Background: 45-60% of global climate emissions come from individual consumerism choices. In Western culture, nature is seen as a resource, a series of challenges to conquer, limited to facts and figures, or a threat. As practices and language of sustainability still view the environment simply as a resource, and therefore as something separate…

The international Eco-Schools programme promotes Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) through introducing and stimulating pro-environmental initiatives by school learners and staff. This enabled learners in the Eco-Clubs at a resource-poor primary school to identify and undertake transformative pro-environmental initiatives in 2011 and 2014…

Presents a physical description of a geothermal power plant, details the chemical and thermal effluents, and evaluates the physical and ecological effects of the plant. (GS)

Acid rain is a complex environmental problem which affects the United States and many other countries around the world. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established in 1970 to address environmental issues, such as acid rain. Through its programs, EPA works to protect human health and the environment in the United States…

Presents a brief review of the program planning process, and uses the example of a solid waste program to illustrate what has or has not been accomplished through the use of the planning process. (LK)

This activity has been designed to help students understand a variety of concepts related to water use, efficiency, and students' own impacts on their watershed. It is intended for use both in the classroom and at home. The first concept covered in this exercise is, "What is a watershed?" Ideally this concept will be conveyed in the context of the…

Discusses incidence of methylmercury poisoning throughout the world with increasing industrial and agricultural use of mercury compounds. Describes recent epidemic in Iraq resulting from use of wheat treated with methylmercurial fungicide. New data are presented on the toxicity of methylmercury and its metabolic fate in the human body. (JR)

This collection of articles emphasizes the need for care in the use of chemical pesticides. Economic and ecological implications of pest control are discussed, and data are given on the effectiveness and side effects of chemical insecticides. Alternative methods of control are proposed. The part that can be played by the public in decision making…

Information, demonstration projects, and other activities, pertaining to solid-waste-related research, available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are contained in this document. These EPA publications are reports of the research, development, and demonstrations in progress as authorized by the Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965.…

We present a laboratory practice aimed to clarify and discuss the concept of bioindicator molecules in environmental health. It has been implemented as a hands-on laboratory exercise in postgraduate courses in public health (in Brazil) and in a course entitled Biology Applied to Natural Resources Sustainability (in Spain) but can be useful for…

This agriculture extension service publication from Pennsylvania State University is a handbook for the water body manager. The bulk of the contents deals with aquatic plant control. The different types of aquatic plants, their reproduction and growth, and their role in the ecology of the water body are introduced in this main section. Also, the…

A frame of reference concerning health implications, based on the interaction of numerous factors in the physical, social, and biological environments, is provided in this prototype curriculum for grades 10-12. Development of sound techniques in problem solving is encouraged, resulting from the need to understand the nature and complexities of…

Man, with his ability to develop and control his environment, and, conversely, the controlling or limiting factors of the environment that affect man's health and activities are dealt with in this prototype curriculum for grades 7-9. The basic principles related to ecology affecting man's health are given primary consideration. Specific curriculum…

Provides an informative discussion of the disease called schistosomiasis. The discussion covers environmental factors contributing to the disease, its symptoms, the disease organism and its vectors, and treatment of the disease. The author points out the need for water and soil pollution control in disease prone areas. (MR)