Suggests formula for survival that takes a thermodynamic view which holds that we must recycle waste while the thermodynamic potential still is moderately high. Otherwise they are lost, as helium is lost when it leaves Earth's atmosphere and goes into space. The idea that the Earth is a closed system is a myth; it collapses each time we put our…

Recounts highlights of a 1980 weekend course at Queens College Environmental Center (New York) focusing on lessons from history and other cultures in using overlooked resources to develop "Appropriate Technology." Practical and innovative energy alternatives discussed include solar energy, wind power, indoor hydroponic farming, shellfish…

This report reviews America's current energy position. The energy sources studied include oil and gas, coal, nuclear energy, solar energy, and geothermal energy. Each source is analyzed in terms of current use, technology for extracting and developing the energy, research and development funding, and projections for future consumption and…

This yearbook provides highlights of the work done by the various bureaus and offices of the Department of the Interior during 1970. The coverage is broad, relating to many aspects of conservation and the environment in the United States, in a descriptive, non-technical style. General theme of the report is the need for environmental management…

Summarizes energy conservation measures suggested by a leading energy supplier, a leading energy consumer, and a top government official, involving more coal use as an energy resource and an adequate balance between energy supply and environmental restrictions. (CC)

Argues that overexploitation of renewable biological resources to the point of extinction is possible under private (commercial) management. Public surveillance is necessary to prevent severe depletion of resources. An economic theory of a biological resource is developed, using the blue whale population as an example. (JR)

Two-thirds of what we waste could be reused without important changes in our life-styles. One benefit of recycling would be the diminishing contribution of raw materials prices to inflation. For a sustainable resource policy there are three basic components: waste reduction, waste separation, and waste recovery. The first can be met by producing…

This guide explains what is involved in recycling paper. Some background history is presented on the use of recycled paper. Sources of use for this product are pointed out, especially instances where business and industry have found that recycled paper could be used in place of the virgin product. The major part of the guide consists of samples of…

Alarmed by the growing water shortage, the New Jersey State Office of Dissemination has prepared this annotated list of free or inexpensive instructional materials for teaching about water conservation, K-l2. A tipsheet for home water conservation is appended. (Editor/SJL)

Derives a formula for the number of years a given resource will last as a function of constant yearly growth rates in the resource usage. Suggests such a calculation to account for environmental problems. (CC)

Sponsored by the Santa Barbara Underseas Foundation, this manual is for people who want to adapt their own lifestyles so as to be less a part of the environmental deterioration problem and more a part of the solution. It presents suggestions that are physical and psychological changes individuals can make to ease the burden of pollution, waste,…

Describes a water use study-conservation project conducted by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission in Maryland. Results show a significant decrease in the amount of water used by home customers over a ten-year period. (Author/MA)

This article discusses the current two major schools of thought about energy conservation. One is based on a system of incentives or penalties to change behavior and the other on attitude change. Problems associated with both schools are identified and examples of the two methods are given. (MA)

Outlines the problems facing the United States with mineral reserves being depleted, and the consumption of minerals outstripping production. Expresses concern about the deteriorating mineral position, and the ignorance and confusion of the public with respect to mineral production and supply, energy requirements, and environmental consequences.…

Each issue of this monthly newsletter focuses on some aspect of environmental affairs. This issue concerns preparations for the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment including: the state of the global environment, different views from developed and underdeveloped nations, the conference agenda, and U.S. preparations for the…