Plastic pollution is an increasingly urgent problem for Missouri’s waterways. Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in our rivers, lakes, and oceans, and the problem is only getting worse. Plastic pollution is a major threat to aquatic ecosystems, and it can have devastating effects on the health of our water sources. The … Continued
We humans are a literal bunch, better at responding to the sensory cues immediately before us than to abstract concepts in some far-off time frame. Tangible beats conceptual, and now beats future, every time. Just ask the credit card industry. Our bias toward the tangible and the now can make it hard to appreciate abstract … Continued
The holidays can be a stressful time. Maybe you’re getting your home ready for guests, or traveling to see loved ones. There’s food to cook (and 10 unique and contradictory diets to take into account) and gifts to wrap (or, in my case, gifts to purchase still!). And then, when you get to the end, … Continued
America Recycles Day is just around the corner again! Beginning in 1994, the day has been celebrated every year on November 15th, which falls on a Tuesday this year. It was created to celebrate recycling and to remind us all just how important it is to recycle. If you’ve been paying attention to the news … Continued
Climate scientists predict an increase in the number of extreme heat days for the KC metro area in the coming years, and this summer seemed to align with that forecast. Two of our programs, Heartland Tree Alliance and the KCMO Recycling Drop-off Centers, take an informal measure of its impact on their work over this past … Continued
We are honored and excited to announce that Bridging The Gap has been chosen to participate in a special charitable giving campaign, sponsored and funded by Target. And you have a chance to help direct a portion of Target’s donation to us! Now through June 30, vote for us through the Target Circle program to help … Continued
Holidays look a little bit different this year, but it doesn’t mean that we have to compromise our holiday cheer! Get into the spirit of giving back to our communities that have suffered so greatly in 2020. We as a community can help each other out and bring peace back into the world. Below … Continued
By Ben Carpenter, HTA Program Associate My little brother is getting married in July. I know, poor timing. If only he had considered the possibility of a global pandemic upsetting his years-long engagement. However, the show must go on, albeit from a distance. This is a situation in which a thoughtful gift from … Continued
By Ami Freeberg, Volunteer Program Manager This week, May 3-9, 2020, we celebrate International Compost Awareness Week, a global initiative to educate and inspire people about composting. I grew up composting in a big pile at the back of our large backyard garden – piling food scraps and grass clippings together to break down and … Continued
Cecilia Wilborn, Recycling Program Manager, shows us how to conduct our own waste audit at home! Now that you’re spending more time at home, you may be noticing your weekly collection of recycling and trash is increasing. Gather your family and work as a team to take part in a week-long household waste audit. The … Continued
The best time to plant a tree is now. The Arbor Day Foundation provides resources to individuals who are interested in doing so, including where to find free or low cost trees in your area and tips about how to plant your tree so it thrive. For those interested in fruit trees are another excellent … Continued
By John Fish, Litter Abatement Program Coordinator and Recycling Center Manager There’s no getting around the fact that our lives have been upended by this pandemic. We had forgotten just how much havoc something unseeable with the naked eye can cause. Although much of our ordinary life has been suspended by the need … Continued
Each of us generate waste through practically everything we do, at an average rate of 4.51 pounds per day, according to the EPA (2017). Through the three R’s, reduce, reuse, and recycle, that number can be greatly reduced. Today we challenge you to think of ways you can reduce and reuse BEFORE you … Continued
By James Joerke, Associate Executive Director With many of us spending more time at home these days, it’s the perfect time to take action to make your home more energy efficient. These simple steps will make your home more comfortable and reduce your energy bills. Install a programmable thermostat. Installing a programmable thermostat … Continued
Quarantine isolation leaves many people feeling trapped inside, not able to enjoy nature as regularly as one may desire. However, the benefits of walking outside every day are proven to help keep you healthy. Your mood will improve. You’ll feel more creative. You’ll lower your risk of lung cancer. Your skin will look … Continued
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 25, 2019 City of Kansas City, MissouriLooking to clear out your basement or storage area? Just buy a new mattress and don’t know what to do with the old one? Have a few old tires in your garage? If you live in Kansas City, Missouri, here is your chance to properly … Continued
By Kristin Riott Executive Director, Bridging The Gap If you, like me, have been worried about climate change for a long time, the publication of the book Drawdown is a deep draught of water during a long walk through the desert: you can go on with renewed hope and vigor. Drawdown, edited by leading … Continued
Ongoing, Wednesday through Saturday Red Bridge Recycling Center 5200 E. Red Bridge Rd, Kansas City, MO 64137 in the KCATA Park-and-Ride commuter parking lot All volunteers must register in advance! Call/text Ami at 816-561-1062 or email, mentioning your preferred date/time. Shifts: recommended Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday shift is 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM. Recommended Saturday shifts … Continued
