Get Involved
The U.S. is 5% of the world’s population but responsible for 25% of the carbon dioxide emissions worldwide. We can all do our part! Choose a category below to learn more about what you can do.
Recycling
During the 1980’s, Americans sent almost 150 million tons of garbage to landfills each year. In 2007, Americans generated about 254 million tons of trash and recycled and composted 85 million tons of this material, equivalent to a 33.4 percent recycling rate. On average, we recycled and composted 1.5 pounds of our individual waste generation of 4.6 pounds per person per day. While it’s a good start, more needs to be done. See what you can do to help. Learn more>>
E-Waste
The nation now dumps between 300 million and 400 million electronic items per year, and less than 20% of that e-waste is recycled. E-waste represents 2% of America’s trash in landfills, but it equals 70% of overall toxic waste. These toxic substances make their way into our waterways, and consequently what we eat and drink. See what you can do to help. Learn more>>
Energy Conservation
Fossil fuel is the major contributor to carbon emissions and global warming. With a little effort, each one of us can make big gains. A fact: more than 25% of energy consumption in homes goes to lighting, and only about 10% of the energy used by a bulb creates light, the other 90% creates heat. If you replace 25% of your light bulbs with fluorescents, you can save about 20% on your lighting bill. See what you can do to help. Learn more>>
Global Warming
The earth is already showing signs of worldwide climate change. Industrialization, deforestation, and pollution have greatly increased the concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere. These are all greenhouse gases that trap heat near the Earth’s surface. Among many other consequences, warming temperatures mean the Arctic could be free of summer ice by 2050, causing sea levels to rise and creating water shortages in regions that depend on ocean runoff for fresh water. See what you can do to help. Learn more>>
Organic Living
Whether it is local fruit, imported coffee or artisan cheese, organic can demonstrate a reverence for the land and its people. Organic has proven to use less energy (on average, about 30 percent less), is beneficial to soil, water and local habitat, and is safer for the people who harvest our food. Eat more seasonably by supporting your local farmers market while also supporting a global organic economy year round. It will make your taste buds happy. Learn more>>
Pollution
Every year, one American produces over 3,285 pounds of hazardous waste, contributing to 40% of America’s rivers and 46% of America’s lakes are too polluted for fishing, swimming, or aquatic life. Vehicle exhaust contributes roughly 60% of all carbon monoxide emissions nationwide, and up to 95% in cities. And 1.2 trillion gallons of untreated sewage, storm water, and industrial waste are discharged into US waters annually. Can we really do nothing? Learn more>>
Green Business and Technology
Being green requires developing an attitude toward sustainability and practices that can be incorporated into our everyday lives. Being a green business means changing the way a business purchases, develops, produces, and provides products and services so it has a positive impact on the environment. Think of the planet as a warehouse of goods. In this section, find out what companies are implementing green practices and learn about new technologies that are environmentally friendly. Learn more>>
Water Conservation
The simple truth is that we are abusing nature’s water cycle. To protect our rivers and assure water supplies in the future, we must use less water and leave more to nature. Water is our most primary natural resource. Yet, in some places, we are beginning to run out of water. Underground reserves that farmers could once reach only a few feet deep are now so low that a hole drilled half a mile down cannot find water. The world faces a massive water crisis. One in every six people on Earth do not have daily, immediate access to safe drinking water. Think about this for a moment. Learn more>>