EPA 175-B-93-002
Information Kit _
United States Environmental Protection Agency
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MAR 2 6 1193
THE ADMINISTRATOR
Dear Friend of the Environment:
Thank you for your interest in Earth Day 1993. Since 1970, Earth
Day has been an annual celebration of the environment and its
relationship to humanity. We focus attention not only on the beauty and
splendor of our natural world, but also on the challenges we face in
trying to protect our environment.
Earth Day offers us a chance to celebrate great natural wonders
like the Grand Canyon, the coral reefs of the Florida Keys, and the
Amazon rainforests. Earth Day makes us reflect on the environmental
problems that exist in urban and rural communities and allows us to work
together on finding solutions.
Earth Day is a time to observe our environment. If all of us take
responsibility, we can make progress in protecting our environment each
day. If all of us work together, we can leave a cleaner environment for
future generations.
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Today, we face the challenge of both safeguarding the environment
and fostering a healthy economy. The Environmental Protection Agency
has examined its own choices and is committed to strategies that can
meet that challenge. Strategies such as: sound scientific decision
making and research; pollution prevention which emphasizes
discovering ways to minimize the waste created; and working with
Congress, industry and environmental groups in addressing environmental
problems and developing solutions.
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The U.S.-EPA headquarters and each of our ten regional offices will
be commemorating Earth Day. Future generations can only enj oy the
beauty of our world if all of us respect the earth's natural resources
in our daily activities. Contact the EPA office near you for
information on how you can participate and help make every day Earth
Day.
Sincerel:'~
Carol. Browner
U.S EPt\
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WHAT 18 EARTH DAY?
Earth Day offers an opportunity to celebrate
our natural environment and to examine what can
be done to protect and enhance it. The first Earth Day
took place on April 22, 1970.
Earth Day is a grassroots, voluntary occasion.
No federal agency directs. Earth Day activities in the
United States, nor does any agency recognize a
single non-federal organization as being in charge.
The words "Earth Day" may be used by any
legitimate event tied to the occasion. There is no
official "Earth Day" logo. Earth Day belongs to
everyone. Observe it your own way.
Most importantly, though, do something to
celebrate Earth Day.
How did Earth Day begin?
On Wednesday, April 22, 1970, millions of
citizens participated in "Earth Day." Plans for this
event began in 1969, when then-Senator Gaylord
Nelson proposed a nationwide "teach-in" on
environmental issues. Co-chaired by then-
Representative Paul N. McCloskey, Jr., the 1970
Earth Day project encouraged people in towns and
cities across America to demonstrate their concern
about air and water pollution in a wide variety of ways.
Thousands of schools, colleges, and other
organizations held seminars and discussions on
environmental topics; Congress was not in session
because so many of its members were home
speaking about the environment across the country.
Through that first Earth Day, the concept of
"ecology"--the relationship of living things to one
another and their environment--became more widely
understood. Less than three months after April 22,
1970, President Nixon sent Congress his proposal to
consolidate major pollution control programs into a
new Environmental Protection Agency, and on
December 2, 1970, EPA came into existence.
What has happened since then?
Earth Day celebrations have been held across
the nation each year since 1970. In 1990, the 20th
anniversary of the first Earth Day was marked. Two
hundred million people in 3,600 communities in the
United States and in more than 135 countries on each
~f the seven continents participated in events that
year.
In 1991 and 1992, Earth Day celebrations were
held in communities coast to coast. What happens in
1993 depends on all of us. What will you do to
celebrate Earth Day? How can you help to make
every day Earth Day?
How Do I GET INVOLVED?
E PA is charged by Congress with protecting the
nations' air, land, and water systems. Under a
mandate of national environmental laws, EPA strives
to formulate and implement actions which lead to
compatible balance between human activities and the
ability of natural systems to support and nurture life. Inc-
accordance, EPA offers these Earth Day materials.
This packet has some tips and suggestions
about how to get environmentally involved. There is
also a listing of EPA contacts in each region of the
country-people who will let you know what EPA and
other organizations are doing for Earth Day and what
they do every day to protect the environment.
EPA, EARTH DAY, & GETTING INVOLVED
For additional and/or updated information about EPA, Earth Day, and how you can get involved, contact:
U.S.EPA
Public Information Center
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
(202) 260-7751
For press queries, call:
Lauren Mical
(202) 260-4358
For general public queries, call:
Beth Taylor, Earth Day Coordinator
(202) 233-9216
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EPA 1993 REGIONAL OFFICE EARTH DAY CONTACTS
Region 1 (covers CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT)
JFK Building, Boston, MA 02203
Frank Mcintyre (617) 565-9175/FAX: (617) 565-3415
Region 2 (covers NJ, NY, PR, VI)
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Yvette Harris (212) 264-9368/FAX: (212) 264-8109
Region 3 (covers DE, DC, MD, PA. VA, WV)
841 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Amelia (Mealie) Ubertz (215) 597-9817/FAX: (215) 597-0961
Region 4 (covers AL. FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN)
345 Courtland Street NE, Atlanta, GA30365
Alice Crosby (404) 347-3004/FAX: (404) 347-3721
Region 5 (covers IL, MI, MN, OH, WI)
77 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604
Denise Gawlinski (312) 886-9859/FAX: (312) 353-1155
Region 6 (covers AR, LA, NM, OK, TX)
1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX
Sandy Sevier (214) 655-22oo/fAX: (214) 655-2118
Region 7 (covers lA, KS, MO, NE)
726 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66101
Rowena Michaels (913) 551-7003/FAX: (913) 551-7066
Region 8 (covers CO, MT, NO, SO, UT, WY)
99918th Street, Denver, CO 80202
Nola Cook (303) 294-11 OO/FAX: (303) 294-7665
Region 9 (covers AZ., CA, HI, NV, AS, GU)
75 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
Ida Tolliver (415) 744-1581/FAX: (415) 744-1605
Region 10 (covers AK, 10, OR, WA)
1200 Sixth Avenue, Seattle WA 98101
Sally Hatnt (206) 553-1207/FAX: (206) 553-1107
EPA Cincinnati Lab
Pati Cooke (513) 569-7966
Thelma Johnson (513) 569-7212
EPA Las Vegas Lab
Marianne Carpenter (702) 798-2168
EPA Air and Engineering Lab (Washington, DC)
Bala Krishman (202) 260-2583/FAX: (202) 260-3861
EPA Environmental Research Lab (Athens, GA)
Ida Rosario-Hever (706) 546-3524/FAX: (706) 546-2018
EPA Health Effects Research Lab (Research Triangle Park, NC)
Barry Howard (919) 541-2729/FAX: (919) 541-5394
EPA Environmental Research Lab (Duluth, MN)
Bob Drummond (218) 720-5733/FAX: (218) 720-5539
NATIONAL HOTLINES AND CLEARINGHOUSES ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
(*Note: In some cases, you may have to wait or reach a
recording rather than speak directly with someone.)
Acid Rain
Acid Rain Hotline - (617) 641-5377 or (617) 674-7377.
Asbestos
Asbestos Ombudsman- (800) 368-5888 or (703) 305-5938.
Chemical Emergencies - Community Planning
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know
Information Hotline - Not an emergency number. Information'
on how to prepare for accidental releases of toxic chemicals.
(703) 412-9877 or (800) 535-0202/ (800) 553-7672 (TOO).
Drinking Water
Safe Drinking Water Hotline - (800) 426-4791.
Environmental Equity
Office of Environmental Equity Hotline - (800) 962-6215.
EPA Employment
EPA National Recruitment Program - (202) 260-3305.
EPA Publications
Center for Environmental Research Information - Distributes
EPA technical reports; (513) 569-7562. Public Information
Center - Distributes consumer-oriented pamphlets and
brochures; (202) 260-7751.
Hazardous Waste
Hazardous Waste Ombudsman - Assistance with problems
voicing a complaint or getting a problem resolved about
hazardous waste issues; (202) 260-9361 or (800) 262-7937.
Indoor Air
Indoor Air Quality Information Center - (301) 585-9020 or
(800) 438-4318.
Lead
National Lead Information Center - 1-(800) LEADFYI.
Pesticides
National Pesticides Telecommunications Network Hotline -
(800) 858-7378.
Poison Control
National Poison Control Center Hotline - Accidental ingestion
of chemicals, poisons, or drugs. (202) 625-3333.
Pollution Prevention/Recycling
Pollution Prevention Information Clearinghouse - Reducing
waste through source reduction and recycling; (202) 260-
1023 (Reference and Referral Line).
Green Lights Program - (202) 775-6650.
Radon
National Radon Hotline - (800) SOS-RADON.
Small Business Compliance
Small Business Ombudsman Hotline - Small business
compliance with EPA regulations; (800) 368-5888 or (703)
305-5938.
Solid Waste
Solid Waste Information Clearinghouse and Hotline
(SWICH)- (800) 67-SWICH.
Spills - Reporting
National Response Center Hotline - To report spills of oil and
other hazardous materials. 24 hours 365 days-(800) 424-
8802. Or business hours at (202) 267-2675.
Storm water
Stormwater Hotline - (703) 821-4823.
Superfund and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA)
RCRA/CERCLA (Superfund) Hotline (703) 412-9810- or
(800) 424-9346/ (800) 553-7672 (TOO)
Toxic Substances
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Assistance Information
Service - (202) 554-1404.
Wastewater Treatment
National Small Flows Clearinghouse - Wastewater treatment
technologies for small communities. (800) 624-8301 or (304)
293-4191.
Wetlands
Wetlands Protection Hotline - (800) 832-7828.
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EARTH DAY EVERY DAY
What Can My Community Group Oo?
Prevent Pollution
. Encourage your local government to start a recycling
program or to expand its current one, to use recycled
and recyclable materials, and to institute a responsible
toxic substances disposal program if one is not in
operation.
. Meet with local business groups such as the Chamber
of Commerce to promote pollution prevention. Encour-
age businesses to recycle and use recyclable materials,
eliminate unnecessary packaging and otherwise mini-
mize waste.
. Sponsor special events at worksites or other gathering
places to promote recycling, carpooling, the use of mass
transportation, and the purchase of products which
minimize harm to the environment. These might include
rallies of those who took the bus, carpooled or rode a
bike to work, or special buttons for those bringing a
certain amount of materials to a recycling center.
Education
. Have your organization, the local school system
or college sponsor poster, essay and photography
contests.
. Offer assistance to your local school system in
sponsoring plays, field trips and school garden or lab
projects.
. Sponsor a teach-in in cooperation with the
local college.
. Organize a speakers' bureau. Give presentations to
schools, businesses and community groups.
. Encourage community service, fraternal, church,
labor, youth and other organizations to review current
and expected environmental conditions and discuss how
people can individually and collectively act to make a
difference.
. Ask local officials, scientists and environmental
experts to participate in a town meeting or other forum
to discuss local needs, such as recycling, carpooling,
community and regional outdoor amenities and other
issues affecting the environment, and to consider
possible ways to address these needs.
. Ask your local government agencies and flews media
to assess environmental conditions in your community
or region. What progress or lack of it has occurred
since the first Earth Day in 1970?
. Conduct group educational tours of environmentally
important or threatened local areas, sewage treatment
plants, and energy-efficient homes.
. Encourage and help managers of local libraries,
museums and public buildings to display environmental
exhibits.
. Organize a water quality monitoring project in conjunc-
tion with a local environmental group. Send a postcard
requesting the "Directory of National Citizen Volunteer
Environmental Monitoring Programs" to U.S. EPA's
Public Information Center, Mail Code PM-211-S,
Washington, D.C., 20460.
. Have your club or association present awards to
citizens, groups, businesses or officials who have
devoted considerable time or resources to improving
environmental conditions.
Stewardship
. Organize tree plantings and help ensure that your
trees survive.
. Construct or repair trails, picnic tables, signs, interpre-
tive exhibits and other amenities related to the use and
appreciation of the environment.
. Have your group agree to "adopt" threatened local
areas or species. List the most threatened water body,
wetland, habitat, park, scenic roadway or plant and
animal species in your area after surveying local opinion
and consulting with local environmental organizations
and conservation officials.
. Organize clean-ups of parks, beaches, empty lots,
neighborhood streets and alleys. Sort the collected
material by recycling categories and educate clean-up
participants on recycling alternatives. Report the
amounts in each category to local news media. . For
information on recycling, send a postcard to the U.S.
EPA Public Information Center, Mail Code PM - 211 S,
Washington, D.C., 20460.
Recreation
. Celebrate! Enjoy the environment. Organize Earth
Day picnics, concerts, fun runs or hike-, bike- and walk-
a-thons. To highlight the environmental aspect of such
events, hold them at parks, community open spaces or
other relevant locations.
(u.s. EPA acknowledges the assistance in compiling this list of the 1990 "National Celebration of the Outdoors" project.)
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EARTH DAY EVERY DAY
What Can I Do Every Day?
Composting
Here are some other tips culled from EPA publications on a variety of topics:
Yard wastes such as grass, prunings, weeds, and remains of
garden plants all make excellent compost. To speed the
composting process, woody yard wastes should be clipped
and sawed down, or run through a shredder. Vacuum
cleaner lint, wool and cotton rags, sawdust, shredded
newspaper, and fireplace ashes also can be composted.
Although many foods can be composted, you should check
with your local Board of Health to see if any sanitary code
restrictions apply to food composting in your area. Do not
compost meats, dairy foods, fats, oils, or grease.
Reducing Air Pollution
Since automobiles are a major source of air pollution in most
areas, your driving habits and your car maintenance can
either add to the problem or help solve it.
Driving Tips
. Plan Ahead. Organize your trips. Driving fewer miles will
help reduce air pollution. Combine several errands into one
trip. Avoid driving during peak traffic periods when stop-and-
go traffic is at its worst. Try walking or bicycling for short
errands and leisure activities.
. Ride Share. Carpools and public transportation reduce the
number of cars on the road and miles driven. If you own or
manage a business create incentives that encourage people
to carpool.
. Use an energy-conserving grade of motor oil.
. Use clean fuels.
. Drive at a medium speed. In normal traffic conditions,
most cars operate most efficiently between 35 and 45 miles
per hour; lower or higher speeds are less efficient. If you
drive 55 miles per hour rather than 65 miles per hour on the
highway, you can increase your gas mileage by as much as
15 percent.
. Drive at a steady speed.
. Stop and start evenly.
. Don't idle the engine unnecessarily.
. T ravel light.
. Follow your owner's manual.
Recycling
. Find out if there is a recycling program in your community.
. If so, participate in the program by separating recyclables
a'1d talking them to your local drop-off or buy-back center,
or put them out for curbside pickup.
. Don't throwaway what you can use again-plastic
containers, for instance, can be used many times.
. If you change your own auto oil, take it to a local service
station or recycling center.
. Leave grass clippings on the lawn or compost them with
leaves.
. When choosing between similar products, select the one
with the least unnecessary packaging.
. Use products in containers that are recycled in your
community, and things that can be repaired or reused.
. Support recycling markets by using products made from
recycled material.
. Get involved in planning for your state and local solid waste
management.
. Inform government officials about the benefits of recycling.
. Encourage state and local governments and businesses to
recycle and to use recycled material or recyclables.
. Participate in or start a voluntary recycling program with a
local college, church, union, or community service
organization.
. Organize a recycling program where you work.
Pesticides
The following tips on home storage and disposal can help
you handle pesticides correctly:
Storage
. Buy only enough product to carry you through the use
season to reduce storage problems.
. Store pesticides away from children and p~ts. A locked
cabinet in a well-ventilated utility area or garden shed is best.
. Store flammable liquids outside living quarters and away
from an ignition source.
. Never put pesticides in cabinets with, or near, food, medical
supplies, or cleaning materials. Always store pesticides in
their original containers, complete with labels that list
ingredients, directions for use, and antidotes in case of
accidental poisoning. Never transfer pesticides to soft drink
bottles or other containers that children may associate with
something to eat or drink. Always properly refasten child-
proof closures or lids.
. Avoid storing pesticides in places where flooding is .
possible, or in open places where they might spill or leak into
the environment.
Disposal
. The best way to dispose of a small, excess amount of
pesticide is to use it-apply it"":"according to directions on the
product label. If you cannot use it, ask your neighbor
whether he/she can use it. If all the pesticide cannot be
used, check with your local health department, solid waste
management agency, or regional EPA office to determine
whether your community has a hazardous waste collection
program or any other program fro handling disposal of
pesticides.
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&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Water
Washington, D.C. 20460
EPA 570/9-91-100
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Fact Sheet:
21 Water Conservation Measures
for Everybody
The earth is covered with water, yet only one percent is available for drinkjng.
Unfortunately, many of us take this smaD percentage for granted. The average
adult needs only 2-1/2 quarts of water per day to maintain health, but In the
United States, we each use 125 to 150 gallons per day for cooking, washing,
flushing, and w~erlng. That's over 40 percent more water than we need to ac-
cof11)Ush these tasks. Our wasteful habits not only deplete clean water reser-
ves faster than we can replenish them, but they pollute many waterways,
rendering them unfit for ooman consufT1)tion. They also stress aging drinking
water and sewage treatment facUitles beyond their capacities. In each of the
past few years, wastewater treatment systems du~ an estimated 2.3 trillion
gallons of Inadequately treated sewage Into U.S. coastal waters, destroying
beaches, fisheries, and other marine life..
We waste water both by practicing bad habits, like leaving the water running
when we brush our teeth, and by using antiquated equipment not built with
water conservation In mind. Bad habits can be difficult to change, but new ones
can save thousands of gallons 0' water per year per person. Installing new
water-saving equipmenl and smaU devices also can save significant amounts
of water per household without requiring us 10 change our daily rouUnes. Many
devices are Inexpensive, available In local hardware stores, and easy to Install.
They can save energy (and energy biUs) tool By following . few ~e steps,
a typical family of four can save an astounding 50,000 10 100,000 gallons of
water per year. What are we waiting for?
For Every Room In the House
. Repair leaky faucets, Indoors and out. One leaky faucet can use up to
4,000 gallons of water per month.
. Install faucet aerators. These Inexpensive devices can reduce water use
up to 60 percent, while maintaining a strong flow.
In the Kitchen
. When cooking, save 10 to 15 gallons of water per meal by peeUng and clean-
ing vegetables In a large bowl of water Instead of under the ruming tap.
. Whe.1 hanctwashing dishes, save 15 gallons of water by soaking dirty
dishes in the basin, then rinsing them off.
. Run full-load dishNashers to save 15 gallons per ba:f and hot waler costs, too.
. When buying a new dishwasher, select one with a "Iight-wash- option.
Newer models use 20 percent less water than older ones.
"tongreu of the Unil8cf SIaan. Oftice 01 Technology Asseument. 1;a7. Waste in the Marine
Environment, Washinglan, D.C.
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In the Bathroom
. Take short showers instead of baths. Showers use an average of 5 to 7
gallons per minute, Uvee times less than the water used to take a bath.
. Install a Iow-flow showerhead. This wiU aJt water use In the shower to just
3 gallons per mloote and stlU P"
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: HOME GARDENING
One of the most positive actions a homeowner can take to reduce exposure to pesticides Is to
cultivate a natural home garden. Over the past ten years, enthusiasm for home gardening has grown
enormously. Not only are the vegetables and herb~ harvested from a garden more flavorful and nutritious
than store-bought produce, but a sense on satisfaction can be gained from producing one's own food.
There are many simple ways you can reduce or eUminate the need for pesticide use In your
garden. The most effective approach to successfully controlUng garden pests Is to e~loy a combination
of techniques.
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Any discussion of successful gardening must begin with the Importance of rich, fertile soil.
Healthy soil Is better able to yield healthy plants and healthy plarts are better able to resist Insects and
disease.
Each gardening season should begin by turning over the soil In the garden bed and mixing in
organic matter such as manure or compost to add essential nutrients. Organic matter releases nutrients
slowly In contrast to some synthetic or inorganic fertiUzers which provide a .qulck fix. of nutrients.
Beneficial Insects
It Is Important to recogrize that not allnsects In a garden are "pests.. A garden and Its
surroundings contain many insects that are actually beneficial to the garden because they feed on Insects
that are harmful. Therefore, a gardener must learn to Identify garden Insects and detemine whether they
are harmful or benefICial. Many organic gardening books provide illustrations of the most common
benefICial and harmful Insects and will provide Information on how to promote the population of beneficial
insects such as ladybugs, bees, green lacewings, praying mantises, dragonflies, predacious mites and
thrips, predacious wasps, and spiders. Some companies such as seed catalogs sell beneficial insects by
mail order.
Some plants possess the natural abiUty to repel certain Insects. Comp.... Jon planting Is the
practice of strategically placing insect-repelHng plants next to crops that wil benefit from their natural
properties. For exa~e, planting garlic among vegetables helps fends off Japanese beetles, aphids, the
vegetable weevil, and spider rrites; basil planted near tomatoes repels tomato hormNorms; and marigolds
interplanted with cucurbits discourage cucumber beetles.
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Planting different kinds of vegetables in each different section of your garden plot each year will
help reduce pest Infestation. In the faU, some Insects lay their eggs In the soil a couple of inches below
the surface. The eggs hatch In the spring and Immediately begin the search for their food source. Many
insects will only feed on one or two types of vegetables. If the plant they prefer to eat Is located several
feet or yards away, the insect roost migrate to the source. Many win die along the way or fall prey to birds
and other insects. Also, certain families of plants (e.g. potatoes and peppers. nightshade family) attract
the same pests.
In addition, many crops predominately absorb a particular nutrient from the soil. By rotating your
crops each year, the $011 In a particular section of the garden wiN have the opportunity to rest and
regenerate.
Prlnllld on RBcydtKJ P.-
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Diversified Planting
A common practice among home gardeners Is to plant a single crop In a straight row. This
encourages pest Infestation because It faciUtates easy travel of an Insect or disease from one host plant to
another. By Intermlnglng different types of plants and by not piantlng In straight rows, an Insect Is forced
to search tor a new host plant thus exposing itself to predators. Also, this approach corresponds well with
companion plaming.
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Some Insects, If given a choice, will opt to feed on one type of plant over another. For example:
maggots prefer radishes over com and tomato worms prefer dill over tomatoes. Therefore, certain plants
can be strategically placed so that they lure harmfull Insects away from the plants you wish to protect.
These are commonly referred to as 'rap plants.. Once the trap plant has become Infested, the target
insect can be picked off and dropped In soapy water or the entire plant can be pulled up and disposed of.
Barriers and Traps
Barriers and traps are types of mechanical controls that can be erf1)loyed to capture or lr11Jede
pests. A coUar made of thick paper or cardboard which Is placed around the stem of a plant and pressed
into the soli and Inch or so deep win prevent cutworms and other burrowing Insects from getting Into the
soil around your plants. An effective technique for trapping non-flying Insects Is to bury a tin can In the
bed of your garden so that the lip of the can is flush with the soil surface. Some bugs will fall In the can and
be unable to get out. The can should be erf1)tied often. A board or thick piece of paper painted yellow
and coated with a sticky substance such as tanglefoot will attract and intercept aphids and other small,
flying insects.
Mulching
Mulching Is the spreading of organic matter In a garden and around piants. It Is one of the most
effective mehtods for combatting weeds. Mulch also helps the soil retain moisture and stay cool. Mulch
should be added to the garden when piants are four to six Inches high. Grass cDppings, leaves, hay,
sawdust, woodchlps, and compost make excellent mulches.
Compost
Fertile soil Is the underpinning of a healthy garden. One of the most effective ways to enhance
soil fertiUty is to add compost. Compost is made by mixing organic matter and allowing it to decay through a
natural process. The end product is a dark, rich su~ called humus which can be added directly to
the soil.
The first step In developing a compost heap Is to build a holding bin or composter. Chicken wire,
scrap wood, snow fencing, or clnderblocks can be used to construct a bin. The dimensions should be at
least 3' X 3' X 3' but can vary depending on your needs. The bin should be placed In a convenient
location.
Leaves, grass clippings, and household vegetable food waste are some of the most common
materials that can be added to a compost heap. Do not add animal residues as they may attract rats and
racoons. The pile must be tumed to aerate the material. If you tum the pile every month or so, humus will
be ready In about six months. If the pile Is turned every three to five days, the humus will be ready in two
months or less.
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Bio-Integral Resource Center
P.O. Box 7414
Berkeley, CA 94707
(415) 524-2567
The Necessary Catalog
422 Salem Ave.
New Castle, VA 24127
(703) 864-5103
Natural Gardening Research Center
Hwy. 48, P.O. Box 149
Sunman, Indiana 47041
Rodale Press and Research Center
33 E. Minor St.
Emmaus, PA 18098
'f215) 967-5171
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. ENDANGERED SPECIES
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HELP PROTECT ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES, AND
ALL WILDLIFE IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD, ACROSS THE COUNTRY,
AND AROUND THE WORLD .
Despite the Increased concern over the need to protect endangered and threatened species, the world
continues to lose entire species at an ever-Increasing rate. In the United States alone, the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service currenlly lists over 200 animals and 300 plants as endangered or threatened,
and many more are proposed for listing. The United States environmental Protection Agency Is
dedicated to the preservation and continued protection of all endangered and threatened species.
o Ecological Stability
Even the smallest species represents an Important and Irreplaceable link In the complex
ecosystem humans, animals, and plants. Each species plays an interdependent
role In the dynamic functioning of a healthy and stable environment. When a species becomes extinct.
its contribution to a healthy ecosystem is lost forever, and may trigger the extinction of species
which depended upon It.
o Medical Research
Each species stores a wealth of genetic Information which has taken mlUlons of years to develop and
perfect. Throughout history, scientists have found that the unique characteristics and chemical
structures of some species possess Incredible benefits to humans. Substances derived from plants and
animals are found in at least 25 % of all prescriptions written In the U.S. We have investigated only a
small fraction of the world's species. If a species goes extinct without having been researched, with it
may go undlsdosed medical QJres that will never again be made available to humans.
o Agricultural Research
The ,world's plant species represent a virtually untapped source of potential agricultural benefits.
Human populations worldwide depend upon plants to provide them with grains, fruits and vegetables.
Plant species which possess the ability to grow in varied cilmates, produce higher yields, and natural!)
resist pests and diseases may become extinct before we have a chance to uncover their s&erets and
incorporate their desirable characteristics Into our domestic agricultural plants.
o Economic Benefits
Economic benefits from recreation associated with watching, photographing, and hunting wildUf.
amounts to approximately $5 billion per year. By protecting endangered and
threatened species, we preserve habitats that support and sustain other populations of wildlife.
The monies generated through wildlife recreation help support a variety ot industries: "~Jtdoor
recreational equipment, travel. food and beYerSi~'9. chemical. and automotive.
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Species become endangered or threatened for a variety of reasons and mostly all are directly
attributable 10 human activities.
. LOSS OF HABITAT
-Building roads
-Housing developments
-Strip mining
. ILLEGAL COLLECTION
. INTRODUCED PREDATORS
. HABITAT DEGRADATION/POLLUTION
-Acid rain
-Erosion
-Pesticides
. OVERGRAZING
. COMPETITION WITH EXOTIC SPECIES
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o Contact your state's fish and game or natural resources department to find out what
endangered species Uve In your area and what Is being done to proted them.
o If you must use chemicals for your lawn or garden, please follow directions carefully, and properly
dispose of old or unwanted containers.
o Plant a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers to attract and support many different
wildlife species.
o Don't buy exotic wildlife products or as pets. They are often difficult to keep and
may be protected species.
o Visit local wildife preserves and refuges and learn more about the wildlife you live with.
o When visiting parks, follow all ordinances: keep your pets on a leash, camp and hike
only In designated areas, and DON'T UTTER.
o Observe laws and regulations concerning wildlife and report violators to your local
Federal or State authorities.
o Operate all types of vehicles only on maintained roads.
o Locally, volunteer to help with conservation projects Including habitat clean up or
fund-raising.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ENDANGERED SPECIES CONTACT:
Fish and Wildlife Reference Service
5430 Grosvenor Lane
Suite 110
Bethesda, MD 20814
National Marine Fisheries Service
Department of Commerce
Washington, DC 20235
The Endangered Species Protection Program
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M. Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20460
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Department of Agrlcuture
Washington, DC 20250
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