Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Scholarship, Grants, & Opportunities for Youth Changemakers Echoing Green Fellowship (Fellowship) October 31, 2025 Deadline: Star Social entrepreneurs launching impactful ventures Eligibility: Opportunity or Amount: $100,000 stipend over 18 months Apply National Geographic Society Grants November 1, 2025 Deadline: Star Young changemakers in conservation, education, exploration Eligibility: Opportunity or Amount: Typically $5,000–$15,000 for early-stage projects Apply DoSomething.org Grants Varies by campaign Deadline: Star Youth-led campaigns for social change Eligibility: Opportunity or Amount: Typically $2,000 per campaign; some grants up to $5,000 Apply Echoing Green Fellowship (Fellowship) October 31, 2025 Deadline: Star Social entrepreneurs launching impactful ventures Eligibility: Opportunity or Amount: $100,000 stipend over 18 months Apply National Geographic Society Grants November 1, 2025 Deadline: Star Young changemakers in conservation, education, exploration Eligibility: Opportunity or Amount: Typically $5,000–$15,000 for early-stage projects Apply Ashoka Youth Venture Rolling Deadline: Star Youth launching social ventures Eligibility: Opportunity or Amount: Varies; may include seed funding and mentorship Apply Climate Skills Global Collaboration Grants – British Council November 14, 2025 Deadline: Star Youth-serving institutions in UK, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Vietnam Eligibility: Opportunity or Amount: £85,000 per partnership Apply Smithsonian Community and Environment Fellowship (Fellowship) October 15, 2025 Deadline: Star Graduate students or researchers with community-based environmental projects Eligibility: Opportunity or Amount: $62,000/year for 2 years Apply Bush Fellowship Program (Fellowship) October 7, 2025 Deadline: Star Leaders from any sector (nonprofit, business, government) in Minnesota, North Dakota, North Dakota, South Dakota Eligibility: Opportunity or Amount: Up to $150,000 over 2 years Apply OJJDP FY25 National Mentoring Programs November 3, 2025 Deadline: Star Nonprofits serving youth at risk of delinquency or victimization Eligibility: Opportunity or Amount: Up to $30,000,000 per award Apply Load more Name Price Search * Disclaimer This scholarship information is subject to change. While our team works to keep the database accurate, we recommend verifying all details on the official scholarship website .*

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards LAND < Back Denying Climate Change: Acreage Data Tells a Different Story Denying Climate Change: Acreage Data Tells a Different Story I’ve encountered many claims suggesting that the Los Angeles wildfires are unrelated to climate change, with some attributing them to causes like arson or electrical failures, amplified by Santa Ana winds—natural phenomena long familiar to the region. However, regardless of their origin, data shows that containing wildfires is becoming increasingly difficult, likely due to the impacts of climate change. Since 1983, the National Interagency Fire Center has documented an average of approximately 70,000 wildfires annually. While the number of fires fluctuates from year to year without a clear pattern, the acreage burned has increased dramatically since the 1980s. Despite advancements in firefighting technology, the amount of land consumed by wildfires continues to grow steadily. This trend suggests that wildfires are intensifying in strength and/or lasting longer. What factors contribute to the expansion of burned acreage in non-human-caused wildfires? Climate change plays a significant role by altering weather patterns, raising temperatures, and affecting vegetation—conditions that increase the likelihood of ignition, spread, and intensity. Specific contributing factors include rising temperatures, extended fire seasons, prolonged droughts, reduced snowpack, increased lightning strikes, and stronger winds. Sources: https://www.epa.gov/.../climate-change-indicators-wildfires https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/statistics/wildfires

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Buy Nothing What is Buy Nothing Project? The Buy Nothing Project is the world's biggest gift economy, being used in communities around the world, allowing neighbors to share freely with one another. Some of you may have been already familiar with or have enrolled in one of Buy Nothing communities. It is a wildly popular social-network communities for "gift economy." What is "gift economy" you may ask. Essentially, every item you get on Buy Nothing communities is for free. All gift exchanges on the community require no money, no barter, no string attached. How is that possible? People from your neighborhood posts items which they no longer need. Items vary except a few exception such as live animals or illegal items. It could be a bed, concert tickets, baby clothes, furnitures, and so on. All these would be posted on the community site on Facebook If you are interested, you leave a comment. Often, it is up to the lister to decide who he/she decides to give the item to. But the most popular method is first come first served Once in a while, listers chooses to have ruffles. Anyway, everything is for free. Then you may ask, how can I join in a group. Well, this is how it goes. How to join your local Buy Nothing Community Step 1 - You need to have a Facebook account as it is where communities are formed. Step 2 - In the Facebook search engine, you enter your neighborhood's name and the key word, Buy Nothing. For instance, if you live in South Loop neighborhood of Chicago, you search "South Loop Buy Nothing." Step 3 - Other option is that you can get an invitation from someone who has been a member already. Step 4 - Then, you need to sign on the agreement on the community rules. Step 5 - Admins will decide if they accept you. Sometimes, the community can be quite large and it takes time to approve new members. Step 6 - Once you get approved, you are ready to list your unwanted items or ask for the items. Sample Listing on Facebook Start your own Community If there is no Buy Nothing community, you can form your own. This is the website which shows you how to form your own community group. https://buynothingproject.org/ ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards LAND < Back An Eco-Friendly and Effective Indoor & Outdoor Solution for Mosquito and Fungus Gnat Control Our house is a small urban jungle with many plants, and if you enjoy indoor gardening as we do, you may also have encountered infestations of unwelcome pests. These pests can enter your home through open windows or come with newly acquired plants. Removing them completely is a tedious and tenacious task. However, dangerous insecticides, which often contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals and other harmful agents, should be avoided as they can harm your family and pets. So, how do you remove pests safely? Now, let us share our experience with a product called Mosquito Bits. We have been using it for over 4 months. And we are happy to report to you that it has worked incredibly well. Mosquito Bits are granules containing Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis (Bti), a naturally occurring bacterium toxic to mosquito and fungus gnat larvae. When applied to standing water or soil, larvae ingest the bacteria, which disrupts their digestive systems and kills them. Here is something we were taken aback though. When we first purchased the product, we were concerned about the warning label. The package label was very contradicting; it says safe and not safe. hmmmm... So to clarify, we contacted the corporate office, and they explained that the warning is mandated by the EPA for any insect-killing product. Ok, that is a relief. Despite the warning, Mosquito Bits are safe for humans, pets, plants, and fish. We also checked the EPA website and this is what it says. "2. Does Bti pose health risks to humans? No. Bti has no toxicity to people and is approved for use for pest control in organic farming operations. It has been well tested by many studies on acute toxicity and pathogenicity (ability to cause disease) for Bacillus thuringiensis including studies specifically on Bti. Based on these studies, EPA has concluded that Bti does not pose a risk to humans." The label on the Mosquito Bits package says it can be used in bird baths, rain barrels, animal watering troughs, ponds, flower pots, and saucers. Choose Mosquito Bits for a safer, more responsible way to protect your home and garden. Sources: www.epa.gov Bti for Mosquito Control | US EPA Bti is used to control mosquito larva. View questions and answers on Bti and its regulation. #IndoorPlants #anthurium #philodendron #monstera #cactus #plants #ponds #mosquito #bti #MosquitoBits #connectingthedotsproject #ctdp #outdoors #pests #pestcontrol #indoor #environment #environmentallyfriendly #sustainable #sustainability #ecofriendly #safety #MosquitoBits #MosquitoFree #gnats #fungusgnats

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards LAND < Back Polystyrene foam bits in potted plants As my summer vacation started , my mother wasted no time and began giving me chores right and left. One task was to repot a gorgeous philodendron she just purchased, which I was happy to oblige. While digging up the soil, I noticed that polystyrene (PS) foam bits are being used as a substitute for Perlites (amorphous volcanic glass). Polystyrene foam bits can really deceive your eyes. You wouldn't be able to tell them apart from perlite until you touch them! While PS is a versatile plastic used in a wide variety of plastic products and applications, the accumulation of PS in different organs of organisms leads to a variety of adverse effects, including reduced body weight, premature deaths, pulmonary diseases, neurotoxicity, transgenerational issues, oxidative stress, metabolic changes, ecotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and other dysfunctions. Back to my story... Initially, I tried removing PS foam bits one by one, but I quickly realized that it was impossible. I then submerged the soil in water overnight, hoping the foam would separate, but it didn't work. Eventually, I used a vacuum, which was highly effective. All I had to do was to hold the vacuum head approximately 7 inches away while raking the surface of the soil. Did I get them completely? No. But a good amount was successfully removed. Unfortunately, recycling facilities that accept polystyrene foam are extremely limited in the U.S. due to the cost, technology, and logistic issues. As a result, these foam bits will end up in landfills. This small planter with contaminated soil illustrates a larger issue facing our ecosystem. Removing contaminants from one area and dumping them in other locations would not solve any problem. Sources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37268142/ ... . https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/chemicals/polystyrene/ #nature #earth #animals #ctdp #connectingthedotsproject #sustainable #environment #sustainability #microplastics #nanoplastics #plastic #edc #Health #gardening #perlite #soil #contamination #environment #gardening #plants

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Bioengineered Trees: Living Carbon’s Breakthrough in Sustainable Timber and Carbon Capture As the world faces escalating climate challenges, innovative solutions are emerging to enhance carbon capture and promote sustainability. One such breakthrough comes from Living Carbon , a biotechnology company harnessing genetic engineering to develop trees that grow faster, sequester more carbon dioxide, and produce sustainable timber. Living Carbon’s bioengineered trees are designed to address two critical issues: increasing carbon sequestration and providing a sustainable alternative to traditional timber. These trees are modified to grow up to 53% faster than their unmodified counterparts, enabling them to absorb significantly more CO₂ from the atmosphere over their lifespan. This advancement has the potential to play a crucial role in offsetting carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. Through enhanced photosynthesis and carbon assimilation , Living Carbon’s trees improve their ability to capture and store CO₂. By optimizing their metabolism, these trees convert atmospheric carbon more efficiently, allowing them to grow at an accelerated rate. This process not only benefits the environment but also provides an economic incentive for industries looking to invest in sustainable timber production. One of the most exciting aspects of Living Carbon’s innovation is its application in the timber industry. By increasing tree growth rates, the company is paving the way for faster, more sustainable timber production , reducing the pressure on natural forests. This shift could help decrease deforestation while ensuring a steady supply of eco-friendly wood products. Living Carbon’s work represents a promising step toward scalable climate solutions. If widely adopted, bioengineered trees could become a key tool in combating climate change, restoring degraded ecosystems, and revolutionizing the timber industry. While challenges such as regulatory approval and ecological considerations remain, the potential benefits make bioengineered trees an exciting area for future research and investment. As climate concerns grow, initiatives like Living Carbon’s demonstrate how biotechnology can drive real change—offering a hopeful glimpse into a greener, more sustainable future. Please also read an article about the concerns surrounding genetically modified trees . Source: https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/living-carbon-trees-timber-biotechnology/

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards LAND < Back The grim history of buffalo hunting These horrifying photos show mounds of buffalo bones. European settlers in the New World saw the survival of buffalo as incompatible with their vision of transforming the Great Plains into a landscape suited for cattle ranching and agriculture. They perceived buffalo as competitors for resources and viewed their vast herds as a hindrance to their economic and cultural goals. This perception not only clashed with the Native American reliance on buffalo but also aligned with the settlers' broader agenda of westward expansion and reshaping the land to fit European-American ideals. As a result, the destruction of buffalo herds served both as a means of perpetuating settlers' aspirations and as a strategy for controlling Native American ways of life. The US Fish & Wildlife Service approximates that a staggering 30 to 60 million bison thrived in North America as European arrival on the continent commenced. Yet, owing to extensive and debatably indiscriminate slaughter initiated by European settlers, the bison population dwindled to fewer than 1,000 individuals in North America by the year 1890. This is a quote from Annual Report of the Department of the Interior in 1873. "The civilization of the Indian is impossible while the buffalo remains upon the plains. I would not seriously regret the total disappearance of the buffalo from our western prairies, in its effect upon the Indians, regarding it as a means of hastening their sense of dependence upon the products of the soil and their own labors" ~ Secretary of Interior Columbus Delano Today, the American bison population has rebounded to some extent. Fortunately, conservation efforts, such as Yellowstone National Park's establishment and captive breeding, helped their recovery. Native American involvement, government support, and protected habitats significantly contributed to the recovery of the bison's population. According to the National Wildlife Federation, there are roughly 31,000 wild bison in North America (20,000 plains bison and 11,000 wood bison) with an added 420,000 in commercial herds currently. Although bison are no longer at risk of extinction, they now encounter different obstacles. The decline in genetic diversity and the absence of natural selection pressures jeopardize bison's ecological restoration as a wildlife species. A notable presence of cattle gene influence is evident in the majority if not all. Sources: https://www.theatlantic.com/.../the-buffalo-killers/482349/ https://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/yellowstone-buffalo ... https://www.nwf.org/.../Wildlif.../Mammals/American-Bison ... ).

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Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Disposal and Recycling Guidelines for Computers and Electronics Computers, phones, monitors, printers, chargers, cables, batteries, and other electronic devices should not automatically go in household trash or curbside recycling. Many contain recoverable metals, plastics, glass, circuit boards, and other components that require specialized handling. Some older electronics may contain lead, mercury, cadmium, or other materials that should be managed through appropriate recycling or disposal programs. Whenever possible, repair, donate, sell, trade in, or reuse working electronics before recycling them. If an item has reached the end of its useful life, use an electronics recycler, manufacturer take-back program, retailer program, or local e-waste collection service that confirms it accepts the item. Common Electronics Accepted for Recycling Computers and Accessories Many electronics recyclers accept: Desktop computers and all-in-one computers Laptops and Chromebook devices LCD and LED computer monitors Keyboards, mice, trackpads, webcams, and microphones External hard drives, USB drives, and backup devices Internal hard drives, solid-state drives, RAM, processors, graphics cards, and other computer components Docking stations, chargers, power supplies, adapters, and cables Computer speakers and headphones Older CRT monitors may require special handling, an appointment, or a recycling fee because they contain leaded glass. Confirm acceptance before transporting CRT equipment. Networking and Peripheral Equipment Many facilities accept: Modems and routers Wi-Fi extenders and mesh-network equipment Switches, hubs, and network adapters Servers, racks, and data-center equipment External hard drives and backup devices Cables, power cords, chargers, and adapters Uninterruptible power supplies, also called UPS units Surge protectors and battery backup systems UPS units may contain sealed lead-acid batteries or lithium-ion batteries. Ask the recycler whether batteries must be removed and managed separately. Office Equipment Depending on the facility, accepted items may include: Printers Scanners Fax machines Copiers Label makers Shredders Calculators Projectors Office phones and conference phones Ink and toner cartridges through specialized recycling programs Large copiers, commercial printers, and business quantities may require an appointment, pickup service, or fee. Some printers store documents, email addresses, network credentials, or other information, so erase data and reset the device before recycling when possible. Mobile and Smart Devices Many programs accept: Smartphones Tablets Smartwatches and fitness trackers E-readers GPS devices Digital cameras and camcorders Smart-home hubs Smart speakers Streaming devices Game consoles and handheld gaming devices Before donating, selling, trading in, or recycling a smart device, remove it from linked accounts and complete the manufacturer’s factory-reset process. Audio and Video Equipment Many programs may accept: Speakers and Bluetooth speakers Headphones and earbuds Amplifiers, receivers, and stereo equipment Microphones Webcams DVD and Blu-ray players Streaming devices Digital media players Sound bars and home-theater components Portable Bluetooth speakers, wireless headphones, earbuds, and other rechargeable devices often contain lithium-ion batteries. Do not place battery-powered devices in household trash or curbside recycling. Batteries and Battery-Powered Devices Some electronics recyclers accept batteries, but many require batteries to be separated from other electronics. Potentially accepted items include: Laptop batteries Removable rechargeable lithium-ion batteries Rechargeable nickel-metal hydride and nickel-cadmium batteries Sealed lead-acid batteries from UPS units Battery-powered devices with built-in rechargeable batteries Lithium-ion batteries can create a fire risk if crushed, punctured, or short-circuited. Do not place loose lithium-ion batteries in household trash or curbside recycling. EPA recommends taking used lithium-ion batteries and battery-containing devices to an electronics recycler or household hazardous-waste program. For removable batteries, follow the preparation instructions provided by the receiving facility. Many collection programs ask consumers to cover exposed terminals with nonconductive tape or place each battery in a separate plastic bag to reduce the risk of short circuits. Do not remove built-in batteries unless the manufacturer or recycler specifically instructs you to do so. Reuse, Donation, and Trade-In Before recycling, consider whether the item can continue to be used. Possible options include: Donate working equipment to schools, libraries, nonprofits, shelters, community organizations, or refurbished-electronics programs. Sell or give away working electronics through local resale or neighborhood platforms. Trade in eligible devices through a manufacturer, retailer, wireless carrier, or electronics store. Repair a device if the issue is limited to a replaceable battery, charger, cable, keyboard, screen, fan, storage drive, or another serviceable component. Do not donate or sell devices with exposed wires, swollen batteries, overheating parts, cracked battery cases, burning smells, damaged power cords, or other safety hazards. Prepare Electronics Before Disposal or Recycling Protect personal information Before donating, selling, trading in, or recycling any device: Back up files, photos, contacts, and documents you want to keep. Sign out of email, cloud storage, streaming services, shopping accounts, social-media accounts, financial apps, and other services. Remove the device from Apple, Google, Microsoft, Samsung, Amazon, or other manufacturer accounts. Turn off device-tracking and activation-lock features, such as Find My iPhone or Find My Device. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for erasing, resetting, or factory-resetting the device. Remove SIM cards, memory cards, USB drives, and other removable storage. Remove removable hard drives only if you know how to do so safely and the recycler permits it. For highly sensitive personal, school, medical, financial, or business information, ask whether the recycler provides documented data-destruction or hard-drive-shredding services. EPA recommends removing personal information before donating or recycling electronics. 1699 Confirm acceptance before visiting Before transporting an item, ask the recycler: Do you accept my specific item? Is there a fee, appointment, quantity limit, or minimum charge? Do you accept CRT monitors, televisions, printers, UPS units, or large equipment? Must removable batteries be taken out first? Do you accept electronics with built-in rechargeable batteries? Do you accept damaged or swollen batteries? Do you provide secure data destruction or a certificate of destruction? Do you accept equipment from businesses, schools, nonprofits, or government offices? Items That May Require Separate Disposal Many computer-recycling programs do not accept the following items, or they require separate handling. Item Recommended disposal route Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, microwaves, and other large appliances Appliance recycler, utility program, scrap-metal recycler, or local bulky-item program CRT televisions and CRT monitors Specialized electronics recycler. Fees or appointments may apply. Large flat-screen televisions Electronics recycler or retailer program that specifically accepts televisions Paint, pesticides, fuels, solvents, household chemicals, and cleaners Household hazardous-waste facility Medical waste, radioactive items, or biohazardous materials Specialized regulated-waste provider Loose lithium-ion batteries Battery-recycling or household hazardous-waste program Swollen, leaking, burned, crushed, hot, or damaged batteries Household hazardous-waste program or recycler that specifically accepts damaged batteries Fluorescent bulbs, CFLs, and mercury-containing lamps Household hazardous-waste or lamp-recycling program CDs, DVDs, floppy disks, tapes, and other media Specialty media recycler, local e-waste program, or secure shredding provider Large commercial equipment and data-center loads Commercial electronics recycler or certified IT asset-disposition provider Do not assume an item is accepted because it contains metal or plastic. Contact the facility and describe the item’s size, condition, and battery type before visiting. Where to Take Electronics Possible disposal and recycling options include: City or county e-waste collection programs Household hazardous-waste facilities and collection events Certified electronics recyclers Manufacturer trade-in, repair, mail-back, and take-back programs Retailer recycling programs Local repair shops and refurbished-electronics organizations Schools, charities, nonprofits, and community organizations that accept working equipment Computer repair shops or IT asset-disposition providers for business equipment When possible, look for electronics recyclers certified under R2 or e-Stewards standards. EPA recognizes these independent certification programs as tools that support responsible electronics recycling and management. Examples of manufacturer programs may include Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, and other brands. Accepted products, shipping options, trade-in values, and program rules vary. Confirm current requirements on the manufacturer’s official website before sending or dropping off any device. What Not to Do Do not place computers, monitors, phones, printers, chargers, batteries, or other electronics in curbside recycling unless your local program specifically accepts them. Do not put lithium-ion batteries in household trash or curbside recycling. Do not dismantle electronics or remove built-in batteries unless you are qualified and specifically instructed to do so by the manufacturer or receiving facility. Do not donate equipment with swollen batteries, exposed wiring, overheating parts, damaged power cords, or other safety hazards. Do not discard devices that still contain personal information, account credentials, photographs, financial records, or business data. Do not assume a recycler will accept an item without confirming first. Quick Checklist Repair, donate, sell, trade in, or reuse safe working electronics when possible. Back up needed files, sign out of accounts, remove storage media, and reset devices according to manufacturer instructions. Use an e-waste recycler that confirms it accepts your item. Ask about fees, appointments, quantity limits, data-destruction services, and battery requirements. Remove batteries only when instructed. Keep lithium-ion batteries out of household trash and curbside recycling. Consider using an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler when available. Verify current acceptance requirements before traveling to a recycling facility. Safety and Legal Notice Connecting The Dots Project provides this guide for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal, technical, safety, environmental, recycling, waste-management, data-security, or emergency-response advice. Disposal rules, accepted items, fees, preparation requirements, transportation rules, and recycling laws vary by location, product type, manufacturer, recycler, item condition, and applicable regulations. Before donating, selling, transporting, recycling, or disposing of an item, consult the product manufacturer, your local government or solid-waste authority, and the receiving facility for current instructions. Follow all applicable laws, manufacturer guidance, facility requirements, and safety warnings. Do not dismantle electronics, open devices, remove built-in batteries, or handle swollen, leaking, damaged, burned, or overheating batteries unless you are trained, authorized, and specifically instructed to do so by the manufacturer, emergency personnel, or the receiving facility. For removable batteries, follow the preparation instructions provided by the receiving facility. If an electronic device or battery 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 open, puncture, move, or extinguish the device or battery unless directed by emergency responders. Mention of any company, brand, retailer, recycler, certification, or program is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement, affiliation, recommendation, or guarantee of acceptance, service quality, data security, or environmental performance. Connecting The Dots Project does not guarantee that this information is complete, current, accurate, or suitable for every item 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 < Back The Wardian Case: How a Glass Box Transformed Plant Voyages The Wardian Case: How a Glass Box Transformed Plant Voyages In the early 19th century, transporting live plants across oceans was nearly impossible. Botanists and explorers longed to share exotic species, but the results were disastrous. John Livingstone reported in 1819 that almost every plant shipped from India died on the way to England. In 1824, John Lindley noted that only 1 in 1,000 plants survived the journey. Salt spray, drought, and shifting temperatures meant that botanical treasures rarely reached their destination. One accidental discovery in 1829 changed the narrative. English physician and botanist Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward was observing a moth chrysalis in a sealed bottle when he noticed a fern and a grass seedling sprouting inside. To his amazement, the plants thrived without watering for years, recycling moisture within their miniature environment. By 1830, Ward was building larger glazed cases to test his idea. His breakthrough came in 1833 and 1834, when a Wardian case carried ferns all the way from London to Sydney and then back again. The plants survived the extremes of heat and cold that had previously killed countless specimens. By the mid-19th century, London’s rapid industrialization had filled the air with smoke, soot, and dust, making outdoor gardening difficult. Wardian cases allowed people to enjoy ferns, mosses, and exotic flowers indoors, offering both beauty and a small respite from polluted city air. Wealthy Victorian families displayed them in drawing rooms, turning what began as a scientific tool into a fashionable way to connect with nature. Soon the Wardian case was adopted worldwide, revolutionizing plant transport and home gardening. However, the Wardian case also had unintended consequences. By making it possible for plants to survive long voyages, it facilitated the spread of non-native species to regions where they could escape cultivation and become invasive. By the 1920s, scientists began to warn that enclosed cases could transport pests and plant diseases along with the plants. New transport methods such as polyethylene bags and faster air travel gradually replaced them. Today, the Wardian case is remembered both as the ancestor of the modern terrarium and as a transformative invention for plant science, urban living, and global botanical exchange. Sources - Elliott, B. (2019). The Wardian Case: How a Simple Box Moved Plants and Changed the World. The Royal Horticultural Society. - Desmond, R. (1982). The History of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Kew Publishing. - Musgrave, T., Gardner, C., & Musgrave, W. (1998). The Plant Hunters. Ward Lock. - Arnoldia (2007). “The Wardian Case: How a Simple Invention Changed the World.” Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. - https://www.lindahall.org/.../sci.../nathaniel-bagshaw-ward/ Photo & Lithograph: - Creative Commons Wellcome Collection - Royal Botanic Garden Kew - Portrait of Nathaniel Ward by Richard James Lane, lithograph, 1859 (National Portrait Gallery, London) #WardianCase #wardian #terranium #indoorplants #plants #gardening #exoticplants #globaltrade #trade #invasivespecies #biodiversity #nathanielbagshawWard #London #England ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Drug Disposal and Donation Guidelines Unused and expired medicines should be managed carefully to prevent accidental poisoning, misuse, diversion, and environmental contamination. The safest option for most prescription and over-the-counter medicines is a drug take-back program , not the trash, sink, toilet, or curbside recycling. Medication donation is possible in limited circumstances, but it is tightly regulated. Most medications in home medicine cabinets are not eligible for donation , even if they are unopened or unexpired. Follow the rules of a state-approved drug repository or recognized donation organization rather than sending medicines to a charity on your own. 1. First choice: Use a drug take-back location FDA recommends using a drug take-back option for most unused, unwanted, or expired medicines. Authorized collection locations may accept prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and controlled substances. They may operate through pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, law-enforcement agencies, and other DEA-authorized collectors. Take-back programs safely collect and destroy medicine. They do not generally recycle medications for reuse. Find a year-round disposal location Use these resources: DEA Year-Round Drug Disposal Locator: https://apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch DEA Take Back Day and collection-site finder: https://www.dea.gov/takebackday Call the DEA Diversion Control Division Registration Call Center: 1-800-882-9539 . Before visiting, contact the location to confirm: Hours and current availability Whether it accepts controlled substances Whether it accepts liquids, inhalers, sharps, creams, patches, or veterinary medicines Whether original containers are required Whether labels should be removed or personal information covered Whether the site accepts medicines from households, businesses, or long-term-care facilities 2. DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day DEA periodically holds National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, when temporary medicine-collection sites operate in communities across the country. Many local law-enforcement agencies also sponsor medication-disposal events. Search for event locations at: DEA Take Back Day Do not wait for a Take Back Day if you have access to a year-round collection site. DEA reports that thousands of pharmacies, hospitals, businesses, and police departments offer continuing drop-off options. 3. Mail-back programs If a local drop-off location is unavailable, some pharmacies, health plans, government programs, and other authorized providers offer prepaid medication mail-back envelopes. To use an authorized mail-back program: Confirm that the envelope accepts your medication type. Place eligible unused or expired medicine into the approved envelope. Seal the envelope according to its instructions. Mail it through the U.S. Postal Service as directed. Do not mail medication in an ordinary envelope or package. Use only a mail-back program that provides approved materials and instructions. FDA notes that mail-back envelopes are available for purchase from some retail pharmacies and online sellers. 4. Donation through state drug repositories Some states operate prescription drug repository programs , also called drug donation, reuse, or redistribution programs. These programs collect eligible medications and distribute them through approved pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, or charitable organizations to qualifying patients. State programs may help improve medication access for uninsured, underinsured, or low-income patients. However, each program has strict requirements regarding who may donate, which medications are accepted, packaging, labeling, storage history, expiration dates, and transfer procedures. As of late 2025, up to 38 states had enacted laws establishing prescription-drug return, reuse, or recycling programs, though program availability and eligibility differ by state. Common donation requirements A state repository may require medications to be: Unexpired, often with a minimum remaining shelf life In original, unopened, tamper-evident packaging Properly labeled Stored according to manufacturer requirements Free from signs of damage, contamination, or temperature exposure Approved by the specific repository program Donated through an eligible organization, pharmacy, health-care facility, or authorized individual Do not assume that a medicine can be donated just because it is sealed or unexpired. Many programs do not accept controlled substances, refrigerated medications, partial bottles, opened packages, compounded medicines, or medications that cannot be verified. To learn whether your state has a repository program, use: National Conference of State Legislatures, State Prescription Drug Repository Programs Important FDA caution FDA discourages individual consumers and small groups from donating medicines for international humanitarian relief because medicines from home supplies may not meet legal, quality, storage, labeling, or documentation requirements. The medicines may ultimately need to be destroyed. FDA and the World Health Organization also strongly discourage donating expired medicines. For international humanitarian donations, contact a qualified organization directly before collecting, mailing, or delivering any medicine: SIRUM: https://sirum.org/ World Medical Relief, Prescription Donations: https://www.worldmedicalrelief.org/prescription-donations FDA, Questions and Answers on Donating and Exporting Drugs for Humanitarian Efforts 1816 Do not mail prescription medicines internationally or donate medications to an overseas relief effort unless you are working through an organization that confirms the donation meets all applicable laws and quality standards. 5. At-home disposal only when necessary At-home disposal should be a backup option when a take-back site or authorized mail-back envelope is not available. Medicines on the FDA Flush List A small number of medicines have special instructions to flush immediately if a take-back option is not readily available. These medicines have a high risk of serious harm or death from accidental exposure, misuse, or abuse. Before flushing any medicine, check the official FDA Flush List: FDA Flush List for Certain Medicines Do not flush medicines unless they are on the FDA Flush List or the product labeling specifically instructs you to do so. Disposal in household trash If no take-back or mail-back option is available and the medicine is not on the FDA Flush List: Remove the medicine from its original container. Mix it with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter. Do not crush tablets or capsules unless instructions specifically say it is safe to do so. Place the mixture into a sealed disposable container, such as a zip-top bag, empty can, or other container that will not leak. Place the sealed container in household trash. Scratch out or remove personal information from the empty prescription label before disposing of the original container. FDA recommends take-back programs first and describes household-trash disposal as an alternative when take-back and mail-back options are unavailable. Special items Item Recommended action Controlled substances Use a DEA-authorized take-back site or authorized mail-back program whenever possible Needles, syringes, lancets, and pen needles Do not place loose sharps in trash or recycling. Use an approved sharps container and follow local health-department or waste-authority rules Inhalers Use a take-back program or follow pharmacy and local disposal guidance. Do not puncture or burn Fentanyl patches and other medicated patches Follow FDA product instructions. Some patches have specific disposal directions because residual medicine may be dangerous Liquid medicines Ask the take-back site whether liquids are accepted. Keep liquids sealed in original containers when possible Veterinary medicines Ask the take-back site if animal medications are accepted. Many programs accept them, but policies vary Chemotherapy drugs, hazardous drugs, or injectable medications Contact the prescribing pharmacy, oncology provider, hospital, or hazardous-waste program for instructions Medical devices with built-in needles or batteries Follow device-specific instructions and local sharps or e-waste guidance What not to do Do not put medicines in curbside recycling. Do not give prescription medicine to another person, even if they have similar symptoms. Do not donate medication without confirmation that it is accepted by a state repository or qualified organization. Do not flush medicines unless they appear on FDA’s Flush List or product labeling directs flushing. Do not pour liquid medicine into sinks, toilets, storm drains, or onto soil unless the product instructions or FDA Flush List specifically direct it. Do not mail medications through ordinary mail or send them internationally without authorized program instructions. Do not place loose needles or syringes in household trash or recycling. Do not retain unused controlled substances longer than necessary if a safe take-back option is available. Quick checklist Review your medicine cabinet regularly and remove expired or unneeded medicine. Use a DEA-authorized take-back location as the first choice. Use an authorized mail-back envelope if a local drop-off location is unavailable. Check state drug repository rules before considering medication donation. Do not donate expired, opened, damaged, improperly stored, or unverified medications. Use the FDA Flush List only for medicines specifically listed there. Use household-trash disposal only when take-back and mail-back options are unavailable. Protect personal information on prescription labels. Keep medicines secured until they are donated or disposed of. Safety and Legal Notice Connecting The Dots Project provides this guide for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical, pharmaceutical, legal, regulatory, environmental, waste-management, emergency-response, or professional health-care advice. Medication-disposal requirements, donation eligibility, repository-program rules, mail-back availability, accepted drug types, controlled-substance rules, pharmacy policies, and state and federal laws vary. Before donating, transporting, mailing, recycling, or disposing of medication, consult the prescribing clinician, pharmacist, product label, manufacturer, local health department, state drug repository, DEA-authorized collector, and receiving organization for current instructions. Do not take, share, sell, alter, flush, discard, or donate prescription medicine except as directed by a qualified health professional, the product label, FDA guidance, or an authorized collection or repository program. Never give prescription medicine to another person. For a suspected overdose, poisoning, accidental ingestion, or medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number. In the United States, you may also contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for urgent poison-exposure guidance. Mention of any organization, pharmacy, company, collection program, repository, retailer, website, or service is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement, affiliation, recommendation, or guarantee of eligibility, acceptance, service quality, safety, or legal compliance. Connecting The Dots Project does not guarantee that this information is complete, current, accurate, or suitable for every medication or situation. Use of this guide is at the reader’s own risk. Major pharmacies often offer disposal bins