Clear Answers for Common Questions

To go green can refer to many different ways you can choose more environmentally friendly behaviors over those that are less environmentally friendly. Going green can mean baby steps, where you gradually replace a few things you might do a regular basis, with other things you can do that won ...

The debate over paper or plastic grocery bags has no apparent end in sight. Arguments can be made for either material as the most environmentally responsible one, but some have settled the issue by switching to reusable cloth sacks. While this solution may be elegant, most consumers are still confronted ...

Dry cleaning can help keep a favorite cashmere sweater in top condition, but it’s not always the best choice for the environment. Perchloroethylene, also known as tetrachloroethylene, perc, PCE, C2Cl4, Cl2C=CCl2, or tetrachloroethene, is a solvent used by 90% of dry cleaners in the United States. Perchloroethylene ...

We don't have to make radical changes to our lifestyles in order to start becoming more environmentally friendly. While it's true that the bigger impact we can make in reducing environmental toxins and wastes that end up in land fills the better for the environment, just starting to ...

In the most literal sense, yes, candles are bad for the environment because they release an assortment of pollutants when they are burned, just like anything else, as combustion generates an assortment of chemical compounds. However, open fireplaces and cars are much more of a concern, along with unclean power ...

There are many environmentally unfriendly aspects to the modern world, including gas-guzzling cars, pollution-spewing industry, and apathetic consumers. Looking beyond the usual suspects, many people would be surprised to find out that something as mundane as a parking lot could also be bad for the environment. Most people ...

Alternatives to plastic grocery bags are varied and readily available in a number of different forms. Some are likely at your local grocery store now. Others are being considered as community groups, and even governments, from across the country are looking into the possibility that alternatives may be not only ...

Your ability to conserve energy can save you plenty of money per year in energy costs, and is also a terrific way to help our ailing planet. You will find numerous suggestions for how to conserve energy, and these can range from rather elaborate things to very simple things. Mainly ...

While the contents themselves are not especially harmful, the process of producing bottled water does not do the environment any favors. Many health-conscious consumers strongly believe that it is preferable to ordinary tap water, and the water industry's profits run in the billions of US dollars (USD) annually ...

There are several reasons to choose to use canvas grocery bags or reusable grocery bags made from other materials. Some environmental organizations push the use of such bags, pointing out that reusable bags can be a small change with a big difference, but the uses of these bags go beyond ...

Water is a household amenity that is often taken for granted – at least until the water bill comes. Luckily, there are several simple steps you can take to save water that are conservative not only to the environment, but also to your budget. If you think your water bill is ...

Throughout the 17th through the 20th centuries, whales were hunted to near extinction for commercial profit. Large-scale movements in the late 20th century led to a moratorium on most whale hunting. In the 21st century, renewed interest in commercial hunts and environmental changes from pollution and climate alterations again ...

Many people like to celebrate major holidays with lavish bouquets of cut flowers. As a result, the flower industry is booming, shipping hundreds of tons of them all over the world for sale in supermarkets and at florists. Consumers spend millions every year purchasing flowers and bringing them into their ...

Since the 1960s, scientists have observed a gradual increase in the global temperature. This is believed to be caused by the mass release of a greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, produced by burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas). If strategies for slowing global warming are not found, some scientists believe ...

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American produces about 4.4 pounds (2 kg) of garbage a day, or a total of 29 pounds (13 kg) per week and 1,600 pounds (726 kg) a year. This only takes into consideration the average household member and does not ...

The topic of when we are going to run out of space in our landfills is actually a matter of some debate. The pitched battle between environmentalists and those who would build more landfills, tends to be separated by the claims that we are quickly running out of space, and ...

There are several concerns about open fireplaces which lead some people to object to them, primarily on environmental and safety grounds. Many of these people point out that there are alternatives to open fireplaces which are safer, more efficient, and more environmentally sound, and they encourage people to consider these ...

As recycling continues to prove a worthy effort, the benefits of using compost have been extensively studied. The results reveal physical, chemical, biological, and environmental benefits. There are many uses for compost, all of which have proven beneficial in some way. Compost benefits the soil where it is used by ...

The term “ecological footprint” was developed by environmentalists to describe the impact that an individual has on his or her environment. An ecological footprint takes a number of things into account such as car ownership, amount of garbage generated, how often the individual walks or rides a bicycle, and other ...

A Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) is a system of farming which concentrates a large number of animals into a small space for maximum efficiency. Examples of CAFOs include large-scale hog farms, veal calve raising operations, egg production facilities, and other similar “factory farms.” The term was originally coined ...

Tree sitting is exactly what it sounds like; it is a form of protest which involves sitting in a tree. Until the demands of the tree sitter are met or the tree sitter is forcibly extracted, he or she will be supported by an extensive ground crew. In the United ...

A green collar job is a job which benefits the environment in some way. Some examples of green collar jobs include bicycle repair, landscaping, organic farming, materials reuse, and work in the alternative energy sector. Green collar careers are quite diverse, drawing upon a wide assortment of skills, and many ...

Green walls are walls which are covered with plants, creating a lush green face. In addition to looking pretty neat, green walls also have a number of benefits, both indoors and outdoors. Numerous designers have created distinctive and stunning green walls with incredibly diverse plantings, ranging in size from small ...

Greenwashing is a marketing technique in which a company falsely claims environmental responsibility. As more and more consumers are concerned about sustainability and the environment, a growing number of corporations have stepped up, claiming to be improving their environmental practices and reforming their industries. While this may certainly be true ...

Greenspace is an area within an urban environment which is dedicated to nature. One of the most familiar forms of greenspace is a recreational park, such as New York City's famous Central Park, although the space can also take the form of urban wetlands or urban forest canopy. Many ...

When landscaping reduces environmental harm as well as conserving money and resources, it is referred to as “green landscaping.” A growing awareness of environmental issues among consumers in the late 1990s led to an explosion of green landscaping projects, as gardeners realized that they could make a difference in their ...

Green building standards focus on making residential and commercial buildings more environmentally friendly, sustainable and healthier for their occupants. Many builders and designers are implementing green building standards into their designs to create buildings that use environmentally friendly materials, are highly energy efficient and have excellent air quality. The US ...

The term resurrection ecology is used to describe two distinct areas of practice. The first is the hatching of dormant eggs of a still living species at a previous stage of its evolution. The second is the act of bringing a subspecies back from extinction by introducing a related subspecies ...

Ecotourism is a form of tourism which places a heavy emphasis on appreciation and protection of the natural environment, with ecotourists traveling to regions of ecological interest around the world. This form of tourism is also sometimes called ecological tourism, nature travel, or responsible tourism. Like other forms of tourism ...

Sustainable tourism is a form of tourism which involves being conscious of the potential economic, environmental, and cultural impacts of tourism. Sustainable tour companies and tourists who support the idea of sustainable tourism make extra efforts to ensure that their impact on the places they visit is positive, rather than ...

California Coastal Cleanup Day is an event organized by the California Coastal Commission, andusually coincides with International Coastal Cleanup Day. During Coastal Cleanup Day, tens of thousands of volunteers collect trash and debris from beaches all over California to improve the state's natural beauty and the health of its ...

Ecopreneur®, a term trademarked by Ecopreneur®, LLC, is a portmanteau of “ecological” and “entrepreneur.” An Ecoprenuer® is an entrepreneur who is focused on ecologically-friendly issues and causes, attempting to do business in a way which benefits the environment. The trademarked term can refer to people who ...

A living roof is a roof which is covered in turf, flowers, grasses, and sometimes shrubs or trees. Living roofs have been used in home building in many parts of the world for thousands of years. A rising interest in sustainable or green architecture in the late 1990s led to ...

Monocropping is an agricultural practice in which the same crop is planted year after year, without practicing crop rotation or resting the soil. While there are some distinct advantages to this technique, it is environmentally questionable and can potentially lead to serious economic problems for farmers, as well. Many environmental ...

An environmental impact statement is a written statement drawing conclusions on how a course of action is likely to affect the environment. In the US, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) enacted in 1970 provides that the federal government and individuals or businesses must give advance notice to the public ...

Environmental engineering is an incredibly broad field which is focused on using scientific principles to improve environmental conditions. Environmental engineers may use their skills to prevent damage to the environment, or to deal with the consequences of such damage. Many colleges and universities around the world offer training in environmental ...

An indicator species, or bioindicator, is a plant or animal species which is used to gather information about an environment or area. The presence of such a species can be a signal, as can their absence. Numerous plant and animal species are used as indicators, along with organisms like lichens ...

Environmental studies is a very broad academic field which examines the interactions between humans and their natural environment. As one might imagine, environmental studies is an interdisciplinary field, incorporating concepts as varied as geology and philosophy. Many colleges offer majors in this field, and in some cases students may pick ...

A wildlife sanctuary is a space that is set aside exclusively for the use of wild animals, which are protected when they roam or live in that area. They are also referred to as wildlife refuges in some areas. Typically, a sanctuary is created through a government mandate that sets ...

An ecovillage is a self-sustaining community aimed at developing alternative ecological, environmental and social standards. The ultimate goal of the ecovillage is to create an environment that can support itself through its own development. Think of an ecovillage as the basis for a new world, one in which people ...

Ecotage is a term used to refer to direct action taken on behalf of the environment. The word is a portmanteau of “sabotage” and the prefix “eco-”, and it is intended to separate ecotage from other acts of sabotage which might be aimed at achieved other goals. Some people also ...

Earth First! is a radical environmental movement, founded in 1979. Like many movements, Earth First! has been through a number of mutations since its initial founding, moving from a group of deeply committed fringe activists to a more mainstream collective which also includes extremely radical members. Many members take an ...

Earth Day is an annual environmental event during which people celebrate the Earth's natural environment and promote environmentally healthy practices. Many cities around the world hold Earth Day celebrations which may include sustainable living fairs, prominent speakers, music, dancing, food, and parades, among other things. In some countries, prominent ...

Industrial pollution is pollution which can be directly linked with industry, in contrast to other pollution sources. This form of pollution is one of the leading causes of pollution worldwide; in the United States, for example, the Environmental Protective Agency estimates that up to 50% of the nation's pollution ...

The No Dirty Gold Campaign is a consumer awareness program founded jointly by Oxfam and Earthworks, an environmental policy organization that focuses on mining. The campaign is designed to educate consumers about where their precious metals come from, and to encourage them to seek out retailers who sell environmentally sound ...

Carbon taxes are taxes which are applied to fuels that generate carbon emissions as they create energy. Several nations use carbon taxes as an attempt to encourage businesses to pursue alternative fuels and to promote environmental consciousness, and some economists have proposed that more countries around the world should create ...

A debt for nature swap is an agreement between a national government and another entity, usually a non-profit group, that essentially requires the government to protect a certain amount of its natural resources in exchange for forgiveness of some percentage of its debt. Most of these sorts of arrangements ...

On the surface, debt for nature swaps sound like a great idea. While simultaneously reducing a nation's debt, a debt for nature swap also helps to preserve that country's natural environment, ensuring that future generations can enjoy it. However, there are some serious problems with debt for nature ...

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a government agency concerned with the American environment and its impact on human health. It was founded in 1970 under Richard Nixon in response to growing environmental concerns among Americans, and often works with other agencies to achieve optimal results. The EPA ...

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) lists itself as the oldest global environmental organization. Since its inception in the 1940s, IUCN has led the world in environmental research and conservation efforts. Today, the organization has over 1000 affiliate groups, and maintains offices and field ...

Renewable Energy Credits, also called Green tags or Tradable Renewable Certificates, are certificates issued by a government agency to a power company that utilizes environmentally friendly methods to generate electricity. The credits can in turn be traded and sold on the open market, providing an incentive to companies which produce ...

Environmental crime is generally defined as crime which is committed against the environment. Most law enforcement agencies break environmental crime down into two categories: pollution and threats to endangered species. Growing awareness of environmental issues led to a crackdown on environmental crime in many nations during the twentieth century, and ...

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is a law first established in 1970 by the US government. This act provides a process to review actions proposed by the government that might have a negative impact on the environment. NEPA provides for exclusions to the law, requires branches of the federal ...

A Superfund site is a toxic site which has been placed on the National Priorities List (NPL), a list of polluted sites requiring cleanup which is maintained by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Placement on the NPL makes a Superfund site eligible for government-sponsored cleanup, or government ...

LEED certification is a recognition that a construction project or building can attain by utilizing environmentally friendly building practices during construction or remodeling. The name is the acronym that stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and it is the Green Building Rating System developed by the U.S ...

A conservation easement is an agreement between landowners and a municipality or land trust which is designed to protect land from development while allowing people to continue to hold it in private ownership. Like other easements, conservation easements are perpetual, except in extenuating circumstances; for example, a conservation easement can ...

The California Conservation Corps (CCC) is a service organization in the American state of California. Members of the CCC participate in a wide range of community service activities, ranging from trail clearing in State Parks to emergency response. Membership in the Corps is open to individuals between 18-25 years ...

Ducks Unlimited is a conservation organization which is dedicated to preserving and restoring wetlands, along with supporting the animals which prefer the wetlands environment. Like many such organizations, it is run as a non-profit, and relies heavily upon support from the public to accomplish its goals. The organization partners ...

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has many tasks in its work to improve and extend conservation efforts around the globe. One vitally important area, the IUCN Species Survival Commission, is charged with gathering information regarding the current status of animal and plant species ...

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) is a voluntary organization designed to maintain sustainable whale populations and govern prices of whaling related products. Created in the wake of serious fears of whale extinction due to overhunting, the IWC was originally signed by 42 nations. Although its membership has risen to 79 ...

The Audubon Society is a conservation organization based in the United States of America. It is registered as a non-profit, and is one of the oldest organizations of its kind in the world. Americans of all ages and levels of ability can contribute to the aims of the Audubon ...