5`SS\:WdW\U by Trish Riley A member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc. 5`SS\:WdW\U by Trish Riley A member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc. It is with great pleasure that I dedicate this book to my children, Rachel and Bud; to their future offspring; and to all children of the future—yours as well as mine. I have great hope that with the turning tide of public awareness, humanity will be able to ensure a happy, healthy future for those living on Earth. I am proud to help bring about that change through this book, and I thank you for joining the effort to preserve the Earth for all of our children. /:>6/0==9A Published by the Penguin Group Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014, USA Penguin Group (Canada), 90 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario M4P 2Y3, Canada (a division of Pearson Penguin Canada Inc.) Penguin Books Ltd., 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England Penguin Ireland, 25 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland (a division of Penguin Books Ltd.) Penguin Group (Australia), 250 Camberwell Road, Camberwell, Victoria 3124, Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty. Ltd.) Penguin Books India Pvt. Ltd., 11 Community Centre, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi—110 017, India Penguin Group (NZ), 67 Apollo Drive, Rosedale, North Shore, Auckland 1311, New Zealand (a division of Pearson New Zealand Ltd.) Penguin Books (South Africa) (Pty.) Ltd., 24 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa Penguin Books Ltd., Registered Offices: 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England 1]^g`WUVb– %PgB`WaV@WZSg All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. No pat- ent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of information contained herein. For information, address Alpha Books, 800 East 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240. THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO and Design are registered trademarks of Penguin Group (USA) Inc. ISBN: 1-4362-9436-3 Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2007924616 Interpretation of the printing code: The rightmost number of the first series of numbers is the year of the book’s print- ing; the rightmost number of the second series of numbers is the number of the book’s printing. For example, a printing code of 07-1 shows that the first printing occurred in 2007. Note: This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its author. It is intended to provide helpful and informative material on the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the author and publisher are not engaged in rendering professional services in the book. If the reader requires personal assistance or advice, a competent profes- sional should be consulted. The author and publisher specifically disclaim any responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this book. Publisher: Marie Butler-Knight Cartoonist: Richard King Editorial Director: Mike Sanders Book Designer: Trina Wurst Managing Editor: Billy Fields Indexer: Heather McNeill Acquisitions Editor: Tom Stevens Layout: Ayanna Lacey Development Editor: Michael Thomas Proofreaders: Mary Hunt and Kathy Bidwell Production Editor: Kayla Dugger Copy Editor: Nancy Wagner 1]\bS\baObO5ZO\QS >O`b( =c`3O`bV(BVS0WU>WQbc`S 1 What Is Global Warming? 3 The first step in dealing with a problem is to understand it. 2 Living in Harmony with the Earth 15 Saving the earth from our industrial destruction means learning to live more in tune with nature. 3 Sustainable Living 29 Find out how to give back as much as you take from the earth’s ecosystem. 4 Changing Our Energy Habits for a Healthier Future 41 It’s never easy to change our habits, but it’s not impossible; we’ll let you know what you can do and how much it will help you and the earth. >O`b ( 5]W\U5`SS\Ob6][S # 5 Saving Energy at Home 53 Curbing global warming begins at home—save on your electric bills while you save the earth! 6 Saving Water at Home 67 Without fresh, clean water, we’d die, and many people do every day. Our supply is limited, and we need to stop wasting it and begin protecting it today. 7 Reusing, Reducing, and Recycling Waste 75 Reusing and recycling can make a big difference to our future by preserving our resources and our space—learn how to reduce your waste stream. >O`b!( 5`SS\:WdW\U]\bVS@]OR &% 8 Green Driving 89 You can learn to reduce your fuel consumption and reduce your carbon dioxide emissions. 9 Hybrids and Other Green Options 101 Moving up to a high-efficiency vehicle could be the best change you can make for the earth, and we’ll give you options. Wd BVS1][^ZSbS7RW]bÂa5cWRSb]5`SS\:WdW\U 10 Transportation Beyond Home Base 111 Reduce the impact of your travel with carbon offsets, and spend your vacation in an environmentally sensitive ecoresort. >O`b"( 5`SS\:WdW\UW\G]c`2OWZg:WTS ! 11 Chemicals in Foods 125 In the past half-century, our dinners have become a mix of chemicals and technology. It’s time to reclaim our natural food sources and enjoy the bounty of the earth! 12 The American Lawn and Garden: Making It Safe 143 Let’s learn to appreciate the pretty little flowers that grow without chemicals—and our bodies and gardens and rivers will appreciate that, too! 13 Chemicals in Cosmetics and Body Care Products 155 Who knew that charming kohl could make us sick? Cosmetics are loaded with toxics that we can easily avoid. 14 Chemicals in Cleaning Products 165 It doesn’t take potent poisons to make your home clean and fresh—learn what to avoid and how to enjoy a clean, healthier home. 15 Creating a Green Home Interior 173 Paint, furniture, carpets all contribute to unhealthy indoor air quality. >O`b#( 5]W\U5`SS\ObE]`Y &! 16 Green Buildings LEED the Way 185 Learn about the architectural showcases that are “LEEDing” the way into the future with healthy new building designs. 17 Companies That Have Gone Green and How 197 Many companies have started going green without being forced by regulations because they know it’s essential to our future. See how it’s benefited them—and you. 18 Working with Our Employers to Green the Workplace 211 If your firm hasn’t caught on, you can help lead the way into the future at your own office. 1]\bS\baObO5ZO\QS d >O`b$( :WdW\UW\bVS3[S`OZR1Wbg # 19 Going Green in Our Communities 227 Cities are taking the initiative to curb greenhouse gases and create healthier communities—and it’s become a race to see who can do it best. 20 Teaching Our Children Principles of Green Living 239 Teaching children why it’s important to protect the earth will help them develop healthful habits for their lifetimes. 21 The New Green Economy 251 Many new job opportunities are developing as we move into a green future. 22 Investing in Progress: Socially Responsible Investment Opportunities 259 You can help promote green development and a healthier future by putting your money where it counts! /^^S\RWfSa A Green Glossary 269 B Resource Guide for Going Green 277 C For Further Reading (and Viewing) 299 Index 303