What is the Clean Air Act? How does it work? What is its history? This article looks at this landmark air pollution control statute to answer these and other questions. | Read More →

The amount of pollution and waste businesses generate is simply mind-bloggling, so much so that household waste is often overlooked. Even so, household waste is a huge problem in itself, and it is one that ordinary people can do their part to solve. This article takes a look at 10 things households can do to reduce the amount of waste they gen10 Ways to Reduce the Amount of Waste Your Household Generates by beconrad According to a recent survey, the average American produces nearly 450 pounds of waste every single year. Those eye-popping totals include 90 pounds of discarded clothing and shoes, nearly 80 pounds of plastic and almost another 80 pounds of cardboard boxes. And while much of that waste is ostensibly recyclable, other studies have shown that only a small percentage of plastic, glass and cardboard are actually recycled. The rest of that waste ends up in landfills, where it adds to the enormous problem that already exists. With such high numbers, it may seem that the waste problem is insurmountable, but it can be tackled if everyone does their part. Here are 10 things you can do right now to reduce the amount of waste your household generates. 1. Kick bottled water to the curb. Invest in a whole house water filter. If you are tired of lugging cases of bottled water into the house and empty bottles to the trash, why not invest in a whole house water filter? Once the system is in place you can enjoy an endless supply of delicious and healthy water – no plastic bottles required. 2. Buy a reusable water bottle. If you cannot install a whole house filtration system, you can reduce waste with a quality reusable water bottle. Look for a bottle that is made to last, with BPA-free plastic and quality components. 3. Try kitchen composting. Setting up a compost bin is a great way to reduce waste and make use of all those food scraps, but what if you do not have a lot of space? Enter kitchen composting, a simple and small bin-based system that turns your unwanted vegetable scraps into rich soil for your garden. 4. Buy used products to reduce packaging. When you buy a new product, you will end up with a huge pile of packaging, most of which will go straight to the trash. Buying used instead eliminates that packaging and saves you money in the process. 5. If you love fizzy beverages, why not make them at home? Home soda fountains are all the rage, and they are incredibly easy to use. The carbon dioxide tanks are refillable and reusable, and you will never have to buy another plastic bottle or aluminum can again. 6. Sign up for a bag at a time trash service. If you need a financial incentive to generate less household trash, ask about a bag at a time refuse service. Many municipalities allow residents to buy their bags individually, so the less trash you generate the more money you save. 7. Go grocery shopping in your fridge. Food waste is a big problem in the United States, and some studies have shown that nearly one third of all groceries purchased end up in the trash. That is a lot of food, and money, wasted, but it does not have to be that way. The next time you feel hungry, go grocery shopping in your fridge first, using up leftovers and making creative meals with the ingredients you already have on hand. 8. Buy clothes based on quality and value, not just price. Fast fashion is a big contributor to landfill waste, with cheap and disposable garments taking up enormous amounts of space in local dumping grounds. The next time you need a new outfit, look beyond the price tag and choose your garments based on quality construction instead. Your clothes will last longer, and in the end you could even save money. 9. Go shopping with reusable cloth shopping bags. From the grocery store to the department store, you can use cloth shopping bags nearly everywhere. The one-time cost of the bag will save you a ton of trash, so do your part to reduce the solid waste problem. 10. Go paperless for bills and other mail. Junk mail is a huge contributor to solid waste, even in the age of recycling. Opting for paperless credit card bills and bank statements will go a long way toward reducing the amount of waste your household generates. If everyone does their part, the tsunami of household waste could be tamed, but it will take a concerted effort on the part of every individual and every household. The 10 tips listed above can help you reduce your personal waste profile, so you can do your part to save the planet and give your kids a greener future. erate. | Read More →

The Clean Air Act is a hallmark of environmental wellness and public health aspirations. The nation's first major air pollution law set standards that resonated for generations. Its impactful legacy is still felt today. | Read More →

An article/blog post outlining the origin, evolution and effects of the Clean Air Act. Primary focus is upon the 1970 version, which seems to have offered the most comprehensive advancement in requirements. From the smog conditions of the 1960s which prompted action to the resulting reduction of hospitalizations, deaths, symptoms due to the balanced approach to reducing pollution while preserving the economy, this piece offers a thoughtful overview of the story of this law which has positively impacted our environment and health. | Read More →

The following article discusses the history behind the Clean Air Act and its relevancy to the upcoming 50th anniversary of the passing of the act. In it, the legislation of the Clean Air Act is discussed, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency's role in enforcing the act. Health hazards related to air pollution are also discussed. | Read More →

The Clean Air Act became law in December 1970. In its 50-year existence, the law has massively helped improve the air-quality standards in the United States. This article looks at the impact the CAA has had on human health, environmental health, and economic health. | Read More →