Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Goliath the tadpole 🐸 Goliath the tadpole 🐸 Photo: courtesy of Alina Downer I've seen massive Asian bullfrogs that stretch to the size of an adult's palm, while their tadpoles measure "only" 3-4 inches in length. When I say “only,” I'm drawing a comparison to this colossal Goliath. See the photos to believe it. In a surprising discovery, biologists found an enormous tadpole in a shallow pond in Arizona. Measuring a remarkable 257 millimeters (10.1 inches) and still growing, the colossal tadpole outdoes the former champion in bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) tadpole size by a significant 67 millimeters (2.5 inches), and it surpasses the previous record for an African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) tadpole by 37 millimeters (1.4 inches). Its circumference even exceeds that of a soda can. This tadpole, which was initially mistaken for a fish due to its immense size, was affectionately named Goliath. A biologist, Earyn McGee says that its size was likely due to a hormone imbalance. Researchers from the Southwestern Research Station suspected that Goliath did not undergo metamorphosis into a frog due to this condition. While Goliath's size could provide advantages in terms of food intake, it could also pose challenges to its respiratory and circulatory systems. The tadpole's measurements, growth rate, feeding habits, and behavior were studied for a peer-reviewed analysis. However, Goliath had died in 2019. Photo: courtesy of Alina Downer Dr. David Pfennig from the University of North Carolina says, “The normal developmental hormones, such as thyroid hormones, maybe ‘turned off’ or downregulated, while the growth hormones may be ‘turned on’ or upregulated.” Sources: https://www.livescience.com/63238-goliath-giant-tadpole.html https://www.americanscientist.org/.../the-giant-tadpole ... ←Previous Next→

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Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Puzzling case of the Pregnant Stingray 🌊 Puzzling case of the Pregnant Stingray 🐡 In early February, The Aquarium and Shark Lab by Team ECCO in North Carolina, found out that their female stingray, Charlotte, is pregnant. The peculiar thing about her case is that stingrays sexually reproduce; however, there is not another male stingray in the tank. According to Forrest Galante, biologist, and wildlife television host, there are three possible causes of the stingray's pregnancy: parthenogenesis, interbreeding, and sperm retention. Internet meme which shows Maury Povich's famous line "You are NOT the father." There are three possibilities in this case: ① Parthenogenesis This occurs when a female produces a clone of herself, which happens when a female gamete (egg) develops into an embryo without being fertilized. ② Interbreeding Charlotte shares her tank with two male bamboo sharks. It is possible for a shark to physically interbreed with a stingray. There was a bite mark on Charlotte, which could possibly be from the shark since they are known to bite their mate when breeding. ③ Sperm Retention A sperm from a male is reserved in the female body. Unfortunately, the answer still remains a mystery. So, what is your take on this? Sources: https://youtu.be/8vrbzZNEm1c?si=0ZD2Vs1Yw0Cvw5fk https://youtu.be/oYlu3YG6mOY?si=iDCzU7qbyitVRuIo https://www.sciencedirect.com/.../vete.../parthenogenesis ... . ←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 LAND < Back Recycle your bike with Working Bikes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhX9EOOeRLo Riding a bicycle is one of the most ecological transportation methods which would not require any energy sources such as fossil fuels. There are so many biking advocacy groups and organizations around the world. Some would provide bicycles to people in order for them to get access resources and opportunities by securing method of transportations. While other companies have been redistributing donated bicycles to underserved communities as a tool of empowerment. However the practice of each organization may differ, their extraordinary efforts have contributed for reducing waste, cutting down the fossil fuel consumptions, and diminishing wastes. There are a large number of organizations and groups which have been striving to share the power of bicycles. We will start with Chicago's very own, Working Bikes. But please also check out other projects in below. Working Bikes, Chicago (featured in the video) Working Bikes is a Chicago-based non-profit organization, 501(c)(3) organization.. gives donated bicycles new life by redistributing them as tools of empowerment in local and global communities. Since its inception in 1999, the amazing community of Working Bikes volunteers, staff, partners, and supporters have enabled new life for 100,000 bicycles across the globe and tens of thousands here in Chicago. Over one hundred thousand people have been empowered to access resources and opportunities that otherwise could have been out of reach - reducing waste, lessening pollution, and improving health in the process. Web address: www.workingbikes.org Address: 2434 S. Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60608 Phone: 773-847-5440 Business Hours: Wednesday 11 – 7pmThursday 11 – 7pmFriday 11 – 7pmSaturday 10 – 6pm Other cycling charities PeopleForBikes PeopleForBikes is one of the biggest cycling advocacy groups in the world. The organization’s mission is to improve the bicycling experience for everyone. The company has invested more than $30 million since its foundation in 1999 to make bicycling better. PeopleForBikes contributes to other national cycling charities to make the world a safer place to ride. One of the programs that PeopleForBikes offers is the Better Bike Share Partnership, which is a collaboration with The JPB Foundation that helps establish streamlined bike share programs. It’s not just an organization; it’s a movement. PeopleForBikes has connected the bicycle industry with individual riders to create one powerful voice. It represents all kinds of riders, including professional athletes and children who simply enjoy riding a bike. The organization has created political influence that has quadrupled federal investment in cycling. You can take action by letting political leaders know that bicycling is important to you, sharing your story or donating to the organization. Trips For Kids Trips For Kids helps introduce at-risk youth to cycling. It’s the largest youth development cycling association in the U.S. The organization’s mission is to provide transformational cycling experiences to young people in every community. The idea is that kids should be able to explore their environment and know the freedom of riding a bike. Bicycling in nature can help them expand their horizons, practice teamwork, empower themselves and establish independence. The first chapter was established in 1988. Social activist Marilyn Price delivered bicycle trail riding lessons to help kids learn about responsibility, achievement and environmental responsibility. The organization still runs a Trail Rides Program, which offers group trail riding in local parks, forests and other natural areas. It encourages children to develop relationships with peers, improve their self-confidence, connect with nature and learn the value of physical activity. Local Trips for Kids chapters create relationships with community organizations that work with children, like Boys and Girls Clubs and the YMCA, and invite them on excursions led by CPR/First Aid certified ride leaders. Leaders incorporate lessons about history, ecology and geology in their trail rides. Trips For Kids also offers Earn-a-Bike Workshops. These after-school programs teach children about bike maintenance and safety. While participating in projects, the children get credits that they can use to get their own bicycle. Mobile Bike Clinics provide access to bicycles and safety equipment for kids in need. This program brings the bikes to the children to teach them bicycling skills and safety. World Bicycle Relief After the devastation of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, F.K. and Leah Day created World Bicycle Relief to bring bicycles to people in need. They collaborated with aid organizations in Sri Lanka to supply bicycles to people who were displaced to help them regain access to careers, education and healthcare. The organization has distributed more than 24,000 bikes and reconnected entire communities through that project alone. After that, they partnered with RAPIDS, a health initiative in Zambia that trained and outfitted healthcare workers to help fight the AIDS epidemic. More than 23,000 bicycles have been distributed with this program. The organization has since developed multiple programs to enable access to bicycles in South America, Africa and Southeast Asia. It builds and allocates specially designed bikes that are rugged enough to handle the rural terrain in many developing countries. In 2015, it deployed almost 65,000 bicycles to people who needed them. Qhubeka Qhubeka allows people to earn bicycles to help them get to jobs, doctors and schools. The word “qhubeka” means “to progress” or “to move forward,” which is exactly what bicycles help people do in more ways than one. Bicycles can help individuals access the resources that they need in their communities, but they also allow entire societies to progress. This non-profit company has delivered more than 75,000 bicycles to people in need. Schoolchildren can earn bicycles by making a commitment to school attendance. Adults can volunteer in many areas, from planting trees to performing bike maintenance, to earn their own bicycles. Health workers are given bicycles to help them access their patients more easily. The organization also offers sports programs, which promote a healthy cycling culture and give people transportation to other sports activities. Finally, Qhubeka gives first responders bikes so that they can help as many people as possible during disaster recovery efforts. You can help by donating, fundraising, volunteering or shopping at Qhubeka’s online store. Wheels 4 Life Wheels 4 Life was founded by Hans Rey, a former Mountain Bike World Champion. It aims to help people in developing countries have access to the bicycles that they need for transportation to work and school. This program has helped people find and retain jobs, receive an education and even access health care. Working with local volunteers and leaders, Wheels 4 Life identifies the people who are most in need of this type of transportation. This may include people who live in remote areas who don’t have access to or can’t afford public transportation. A bike allows people to travel four times faster, four times farther and with four times the load as traveling on foot. Something as simple as access to a bicycle can significantly benefit someone’s life. The organization carefully selects candidates based on a comprehensive application process. A local Voluntary Project Leader helps to bestow the bicycles to the recipients and guarantees to provide safety and maintenance education. For every $150 that is donated, the organization can purchase one regular bike. A donation of $300 funds an ambulance bike. However, a donation of any amount is appreciated. Holding a fundraiser or simply spreading the word about the organization’s mission can also help. Wheels 4 Life has provided more than 11,029 bicycles in over 30 countries, but it says that there is a need for millions more bicycles. International Mountain Biking Association IMBA’s mission is to give everyone a place to ride a mountain bike. This non-profit organization works to create and protect mountain biking trails and areas. Established in 1988, the organization provides education about low-impact riding, sustainable trail design and creative land management strategies. IMBA provides professional resources and services for landowners and groups that want to develop trails for the sport. Trail-training seminars help people learn about building trails and managing crews to help with the projects. It has participated in more than 400 trail projects around the world. The organization has also helped develop the current guidelines for bike trail implementation that are used as a standard for developing mountain biking trails across the globe. The IMBA Trail Lab program teaches leaders and people who work in the park and tourism services about how to integrate trail access into the community. Donating to the charity helps support IMBA’s programs and initiatives that make mountain biking possible. Transportation Alternatives In a busy city where driving and parking can be difficult, many people use bikes as their main form of transportation. Transportation Alternatives says that the sidewalks of New York City make up 80 percent of the public space there. People need space to be able to maneuver through the maze of traffic. Since 1970, TransAlt has constructed more than 1,000 miles of cycling paths in the city and introduced protected bike lanes. The organization also established the first public bike share system in New York City. The mission is to achieve Vision Zero, which means no serious injuries or deaths resulting from the city’s busy traffic. The group works to improve infrastructure and change traffic regulations to make the streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. TransAlt arranges bike tours that serve as fundraisers for their projects. You can also support its campaigns by creating a petition, signing a petition or gathering people to organize your own campaign. TransAlt provides workshops that teach the public how to use their voices for activism and plan and run awareness and fundraising events. Article Source: Workingbikes.org Categories Blog Post navigation Everything You Need to Know About Bike Tours Cycling for Seniors: Complete Guide to Cycling and Aging Search for: Exclusive offers & discounts in your inbox!

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 Extruded polystyrene foam and Styrofoam Let's address a common misconception about what we refer to as "Styrofoam" before delving into its recycling. The term "Styrofoam" is actually a brand name for extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) and is trademarked by the Dow Chemical Company. It's primarily manufactured for thermal insulation, construction, and craft applications and is typically blue in color. We've often used the term "Styrofoam" generically to describe all polystyrene foams, which is akin to calling all orange juice products "Tropicana" or all smartphones "iPhone." So, what is the material used in what we've been calling a "Styrofoam" cup? It's actually called expanded polystyrene (EPS), and it can be molded into various shapes. Therefore, when people use EPS cups, they are not using Styrofoam cups. The key difference between XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) and EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) lies in their manufacturing process and structure: XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) is made by extruding polystyrene plastic into a closed-cell foam, making it denser, stronger, and more water-resistant. It is commonly used for insulation panels, construction, and structural applications. EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) is produced by expanding polystyrene beads with steam, resulting in a lightweight, open-cell structure. It is less dense and more porous than XPS, making it commonly used in packaging (e.g., Styrofoam™ cups, food containers), insulation, and cushioning materials. To eliminate confusion, let's refer to Styrofoam as XPS from now on. XPS (Styrofoam) is not recyclable, but EPS is. The challenge with recycling EPS lies in the difficulty and cost-effectiveness of collecting it for collection companies and local municipalities. Consequently, recycling centers often do not accept packing peanuts. However, there are alternative solutions, as outlined in an article from Stanford Magazine written by Andrew Hellman, "What to do with Styrofoam: the better answer." XSP/ Styrofoam: NOT recyclable Expanded Polystyrene/ EPS 1. SELL IT: Various companies purchase EPS (as well as other plastic types) for recycling. You can use a link to find recycling companies near you. Additionally, you can refer to the recycling guide by the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers. 2. DONATE IT: The Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers (AFPR) has published a list of drop-off sites. Alternatively, you can contact the Plastic Loose Fill Council at (800) 828-2214 for information. Mailing in EPS is another option, and a list of companies that accept mail-back EPS is available. While these options may incur costs such as gas or shipping (up to $9 according to AFPR), the EPS will be recycled into office supplies or insulation instead of being disposed of in a landfill. For those seeking more information or assistance, you can turn to the Plastic Loose Fill Council, which can guide you to a drop-off center in your city or provide a list of centers in your state. You can also reach out to their Peanut Hotline for similar assistance. Sources: https://stanfordmag.org/contents/what-to-do-with-styrofoam-essential-answer insurationcorp.com , epspackaging.com

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards How to Dispose or Recycle Floor Lamps, Hanging Lamps, Chandeliers, and Handheld Flashlights 1. Floor Lamps and Chandeliers ✅ Recycling & Disposal Options: Donate or Sell : If in working condition, consider donating to thrift stores, charities, or selling online. Electronics or Scrap Metal Recycling : Some parts, like metal frames and wiring, can be recycled at e-waste or scrap metal facilities. Hazardous Waste Facilities : If the fixture contains built-in lighting (e.g., fluorescent or LED components), check if your local hazardous waste facility accepts them. 🚫 Do NOT place in curbside recycling : Most recycling programs do not accept large fixtures due to mixed materials. 2. Handheld Flashlights ✅ Recycling & Disposal Options: Battery Removal : Remove batteries and recycle them separately at battery drop-off locations. E-Waste Recycling : Some flashlights (especially rechargeable or LED ones) qualify as e-waste. Scrap Metal Recycling : Metal casings can sometimes be recycled as scrap metal. 🚫 Do NOT place in curbside recycling : Plastic or mixed-material flashlights are not curbside-recyclable.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Disposal and Recycling of Toothbrushes, Hair Brushes, and Combs Toothbrushes Plastic Toothbrushes : Recycle : Traditional plastic toothbrushes are not accepted in curbside recycling programs. However, some brands offer recycling programs like Terracycle , where you can send used toothbrushes in for proper recycling. Alternative : Consider using toothbrushes made from bamboo, which are compostable. Landfill : If you don't have access to a recycling program, a plastic toothbrush should be disposed of in the trash as a last resort. Electric Toothbrushes : Recycle : Electric toothbrush handles (if made from plastic or metal) should be taken to an electronics recycling facility since they contain batteries and other materials. Landfill : If recycling is not an option, dispose of them in a landfill after removing the battery. Hair Brushes & Combs Plastic Brushes & Combs : Recycling : Some plastic hair brushes and combs can be recycled if they are made from #1 or #2 plastic. Remove any hair or other materials before recycling. If you’re unsure about the material, check with your local recycling program. Landfill : If the brush is non-recyclable (made of mixed materials or difficult-to-recycle plastics), it should be disposed of in the trash. Wooden Brushes & Combs : Recycling/Composting : Wooden brushes and combs are often compostable, depending on the type of wood. If the bristles are made from natural materials like boar hair, you can compost the wood and bristles. However, if the bristles are synthetic or mixed, you’ll need to remove them before composting. Donation : If the brushes or combs are in good condition, consider donating them to charity organizations. Bristles : Remove bristles from brushes before recycling, as the bristles may be made of materials like nylon, which can’t always be recycled. For brushes with plastic or synthetic bristles, the bristles may need to be discarded in the trash. Important Notes: Cleaning Before Disposal : Make sure to clean hair brushes and combs to remove hair and other debris before recycling or disposing of them. Check Local Programs : Recycling programs for brushes and toothbrushes can vary by location, so it's a good idea to contact your local recycling center or search for specific programs like TerraCycle for oral care products.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Tree of life in Queensland, Australia Tree of life in Queensland, Australia Cakora Lake in the heart of the enchanting Daintree Rainforest captivates with its serene beauty. The lake is known for its unique earthy hue, resembling the shade of well-steeped tea. The lake is surrounded by a riot of vegetation including lush tea trees, Melaleuca Alternifolia. The tea tree, a master of alchemy in their own right holds a treasure trove of tannins within their leaves. When their leaves fall from trees and touch the water, they release tannins. These organic compounds infuse the river with a deep amber color. The water, now imbued with the essence of the rainforest, carried with it the history of a thousand seasons, tales of growth and decay, of life's ever-turning cycle, in its rich, earthy tones. The story of the healing tea trees in human history finds its roots in the ancient annals for thousands of years and emerges from the rich heritage of the Bundjalung, Australia's Aboriginal people. Guided by generations of wisdom, they have harnessed these organic oases for their natural healing properties, tending to an array of maladies. Skin infections, burns, cuts, and insect bites yielded to the power of these elemental waters, offering solace and rejuvenation in their embrace. Some native women have given birth at the healing lake. Australian photographer, Derry Moroney, captured various faces of the stunning 'Tree of Life' formation on Cakora Lake. Source: Photos by Derry Mroney https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-australia-55642974 https://theconversation.com/indigenous-medicine-a-fusion ... ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Proper Disposal of Fireworks Fireworks contain explosive materials and toxic chemicals that can be hazardous if not handled, stored, or disposed of properly. The following guidelines help ensure safety and prevent environmental harm. ⚠️ Safety Cautions for Handling and Storing Fireworks Keep Away from Heat & Flames – Fireworks are highly flammable. Store them in a cool, dry place away from open flames, heat sources, and direct sunlight. No Smoking or Open Sparks – Avoid smoking or exposing fireworks to sparks, which can trigger unintended explosions. Store Out of Reach of Children & Pets – Fireworks contain toxic substances that can be harmful if ingested. Keep them locked away in a secure area. Handle with Dry, Clean Hands – Moisture or contamination can affect the stability of fireworks, leading to unpredictable behavior. Do Not Tamper or Modify Fireworks – Cutting, dismantling, or attempting to extract explosive materials is highly dangerous and can cause accidental detonation. 🚨 Hazards: Poisoning & Environmental Risks Toxic Chemicals – Fireworks contain heavy metals, perchlorates, and other substances that can poison children and animals if ingested. Residue in Water & Soil – Firework debris can contaminate water sources and soil, harming wildlife and ecosystems. Airborne Toxins – When ignited, fireworks release harmful chemicals into the air, affecting respiratory health. ✅ Proper Disposal Methods 1. Unused Fireworks Check Local Laws – Some areas classify fireworks as hazardous waste; contact local authorities for proper disposal options. Soak in Water – Submerge fireworks in a bucket of water for at least 24 hours. Wrap & Dispose – Place wet fireworks in plastic bags to prevent drying out, then dispose of them according to local waste regulations. 2. Misfired or Dud Fireworks Do NOT Relight – Wait at least 30 minutes before approaching a misfired firework. Soak in Water – Keep submerged in water for a full 24 hours. Dispose in Trash or Hazardous Waste Facility – Follow local disposal instructions. 3. Spent (Used) Fireworks Let Them Cool Completely – Ensure no heat or embers remain. Soak in Water – Prevent accidental ignition by soaking thoroughly. Dispose Safely – Wrap and place in trash per local guidelines. ❌ NEVER Do the Following: 🚫 Burn Fireworks – This can release toxic fumes and cause explosions.🚫 Bury Fireworks – They can remain dangerous and contaminate soil and groundwater.🚫 Throw in Waterways – Chemicals can leach into water sources, harming aquatic life. By following these safety precautions, you can help prevent accidents, injuries, and environmental damage. Always consult local authorities for regulations on fireworks disposal. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only. CTDP is not responsible for any damages, injuries, or consequences resulting from handling, storing, or disposing of fireworks. 4o

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Unearthing Culinary Treasures: The Quest for Appalachia's Lost Apples In the charming town of Clemmons, North Carolina, a retired chemical engineer named Tom Brown has walked on a remarkable journey that reads like a page-turning adventure novel. Tom has unearthed flavors that had nearly extinct - the world of Appalachia's lost heirloom apples. Vibrant green, pink-streaked yellow, and deep purples of apples arranged in baskets, Bitter Buckingham, White Winter Jon, and Billy Sparks Sweetening... Long before the convenience of modern supermarkets, these apples were more than just a snack; they were a way of life. Each variety had a purpose, whether it was for frying, baking, making vinegar, or simply enjoying fresh off the tree. The apples were the crown jewels of gardens, a source of pride and connection within communities. But as time marched on, the landscape changed. Urban migration, industrialization, and the rise of commercial agriculture cast a shadow over these once-beloved apples. Varieties vanished, traditions waned, and the diversity of flavors that once adorned the land was threatened with extinction. Tom went on a treasure hunt through the hills and valleys of Appalachia. He became an apple detective, piecing together clues from local tales of elders and dusty historical records. The result? An orchard unlike any other. Tom's Orchard, aptly named Heritage Apples, is a living sanctuary for these heirloom varieties. With over 700 rare apple varieties and counting, it stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication and a symbol of hope for the preservation of culinary history. So, the next time you sink your teeth into an apple, take a moment to savor not just the taste, but the story behind it. The world of heritage apples may have faded into the background, but thanks to Tom's passion and perseverance, it's finding its way back into the spotlight, reminding us all that sometimes the most captivating stories are hidden in the most unexpected places. ←Previous Next→