Magic sand filters heavy metals from water

A huge concern in many parts of the world is drinkable water. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that about 884 million people around the world do not have access to clean drinking water.

Researchers have now come up with a novel idea that could help ease this health issue. Sand itself is a good filter for biological waste, but not so hot at removing heavy metals, which can make people sick.

The research shows that coating grains of sand with a carbon material dramatically reduced the heavy metals in water.

Green grilling

Just in time for the summer grilling season, The Weather Channel has a special section of Green Grilling Tips. The tips really come from the Mother Nature Network.

I found it disappointing that the tips about what type of grill to buy are not really tips at all. They are "think about this" and "consider that" statements. Nice and valid, but the comments may not actually help you select a grill.

Likewise their link to "Seven Tips for a Guilt-free BBQ" is not really about the BBQ itself. It's about the side dishes. I guess it's true -- there is no BBQ that is truly healthy. I was hoping, but ... [sigh]

Nevertheless, the Green Grilling Tips section is interesting and has some good advice. And that page led me to search and find more.

• Green Grilling Tips (Weather.com / Mother Nature Network)
• Green Grilling (My Carolina Today)
• Green BBQ - 5 Ways to Green your outdoor celebrations (Green Living Eco)
• Savor Great Green Grilling (6-slide slideshow)

Creation quote of note

"All Creation is the Lord’s, and we are responsible for the ways in which we use and abuse it."

-- United Methodist Social Principles ¶160 – The Natural World