Gordon Cairns

2 months ago | theearthandi.org | Gordon Cairns

Most people don’t think twice about the batteries powering their everyday devices—until it’s time to replace them. But when these essential energy sources run out, what happens to the spent batteries? Proper disposal is critical, as it can prevent harmful heavy metals from polluting the environment and allow valuable rare materials to be reused. Nonprofit Call2Recycle says it has been “leading the charge for recycling” for 25 years.

Dec 20, 2024 | theearthandi.org | Gordon Cairns

Tons of Bread Wasted Each Year: Danish Company ‘Eat Wasted’ Recycles Loaves into PastaAround the world, bread is a beloved staple of billions of people’s diets, with an estimated 100 million tons produced each year. Many millions of people prayerfully give thanks for their “daily bread” while others use it as a way of describing the money in their pockets. Yet, an astonishing amount of bread is thrown away every year—around 1.2 million tons a year in the UK, according to a 2013 study.

Oct 22, 2024 | theearthandi.org | Gordon Cairns

A movement is afoot to beautify cities and populated areas by removing substantial amounts of excess cement and planting greenery that is aimed at reducing stormwater runoff and flooding. Water-absorbing “rain gardens” are popping up around the world and are part of the “Soak Up the Rain” effort by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Individuals can make rain gardens on their own properties while communities can create this green infrastructure in their cities and public areas.

Aug 22, 2024 | theearthandi.org | Gordon Cairns

The Yoruba people of Nigeria have an old saying, “Water has no enemy,” which means living in harmony with nature leads to a long and wise life. This message has been spread in and beyond Africa through the music of Nigerian superstar Fela Kuti and his 1975 song, “Water No Get Enemy.”Unfortunately, in Nigeria the warning hasn’t been heeded.

Jun 22, 2024 | theearthandi.org | Gordon Cairns

What is cool and causes warming? This may sound like a children’s joke or riddle aside, the answer itself is dry: hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a man-made compound used primarily as a refrigerant. Created to replace chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), HFCs help keep food fresh in the refrigerator and indoor spaces temperate through air conditioning. However, HFCs account for a small but significant share of global greenhouse gases emissions.