What Is the Impact of Green Practices?

by Tamara Thompson (Editor)

Overview

Consumers have long been encouraged to reduce, reuse, and recycle, but environmental awareness has come a long way since the first Earth Day in 1970. Blue trash bins are everywhere the eye can see, and consumers know they have places to put certain materials to make a helpful impact on waste management. People are reminded in stores, restaurants, and other places that they can reuse items, or reduce waste by using items sparingly. This book examines what effect, if any, practicing the "three R's" has had on the planet, giving readers both sides of the topic.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780737774153
Publisher:	Greenhaven Publishing LLC
Publication date:	02/24/2016
Series:	At Issue Series
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	112
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	15 - 17 Years

Table of Contents

Introduction 7

1 Recycling Programs Divert Tons of Material from Landfills Every Year: US Environmental Protection Agency 11

2 Recycling Benefits the Economy and Creates Jobs Neil Seldman 16

3 Recycling Is a Waste of Time, Money, and Energy Edwin Decker 21

4 Studies Link Reusable Grocery Bags to Foodborne Illnesses and Theft Steve Holt 25

5 Water Conservation Practices Benefit Communities Nationwide: US Environmental Protection Agency 29

6 Using Green Cleaning Products Has Health and Environmental Benefits Carol Ruth Weber 39

7 Green Consumerism Confers a False Sense of Making a Difference Richard Wilk 43

8 Demand for Eco-Friendly Products Has Led to Corporate "Greenwashing": Greenpeace 49

9 Driving an Electric Car Reduces Carbon Emissions and Fuel Costs: Union of Concerned Scientists 53

10 Biotuels Are Not a Green Alternative to Fossil Fuels Andrew Steer Craig Hanson 64

11 Renewable Energy Sources Benefit Health, Climate, and the Economy: Union of Concerned Scientists 68

12 Renewable Energy Sources Make the Power Grid More Difficult to Manage Kim Smuga-Otto 77

13 Green Building Standards Create Jobs and Save Taxpayers Money: US Green Building Council 82

14 US Green Building Standards Are Being Adopted Worldwide: Institute for Building Efficiency 86

Organizations to Contact 91

Bibliography 97

Index 104