Published

2 years ago

June 7, 2024

Alice Rush

While evening and nighttime hours are generally known as a time of rest and sleep for humans and many animals, a great number of insects actually become more active after dark.

A new global study has found that insect activity increases by an average of 31.4 percent at night.

In their research, scientists from The University of Western Australia (UWA) looked at 99 studies comparing insect activity during the day and at night, published between 1959 and 2022, reported The Conversation. They found that, while an average of nearly a third more insects came out after dark, the numbers varied greatly depending upon location.

“There are many reasons for this. In some cases, it relates to the availability or enrichment of resources, such as flowers that bloom during specific times. In other cases, it involves avoiding competition or predation. For instance, many caterpillars of moth and butterfly species are nocturnal to avoid day-active predators such as ants, reptiles, and birds. Additionally, it has been suggested that many aquatic insects are nocturnal to avoid being eaten by fish, which are primarily day-active visual hunters,” Mark K. L. Wong, a Forrest Fellow in UWA’s School of Biological Sciences, told EcoWatch in an email.

“Environmental temperatures also play a significant role: some insects can tolerate the heat, while others need to take refuge from it and only come out at night. We still lack a complete understanding of the activity patterns of many insects and the underlying mechanisms driving them. This represents an exciting and important frontier for future research.”

^{A monkey grasshopper. Nicky Bay}

After looking through studies that had conducted day and night sampling of insect communities, the researchers excluded studies that had used methods like beating branches or sweep nets because they could result in the capture of both active and resting insects. They also excluded studies employing traps that were colored or lighted because they only attract insects in low light, hampering their effects during daylight hours.

The research team instead accepted studies that had used techniques that wouldn’t influence the results. These included those that had taken insect samples at night or during the day with traps that only caught moving insects — flight interception traps, pitfall traps and aquatic drift nets, for instance.

The team also referred to studies that had used food baits like dung for some beetles and honey for ants.

“One of the most memorable studies we encountered sampled mosquitoes using (unfortunate) human subjects as bait. Another had devised innovative automatic time-sorted pitfall traps to minimise the labour required, as the specimens collected would automatically be delivered into different compartments at different times of the day,” the researchers wrote in The Conversation.

In most of the studies they used, entomologists set traps before dawn and new ones before sunset, collecting samples at both times of day.

In order to improve their insect activity estimates, many of the researchers reported data from multiple field sites and days.

“High nocturnal activity may come as no surprise to entomologists and nature photographers. Many of us prowl through jungles wearing head torches, or camp next to light traps hoping to encounter these jewels of the night,” the researchers wrote in The Conversation. “But this is the first time anyone has been able to give a definitive answer to this universal childlike question. And now we know for sure, we can make more strident efforts to conserve insects and preserve their vital place in the natural world.”

In their analysis, the researchers found that more moths, caddisflies, mayflies and earwigs came out at night, while more bees, wasps, thrips and ants made appearances during daylight hours.

^{A mayfly. Nicky Bay}

They found nocturnal insect activity was more common in waterways and wetlands, with as many as two times the number of insects becoming active in these aquatic environments after dark.

“We found high numbers of insects out during the day in open habitats such as grasslands and savannas, and high nocturnal activity in wetland habitats such as river and stream systems. In general, we also found high nocturnal insect activity in warmer parts of the world, such as the tropical regions, which are also a hotspot for insect diversity,” Wong told EcoWatch.

Land-based insects tended to be more active during the day, the entomologists found, with triple the numbers coming out in daylight.

“This may have something to do with avoiding predators. Fish tend to hunt aquatic insects during the day, whereas nocturnal animals such as bats make life on land more hazardous at night,” the researchers wrote in The Conversation.

Warmer areas of the planet had more active nocturnal insects. Being “ectotherms” — unable to regulate body temperature — insects are very sensitive to temperature extremes.

“Insects are ectotherms, meaning their activity is heavily influenced by external temperatures. As the climate warms, there is growing concern about increasingly warm nights. Many insects may be nocturnal because daytime temperatures are too high for them. Further warming of nighttime environments could push these insects closer to their thermal limits or reduce their period of activity, limiting their ability to obtain crucial resources,” Wong told EcoWatch.

This highlights the importance of climate change’s impact on insect activity.

Higher maximum temperatures could promote increased nighttime activity as insects try to avoid heat stress.

“Our research also points to the threat of global warming. In the hottest regions of the globe such as the tropics, the warming trend may further reduce the activity of nocturnal insects that struggle to cope with heat. To this end, we hope our study motivates day-loving ecologists to embrace night-time ecology,” the researchers wrote in The Conversation.

Many of the essential ecosystem services performed by insects — pollination, “pest” control and nutrient cycling — are provided at night when they are active. This means humans must reduce some of their activities and lower levels of artificial light at night, which is detrimental to nocturnal insect activity.

Insect numbers have dwindled globally, but there are things individuals and communities can do to help.

“Insect populations are increasingly threatened by human activities such as land conversion and land use (e.g., deforestation and agricultural intensification), the extensive use of pesticides, and climate change. Advocating for the protection of natural habitats and making informed choices with our groceries can go a long way. For those with gardens, allowing them to grow naturally — instead of using weedkillers or mowing them into bare lawns — can create rich habitats for insects. Additionally, there is compelling evidence that artificial lights disrupt the behaviors of nocturnal insects. To mitigate this, we can minimise our use of nighttime lighting by simply switching it off when not needed,” Wong told EcoWatch.

The study, “Global meta-analysis reveals overall higher nocturnal than diurnal activity in insect communities,” was published in the journal Nature Communications.

“Insects are among the most diverse and important organisms on our planet. Studying their intricate rhythms represents not just a scientific endeavour, but an imperative for preserving wildlife,” the researchers wrote in The Conversation.

^{A hood mantis. Nicky Bay}

The post Nearly a Third More Insects Come Out After Dark, Study Finds appeared first on EcoWatch.

https://www.ecowatch.com/insect-activity-day-night-science.html

Green Living

Earth911 Inspiration: There’s No Free Lunch in Nature

Published

3 days ago

January 30, 2026

Alice Rush

Earth911 inspirations. Print them, post them, share your desire to help people think of the planet first, every day.

Editor’s Note: This poster was originally published on May 10, 2019. Yes, we recycle good ideas!

The post Earth911 Inspiration: There’s No Free Lunch in Nature appeared first on Earth911.

https://earth911.com/living-well-being/earth911-inspiration-no-free-lunch-in-nature/

Green Living

Guest Idea: 7 Solutions to Give Your Old Sunglasses a Second Life

Published

3 days ago

January 29, 2026

Alice Rush

In recent years, many of us have learned that “recyclable” isn’t as simple as we once thought. The single-use coffee cup is the classic example: its paper shell is fused with a thin plastic liner, rendering it un-recyclable in most facilities. It’s a “composite material,” a mix of things that are too difficult to separate.

A surprisingly similar, and often-overlooked, challenge is sitting in our homes: old sunglasses.

Just like that coffee cup, eyewear is a complex fusion of materials. Metal hinges are screwed into polymer frames, which hold chemically-coated lenses. This mix of metals, plastics, and coatings means standard sorting machines cannot process them. As a result, they are rejected as contamination and sent directly to landfills, where they contribute to non-biodegradable waste. Unlike a disposable paper cup, however, a pair of sunglasses is built for durability. Its high-quality components make it a perfect candidate for repair, reuse, or reinvention.

This guide provides 7 actionable alternatives to the landfill, designed to turn this difficult-to-recycle item into a valuable, circular resource.

1. The Most Impactful Fix: Replace the Lenses

For the most common issue—scratched or damaged lenses—the most sustainable answer is also the simplest. The frame, which is the most resource-intensive part to produce, is often in perfect condition. By focusing on a “repair, don’t replace” model, you can save an entire item from the landfill.

Action: This process is now easier than ever. Specialist companies like mine, The Sunglass Fix, allow you to order high-quality, precision-cut replacement lenses for thousands of models online. You can effectively restore your sunglasses to brand-new condition for a fraction of the cost—and with significantly less waste.

Swapping out scratched lenses is a simple, DIY repair that instantly restores your frames to like-new condition, extending their lifespan by years. Image Credit: The Sunglass Fix.

2. The Charitable Solution: Donate for Global Reuse

If your sunglasses are still in good shape, don’t let them go to waste. Just because you don’t wear them anymore doesn’t mean they are finished. By donating them, you give them a second life. There are millions of people who need eye protection but can’t easily buy it. Your old pair could end up helping someone see better and protect their eyes every day.”

Action: There are great groups ready to take them:

Lions Clubs International: The most famous option. Look for their yellow collection boxes in libraries and local vision centers.
OneSight: They run clinics to bring eyewear directly to communities that need it most.
ReSpectacle: An easy website that matches your specific glasses to a person who needs them.

3. The DIY Solution: Simple Home Maintenance

Before giving up on a pair, inspect it closely. Many “broken” sunglasses are merely suffering from minor, fixable issues. A wobbly arm or a missing nose pad might seem like a fatal flaw, but a simple home repair can often make them perfectly wearable again, saving you money and preventing waste.

Action: Most common issues can be solved with a basic eyeglass repair kit.

Tighten Loose Screws: This is the most common issue. Using a precision screwdriver, gently tighten the hinge screws until the arms feel secure again. If a screw is lost, most repair kits come with standard replacements.
Adjust Bent Frames: If your glasses sit crooked on your face, place them on a flat table to see which side is lifted. Metal frames can be gently bent back into shape with your fingers. Plastic frames should be warmed slightly (with warm water) before you gently twist them back to alignment.
Replace Old Nose Pads: If the pads are yellowing, uncomfortable, or missing, don’t toss the glasses. You can buy standard silicone replacements online. They either snap in or screw in, instantly making the glasses feel cleaner and more comfortable.
Fix Stiff Hinges: If the arms are hard to open or make a grinding sound, the hinge is likely clogged with dirt. Wash the frame with warm soapy water to flush out the grit. Once dry, a tiny drop of baby oil or lubricant on the hinge will make it move smoothly again.
Restore Faded Plastic: If your plastic frames have turned white or cloudy, they aren’t ruined; they are just oxidized. You can buff this white layer off using a soft microfiber cloth and a little friction (or a tiny dab of non-abrasive car wax) to reveal the shiny, fresh plastic underneath.

4. The Upcycling Solution: Create Unique Decor

Even when lenses are damaged beyond repair or frames are no longer wearable, the components themselves can be valuable materials for DIY home décor. Instead of sitting in a landfill for centuries, these plastic and metal parts can be upcycled into unique art pieces, giving new purpose to materials that would otherwise decompose.

Action: Re-frame your perspective and use the components for home decor. Multiple pairs can be combined to create a unique mirror frame, a 3D collage, or other decorative wall art, as highlighted by various home design blogs.

5. The Craft Solution: Fashion Custom Jewelry

The trend of upcycling fashion accessories is growing, and sunglasses offer endless possibilities. The colorful or mirrored lenses, in particular, can be transformed into new items. This craft-based approach turns a waste product into a one-of-a-kind wearable statement of sustainability.

Action: Gently pop the lenses out of the frames. They can be incorporated into unique DIY projects. Craft blogs demonstrate how to fashion them into pendants or one-of-a-kind earrings, completely upcycling the component.

6. The Garden Solution: Repurpose Components Outdoors

Even the most shattered parts can find a new purpose outdoors. The sturdy plastic or metal arms of a frame, for example, make surprisingly durable and waterproof plant markers for a garden or herb pot. Other broken pieces can be used for mosaics or small sculptures, offering a quirky way to bring sustainability to your backyard.

Action: Remove the sturdy plastic or metal arms from the frame. By writing on them with a permanent marker, you can create durable, waterproof, and quirky plant markers for an herb garden or seed-starting trays.

7. The Final Step: Responsible Material Separation

If the sunglasses are beyond saving and none of the above methods apply, you must handle the final disposal process manually. Recycling plants are designed to handle simple items like bottles or cans, not complex “mixed material” objects like eyewear. If you throw a whole pair of sunglasses into the mix, it is treated as contamination and sent to the landfill. If you want the materials to live on, you have to do the separation work that the machines can’t.

Action: Break the frame down into these four categories to ensure they get recycled:

Pop the Lenses Out: Press firmly on the back of the lens to snap it out of the frame. Even if the lens itself cannot be recycled locally, removing it is the essential first step to preparing the rest of the frame.
Strip the Hardware: Use a precision screwdriver to remove the arms, hinges, and any nose pads. You need to fully separate every piece of metal from the plastic components.
Consolidate the Metal: The tiny screws and hinges are valuable scrap, but they are too small for machines to catch. Place them inside a larger steel food can (like a soup can) and pinch the top closed so they are trapped inside and can be processed safely.
Mail the Frames: The stripped plastic frames are now ready for a specialist. Since standard curbside trucks typically reject rigid eyewear plastics, mail these specific parts to dedicated programs like Terracycle or Banish that can shred and repurpose them.

Redefining “Waste” in Your Wardrobe

A single-use coffee cup is a symbol of a disposable mindset—a product designed for a single use. In contrast, an old pair of sunglasses, once destined for the landfill, is a collection of durable materials and untapped potential.

By shifting how we view worn or damaged items, we can begin to see them not as waste, but as resources waiting for renewal. Moving beyond the linear “take-make-waste” model unlocks that value. Whether you choose to remanufacture your favorite frames, donate them, or upcycle them into a new project, each action contributes to a more sustainable future.

Small changes, repeated by millions, can make a measurable difference. Just as we’ve learned to carry a reusable mug, we can learn to repair our most-loved items. The next time you reach for that scratched pair, remember—repairing or reimagining them isn’t just creative; it’s part of building a more circular world.

About the Author

This sponsored article was contributed by Craig Anderson, founder of The Sunglass Fix. A problem-solver by nature, he left his corporate IT career after discovering the immense scale of waste in the eyewear industry. He is now a passionate advocate for the circular economy and a pioneer in the “remanufacturing” space, building a business dedicated to the simple, sustainable idea: repair, don’t replace.

The post Guest Idea: 7 Solutions to Give Your Old Sunglasses a Second Life appeared first on Earth911.

https://earth911.com/how-to-recycle/guest-idea-7-solutions-to-give-your-old-sunglasses-a-second-life/

Green Living

Best of SIYE: Culligan CEO Scott Clawson Maps The Future Of Water

Published

5 days ago

January 28, 2026

Alice Rush

Read a transcript of this episode. Subscribe to receive transcripts.

Turn on any faucet in America, and chances are the water meets federal safety standards. Yet Americans buy 50 billion single-use plastic water bottles annually—enough to circle the Earth 200 times if laid end to end. The bottles take 450 years to decompose, and recent research found that a single liter of bottled water can shed up to 240,000 pieces of microplastic that we ultimately consume. Meanwhile, 37% of global drinking water remains contaminated, with PFAS “forever chemicals” and lead appearing even in neighboring homes on the same street. Meet Scott Clawson, Chairman and CEO of Culligan International, the nearly 90-year-old company that’s become the global leader in water services by making filtered water more accessible than single-use plastic. Under Clawson’s leadership, Culligan serves 170 million people worldwide, and the company’s filtration systems have helped avoid the use of 45 billion plastic bottles annually.

Scott Clawson, CEO of Culligan International, is our guest on *Sustainability In Your Ear*.

The company has set ambitious targets: achieving net positive water impact by 2050 and cutting scope one and two emissions intensity by 40% before 2035. After completing WAVE water stewardship verification, Culligan discovered that even testing filtration equipment was wasteful, leading the company to develop dry-testing methods that eliminate water waste before machines reach consumers. The company has electrified 25% of its fleet and donated 9 million liters of water to communities in need in 2024 alone. Clawson’s approach to sustainability isn’t just operational—it’s personal. A decade ago, while vacationing in the Bahamas, he encountered a beach covered in plastic waste. “That’s when my inner balance was sparked to make sure we do more than just use our planet to make money, but let’s use our planet to help it be a better place to live,” he recalls. As water scarcity intensifies globally, Clawson believes the consumer holds the power: “Every time you pick something up off the shelf, you are voting. You’re sending a signal to a company.” His message is clear—test your water, understand what’s in it, and invest in point-of-use filtration rather than contributing to the plastic crisis. You can learn more about Culligan International at culliganinternational.com.