the food insecure. While this app is currently only available in New York City and Denmark, it’s sure to spread throughout the United States soon. ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back A 440-pound Blue Whale's heart The wonders of nature are truly astonishing. Mammalogy technicians at the Royal Ontario Museum preserved a blue whale's 440-pound heart that washed up in Newfoundland. Reportedly, a heart of a blue whale can weigh up to 1000 lbs, about the size of a dairy cow! The preservation process included extracting the heart, dilating it with formaldehyde to prevent flattening, shipping it to Germany, plastinating it by replacing water with a silicone polymer, and curing it with a gaseous agent. Wow! Photo: owned by Royal Ontario Museum Sources: https://www.wired.com/.../how-scientists-preserved-a-440.../ https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/fea.../big-hearted-blue-whale Photo: owned by Royal Ontario Museum ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Electric and Battery-Powered Toy Recycling Guide Electric and battery-powered toys generally do not belong in curbside recycling bins. They may contain circuit boards, wiring, motors, plastics, metals, and batteries that require separate handling. Donate safe, working toys when an organization accepts them. For broken or unwanted toys, check with an electronics recycler, manufacturer take-back program, or local household hazardous-waste program. Acceptance varies, so confirm that the program handles the specific toy and battery type. Lithium-ion, batteries and toys containing them, must stay out of household trash and curbside recycling. Crushing, bending, or otherwise damaging these batteries during collection and processing can cause fires. EPA recommends separate collection through appropriate battery recyclers, electronics recyclers, participating retailers, or household hazardous-waste programs. Which toys may be accepted? Depending on the program, electronics recyclers may accept battery-powered or plug-in items such as: Remote-controlled vehicles, robots, and drones. Talking, musical, light-up, and educational toys. Electronic keyboards and toy instruments. Battery-operated dolls and stuffed animals. Handheld game systems. Toy tablets, cameras, and walkie-talkies. Chargers, adapters, and other electronic accessories. These examples are not a universal acceptance list. A program that accepts computers or phones may not accept toys, oversized ride-on vehicles, or loose electronic components. Describe the item and its battery before arranging collection or drop-off. Match the disposal route to the battery Battery chemistry matters. A battery’s size or shape does not reliably establish its chemistry; check the battery label, toy manual, or manufacturer’s information. Toy or battery type Recommended approach Important precautions Removable rechargeable battery Remove it only as directed by the manufacturer, then use a battery recycler, participating retailer, or household hazardous-waste program that accepts its chemistry. Ask separately whether an electronics recycler accepts the toy. Protect exposed terminals with nonconductive tape or place each battery in an individual plastic bag, following the collection program’s instructions. Built-in lithium-ion battery Take the complete toy to an electronics recycler, participating take-back program, or household hazardous-waste facility that accepts battery-containing devices. Do not force the battery out or place the device in household trash or curbside recycling. Button or coin battery Remove it only if safe and permitted by the manufacturer. Use a collection program that accepts that battery chemistry. Even used batteries can cause severe injuries if swallowed. Secure them immediately and keep them away from children. Alkaline or zinc-carbon battery Check local battery-recycling and disposal rules. EPA recommends recycling or consulting the local waste authority. Some communities allow these batteries in household trash, but this is not a nationwide rule. Do not put loose batteries in curbside recycling. Sealed lead-acid battery, often used in ride-on toys Contact a battery retailer, battery recycler, or household hazardous-waste program that accepts sealed lead-acid batteries. Do not place the battery in household trash or curbside recycling. Confirm a separate disposal or recycling route for the vehicle itself. Damaged, swollen, leaking, defective, or recalled lithium battery Stop using it and contact the manufacturer or a facility specifically equipped to handle damaged batteries. Do not place it in an ordinary battery-collection box. Obtain handling, packaging, and transport instructions before moving or shipping it. Before donating or recycling 1. Check the toy’s condition and recall status Consider donation only if the toy is clean, functional, complete, and safe, with an intact battery compartment. Confirm that the receiving organization accepts it. Search the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall database before selling, donating, or giving away a toy. If it is recalled, stop using it and follow the recall notice’s remedy instructions rather than passing it along with an unresolved safety defect. Federal law prohibits offering recalled products for sale. 2. Remove batteries only when safe Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for opening the battery compartment. Remove user-replaceable batteries if the compartment and batteries are undamaged and the receiving program requests separate collection. Leave built-in batteries in place unless the manufacturer or receiving recycler provides specific removal instructions. Do not puncture battery packs, cut battery wires, or force open a sealed device. Electronics containing non-removable lithium-ion batteries can be collected as complete devices by programs that accept them. 3. Prevent short circuits For intact batteries prepared for collection, cover exposed terminals with nonconductive tape, such as electrical tape, or place each battery in a separate plastic bag. Follow the program’s instructions, and keep batteries away from loose metal objects. These precautions help prevent short circuits and fires. Damaged batteries require separate guidance; ordinary taping or bagging should not be treated as sufficient preparation for every damaged battery. 4. Remove personal information Before donating or recycling connected toys, cameras, tablets, or devices with memory, delete stored photos, recordings, account information, and other personal data. Follow the manufacturer’s reset instructions. 5. Confirm acceptance before transport Ask the receiving program: Whether it accepts the specific toy and battery chemistry. Whether batteries must remain installed or be collected separately. Whether it accepts damaged, defective, or recalled batteries. Whether size, weight, residency, appointment, or fee restrictions apply. How the item must be packaged and transported. A recycler’s certification does not mean it accepts every type of toy or battery. Confirm both the facility’s qualifications and its acceptance requirements. Keep electronic toys out of ordinary curbside recycling Unless your local program provides explicit collection instructions, keep electronic toys, loose batteries, chargers, cords, controllers, and battery-powered novelty items out of the curbside recycling bin. Use designated electronics or battery collection services instead. Lithium batteries and devices containing them must not go in household trash or municipal recycling bins. Removing a battery does not automatically make the remaining toy acceptable for curbside recycling. Ask your local waste authority whether the battery-free toy has a recycling option or must be discarded. Button and coin battery safety A swallowed button or coin battery can cause life-threatening internal burns in as little as two hours. Used batteries remain dangerous. Keep new and used batteries out of children’s reach, secure battery compartments, and stop using a toy if its compartment no longer closes securely. Tape used batteries and place them in secure storage while arranging appropriate collection. If a child may have swallowed a battery, seek emergency medical care immediately even if the child appears well. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or the National Battery Ingestion Hotline at 1-800-498-8666 for immediate treatment guidance. Do not delay going to an emergency department. Call 911 for breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, or other immediate danger. Damaged batteries and emergencies Stop using or charging a toy with a swollen, leaking, damaged, or unusually hot battery. Contact the manufacturer for handling instructions and identify a program equipped to accept that battery before transporting it. Do not put damaged or recalled lithium batteries into a standard retail collection box. If a battery is smoking, sparking, hissing, or burning, move people away, evacuate as necessary, and call 911. Do not approach or attempt to fight a lithium-ion battery fire; wait for trained emergency responders. Safety and Legal Notice This guide provides general educational information for U.S. households. Recycling availability and disposal requirements vary by jurisdiction, battery chemistry, product condition, and receiving facility. Follow manufacturer instructions, recall notices, local requirements, and collection-program rules. Businesses, schools, and other organizations should confirm the requirements applicable to their waste rather than assuming household guidance applies. Resources U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Used Household Batteries. Battery-specific recycling, disposal, and handling guidance. https://www.epa.gov/recycle/used-household-batteries U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Used Lithium-Ion Batteries. Guidance for loose batteries and devices with built-in batteries. https://www.epa.gov/recycle/used-lithium-ion-batteries U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Electronics Donation and Recycling. Preparation steps and collection resources. https://www.epa.gov/recycle/electronics-donation-and-recycling U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Certified Electronics Recyclers. Information on independently certified electronics recycling programs. https://www.epa.gov/electronics-batteries-management/certified-electronics-recyclers U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Recalls and Product Safety Warnings. Search for toy, battery, and charger recalls. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Button Cell and Coin Batteries. Prevention and emergency guidance. https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Button-Cell-Coin-Battery-Information-Center U.S. Fire Administration: Lithium-Ion Batteries: Community Education. Battery-fire prevention and emergency-response guidance. https://www.usfa.fema.gov/a-z/lithium-ion-batteries/community-education/

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Sustainable Prom: Give a Dress, Get a Dress, Reduce Waste! All the fellow high school students in Chicago, do you need a prom dress or suit but can't afford one? Look no further. These non-profit organizations offer free prom attires. They have designers and great collections. Please share the info because your friend might be able to use one. And to those who live in different states, there are many similar organizations around the country. If you are interested in a similar opportunity, you should google "Prom dress giveaway near me." Good luck! 1) The Gift of Glamour: https://www.facebook.com/thegifto.../https://www.713ceg.org/ 2) 713 Ceg & Prom Girls Rock: https://www.713ceg.org/ 3) Humble Hearts: humbleheartsfoundation.org Home - Humble Hearts Helping People In Need Connecting resources to those in need by providing living essentials to end impoverishment through community outreach. Donate Our charity works to collect resources such as In-kind goods, hygiene products, food, & other miscellaneous items for the homeless, people in need, families leaving shelter life, & those who suffer from mental health issues.… #ctdp #connectingthedotsproject #recycling #recycle #circularfashion #upcycling #prom #prom2024 #dresses #promdresses #chicago #illinois #giveaway #giveaways #promdressgiveaway ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Understanding PFAS and Potential Soil Contamination Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, are a large group of manufactured chemicals used since the 1940s because of properties such as resistance to heat, water, oil, and stains. Many PFAS persist in the environment for long periods, which is why they are often called "forever chemicals." PFAS have been used in some stain-resistant and water-repellent products, food packaging, firefighting foams, and industrial applications. Research indicates that exposure to certain PFAS may be associated with health effects including changes in cholesterol, reduced immune response, reproductive and developmental effects, and increased risk of some cancers. However, health effects vary by the specific PFAS, exposure level, duration, and individual circumstances. PFAS in Soil PFAS can enter soil through sources such as firefighting foam releases, industrial activity, contaminated water, disposal practices, and the application of contaminated biosolids. If you suspect PFAS contamination, particularly after firefighting activity, an industrial release, or a known local contamination event, contact your state environmental agency, local health department, or a qualified environmental professional. PFAS testing and interpretation can be complex. There is no single nationwide soil standard that applies to every PFAS and every land use. Avoid digging, moving, or disposing of potentially contaminated soil without appropriate professional guidance because disturbing soil can spread contamination or increase exposure. Soil Remediation The appropriate cleanup method depends on the PFAS present, contamination levels, soil characteristics, groundwater conditions, land use, and applicable regulations. Current field-implemented approaches include: Sorption and stabilization: Materials such as activated carbon can be added to soil to reduce PFAS mobility and limit movement toward groundwater. This approach generally contains or immobilizes PFAS rather than destroying it. Soil washing: Soil washing uses physical separation and extraction processes to concentrate PFAS into a smaller waste stream. It is generally considered a transfer technology rather than a destruction method. Excavation and disposal: Contaminated soil can be removed and transported to an authorized facility. This can reduce contamination at the original site but does not destroy the PFAS. Thermal treatment: Thermal technologies are being studied and used in some applications to treat PFAS-contaminated materials. Their effectiveness depends on the specific technology, PFAS compounds, temperature, treatment time, emissions controls, and verification methods. Thermal treatment should be evaluated and managed by qualified professionals. No single approach is appropriate for every site. EPA and ITRC emphasize the importance of site-specific evaluation and continued research into PFAS treatment and destruction technologies. Gardening Near Potential PFAS Contamination PFAS can enter gardens through contaminated soil, irrigation water, compost or other amendments, and environmental sources. Some PFAS can be taken up by plants, although the amount varies depending on the chemical, crop, soil conditions, and water source. If PFAS contamination is suspected: Consider growing food in raised beds or containers using soil from a reliable, uncontaminated source. Avoid using potentially contaminated well water for irrigation until it has been tested. Avoid using questionable compost, biosolids, or soil amendments. Follow guidance from local environmental and public-health authorities. A layer of clean soil alone may not eliminate a contamination concern. PFAS can move through soil and water, so the appropriate response depends on site-specific conditions. The Bigger Picture PFAS contamination is difficult to address because these chemicals can persist in the environment and move between soil, water, plants, and other parts of the ecosystem. At the same time, research into detection, treatment, destruction, and safer alternatives continues to advance. EPA is supporting research into new approaches for treating PFAS in soil, water, and other environmental media. For communities concerned about PFAS, the most important steps are informed testing, professional assessment, careful soil management, protection of drinking-water sources, and adherence to applicable state and federal requirements. PFAS contamination can be complex, but understanding the potential sources and pathways can help communities make informed decisions. When contamination is suspected, professional testing and site-specific assessment should come before attempting cleanup or growing food in affected soil. Meanwhile, continued research, transparent monitoring, improved treatment technologies, and safer chemical practices can help reduce PFAS exposure and protect communities and ecosystems. Sources 3M, "3M Settlement with Public Water Suppliers to Address PFAS in Drinking Water Receives Final Court Approval" https://investors.3m.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1836/3m-settlement-with-public-water-suppliers-to-address-pfas U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS" https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Interim Guidance on the Destruction and Disposal of PFAS and Materials Containing PFAS" https://www.epa.gov/pfas/interim-guidance-destruction-and-disposal-pfas-and-materials-containing-pfas U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "PFAS Innovative Treatment Team" https://www.epa.gov/chemical-research/pfas-innovative-treatment-team-pitt U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "PFAS Thermal Treatment Database" https://www.epa.gov/chemical-research/pfas-thermal-treatment-database-pfastt Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council, "PFAS Treatment Technologies" https://pfas-1.itrcweb.org/12-treatment-technologies/ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Research Grants for Understanding PFAS Uptake and Bioaccumulation in Plants and Animals" https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-grants-understanding-pfas-uptake-and-bioaccumulation-plants-and-animals U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Uptake of Perfluoroalkyl Acids Into Edible Crops Via Land Applied Biosolids" https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2019-11/documents/508_pfascropuptake.pdf #PFAS #ForeverChemicals #EnvironmentalHealth #SoilContamination #WaterQuality #EnvironmentalProtection #PublicHealth #EnvironmentalScience #Sustainability #CleanWater #SoilHealth #Remediation #Pollution #ChemicalSafety #Gardening #FoodSafety #EnvironmentalAwareness #connectingthedotsproject #ctdp