The purpose of this booklet is to provide citizens with information about household waste and to indicate how they can contribute to its reduction. Information indicates how each individual can reduce waste by adopting new habits, making informed choices, and becoming involved in community action. Discussed are: (1) specific issues of general and…

The purpose of this booklet is to provide an introduction to the many complex issues of waste management in the United States. It is designed to raise public awareness of the serious impact of current waste generation and disposal practices and to promote alternatives. It encourages citizens to involve themselves in decisions about the way waste…

This document provides ideas for activities on toxic waste sites. A toxic tour around the home accompanied by an adult is recommended to discover items that are dangerous for humans and the earth. Activities on understanding forests, pollution problems, recycling, and prevention of pollution for a healthy planet is included. (YDS)

This solid waste resource was designed as a flexible tool for teachers of kindergarten through sixth grade. The multidisciplinary focus includes math, science, art, social studies, language arts, and health. Lessons encourage students to utilize skills ranging from reading and writing to problem-solving and analytical thinking. This document…

Reports the results of a survey from seven neighborhoods adjacent to hazardous waste sites. The survey asked residents to rate their neighborhoods, compare the quality of their present neighborhoods to the quality of their previous neighborhoods, and report on stresses associated with their neighborhood. (LZ)

Presents the results of an informal survey of 372 activists by the Citizen Clearinghouse for Hazardous Waste. Issues examined are what can be done to win environmental justice and what grass-roots groups and leaders need to succeed. Five basic needs emerged, and strategies for meeting these needs are presented. (LZ)

Examines the growing trend for waste generators and corporations to dump hazardous waste material on Native American lands where environmental regulations may be lax. Examines the Torres-Martinez Indian Reservation sludge dump site that was closed after a 15-day barricade of the site's entrance. (LZ)

Discusses the sources of contaminants found in used solvents generated by the histopathological laboratories at health care facilities and the technical problems, corrective measures, and economic analysis associated with the on-site recycling and reusing of these solvents. An appendix contains an economic analysis for a used-solvent recycling…

Describes the United States Environmental Protection Agency's program for analytical response to chemical spills. Discusses the role and activities of the Environmental Response Team and the Safety and Air Surveillance Section (SASS). Describes SASS equipment and procedures. Provides case studies that demonstrate emergency response activities.…

Several policy frameworks for managing hazardous waste import/export are examined with respect to economic issues, environmental sustainability, and administrative feasibility and effectiveness. Several recommendations for improving the present instrument and implementing process are offered. (Author/CW)

Describes a prime example of promising new pollution cleanup methods known as phytoremediation, which uses plants that have an appetite for lead, uranium, and other pollutants. (ASK)

This compendium is a tool for bringing waste management education into classrooms. Curriculum materials gathered from across the country were reviewed by California's top environmental educators, both for correlation with the state's educational frameworks and for accuracy and completeness of waste management information. Materials that cover…

Today's industrial economies were founded on the use of vast quantities of materials and energy, and the economic health of nations has often been equated with the amount they consumed. The amount of materials that originally enters an economy tells nothing about the material's eventual fate or its contribution to human well-being. It tells a good…

Presents an overview of: (1) the institutional context of the environmental pollution sector of environmental quality management (EQM); accomplishments and problems in some representative subsectors (including water quality, soil erosion, air quality, and hazardous wastes); and (3) future prospects. Also considers role of government and…

Examines the household hazardous waste problem, addressing several areas related to regulation, disposal, and control. Also gives a list of safer alternatives for household cleaners/disinfectants, paint products, and pesticides. Indicates that individuals can collectively make a difference in public exposure by changing purchases and practices.…