EPA/745-B-97-007
August 1997
AN INTERNET GUIDE TO PROMOTE CONCERN
FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND TO GENERATE
SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITY-BASED
INVOLVEMENT
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STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
This guide contains a detailed list of Internet sites demonstrating strategies that promote concern
for the environment and generate support for community-based activity. For example, recycling
is one strategy that a community organization may find useful. If so, this guide provides several
different Internet sites that the community organization can utilize to promote recycling.
Each site has been listed alphabetically under the strategy it demonstrates. The strategies have
also been organized alphabetically. Attached to the description of each site is the Internet
address needed to locate the site.
By no means does this guide include every site or even every strategy that could be utilized by a
community. Such a list would be unwieldy and frequently out-of-date as new information is
constantly being added to the Internet. Instead, this guide is intended to serve as a tool for
tapping into the vast array of resources and ideas available to communities as they pursue
environmental initiatives.
Suggested Uses of this Directory:
- to locate and learn about environmentally-oriented resources available on the Internet
- to access these sites periodically to remain up-to-date on environmental issues
- to contact and exchange information with other environmentally concerned citizens
- to aid in the brainstorming process for ideas that can be incorporated into the "plan for action"
for community-based organizations
- to utilize these sites as models or templates to implement community-based projects
Disclaimer
This guide is not intended to be an endorsement of any non-EPA sites described herein. EPA has
not verified the information contained at the non-EPA sites and therefore cannot guarantee their
accuracy or utility.
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Table of Contents
Statement of Purpose 1
Introduction 3
Listing of Internet Sites by Strategy
The Aesthetic Approach: When Beauty is Not Just "Skin Deep" 4
Promoting Issue Awareness 5
Monitoring Compliance and Getting Support from Businesses
which Service the Community 7
It's Never Too Early to Learn: Children as the Focus 8
Utilizing Colleges and Other Institutions of Higher Learning 9
Commutation and Transportation: Environmentally Concerned
Ways of Getting to Work and Elsewhere 10
Focusing on Consumer Products 12
Energy Saving 13
Taking the Hotline Approach 14
Encouraging Local Industry to Get Involved 15
Linking with Other Communities 16
Promoting Outings/Activities that Inspire Support 17
Recycling 18
Getting Teachers to Help 19
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Introduction
According to the President's Council on Sustainable Development, "The role of local
communities is becoming increasingly important as the United States, and much of the rest of the
world, moves toward more decentralized decisionmaking."! By working together, the members
of a community can improve the environment and at the same time strengthen their economy.
This guide is just one example of how EPA is fostering community' participation hi
environmental decision making. For any organization, and especially for community-based
organizations with limited funds, the Internet provides an affordable and invaluable source of
information on a seemingly limitless number of topics. This guide is concerned with those
strategies that can be utilized by community-based organizations looking to promote concern for
the environment and to generate support for community-based environmental projects. Actually,
this guide addresses strategies available to those community-based organizations that are already
"up and running." While information about starting a community-based organization, setting up
an office, and obtaining funding is of critical importance, it is not the focus of this particular
guide.
To make this guide a useful resource, a dedicated effort was made to avoid the production of a
document that simply lists an overwhelming number of sites without considering the user's
ability to derive any real value from the information. Instead, every site within this guide was
read carefully and then categorized according to the strategy it exemplifies. Not every site
considered was included. Only those sites that best illustrated a particular strategy were
incorporated into the final product.
If a strategy appeals to your organization, further information can be obtained from the sites
listed for that strategy. Whether a particular site will serve as a means for contacting other
communities, as an example for borrowing ideas or even replicating a program in operation
elsewhere, or just as a source of information, will depend upon the environmental focus, as well
as the make-up, of the community-based organization.
In developing this guide an attempt was made to fashion a list of strategies that are distinct.
Some overlap, however, was unavoidable as many of the strategies complement each other.
Many communities are burdened by complex problems and concerns both within and outside of
the environmental arena. This guide is just one tool, to be used in conjunction with many other
tools, that communities can use in their pursuit of a cleaner, healthier environment.
1 Sustainable America: A New Consensus for the Future. Chapter 4: Strengthening Communities. The President's
Council on Sustainable Development. February 1996. This report can be located on the Internet at
http://www.whitehoitse.gov/WH/EOP/pcsd/tf-reports/amer-top.htinl
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THE AESTHETIC APPROACH: WHEN BEAUTY IS NOT JUST
"SKIN DEEP"
Forest Service Source: Agency within the United States
Department of Agriculture
http://www.fs.fed.us/spf
This federal agency states that it has a "responsibility to connect federal forest resource
management programs, expertise and objectives to ... 45,000 rural and urban communities."
The Urban and Community Forestry Program, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, seeks to
expand citizen involvement at the community level. Information regarding program
accomplishments and the allocation of federal and private funds for community forestry projects
can be obtained at this site. Also available at this site is a detailed list of urban forestry contacts.
Distinguishing feature: provides information about a federal agency committed to community-
based forestry programs.
Friends of Trees Source: Non-profit
hrrp://www.teleport.coim/~fot
This organization is devoted to the planting, care and protection of trees in urban settings. One
of its goals is to bring together neighbors for tree planting projects. Friends of Trees helps
organize tree planting projects. Such projects create a more friendly, tightly-knit community. In
addition to purifying the air and preventing erosion, trees provide shade and make the
neighborhood more beautiful. Although Friends of Trees is based in Portland, Oregon, its goal
of tree planting can and should be replicated in other communities.
Distinguishing feature: provides an example of pursuing neighborhood beautification through
tree planting projects.
Green Landscaping with Native Plants Source: U.S. EPA
http://www.epa.gov/docs/grtlakes/greenacres/index.html
This site advocates the use of native plants in landscaping designs. The native plants for a
particular location are those species indigenous to the area. Besides being beautiful, native
landscapes require less maintenance than conventional lawns. They also reduce the need for
fertilizers and pesticides. This site provides an explanation of the environmental benefits that
can be realized by using native species. While this site is devoted to the Great Lakes basin, the
concept can be applied to other communities.
Distinguishing feature: promotes a way to make the local environment more beautiful and at the
same time relaxes a community's dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
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I
PROMOTING ISSUE AWARENESS
Envirofacts Warehouse Source: U.S. EPA
http://www.epa.gov/enviro/index.html
This relational database integrates information from a number of EPA program systems. At this
site users can access information about Superfund areas, hazardous wastes, the Toxics Release
Inventory (TRI) (see below), water discharge permits, and much more. Easy to use mapping
tools are also available through the Warehouse. Moreover, this site has a search engine for
gathering information about a specific facility or location.
Distinguishing feature: serves as a useful site for individuals or organizations beginning
research on an issue as well as for those individuals or organizations looking to keep up-to-date
on environmental issues.
Right-to-Know Network Source: Funded by government agencies
and managed by OMB Watch and The
Unison Institute, non-profit organizations
http://www.rtk.net
This network was started in 1989 in support of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-
to-Know Act (EPCRA). EPCRA requires public access to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI)
(see below). Focusing on the environment, housing, and sustainable development, this site
provides free access to databases and text files. It also lists information about training sessions
being offered at locations throughout the United States.
Distinguishing feature: provides a broad selection of resources for tracking a wide range of
environmental issues.
Surf Your Watershed Source. U.S. EPA
http://www.epa.gov/surf
This web site incorporates a catchy title, as well as colorful graphics, to entice readers to locate
their watershed and access information about their water supply. This site also has a "Speak
Out" feature, where individuals concerned about watershed-based environmental protection can
exchange information and ideas.
Distinguishing feature: through the use of on screen maps or with the inputting of one's zip
code, a watershed's location, as well as information about that watershed, can be obtained.
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Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Source: U.S. EPA
http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/tri
Resulting in an annual report, the TRI database contains information about toxic chemicals that
are released into the environment. TRI was created pursuant to Section 313 of the Emergency
Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 (EPCRA).
Distinguishing feature: enables citizens to become informed about the release of toxic
chemicals into the environment. For example, the TRI State Fact Sheets provide a "snapshot" of
TRI releases reported for each State. The snapshot shows the number of facilities reporting, the
total amount of releases, and it also identifies the facilities reporting the greatest releases. This is
just one example of how "individuals and organizations using TRI knit together concerned
citizens with top corporate and government decision makers."
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MONITORING COMPLIANCE AND GETTING SUPPORT FROM
BUSINESSES WHICH SERVICE THE COMMUNITY
Food Quality Protection Act (FOPA1 of 1996: Source: Federal Law. Site
provided by U.S. EPA
http://www.epa.gov/opppspsl/fqpa
This law establishes a single health-based safety standard for pesticide residues in raw and
processed foods. As for the community-based component of this law, access the heading "New
Directions in Public Health Protection," located at the above site. Under this heading, the
"consumer right to know" discussion of the law states that within two years and annually
thereafter, EPA must publish a brochure that explains the risks and benefits of pesticides as well
as methods to avoid pesticide exposure. This brochure will be provided to large retail grocers,
who will then distribute the brochure.
Distinguishing feature: utilizes retail outlets within communities as a means of information
dissemination.
Orange County Corporate Combined Volunteer Source: Over 40 Corporations
Project (CCVP) in Orange County, California
http://www.suremail.com/occcvp
"The vision of the Orange County Corporate Combined Volunteer Project (CCVP) is to provide
an opportunity for companies to participate in community service projects that enhance the
quality of life in the communities in which they do business." This project focuses on providing
support to deserving non-profit agencies. As of 1996, participation in this project has grown to
over 40 corporations doing business in Orange County.
Distinguishing feature: provides an example of a coordinated approach to corporate
involvement in community service.
Small Business Assistance Program Source: U.S. EPA
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/sbap/welcome.html
The 1990 Amendments to the Clean Air Act require all States to develop a program to assist
small businesses in meeting the requirements of the Act. Through an electronic bulletin board,
site browsers can learn about the potential partnerships involving small businesses. Information
about regulations applicable to small businesses, as well as compliance incentives, can also be
located at this site. Finally, this site provides links to many of the State programs required by the
1990 Amendments.
Distinguishing feature: allows users to keep apprised of regulations and State program
initiatives that apply to small businesses.
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IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY TO LEARN: CHILDREN AS THE FOCUS
Concerned Citizens: Protecting Our Children Source: U.S. EPA
http://www.epa.gov/epahome/children.htm
This site is devoted to educating adults about the health threats to children. It provides
information about indoor air quality, asbestos, asthma, secondhand smoke, lead in the home, lead
in drinking water, pesticides, carbon monoxide, sun protection and more. Many of the topics
discussed at this site provide simple steps that can be taken to reduce or eliminate any danger to
your child.
Distinguishing feature: focuses on the susceptibility of children to particular environmental
threats.
E-Patrol Source: Non-profit
http://www.sprint.com/epatrol
E-Patrol is devoted to helping children solve and prevent environmental problems. E-Patrol has
developed an environmental curriculum that is presently being used in organized settings such as
camps, youth organizations and schools. One example of an E-Patrol resource is "Rainforest
Rescue," which guides children through a mock rainforest adventure. Another example is
"Recycle 1,2,3" which addresses recycling and discusses ways to reduce the production of waste.
Sprint and Coca-Cola are just two of the companies that support E-Patrol.
Distinguishing feature: taps corporate resources to provide educational materials that are ready
to be incorporated into formal settings.
Kids Web Source: A part of the Living
Textbook Project funded by
New York State
http://www.npac.syr.edu/textbook/kidsweb
An educational site geared toward children in grades K through 12. According to this site,
"Ideally the students should be presented with a subset of the Web that is very simple to
navigate, and contains information targeted at the K - 12 level. This is the goal of Kids Web."
One part of this digital library is devoted to the environmental sciences. Links to the EPA, the
Smithsonian Institute, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration can be
accessed from this site.
Distinguishing feature: provides children with a resource that can serve as a springboard for
other educational materials with a focus on environmental studies.
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UTILIZING COLLEGES AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER
LEARNING
Campus Environmental Yearbook Source: Campus Ecology, a program
of the National Wildlife Federation
http://www.linkmag.com/yearbook/10.html
This site promotes community outreach projects. A basic approach advocated by this group is,
(1) getting to know the identity and make-up of community organizations, (2) participating in
community events, (3) planning an event with a community organization and (4) promoting
frequent interaction with the community to build trust.
Distinguishing feature: focuses on college campuses but also describes how college
organizations can improve surrounding communities.
Community Outreach Partnership Center (COPO Source: University of California
at Los Angeles
http://copc.sppsr.ucla.edu
Run by the University's Department of Urban Planning and the Advanced Policy Institute, the
Community Outreach Partnership Center (COPC) focuses on developing community
partnerships. "The Partnership Center is designed to be a University research organization
working in partnership with community organizations and community concerns." Emphasis is
placed on applied research, which is research produced by the University which "can have
immediate and practical uses for community development,..."
Distinguishing feature: provides research on community issues, thereby enriching both the
university and the community. While this organization focuses on communities in the Los
Angeles area, the lessons learned can be applied elsewhere.
Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture Source: University of Minnesota
http://www.misa.umn.edu
The Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (MISA) is a partnership between the College
of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences at the University of Minnesota and the
Sustainers' Coalition, a group of individuals and non-profit organizations. Members of the
Sustainers' Coalition include the Organic Growers and Buyers Association, the Institute for
Agriculture and Trade Policy and the Minnesota Project, a program dedicated to strengthening
Minnesota's rural communities. According to MISA, its purpose "is to bring together the diverse
interests of the agricultural community with interests from across the University community in a
cooperative effort to develop and promote sustainable agriculture in Minnesota and beyond."
Distinguishing feature: utilizes the resources and creative minds at a university to benefit both
the communities and the students of the university.
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COMMUTATION AND TRANSPORTATION: ENVIRONMENTALLY
CONCERNED WAYS OF GETTING TO WORK AND ELSEWHERE
Capital Metro Commuter Transit Options Source: Capital Metropolitan
Transportation Authority, Austin,TX
http://www.capmetro.austin.tx.us/ato/commtran.htin
This site provides practical information about car pooling and other transportation services
available to people in the Austin, Texas area. Capital Metro will help organize car pools.
Suggestions for employers looking to motivate their employees to join car pools are also
available at this site. Besides freeing up congested roadways, car pooling cuts down on
automobile emissions, which, in turn, means cleaner air for the whole community.
Distinguishing feature: provides an example of an organization which promotes car pools.
Community Transportation Association of America Source: Non-profit
h ttp ://www.ctaa.org
According to this organization, "Community transportation is a practical alternative that picks up
where the private auto arid mass transit leave off." Concerned about the elderly, those
individuals with disabilities, and the poor and unemployed, this association offers technical
support to communities nationwide. Joblinks, a program of the Federal Transit Administration
(FTA), can also be accessed from this site. Joblinks focuses on transportation strategies for the
unemployed and the underemployed.
Distinguishing feature: provides the technical assistance and the useful research needed to
develop community-based transit improvements.
Livable Communities Initiative Source: Federal Transit
Administration, U.S. Department
of Transportation
http://www.fta.dot.gov/fta/library/planning/livbro.btml
According to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), transit provides an alternative means of
mobility and improves the quality of life in communities. With these benefits in mind, the FTA,
"initiated the Livable Communities Initiative to strengthen the link between transit and
communities." To strengthen this link, FTA recognizes that communities need to be involved in
the planning of transit services. Eligible recipients for funding include, but are not limited to,
city and county governments, and States and planning agencies. Community organizations,
however, are encouraged to participate as partners with eligible recipients. Examples of
successful "livable communities" projects can be viewed at this site. The incorporation of a child
care center, a health station and services for the elderly are just a few ways to make a transit
system more appealing and at the same time make the community more livable.
Distinguishing feature: provides a source of potential funding as well as a database of creative
transit solutions.
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Office of Mobile Sources* Consumer Information Source: U.S. EPA
http://www.epa.gov/OMSWWW/consumer.htm
This site provides a wealth of information, which includes, but is not limited to, fact sheets about
automobile emissions, toxics from automobiles, ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, and fuel
consumption statistics for the average vehicle. An array of suggestions for reducing pollution
from mobile sources is also available at this site. For example, motorists can find tips for getting
better gas mileage.
Distinguishing feature: provides a detailed database of general information about mobile source
pollution.
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FOCUSING ON CONSUMER PRODUCTS
Consumer Labeling Initiative (CLI) Source: U.S. EPA
http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/labeling/index.html
This voluntary effort to empower consumer choice is aimed at making labels easier to find, read
and understand. This initiative utilizes consumer input about labels, as well as the
recommendations and support of companies. The Phase I Report, which can be accessed at this
site, summarizes all the comments received, and the research conducted, in the effort to improve
the labeling of household consumer products.
Distinguishing feature: focuses on communicating to consumers the dangers or concerns
associated with certain household products.
Consumer Product Safety Commission Source: Independent Federal
Regulatory Agency
http://www.cpsc.gov
This agency focuses on keeping "American families safe by reducing the risk of injury or death
from consumer products." By developing voluntary standards with industry, issuing and
enforcing mandatory standards, banning and recalling products, conducting research, and
informing and educating the public, the Consumer Product Safety Commission helps to insure a
safe marketplace. Citizens can access this site to learn about specific products that have been
recalled. In a section labeled "Talk to us" consumers can report unsafe products. There is even a
"4 Kids" section devoted to products used by children.
Distinguishing feature; provides consumers with up-to-date information about the safety of
specific consumer goods.
Environmental Defense Fund Source: Non-profit
http://www.edf.org
Under a section labeled "Practical Action," this site provides information about consumer
products. Information ranging from the lead content in China dishes, to the purchasing of
"green" electricity, to the possibilities for recycling, can be found at this site. Also explored here
is the concept of "precycling," which involves the purchasing of environmentally responsible
products that make recycling and waste reduction easier. This site also includes a section entitled,
"Is it Real — or is it Greenwashing?" which discusses false claims associated with the "green
marketing" of consumer goods.
Distinguishing feature: discusses environmental concerns relevant to certain product classes.
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ENERGY SAVING
Energy Star Source: U.S. EPA
http://www.epa.gov/energystar.html
"In the United States electricity generation accounts for 35% of all U.S. emissions of carbon
dioxide, 75% of sulfur dioxide, and 38% of nitrogen oxides By encouraging the production
and use of energy-efficient equipment, energy usage and air pollution can be drastically
reduced." Information about energy efficient residential light fixtures, office equipment, Energy-
Star homes and even energy efficient exit signs can be obtained at this site. Also available at this
site is information about the partnerships, between EPA and industry, devoted to energy
efficiency.
Distinguishing feature: provides information about both energy efficient products and efforts
geared toward future advances for energy saving devices.
Quick & Easv Energy-Saving Tips Source: Hawaiian Electric
Industrial, Inc.
http://www.hei.com/heco/etips.htm
Displaying a lightbulb illuminating the earth's continents, this site is just one of many sites on
the Internet which provides a short list of ways to save energy. Focused on energy consuming
activities within the house, like washing the laundry or cooking, this site provides a brief list of
simple things anyone and everyone can and should do to save energy. By saving energy you not
only lower your energy bill but you also help the environment by reducing the polluting by-
products of energy producing resources.
Distinguishing feature: provides a brief, easy to apply list of energy-saving tips, which, when
performed by many people, can really make a difference.
20 Simple Steps to Reduce Global Warming Source: Environmental Defense Fund,
a non-profit organization
http://www.edf.org/Want2Help/b_gw20steps.html
At this site the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has described 20 simple steps individuals
can take to save energy. By saving energy, you use less fossil fuel and that means lower
emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas believed to contribute to global warming. In fact,
in the 20 steps outlined at this site the savings in pounds of carbon dioxide are listed.
Distinguishing feature: provides a list of simple things individuals can do, which, in the
aggregate, translate into real savings.
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TAKING THE HOTLINE APPROACH
Environmental Health Clearinghouse Source: National Institute of Environmental
Health Services (NIEHS). The Clearing-
House is managed by Information
Ventures, Inc.
http://iafoventures.com/e-hlth
This service is staffed by scientists trained in environmental health issues. The telephone
number is 1(800)643-4794 and the hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST, Monday
through Friday. The staff will respond to questions by completing research while the caller
waits. If necessary, the results of a more detailed search will be mailed to the caller.
Distinguishing feature: By providing a free-of-charge telephone number and service, and by
staffing the center with trained specialists, this site encourages citizens to satisfy their curiosities
about environmental health issues.
Environmental Justice Initiative Source: U.S. EPA, Region 5
http://www.epa.gov/docs/grtlakes/envjustice/index.html
This site opens with the following statement by U.S. EPA Administrator Carol Browner:
"... All Americans deserve clean air, pure water, land that is safe to live on, and food that is
safe to eat. Although there has been some significant progress made, some communities
continue to bear a disproportionate burden of pollution... "
In addition to background information about environmental justice issues, this site provides a
hotline number (1-800-962-6215) for citizens concerned about justice issues in their
communities.
Distinguishing feature: links community-based environmental issues with social concerns.
RCRA. Superfund & EPCRA Hotline Source: U.S. EPA
http://www.epa.gov/docs/epaoswer/hotline/index.htm
This hotline is open to the public and provides up-to-date information on regulations developed
pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the Comprehensive
Environmental Responsibility, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Emergency
Planning and Community RighMo-Know Act (EPCRA), as well as other legislation. Documents
can be ordered at this site.
Distinguishing feature: provides information on a range of environmental laws.
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ENCOURAGING LOCAL INDUSTRY TO GET INVOLVED
EPA's Partners for the Environment Source: U.S. EPA
http ://www.epa.gov/partners
EPA views the partnership approach as an important component of the national strategy to
protect the environment. Through "Partners for the Environment" EPA is establishing
cooperative partnerships with small and large businesses, citizen groups, state and local
governments, universities and trade associations. "Thousands of organizations are working
cooperatively with EPA to set and reach environmental goals such as conserving water and
energy, and reducing greenhouse gases, toxic emissions, solid wastes, indoor air pollution and
pesticide risk." The following is a brief description of some of the partnership programs that can
be accessed from the above site. These sites, which inform communities about available
programs and the companies that participate, can help strengthen community-based efforts to
encourage even more participation by industry.
Design for the EnvironmentfDfE^
http ://es.ineI.gov/dfe
Created in 1991, this program promotes the incorporation of environmental considerations into
product design.
Environmental Leadership Program
http://es.inel.gov/elp
The Environmental Leadership Program recognizes and provides incentives "to facilities willing
to develop and demonstrate accountability for compliance with existing laws."
Green Chemistry Program
http://es.inel.gov/partners/chemstry/chemstry.html
Focusing on the reduction and elimination of toxic chemicals, the Green Chemistry Program
promotes the development of products and processes that reduce or eliminate such chemicals.
Green Lights
http://www.epa.gov/greenlights.html
This program encourages the use of energy-efficient lighting to reduce air pollution, solid waste
and other damaging environmental impacts produced by the generation of electricity.
Project XL
http://199.223.29.233/ProjectXL/xlJiome.n5f/all/homepage
Under Project XL, private facilities, industry sectors, federal facilities and communities can
implement site-specific, innovative strategies that "produce superior environmental performance,
replace specific regulatory requirements, and promote greater accountability to stakeholders."
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LINKING WITH OTHER COMMUNITIES
Civic Practices Network Source: Nonpartisan project receiving support
from the Surdna Foundation, Brandeis University,
the University of Wisconsin at Madison, and the
University of Minnesota.
http://www.cpn.org/cpiuhtinl
This network was designed to bring "practical tools for public problem solving into community
and institutional settings across America." Links to many other networking organizations can be
easily accessed from this site. Additionally, this site provides case studies and essays on "civic
innovation."
Distinguishing feature: provides a detailed database of organizations devoted to networking and
the dissemination of ideas and essays about civic activity.
Envirolink Source: Non-profit
http://www.envirolink.org
This grassroots, online community enables literally hundreds of organizations and volunteers
committed to the environment to locate various environmental databases and to communicate
with one another. Enviiolink claims that it "is the largest on-line environmental information
resource on the planet, reaching well over 5.2 million people in over 130 countries every month,
as of November 1996." Through "EnviroForum," an electronic discussion or "chat" area, users
of this site can disseminate and exchange ideas.
Distinguishing feature: promotes the dissemination and exchange of ideas and information.
This aids the development of an environmental protection program that suits your particular
community.
Seattle Community Network Source: Non-profit
http://www.scn.org
This free, public computer network is run by volunteers. It is "committed to providing equal
access to information for all users." Neighborhood groups, environmentalists, health care and
social advocates, and other activists, discuss their views and programs on the "Community
Pages" section of this Internet site.
Distinguishing feature: provides an example of a network that is more local in scope than
Envirolink, the networking site described above.
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PROMOTING OUTINGS/ACTIVITIES THAT INSPIRE SUPPORT
Park Net Source: The National Park Service
http://www.nps.gov
This site provides detailed information, including maps and telephone numbers for the nation's
parks. Visitors to this Internet site can search for a park based on a theme or a particular interest.
At this location browsers can access data about air quality, geologic resources, water resources
and biologic resources in the parks.
Distinguishing feature: encourages visits to parks located throughout the United States. With
the databases provided by the Park Service, visitors to the nation's parks will be equipped with
an understanding of any environmental threats.
Sierra Club Source: Non-profit
http ://www.sierraclub.org
This site has a listing of outings which, undoubtedly, stimulate an appreciation of the great
outdoors. Also at this site, however, are less expensive activities described by the Sierra Club.
These activities take place closer to home and are designed to serve the community. For
example, during the writing of this guide, the Sierra Club site had a discussion of "strong roots,'
a project which utilized the energy and spare-time of the youths of a community to beautify the
neighborhood through a tree planting project.
Distinguishing feature: focuses on hands-on experiences to develop and strengthen an
appreciation of the environment. Additionally, a focus on activities for youths, such as "strong
roots," will help .to ensure that a community's children are channeling their energy into positive
and productive endeavors.
Trail Center Source: Volunteer Organization
http://www.meer.net/users/taylor/trailcen.htm
Run by volunteers, this organization provides information about parks and trails in Santa Clara,
San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco, California. The newsletter lists volunteer
opportunities, as well as trail events sponsored by a variety of organizations. The mapping of
regional trail systems is one of the opportunities available to volunteers. Trail Center also
promotes the development of new, multi-use trails.
Distinguishing feature: promotes outings that are not expensive. While this organization is
devoted to trails in California, a similar pursuit could be established in other parts of the country.
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RECYCLING
Internet Consumer Recycling Guide Source: Evergreen Industries
http://www.obviously.COM/recycle
"This recycling guide provides a starting point for consumers in the USA and Canada searching
the net for recycling information. The information is for regular folks with regular household
quantities of materials to recycle. The goal is to help make recycling so easy and automatic that
it blends into the flow of everyday life/1 This site provides an extensive database of information
about recyclables, including hard-to-recycle materials. Under the heading, "The World's
Shortest Comprehensive Recycling Guide," this site provides a condensed chart that discusses
those materials which can be recycled. This site also lists recycling centers located throughout
the United States.
Distinguishing feature: a great starting point to educate yourself about recycling. This site is
specifically geared toward the individual/household.
Pay As You Throw Source: U.S. EPA
http://www.epa.gov/docs/epaoswer/non-hw/payt/index.htm
This EPA sponsored program is designed to encourage citizens to reduce waste and to recycle.
Under pay-as-you-throw programs, residents pay for solid waste disposal based on the amount of
waste they generate. At least partly motivated by economic self-interest, the residents of over
2,000 pay-as-you-throw communities across the U.S. have significantly reduced waste
production. Information about implementing a pay-as-you-throw program, as well as profiles of
successful community programs, can be obtained at this site.
Distinguishing feature: focuses on economic self-interest as the mechanism for increased
participation in recycling programs.
San Francisco's Comprehensive Recycling Program Source: City Program
http://www.sfrecycle.org/info/info.html
Started in 1980, this program encourages recycling in San Francisco. Information about
recyclables (aluminum, glass, paper, plastics, tin/steel), places where recycling should be
practiced (home, school, work), and specific programs to improve recycling efforts can be
obtained at this site. Educators can learn how to set up recycling programs at their schools.
With a little effort, residents can reduce the amount of junk mail they receive.
Distinguishing feature: provides a comprehensive example of the recycling efforts of one
community.
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GETTING TEACHERS TO HELP
ABC's of Environmental Education Source: U.S. EPA, Region 5
http://www.epa.gov/docs/reg5oopa/ee/abc/index.htm
This site serves as a good starting point to find out about the National Environmental Education
Act. This Act directs the Federal Government to promote environmental literacy through the
education of the youth of America. It also directs the establishment of a National Environmental
Education and Training Foundation. This site has plenty of information about grants, awards and
internships. Finally, there are summaries about national programs (including contact telephone
numbers) at this site.
Distinguishing feature: provides an overview of the law and the resources available for
environmental education.
Department of Education Source: Federal Agency
http://www.ed.gov
This site provides a broad selection of data about education. Accordingly, a defined search is
required to narrow the scope to education related to the environment. From the opening page of
this site highlight the "search" box and then type "environment" as the keyword for the search.
The result is a list of topics about environmental education including references to education
materials and exemplary programs for environmental education.
Distinguishing feature: focuses on the resources available to, and provided by, the federal
agency devoted to education.
EE-Link Source: National Consortium for Environmental
Education and Training (NCEET). Support
provided by U.S. EPA
http://www.nceet.snre.umich.edu
Maintained by the National Consortium for Environmental Education and Training and receiving
support from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, this site provides data, grants
information, and networking opportunities for students, teachers and others who work to educate
people about the environment. A monthly updated listing and description of resources and
organizations focused on the environment is also available at this site.
Distinguishing feature: dedicated to helping teachers, and others, educate youngsters about the
environment.
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