helpful links
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Building and Home Improvement
- 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.
- eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_paints.htm
An excellent article on how to choose safer paint coatings.
- greenbuilder.com/sourcebook
Information on green building systems and materials including definitions, considerations, market status, implementation issues and guidelines.
- greenhomebuilding.com
A layman’s introduction to different sustainable building considerations with links to books and an “Expert Advice” Q&A forum.
- oikos.com/products
Search by product type to find manufacturers of sustainable building materials and finishes.
- 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.
- rehabadvisor.pathnet.org
Guidelines for conducting an energy-efficient house renovation.
- usgbc.org
Locate a builder accredited by the U.S. Green Building Council under their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Program (LEED).
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Corporate Accountability and Consumer Protection
- 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.
- corpwatch.org
Information on corporate improprieties every consumer should know about.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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Energy
- 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.
- eere.energy.gov
Information on renewable-energy technologies, energy facts and figures, and resources for further learning.
- 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.
- 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 stor
- 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.
- hes.lbl.gov
Do-it-yourself energy audit tools. Enter details about your home and learn of upgrades that can save energy and money.
- homeenergy.org/consumerinfo/lighting
Convert watts and calculate savings between incandescent and fluorescent bulbs.
- nrel.gov
Information on renewable-energy technologies, energy facts and figures, and resources for further learning.
- repp.org
Information on renewable-energy technologies, energy facts and figures, and resources for further learning.
- woodheat.org
Whether burning wood for heat or ambience, do it efficiently and follow the suggestions and guidelines provided by the Wood Heat Organization.
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Gardening and Lawn Care
- 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.
- 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.
- digitalseed.com/composter
Information on home composting that demonstrates how easy it can be.
- gardensablaze.com/companions.htm
Learn which plants, planted side by side in your garden, can provide natural pest management and improve yields.
- GrowingAnything.com
From growing your own food to planting fast-growing trees, we’ll show you how to grow anything the natural and organic way, step by step.
- 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.
- 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 reco
- nwf.org/backyard
The National Wildlife Federation will help you create a wildlife habitat in your backyard through their Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program.
- 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.
- plantnative.org
Provides assistance in the cultivation and preservation of native flora with directories of suppliers, helpful organizations and specific plant information.
- plants.usda.gov
Provides assistance in the cultivation and preservation of native flora with directories of suppliers, helpful organizations and specific plant information.
- recycleworks.org/compost/compingr.html
A list of what can and should not be added to the compost pile.
- richsoil.com/lawn
Organic lawn-care steps and principles anyone can understand and follow.
- southface.org
A guide to simple rainwater collection for landscaping.
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Global Warming
- climate.org
Overview of critical topics related to global warming with links to more resources on each topic.
- cnt.org/wetcleaning/final-report/learned
Find out more about professional wet cleaning — a safer alternative to dry cleaning.
- extension.umn.edu/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h110indoorair.html
Houseplants that can improve indoor air quality.
- ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/globalwarming.html
A scientific yet understandable explanation of global warming.
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Green Cleaning
- checnet.org/healthehouse/home/index.asp
Get help identifying and replacing unsafe products and practices that expose our families to pollutants in the home.
- 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.
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Livable Communities
- bikewalk.org
This site can help you create neighborhoods and communities where people walk and bicycle.
- 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.
- cohousing.org
Find out more about eco/community living options that can conserve land and foster community.
- communitygreens.org
Resources, case studies and publications to help citizens create or preserve parks and public spaces that build and nurture communities.
- darksky.org
Learn how to fight light pollution in your community.
- 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.
- lta.org/conserve/index.html
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.
- 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.
- pps.org
Resources, case studies and publications to help citizens create or preserve parks and public spaces that build and nurture communities.
- scorecard.org
How insulated is your community from polluters? Retrieve available information on local pollution and who’s responsible.
- 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.
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Media
- alternet.org
Use this resource for better access to independent and alternative journalism.
- altpress.org
Use this resource for better access to independent and alternative journalism.
- 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 pr
- mediachannel.org
Use this resource for better access to independent and alternative journalism.
- npr.org
Use this resource for better access to independent and alternative journalism.
- 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.
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Office/Business
- commuterchoice.com
Enroll your business in the Commuter Choice program and get help adopting solutions that reduce commuter driving.
- conservatree.org/paper/Choose/ChooseOverview.shtml
Determine which tree-free or recycled-content paper best fits your needs.
- earth911.org/blog/2007/06/25/turn-your-office-green
A handy guide for office personnel on greening the office.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- greenbiz.com
Provides businesses with access to tools and information that can facilitate their transition to more sustainable business practices.
- interconrecycling.com
Business solutions for recycling obsolete computers and eliminating storage and disposal liabilities.
- naturalstep.org
Helps visionary companies achieve sustainability and profitability through cost savings and product and service innovation.
- 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.
- recyclingsupersite.com
Business solutions for recycling obsolete computers and eliminating storage and disposal liabilities.
- 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.
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Population and the Environment
- myfootprint.org
Test your ecological footprint.
- plannedparenthood.org
Voluntary family-planning resources.
- populationaction.org
Fact sheets and answers to questions about population and natural resources.
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Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
- 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.
- collectivegood.com
Donate used wireless phones. They will either be refurbished for a charity in need or recycled in an environmentally sound manner.
- collectors.org/FM/
For used merchandise, get acquainted with flea markets, swap meets and antiques fairs in your region.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Find A Composter
Free directory of composting facilities throughout North America, created and managed by BioCycle magazine and sponsored by the Biodegradable Products Institute.
- freecycle.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.
- greendisk.com
Recycling solutions for your personal or business media products and more.
- 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’
- mothering.com/articles/new_baby/diapers/joy-of-cloth.html
Find almost everything you ever wanted or needed to know about cloth diapering.
- 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.
- recellular.com/recycling
Donate used wireless phones. They will either be refurbished for a charity in need or recycled in an environmentally sound manner.
- 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.”
- thediaperhyena.com
Find almost everything you ever wanted or needed to know about cloth diapering.
- wirelessfoundation.org/CalltoProtect
Donate used wireless phones. They will either be refurbished for a charity in need or recycled in an environmentally sound manner.
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Safe Food and Sustainable Agriculture
- 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.
- eatwellguide.org
Enter your zip code to find where you can buy sustainably raised meat, poultry, dairy and eggs near your home.
- Factory Farm Map
Find out where factory farms are located across the U.S.
- 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.
- 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.
- foei.org/gmo/faq.html
Frequently asked questions on GMOs are answered by the Council for Responsible Genetics and Friends of the Earth International.
- gene-watch.org/programs/food/foodFAQ.html
Frequently asked questions on GMOs are answered by the Council for Responsible Genetics and Friends of the Earth International.
- localharvest.org
Search for farmers’ markets, family farms, food co-ops and restaurants selling locally produced, organic food.
- 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.
- naihc.org/hemp_information/hemp_facts.html
If you haven’t heard about industrial hemp yet, it’s time you knew of its history, vast applications and superior qualities.
- 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
- 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.
- theorganicreport.org
Organic news and articles including “Questions and Answers about Organic” and “Buying Organic: Considering the Real Costs.”
- 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.
- veg.ca/living/veg-position-paper.html
Learn more about a vegetarian diet, which can be healthful, nutritionally adequate, and provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.
- 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
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Transportation
- biodiesel.org
Information on renewable biodiesel for diesel engines.
- biodieselamerica.org
Information on renewable biodiesel for diesel engines.
- 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
- commuterpage.com/Userweb/CostCommuting/CostCommuting.htm
Calculate the cost of driving a car and add it to the many environmental reasons to drive less.
- 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.
- erideshare.com
Get help connecting with other commuters going your way.
- 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.
- 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.
- runmuki.com/commute
Cycling activist Paul Dorn offers prospective bike commuters tips to make the transition from car to bike easy, safe and fun.
- vanpool.com
Get help connecting with other commuters going your way.
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Travel and Recreation
- ecotour.org
Find travel opportunities that benefit local communities and preserve the environment.
- environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com
Identify hotels that are committed to reducing waste, conserving resources and reducing or eliminating the use of chemicals.
- greenhotels.com/members.htm
Identify hotels that are committed to reducing waste, conserving resources and reducing or eliminating the use of chemicals.
- 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.
- 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 im
- 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.
- triplee.com/environment/carbon_offsets.htm
Offset the greenhouse gas emissions produced from your air travel by joining Better World Club and booking flights through their Travel Cool Program.
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Voting and Politics
- citizen.org/litigation/free_info
Public Citizen assists individuals and organizations in accessing information held by government agencies.
- congress.org/congressorg/megavote/
Track your Senators’ and Representative’s votes by e-mail.
- 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, go
- factcheck.org
This organization reveals factual inaccuracies in the statements of politicians, pundits and spokespeople so voters won’t be so easily deceived.
- gp.org
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, go
- 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.
- lp.org
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, go
- natural-law.org
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, go
- opensecrets.org
An educational resource on the problem of money in politics.
- reformparty.org
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, go
- regulations.gov
Look up federal documents published in the Federal Register and open for public comment.
- 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.
- 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 Sma
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Water
- 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.
- 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.
- h2ouse.org/
Take a virtual tour of a typical home and learn how to reduce water use at home.
