HELPFUL LINKS
What
follows is a list of helpful links excerpted from the book IT'S
EASY BEING GREEN with permission of the publisher,
including some updates and new links as well. These green
links are uniquely helpful to the busy person who can't afford
to waste time online, because they lead them to critical information
and answers on important, popluar subjects -- no more, no less.
When you follow these links, you'll find direct, practical, understandable
information that busy people can make use of to increase their
understanding and improve environmental good-doing.
BUILDING
AND HOME IMPROVEMENT (TOP)
buildinggreen.com
Informative articles and a comprehensive directory of green building
products with over 2,000 product descriptions, environmental
characteristics and considerations, and manufacturer contact
information.
greenhomebuilding.com
A layman's introduction to different sustainable building considerations
with links to books and an "Expert Advice" Q&A
forum.
greenbuilder.com/sourcebook
Information on green building systems and materials including
definitions, considerations, market status, implementation issues
and guidelines.
oikos.com/products
Search by product type to find manufacturers of sustainable building
materials and finishes.
usgbc.org
Locate a builder accredited by the U.S. Green Building Council
under their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Program
(LEED).
rehabadvisor.pathnet.org
Guidelines for conducting an energy-efficient house renovation.
eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_paints.htm
An excellent article on how to choose safer paint coatings.
organicarchitect.com/pdf/countertops.pdf
This article will help the kitchen remodeler sort out the eco-benefits,
the eco-impacts and the relative costs of several countertop
materials.
CORPORATE
ACCOUNTABILITY AND CONSUMER PROTECTION (TOP)
corpwatch.org
Information on corporate improprieties every consumer should
know about.
prwatch.org
Get the facts behind misleading public relations campaigns designed
to trick consumers and voters.
responsibleshopper.org
Before you buy, learn more about the companies behind the products.
A searchable database allows the user to find reports on over
350 different companies.
greenerchoices.org/eco-labels
The Consumer Reports searchable database of eco-labels allows
users to review an independent evaluation of several labels used
on food, personal hygiene, household cleaners, and wood and paper
products.
chemicalindustryarchives.org
The real and present danger of many widely used chemicals has
motivated chemical manufacturers to spend a great deal of money
to "convince" the public that we have nothing to worry
about, but we do, as documents at this Web site attest.
oilwatchdog.org
The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights founded this
website to blog on oil industry exploits that rip-off its customers,
harm the environment and hide their misdeeds.
ENERGY
(TOP)
eere.energy.gov
nrel.gov
repp.org
Information on renewable-energy technologies, energy facts and
figures, and resources for further learning.
energystar.gov/products
Make energy-efficient choices when buying appliances, electronics,
lighting, etc. Energy Star, a project of the U.S. EPA, tests
and qualifies energy-efficient products in thirty-eight product
categories. Identify Energy Star-rated products and locate stores
through their Web site.
homeenergy.org/consumerinfo/lighting
Convert watts and calculate savings between incandescent and
fluorescent bulbs.
hes.lbl.gov
energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_improvement.hm_improvement_index_tools
Do-it-yourself energy audit tools. Enter details about your home
and learn of upgrades that can save energy and money.
Improve the energy efficiency of existing windows or choose replacement
windows for your climate with the help of this easy-to-understand
guide.
dsireusa.org
The Database of State (and Federal) Incentives for Renewable
Energy (DSIRE) is a source of information on state, local, utility
and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy.
green-e.org
Support renewable energy through the purchase of Renewable Energy
Certificates (RECs; also known as 'green tags'), Utility Green
Pricing Programs or Competitive Electricity Products.
woodheat.org
Whether burning wood for heat or ambience, do it efficiently
and follow the suggestions and guidelines provided by the Wood
Heat Organization.
GARDENING
AND LAWN CARE (TOP)
plantnative.org
plants.usda.gov
Provides assistance in the cultivation and preservation of native
flora with directories of suppliers, helpful organizations and
specific plant information.
nwf.org/backyard
The National Wildlife Federation will help you create a wildlife
habitat in your backyard through their Backyard Wildlife Habitat
Program.
richsoil.com/lawn
Organic lawn-care steps and principles anyone can understand
and follow.
icangarden.com/document.cfm?task=viewdetail&itemid=734
"Xeriscaping," by Julie Ferraro, covers the basics
of water-wise landscaping. Related links to more articles and
books to help you get started are conveniently located in the
right-margin table of contents.
organicgardening.com/steps
Organic gardening basics are covered with articles and related
links on building healthy soil, controlling weeds without chemicals,
and growing specific vegetables and flowers organically.
gardensablaze.com/companions.htm
Learn which plants, planted side by side in your garden, can
provide natural pest management and improve yields.
ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/crops-agriculture.html
This online pest identification and management guide from The
University of California Integrated Pest Management Program is
superb if used properly. It's helpful for identifying diseases
and pests through descriptions and pictures, and in many cases
recommends Organically Acceptable Methods of management.
beyondpesticides.org
Information on specific pesticides, "least toxic" alternatives
for controlling yard and garden pests, a directory of service
providers and lots more information to help you control pesticide
use in your community.
batcon.org
Learn where to buy or how to build a Bat Conservation International-approved
bat house for the purpose of natural and very effective pest
control.
digitalseed.com/composter
Information on home composting that demonstrates how easy it
can be.
recycleworks.org/compost/compingr.html
A list of what can and should not be added to the compost pile.
southface.org
A guide to simple rainwater collection for landscaping.
GLOBAL
WARMING (TOP)
ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/globalwarming.html
A scientific yet understandable explanation of global warming.
climate.org
Overview of critical topics related to global warming with links
to more resources on each topic.
GREEN
CLEANING (TOP)
epa.gov/grtlakes/seahome/housewaste/house/products.htm (DEAD
LINK. USE THE ALTERNATE LINK BELOW.)
householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/
Database of more than 5,000 common household products. Consumers
can find out about ingredients in brand-name products and their
potential health effects.
ems.org/household_cleaners/facts.html (DEAD
LINK. USE THE ALTERNATE LINK BELOW.)
checnet.org/healthehouse/home/index.asp
Get help identifying and replacing unsafe products and practices
that expose our families to pollutants in the home.
cnt.org/wetcleaning/final-report/learned
Find out more about professional wet cleaning -- a safer alternative
to dry cleaning.
nybg.org/plants/factsheets/cleanair.html (WEB
SITE NOW REQUIRES USERS TO REGISTER. USE THE ALTERNATE LINK BELOW.)
extension.umn.edu/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h110indoorair.html
Houseplants that can improve indoor air quality.
LIVABLE
COMMUNITIES (TOP)
empowermentinstitute.net/files/LNP.html
The Livable Neighborhood Program promotes initiatives designed
to work at the neighborhood level to improve the overall livability
of communities.
sierraclub.org/sprawl
The Sierra Club identifies both the problems and solutions of
sprawl and directs the reader to resources for further reading
in their comprehensive online guide to stopping sprawl.
ceds.org
Download Community & Environmental Defense Services' free
publication, "How to Win Land Development Issues" --
a guide to winning specific development issues and winning the
adoption of Smart Growth principles throughout a town, city or
county.
bikewalk.org
This site can help you create neighborhoods and communities where
people walk and bicycle.
lta.org/conserve/index.html
nature.org/joinanddonate/giftandlegacy
Protect your undeveloped land from the threat of development.
Land Trust Alliance and The Nature Conservancy explain options
that are open to landowners who want their land protected now
or for the future.
darksky.org
Learn how to fight light pollution in your community.
scorecard.org
How insulated is your community
from polluters? Retrieve available information on local pollution
and who's responsible.
communitygreens.org
pps.org
Resources, case studies and publications to help citizens create
or preserve parks and public spaces that build and nurture communities.
cohousing.org
Find out more about eco/community living options that can conserve
land and foster community.
MEDIA
(TOP)
fair.org
Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting, by exposing well-documented
examples of media bias and censorship, is making it a little
easier for news watchers to know who to trust for honest and
diverse reporting. Access the latest edition of their weekly
radio program CounterSpin, for news that mainstream media isn't
reporting.
prwatch.org/spin
The Center for Media and Democracy's daily bulletin entitled
Spin of the Day reports on spin and propaganda in the media from
the previous news day.
altpress.org
alternet.org
mediachannel.org
npr.org
Use these resources for better access to independent and alternative
journalism.
OFFICE/BUSINESS
(TOP)
naturalstep.org
Helps visionary companies achieve sustainability and profitability
through cost savings and product and service innovation.
greenbiz.com
Provides businesses with access to tools and information that
can facilitate their transition to more sustainable business
practices.
environmentaldefense.org/alliance/Officetips.html (DEAD
LINK. USE ALTERNATE LINK BELOW.)
earth911.org/blog/2007/06/25/turn-your-office-green
A handy guide for office personnel on greening the office.
epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/reduce/wstewise
The EPA's WasteWise program helps interested businesses develop,
implement and measure waste-reduction activities to eliminate
costly municipal solid waste, benefiting the bottom line and
the environment.
epa.gov/greenpower/join
Join the EPA's Green Power Partnership and commit to the purchase
of green power. Available assistance, tool kits and resources
help partners purchase green power and promote their involvement
in the program.
epa.gov/climateleaders
Information and tools to help businesses of any size begin to
manage their greenhouse gas emissions, demonstrate leadership
and make a meaningful impact on the climate.
ofee.gov/gp/papercal.asp
This easy-to-use paper calculator allows you to compare the environmental
impacts of paper with different post-consumer recycled content.
conservatree.org/paper/Choose/ChooseOverview.shtml
Determine which tree-free or recycled-content paper best fits
your needs.
svtc.org/cleancc/pubs/2003report.htm (THERE
IS NOW A NEW REPORT. USE ALTERNATE LINK BELOW.)
etoxics.org/site/PageServer
Practice earth-concious computing with the help of Silicon Valley
Toxics Coalition's series of guides including the Electronics
Purchasing Guide and Electronics Recycling Guide.
interconrecycling.com
recyclingsupersite.com
Business solutions for recycling obsolete computers and eliminating
storage and disposal liabilities.
commuterchoice.com
Enroll your business in the Commuter Choice program and get help
adopting solutions that reduce commuter driving.
sustainablebusiness.com/jobs/
Whether hiring or looking to be hired, this is one of the most
current and comprehensive databases of job openings at sustainable
businesses or within the environmental field. If you want to
post a résumé, try greenbiz.com/jobs.
POPULATION
AND THE ENVIRONMENT (TOP)
populationaction.org
Fact sheets and answers to questions
about population and natural resources.
plannedparenthood.org
Voluntary family-planning resources.
myfootprint.org
Test your ecological footprint.
REDUCE,
REUSE AND RECYCLE (TOP)
isharestuff.org
This site helps you share specific belongings, i.e., high-cost
or seldom-used things, with family and friends. Whether it's
your pickup truck or a hot-glue gun, useful things you own, and
want your friends to know you'll lend, can be posted here and
they'll be notified. Before you know it, people you'll lend to
will start their own accounts and post things you can borrow
from them.
freecycle.org
craigslist.org
The surest and fastest way to find a second home for acceptable
quality items you no longer have a use for is to give them away
for free. Post items, or look for things yourself, at one of
these Web sites organized by city.
mothering.com/articles/new_baby/diapers/joy-of-cloth.html
thediaperhyena.com
Find almost everything you ever wanted or needed to know about
cloth diapering.
collectors.org/FM/
For used merchandise, get acquainted with flea markets, swap
meets and antiques fairs in your region.
obviously.com/recycle
Obvious Implementation Corp.'s online recycling guide is full
of valuable information on basic recycling, recycling obscure
materials and reducing unwanted junk mail. If you don't find
an answer here, check out "More Reuse and Recycling Links"
below.
earth911.org
Provide your zip code upon entering the Web site to locate municipal
recycling centers or to find out where to recycle specific items.
Don't assume something can't be recycled or donated for reuse
until you've checked here first.
wirelessfoundation.org/DonateaPhone (DEAD
LINK. USE LINKS BELOW)
wirelessfoundation.org/CalltoProtect
collectivegood.com
recellular.com/recycling
Donate used wireless phones. They will either be refurbished
for a charity in need or recycled in an environmentally sound
manner.
greendisk.com
Recycling solutions for your personal
or business media products and more.
techsoup.org/recycle/10tips.cfm
If you're going to donate an old computer, do it right; follow
Compumentor's "Ten Tips for Donating a Computer."
epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/conserve/plugin
The EPA, through its Plug-In To eCycling campaign, is making
it easier to recycle electronics by indexing businesses that
take back used and obsolete electronics.
ciwmb.ca.gov/RCP
The Recycled Content Product Directory, a project of California's
Integrated Waste Management Board is a searchable database of
all kinds of recycled products. You can even specify a minimum
recycled content for your search results.
SAFE
FOOD AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICXULTURE (TOP)
theorganicreport.org
Organic news and articles including "Questions and Answers
about Organic" and "Buying Organic: Considering the
Real Costs."
factoryfarm.org
GRACE's Family Farm Project defines the factory farm and provides
overviews of their harmful impacts to the environment, human
health, animal welfare and socioeconomics.
gene-watch.org/programs/food/foodFAQ.html
foei.org/gmo/faq.html
Frequently asked questions on GMOs are answered by the Council
for Responsible Genetics and Friends of the Earth International.
foe.org/safefood/companylist.html
In the absence of a labeling system for GE foods, Friends of
the Earth has compiled a list to help consumers identify companies
known to use GE ingredients.
truefoodnow.org/shoppersguide
The True Food Shopping Guide identifies non-GE brands in several
categories.
ucsusa.org/food_and_environment/biotechnology/page.cfm?pageID=337
The Union of Concerned Scientists' guide to GE crops allowed
in the U.S. food and feed supply.
renewableenergyworks.com/sustainability/meatless.html
The environmental consequences of eating meat are summarized
in "Eating Green: A Re-examination of Diet in Light of Environmental
Concerns," by Walter Simpson. Simpson's article touches
on nearly all the major issues including inefficient land use,
water scarcity and pollution, loss of biodiversity, depletion
of fossil fuels, global warming, deforestation, and native species
decline.
veg.ca/living/veg-position-paper.html
dietitians.ca/news/downloads/Vegetarian_Food_Guide_for_NA.pdf
Learn more about a vegetarian diet, which can be healthful, nutritionally
adequate, and provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment
of certain diseases.
localharvest.org
Search for farmers' markets, family farms, food co-ops and restaurants
selling locally produced, organic food.
wilson.edu/wilson/asp/content.asp?id=804
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) connects local farms with
local consumers, encourages land stewardship, develops a regional
food supply and strong local economy, and promotes the economic
viability of small, family farms. This site enables visitors
to locate CSA farms by state or get help forming a CSA network.
eatwellguide.org
Enter your zip code to find where you can buy sustainably raised
meat, poultry, dairy and eggs near your home.
foodnews.org
A report card of the best and worst produce choices relative
to pesticide contamination.
mbayaq.org/cr/seafoodwatch.asp
Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program educates shoppers
on the least to most sustainable seafood choices. From their
Web site, download a free wallet-size chart to refer to when
buying seafood.
farmtoschool.org
Transform your child's school lunch program into one that supports
local farmers, sustainability and healthy food choices.
naihc.org/hemp_information/hemp_facts.html
thehia.org/facts.html
If you haven't heard about industrial hemp yet, it's time you
knew of its history, vast applications and superior qualities.
TRANSPORTATION
(TOP)
bts.gov/publications/national_transportation_statistics/
Statistics reveal a conspicuous addiction to cars and very real
impacts. If you like numbers, this site has lots: tables on motor
vehicle fuel consumption and travel, annual wasted fuel due to
congestion, principle means of transportation to work, public
road and street mileage, air pollution trends, and over 200 others.
greenercars.com/bestof.html
The best and worst cars for the environment.
epa.gov/greenvehicles
Look up cars and trucks by vehicle class or a specific model
to find scores on air pollution, fuel economy and greenhouse
emissions.
fueleconomy.gov
Find and compare cars side by side on fuel economy, greenhouse
gas emissions and air pollution. This site also explains how
you can earn a federal income tax deduction if purchasing a "clean-fuel"
vehicle before the end of 2006.
suv.org/introductory.html (DEAD
LINK. NO ALTERNATE TO POST AT THIS TIME)
This site is designed solely to educate consumers on the impacts
and dangers of driving an SUV.
popularmechanics.com/technology/industry/4199381.html?page=1
The Federal government is spending millions on fuel cell technology.
Is it money well spent? Learn more about the technology.
biodieselamerica.org
biodiesel.org
Information on renewable biodiesel for diesel engines.
runmuki.com/commute
Cycling activist Paul Dorn offers prospective bike commuters
tips to make the transition from car to bike easy, safe and fun.
erideshare.com
vanpool.com
Get help connecting with other commuters going your way.
commuterpage.com/Userweb/CostCommuting/CostCommuting.htm
Calculate the cost of driving a car and add it to the many environmental
reasons to drive less.
flexcar.com
Joining a car-sharing service can be much cheaper, and lower
impact, than owning a vehicle if you rarely need to drive.
TRAVEL
AND RECREATION (TOP)
ecotour.org
Find travel opportunities that benefit local communities and
preserve the environment.
greenhotels.com/members.htm
environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com
Identify hotels that are committed to reducing waste, conserving
resources and reducing or eliminating the use of chemicals.
triplee.com/environment/carbon_offsets.htm
terrapass.com
Offset the greenhouse gas emissions produced from your air travel
by joining Better World Club and booking flights through their
Travel Cool Program.
oceanconservancy.org/site/DocServer/fscruiseships.pdf?docID=102
The impacts of cruise ships on the marine environment.
skiareacitizens.com
This environmental scorecard of ski areas grades over seventy
western resorts on their environmental policies and practices.
For comparison, the National Ski Area Association maintains a
database of specific preservation and conservation programs being
implemented by ski areas at nsaa.org/nsaa/environment/the_greenroom.
lnt.org/programs/principles.php
When visiting the outdoors, follow the Principles of Leave No
Trace to minimize your impact on the natural environment you're
passing through.
nrdc.org/water/oceans/ttw/titinx.asp
Natural Resources Defense Council's annual report of water quality
at vacation beaches.
VOTING
AND POLITICS (TOP)
usa.gov
This is the U.S. government's official information portal. Link
to any agency's Web site; find contact information for elected
officials at the local, state and federal level; and look up
and comment on federal regulations.
lcv.org/scorecard
The League of Conservation Voters' National Environmental Scorecard
provides factual information about the environmental voting records
of U.S. Representatives and Senators.
votesmart.org
Project Vote Smart's Web site is comprised of thoroughly-researched
data covering candidates and elected officials. This data includes
factual information about their voting records, campaign finances,
position statements and backgrounds. Project Vote Smart's National
Political Awareness Test (NPAT) is a voluntary, comprehensive
questionnaire that allows candidates to reveal their issue inclinations
to voters. It is a remarkable tool for voters to learn candidates'
issue positions and willingness to provide information to the
public.
factcheck.org
This organization reveals factual inaccuracies in the statements
of politicians, pundits and spokespeople so voters won't be so
easily deceived.
citizen.org/litigation/free_info
Public Citizen assists individuals and organizations in accessing
information held by government agencies.
gp.org
lp.org
natural-law.org
reformparty.org
constitutionparty.com
Traditional and entrenched thinking from the predominating political
parties may not hold the best solutions for today and tomorrow.
The advancement of alternative views comes from many sources.
Read what other parties are saying about the environment, government
spending, taxes, etc. For a complete list of all political parties,
visit politics1.com/parties.htm.
opensecrets.org
An educational resource on the problem of money in politics.
congress.org/congressorg/megavote/
Track your Senators' and Representative's votes by e-mail.
greensheets.com (NO
LONGER EXISTS)
Analysis of environment, energy and natural resource issues coming
before the U.S. Congress.
regulations.gov
Look up federal documents published in the Federal Register and
open for public comment.
WATER
(TOP)
h2ouse.org/
Take a virtual tour of a typical home and learn how to reduce
water use at home.
epa.gov/owow/nps/whatis.html
Polluted runoff is the leading cause of water quality impairment.
From this page on the EPA's Web site, you can learn about key
sources of non-point source pollution and what you can do at
home and in your community to protect water quality.
epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/muncpl/hhw-list.htm
A list of common household hazardous waste (HHW) products that
should always be disposed of at a HHW treatment center.
waterwest.org (UNRESPONSIVE
LINK.)
Whether you live in the West,
consume its agricultural products or just pay federal taxes,
every American should be cognizant of what's happening with water
in the West.