Published

9 months ago

May 6, 2025

Alice Rush

North American bird populations are plummeting, especially in drylands, grasslands and the Arctic where they have historically been most abundant, new research has found.

The analysis of almost 500 species of North American birds indicates that three out of four species are suffering declines across their ranges, with two in three shrinking significantly.

“We’re not just seeing small shifts happening — we’re documenting populations declining where they were once really abundant,” said lead author of the paper Alison Johnston, an ecological statistician who was formerly with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and is now director of the Centre for Research into Ecological & Environmental Modelling at Scotland’s University of St. Andrews, as the Cornell Chronicle reported. “Locations that once provided ideal habitat and climate for these species are no longer suitable. I think this is indicative of more major shifts happening for the nature that’s around us.”

Of the species the researchers examined, 83 percent were losing more of their populations in places they were most plentiful.

The team at the Lab of Ornithology analyzed birdwatchers’ observations of 36 million birds shared in the lab’s eBird program, as well as environmental variables derived from satellite images of 495 North American bird species from 2007 to 2021.

“We’ve known for several years that a lot of bird species in North America have been declining. With this study, we were aiming to understand in much finer spatial resolution where birds were declining and where they might be increasing. Rather than having a range-wide trend to see if a species is going up or down, we want to know where it is going up and down,” Johnston said, as reported by The Guardian.

The stark findings followed the recent United States’ State of the Birds 2025 report, which found declines in bird species across nearly every biome in the country, the Cornell Chronicle reported.

The research team said additional studies would be necessary to explain the causes of the declines, with populations falling by over 10 percent annually in some areas. Habitat changes and global heating were posited as the main theoretical causes, but the researchers ultimately didn’t know, Johnston said.

The research featured recent trends in bird populations at scales of 16.78 square miles — the smallest ever attempted for a study covering such a big geographic area.

“This is the first time we’ve had fine scale information on population changes across such broad spatial extents and across entire ranges of species. And that provides us a better lens to understand the changes that are happening with bird populations,” said Amanda Rodewald, a professor in the Department of Natural Resources at Cornell, as well as the faculty director of the Center for Avian Population Studies at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, as reported by the Cornell Chronicle.

Earlier continental and national monitoring programs could only estimate population trends across entire regions, provinces, states or ranges. However, with the accumulation of large amounts of data and advances in machine learning, researchers are now able to examine how well species are faring in areas roughly the size of New York City.

“Results revealed high and previously undetected spatial heterogeneity in trends; although 75% of species were declining, 97% of species showed separate areas of significantly increasing and decreasing populations,” the authors wrote in the findings. “These high-resolution trends improve our ability to understand population dynamics, prioritize recovery efforts, and guide conservation at a time when action is urgently needed.”

Some bird species appeared to be doing well within a region or across their range, but were struggling in specific locations.

“The super interesting thing is, for almost all species, we found areas of population increases and decreases. This spatial variation in population trends has been previously invisible when looking at broader regional summaries,” Johnston said. “Areas where species are increasing where they’re at low abundance may be places where conservation has been successful and populations are recovering, or they may point to locations where there may be potential for recovery.”

The detailed mapping of population shifts will assist policymakers and conservation organizations in better targeting efforts to safeguard declining bird species, which the authors said is desperately needed to help reverse falling population trends.

A black-capped chickadee. Jay McGowan / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

“It’s this small-scale information across broad geographies that has been lacking, and it’s exactly what we need to make smart conservation decisions,” Rodewald said, as the Cornell Chronicle reported. “These data products give us a new lens to detect and diagnose population declines and to respond to them in a way that’s strategic, precise and flexible. That’s a game changer for conservation.”

The research also demonstrated the importance of citizen scientists.

“Because of the volunteers that engage in programs like eBird, because of their enthusiasm and engagement, and generosity of time, we now know more about bird populations and more about the environment than we ever have before,” Rodewald added.

The study, “North American bird declines are greatest where species are most abundant,” was published in the journal Science.

“Without the massive amount of data available from eBird, we would not have been able to complete this study,” said Daniel Fink, a statistician and senior research associate with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

The post North American Bird Populations Are Collapsing in Places They Once Thrived: Study appeared first on EcoWatch.

https://www.ecowatch.com/bird-populations-collapsing-north-america.html

Green Living

Sustainability In Your Ear: Milwaukee’s Kevin Shafer on Circular Thinking in Wastewater Management

Published

1 day ago

February 2, 2026

Alice Rush

Subscribe to receive transcripts by email. Read along with this episode.

Every gallon of wastewater flowing through a municipal sewer contains recoverable energy, nutrients, and water—assets that the linear “flush and forget” model has long treated as problems to dispose of rather than value to recapture. Meet Kevin Shafer, who has spent more than two decades proving otherwise. As executive director of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) since 2002, he’s transformed an agency once mocked as a symbol of government waste into a national model for sustainable infrastructure, and last year, Veolia designated it as America’s first “eco factory.”

Kevin Shafer, Executive Director of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, is our guest on Sustainability In Your Ear.

Milwaukee’s circular approach actually predates the term by nearly a century. In 1926, the district began producing Milorganite—Milwaukee organic nitrogen—a fertilizer made from dried biosolids that most utilities simply spread on fields or incinerate. Today, that product returns $11 to $12 million annually to the city’s budget while keeping waste out of landfills. Kevin explains that this foundational commitment to doing the right thing has shaped MMSD’s culture ever since: ‘We just always look at those type of approaches. It’s foundational to the district.’

The district’s eight digesters at its South Shore plant now generate 80 to 85% of the facility’s electricity from biosolids, with enough material left over to continue making Milorganite. Kevin calls it Cradle to Cradle in action, referring to the philosophy pioneered by architect William McDonough, who visited MMSD in 2006 and was intrigued by work that predated his framework by decades. The district is also partnering with regional breweries and food processors, accepting their organic waste streams for co-digestion. This reduces disposal costs for industry partners while increasing energy production—a synergy that Kevin sees as the future of utility operations.

Looking ahead, Kevin’s 2035 vision targets 100% renewable energy and a 90% carbon reduction compared to 2005. He argues that utilities should see themselves as anchor institutions with generational responsibilities: ‘I won’t be here 50 years from now, but MMSD will be.’ That long view has attracted new partners. ‘All of a sudden they say, oh, here’s someone that’s thinking a little bit differently about something, and maybe we can help them, or they can help us.’ The key barrier to scaling the circular economy, he believes, isn’t technology—it’s institutional culture and a narrow focus on regulatory compliance rather than systems thinking.

You can learn more about the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District at mmsd.com.

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The post Sustainability In Your Ear: Milwaukee’s Kevin Shafer on Circular Thinking in Wastewater Management appeared first on Earth911.

https://earth911.com/podcast/sustainability-in-your-ear-milwaukees-kevin-shafer-on-circular-thinking-in-wastewater-management/

Green Living

Earth911 Inspiration: There’s No Free Lunch in Nature

Published

4 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

5 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/