In the past the Scientific Library sponsored a program titled WHAT CAN I DO? - AN ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS CAMPAIGN. The purpose of this campaign was to help everyone learn how to make our world a better place to live, in both small and big ways. Although the program is over, you can use the relevant information below to continue to be environmentally aware.

• HELPFUL WEBSITES

• WHAT CAN I DO?

• ENVIRONMENTALLY-THEMED MATERIALS AT THE SCIENTIFIC LIBRARY

HELPFUL WEBSITES

General Environmental Websites

• Amicus Green Building Center
• Cosmetic Safety Database (Environmental Working Group)
• Eat Local Frederick
• Electric Vehicle Association of Greater Washington, D.C.
• Environment, Energy, and Agriculture (USA.gov)
• Forecast Earth (The Weather Channel)
• Household Actions to Help the Environment (Stop Global Warming Now)
• Low Impact Living
• NIH Environmental Management System
• Simple Steps (Natural Resources Defense Council)
• Yahoo! Green

Recycling and Reducing Waste Websites

• Donating Items to Frederick Re-store (Habitat for Humanity)
• Recycling (Environmental Protection Agency)
• Recycling at NCI-Frederick
• Recycling in District of Columbia -- Maryland -- Pennsylvania -- Virginia -- West Virginia
• Reducing Waste (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency)

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WHAT CAN I DO?

Many people feel they can't do anything to save the environment because they can't afford to buy a hybrid car, or add solar panels to their homes, or make other expensive changes. But even little actions can help! Here is a list of small efforts that can make a difference. Try one!

• Recycle newspapers, magazines, bottles, cans
• Use canvas bags for groceries and lunches
• Use rechargeable batteries
• Use energy-saving light bulbs
• Use glass or ceramic coffee mugs and cups
• Turn off lights in unused rooms
• Open window blinds to let in the sunshine during the winter, and close blinds during hot summer days
• Carpool as often as possible
• Use email or other forms of electronic communication
• Set computers and printers to "sleep" mode or to power down when not in use
• Put live plants in living areas of home and office to act as air filters to replenish the oxygen and purify the air
• Save information on disks or memory sticks
• Use refillable pens
• Use recycled coffee filters

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ENVIRONMENTALLY-THEMED MATERIALS AT THE SCIENTIFIC LIBRARY

The following materials about the environment are available from the Scientific Library. Complete information about each item may be found by searching the Library's Online Catalog.

• THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW
  Documentary, movie, and speaker DVDs; Call No. AV 00201 no.31
• AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH
  Documentary and speaker DVDs; Call No. AV 00201 no.29
  Companion book; Call No. QC 981.8 .G666 2006
• LIVING WITH ED
  DVD; Call No. AV 00385
• PLANET EARTH
  DVD; Call No. AV 00386
• SIX DEGREES COULD CHANGE THE WORLD
  Documentary, movie, and speaker DVDs; Call No. AV 00201 no.31
• TEARS OF THE CHEETAH
  Informal Talk; Call No. AV 00389
  Book; Call No. Reading Diversions QH 423 .O276 2003
• WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR?
  Documentary and speaker DVDs; Call No. AV 00201 no.33

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