Book Description

Introduction to Chemical Exposure and Risk Assessment focuses on the principles involved in assessing the risks from chemical exposure. These principles include the perception of risk, an understanding of how numbers are handled, and how chemicals affect health. The book briefly describes the major sinks, such as water and air, where chemicals are introduced. This is followed by a discussion on how concentrations are estimated and risk assessments are made. A discussion of risk benefit analysis and a presentation of several case studies using the principles for assessing risks are also included. ... Read more

Book Description

This fourth and final volume of Chemical Sensitivity introduces and explains diagnostic and treatment practices that have been successfully used with thousands of chemically sensitive patients. Applications of various treatment methods are discussed, including:oHeat depurationoInjection therapyoNutrition replacementoEndocrine treatmentoTolerance moderatorsoBehavior therapyoSurgeryVolume 4: Tools for Diagnosis and Methods of Treatment also offers insight into the nature of long-term results of appropriate diagnosis and treatment of chemical sensitivity.Features of the volumes comprising Chemical Sensitivity:oPresents results from studies of more than 20,000 Environmental Health Center (EHC) patients under controlled conditions oIncorporates the results from study and treatment of an estimated 100,000 patients from other environmentally oriented physicians and scientists around the worldoDescribes techniques for removal of toxins from the bodyoIdentifies the effects of environmental pollutants on known mechanisms of immune and nonimmune detoxification systemsoEmphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between endocrine, immunological, and neurological systems and their nutrient fuels ... Read more

Book Description

There is a virtual laboratory of chemicals in the food we eat and the products we encounter every dayat home, at school, and at work. What are these substances and how are they used? How are they helpful? Can they be harmful?

Here are fast, hands-on answers to these and other crucial questions about hundreds of chemical substances we come into contact with on a regular basis. From MSG in food to perchloroethylene in dry cleaning, this AZ guide provides clear, no-nonsense information on the use and health effects of hundreds of chemicals found in food, medicines, cosmetics, cleaning solutions, lawn and garden products, and more. Well-organized and easy-to-use, it gives you the help you need to make smarter choices about the products you choosefor yourself and your family.  Inside 1,001 Chemicals in Everyday Products you'll find:

-Entries listing products, uses, precautions, and synonyms
-Direct answers to over 250 frequently asked questions on everyday chemicals
-Handy product and chemical synonym indexes
-A nationwide listing of Poison Control Centers ... Read more

Reviews (10)

class room help
Sometimes it has been difficult inspiring my students to be interested in science topics. This book was one of the most often borrowed in our classroom library. The kids seem to find it a quick and easy reference and it spurs them to seek out additional data on the subjects they are researching. Thanks for the chance to recommend this book.

Liked it
Hi, I don't know much of anything about Chemistry, but I could still understand this book. I liked it.

Interesting!
A very interesting book. Health and nutrition questions are answered, like when does a soap become a drug, what U.S. states are better than others when it comes to 'labeling laws', and what is the most dangerous chemicalaround the house? What does 'fat free' really mean? Are poisons like sulfurdioxide used on our grapes? What useful chemicals are in garlic? Thesequestions are answered in a very accessable manner. The author did a goodjob making this important subject accessable to everyone.

Top quality, easy-to-use
Very understandable book. As an M.D., I often deal with patients with Asthma, allergies, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, and other health problems caused by the vast amount of chemicals we touch each day. I foundthis book to be valuable and interesting. Hot current topics such as thesafety of antibacterial chemicals, plants that can harm your pets, anddangerous chemical additives and colorings are talked about. Olestra,melatonin and DHEA are discussed, along with fun topics like the chemicalcomponents of chocolate.

Really good and highly accurate
This seems like a book that should be in every grocery store - we are exposed to so very many chemicals in our modern day lives, it's crucial we know what these are doing to us. I was horrified to read a list of commonhousehold plants that can harm pets, and realized I had some of those in myhome! I use this to look up info on the drugs and things always in thenews, like antioxidants, glucosamine, chondroitin, Olestra, and MSG. I alsoread about the chemicals recommended by physicians for skin rejuvenation! ... Read more

Book Description

Identifying trees and shrubs by their scientific name is an essential component of the professional skills of foresters and other types of environmental scientists. This book is an ideal guide for learning procedures as well as a reference book for field use. Written at a more sophisticated, professional level than most field guides, this book also explains the rationale of taxonomic classification systems and explains how plant types are linked to the whole forest ecology. ... Read more

Book Description

Of value to business people, environmentalists, and educators alike, Mid-Course Correction is a business book about the enviornment that's written from a personal perspective.With passion and pride, Ray Anderson, Founder, Chairman and CEO of one of the world's largest interior furnishings companies, recounts his awakening to the importance of environmental issues and outlines the steps his petroleum-dependent company, Atlanta-based Interface, Inc., is taking in its quest to become a sustainable enterprise -- one that will never have to take another drop of oil from the Earth.Thought-provoking and thoughtful, Anderson's story is told from the heart. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Inspiring
I would highly recommend this book for those of you who are convinced big business will eventually destroy our earth.

I was impressed that a non-scientist/engineer would even attempt to write a book like this. His excitement about the potential for saving the environment came through in his text. He laid out the goals his company had set for achieving a state beyond zero waste, returning to the earth as much as was taken from it. I believe it takes a visionary to apply such abstract ideas and commit to making them real. And the fact that he was able to make a business arguement for sustainable development was reassuring because, realistically, if businesses can be convinced that this will help them make money, it is much more likely to happen. That's clearly what I saw with the pollution prevention movement and it just might happen here.

Better Ecology Focus Brings More Profits and a Better World
This book deserves more than five stars.

Mr. Anderson has taken an important step forward in leading Interface Corporation towards becoming ecologically neutral. By that phrase, ecologically neutral, I mean taking nothing from and adding nothing to the environment. This concept has become a popular one in Europe beginning in Sweden, in the form of The Natural Step, but has been much more slowly adopted in the United States. Those who are interested in understanding the processes by which a company can pursue improved environmental performance will find many helpful examples in Mid-Course Correction.

What if you don't care about your company's impact on the environment? Mr. Anderson makes a powerful argument based on his experiences at Interface that you should. First, it is much cheaper to produce goods and services if you use less materials and waste less. This means higher profits. Do you care about profits? Second, the pursuit of sustainability attracts many new customers and better supplier relationships. That also means higher profits. Third, people feel better about themselves. Do you like to feel better about yourself? Fourth, perhaps you should rethink your position about the environment. Even if we have enough for now, if we waste it, we are robbing our own descendents at some point of a good quality life. Mr. Anderson describes many cases of where despoilage of nature from overuse has been very expensive and undesirable by anyone's standard.

He also cites many of the leading books on the benefits of an ecologically sustainable business world. In fact, this movement will become a disruptive technology by making those who waste unable to compete with those who do not. Think about it.

To me, the value in the book is in Mr. Anderson's fine example of how to lead towards becoming environmentally sustainable as a company. I have been aware of most of the arguments in favor of this (including The Natural Step), but could not imagine how an American company would go about pursuing this goal. I also could not imagine how it could be reconciled with public ownership of stock. So much for my tiny imagination. Now, with Mr. Anderson's book, I can understand (and so can you) that becoming a sustainable enterprise is simply good business as well as being a good citizen. That will make sense to almost anyone.

After you read this wonderful book, I encourage you to share you copy with another person and ask them to do the same. This message needs to be spread if our companies are to fulfill their potential, and we are to have a world that we can all be proud of and enjoy living in. Then, I urge you to take this one step further, and think about how your family could become an ecologically sustainable unit.

Do good and do well!

Powerful Transformation by Changing Minds
Ray Anderson is the CEO of Interface Corporation, a manufacturer of carpet tiles for businesses and hotel chains. After reading Paul Hawken's The Ecology of Commerce and Daniel Quinn's Ishmael, Anderson revolutionized his beliefs and how his company does business. He is now striving for 100-percent sustainability by having zero waste, reusing materials, not using non-renewable resources, such as petroleum, and by leasing his carpet rather than selling it. Why this is important: 1) The obvious reasons such as not being wasteful and polluting, 2) Interface is now a model for all industry, 3) Anderson shows how sustainability is more profitable, and 4) Anderson's model shows that it only takes changing minds to be a successfully revolutionary--not street protests, letters to the editor, petitions, meditation, spiritual consciousness, believing in God, lobbying Congress, protesting governments and/or corporations, and all the typically tried and often painfully slow ways to enact positive change. Brilliant.

Completely depressing and totally exhilarating
As an environmental management student I have become increasingly cynical and despairing of industry's token gestures toward the environment. How can the mounting pile of evidence about the collapse of earth's ecosystems be ignored and the plundering continue? I was alternately absolutely shattered and completely stunned reading this book, the facts are there and simply cannot be ignored any longer: If man ignores the earth then earth will ignore the man. Ray Anderson is a man who is not ignoring the earth and is using his corporate influence and his heart to make a difference. Anderson is a visionary, he knows it's not going to be easy but doesn't accept this as an excuse not to try. Where he leads he leaves a trail for others to follow and this gives me such hope for the future of our planet and tomorrow's child.

The book is written in a casual style, you're talking with Ray. It has a large font with double spacing so is completely readable. Read it then pass it on to everybody you know, then read it again.

Thank you Ray for waking up and making a difference, you're an inspiration to me.

A Tour-de-Force on Sustainability
Ray Anderson is a visionary, and Interface is providing an archetype for corporations to aspire to in the next century. I heard Ray speak in Eugene last fall and was stunned with his humility and sincerity about his vision for sustainable business practice, and how he and the people of Interface are putting that vision into practice. This book is written in an accessible, even homey style, yet it is profoundly sincere and convincing. Moreover, Ray has taken on a personal mission to spread the gospel of sustainability to the corporate community. Ray is an inspiring writer and speaker, and I most strongly recommend this book to those interested in doing good while doing well! ... Read more

Book Description

Onondaga Lake in Syracuse, New York is a model for the analysis and management of a polluted urban lake. Sometimes referred to as "the most polluted lake in the United States", Onondaga Lake is one of only two lakes for which a federal advisory body has been set up to guide environmental remediation. The recipient of significant municipal effluent and industrial waste for more than a century, Onondaga Lake has been the focus of intensive limnological investigation and extensive remediation efforts. This book is a comprehensive presentation of the scientific knowledge about Onondaga Lake, based on research coordinated by the Upstate Freshwater Institute. Onondaga Lake: Limnology and Environmental Management of a Polluted Urban Lake is the most complete case study of a lake, and will be of interest to water quality scientists, engineers and managers, as well as environmental engineers, modelers, and policymakers. ... Read more

Book Description

Environmental Organic Chemistry focuses on environmental factors that govern the processes that determine the fate of organic chemicals in natural and engineered systems. The information discovered is then applied to quantitatively assessing the environmental behaviour of organic chemicals. Now in its 2nd edition this book takes a more holistic view on physical-chemical properties of organic compounds. It includes new topics that address aspects of gas/solid partitioning, bioaccumulation, and transformations in the atmosphere.

• Structures chapters into basic and sophisticated sections
• Contains illustrative examples, problems and case studies
• Examines the fundamental aspects of organic, physical and inorganic chemistry - applied to environmentally relevant problems
• Addresses problems and case studies in one volume

Reviews (3)

Excellent reference book
This book is an asset for the student and professional alike.

Great book for environmental chemistry
I have used this book while taking a course in environmental chemistry. This book is easy to read, understand and really simplified a very complex and interesting topic. It covers wide range of topics in envrionmental chemistry. I really recommend my fellow students to get this book !

Outstanding text and reference
A must have for students and researchers in the field of environmental chemistry.This text pulls together fundamental concepts regarding fate and transport of organic pollutants in a comprehensive and logical manner. I enjoyed reading it the first time when I was using it as a course text,and it has been invaluable as a reference during my research. ... Read more

Book Description

This innovative compendium offers a variety of techniques for approaching contemporary environmental problems. Challenging, real-world situations and worked-out solutions provide the means both for gaining insights into the process of problem solving and for thinking quantitatively and creatively about such environmental concerns as energy and water resources, food production, indoor air pollution, acid rain, and human influences on climate. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Everybody should read this book
This book provides an excellent viewpoint on physical problem solving by "thinking outside the box". I provides great approach to setting up all types of physical problems. I found the book very useful to all types of science. You don't have to be an environmental scientist to benefit from this text. The example problems are very good and the examples stand out in my memory for a long time -- very helpful for future challenges. ... Read more

Book Description

Aquatic Chemistry Concepts fills the need for a true, easy-to-use aquatic chemistry book that goes into the details behind some of the complicated equations and principles of aquatic chemistry. It places established science into a text that allows you to learn and to solve important practical environmental problems. Environmental consultants in all fields, regulators, and libraries will consider this text an excellent reference for its clear explanation of aquatic chemistry principles. ... Read more

Book Description

This work provides a concise history, from ancient to modern times, of the interactions between human societies and the other forms of life that inhabit our planet. It investigates the ways in which environmental changes, often the result of human actions, have caused historical tends in human societies. ... Read more

Book Description

Because of the ubiquitous nature of environmental problems, a variety of scientific disciplines are involved in the development of environmental solutions. The Handbook of Chemical and Environmental Engineering Calculations provides approximately 600 real-world, practical solutions to environmental problems that involve chemical engineering, enabling engineers and applied scientists to meet the professional challenges they face day-to-day.
The scientific and mathematical crossover between chemical and environmental engineering is the key to solving a host of environmental problems. Many problems included in the

Handbook are intended to demonstrate this crossover, as well as the integration of engineering with current regulations and environmental media such as air, soil, and water. Solutions to the problems are presented in a programmed instructional format. Each problem contains a title, problem statement, data, and solution, with the more difficult problems located near the end of each problem set. The Handbook offers material not only to individuals with limited technical background but also to those with extensive industrial experience. Chapter titles include:

-Chemical Engineering Fundamentals
-Chemical Engineering Principles
-Air Pollution Control Equipment
-Solid Waste
-Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment
-Pollution Prevention
-Health, Safety, and Accident Management

Ideal for students at the graduate and undergraduate levels, the Handbook of Chemical and Environmental Engineering Calculations is also a comprehensive reference for all plant and environmental engineers, particularly those who work with air, drinking water, wastewater, hazardous materials, and solid waste. ... Read more

Book Description

The fourth edition of this classic reference by Marshall Sittig presents concise chemical, health, and safety data for over 1,500 chemicals in the plastics, pharmaceutical/biotechnology, energy, cleaning solvents, agriculture and other industries. The chemicals are presented alphabetically and classified as a carcinogen, hazardous substance, hazardous waste, or toxic pollutant. Chemical data cover description, exposure limits, harmful effects, first aid, and storage among the other important information included to make appropriate response decisions. Highlights of the expanded information include:

A comprehensive CAS index with the new U.S., CAS, and RTECS numbers and the DOT ID for all chemicals listed.

- The EEC and EINECS international numbers.

- International regulatory authority references (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe; federal and local levels).

- Chemical formulas.

- Detailed physical properties data.

- Chemical incompatibility information.

- Information about medical surveillance, respirator requirements, first aid, spill, fire and emergency response (including initial isolation and protection action distances), and disposal requirements.

- Greatly expanded chemical synonym and trade-name indexes, including international names.

- User-friendly synonyms listings with cross-references tied to the primary (generic) name.

Key Features:

- Characterizes over 1,500 regulated, important toxic chemicals in all major industries.

- Provides all new international regulatory references.

- Furnishes data on over 20 characteristics related to identifying, responding to, and protection from toxic chemical mishaps.

Book Description

A New York Times Book Review Notable Book of the Year; Library Journal, Honorable Mention for Best Book of the Year; Delta Kappa Gamma Society Educator's Award 2000; American Association for the Advancement of Science, Best Books and Films of 1999; ;Americans love to colonize their beaches. But when storms threaten, high-ticket beachfront construction invariably takes precedence over coastal environmental concerns -we rescue the buildings, not the beaches. As Cornelia Dean explains in Against the Tide, this pattern is leading to the rapid destruction of our coast. But her eloquent account also offers sound advice for salvaging the stretches of pristine American shore that remain. The story begins with the tale of the devastating hurricane that struck Galveston, Texas, in 1900 -the deadliest natural disaster in American history, which killed some six thousand people. Misguided residents constructed a wall to prevent another tragedy, but the barrier ruined the beach and ultimately destroyed the town´s booming resort business.From harrowing accounts of natural disasters to lucid ecological explanations of natural coastal processes, from reports of human interference and construction on the shore to clear-eyed elucidation of public policy and conservation interests, this book illustrates in rich detail the conflicting interests, short-term responses, and long-range imperatives that have been the hallmarks of America´s love affair with her coast. Intriguing observations about America´s beaches, past and present, include discussions of Hurricane Andrew´s assault on the Gulf Coast, the 1962 northeaster that ravaged one thousand miles of the Atlantic shore, the beleaguered beaches of New Jersey and North Carolina´s rapidly vanishing Outer Banks, and the sand-starved coast of southern California. Dean provides dozens of examples of human attempts to tame the ocean -as well as a wealth of lucid descriptions of the ocean´s counterattack. Readers will appreciate Against the Tide´s painless course in coastal processes and new perspective on the beach. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A "must read" book!
After taking Geology 111 last year and then watching several videos about the destruction of our nation's beaches, this book appealed to me. Cornelia Dean does an excellent job of speaking in a language that everyone can understand. Her material is well-researched; this is very interesting and educational reading. If you live near the coast, you need to read this book and be informed about what is happening in your area.

Interesting but unfair
Extremely biased toward a non-property owner viewpoint. Although the government is spending money to keep sand and retain structures, it is also acting in the interest of public safety. Also, many government agencies are limiting what property owners can do with their own money, on their own property, to save their investments. Both sides of the argument are not presented evenly.

Another Sad Tale of How Humans Foul Their Nests
An astounding book that will not be read by enough people. Ms. Dean provides us with a well-researched book on the physics (don't let that word throw you off; she makes it all quite understandable) of beaches, and how, in one century, we have managed to destroy them. Quite simply the ocean cannot and should not be conquered. While capable of causing intense damage to our shores, the ocean, given time, will also inevitably repair the damage it has caused. But, build houses, hotels and other structures as well as jetties, revetments, seawalls, and groins on the beaches and you will ultimately destroy them.

The truly sad part of this book is not just that we have destroyed thousands of miles of our beaches, but that we are led by ignorant, self-serving politicians and greedy commercial and private interests to build even more damaging structures on what's left of our shores. To add insult to injury the taxpayer continues to be dunned for the money to pay for continued "beach management" (read: mismanagement), and for rebuilding destroyed structures in areas where nothing should be built. I no longer have the slightest sympathy for people whose shorefront homes are destroyed by storms. Move inland where you belong.

A must read for the concerned citizen.

Cornelia Dean Deserves The Pulitzer Prize!
I don't know Cornelia Dean but I wish she was my neighbor. This daring, wonderful, woman should be given a national award for her works in "Against the Tide." She blows the whistle on widespread negligent coastal management practices that are evident everywhere. It was extremely unsettling to me to read about almost identical patterns of coastal abuse that I have observed where I live at Alligator Point, Florida. A revetment was constructed in 1994 despite the warnings of coastal experts that it would contribute further to erosion rather than preventing it. This was done at a staggering waste of taxpayers' money and with the permission of county, state, and federal governments. Today, the beach area that once provided recreation and a protective buffer is gone because of revetment-caused erosion. Turtle areas are destroyed. Dwellings are sitting dangerously in water. The road is ruined and unsafe. And, there is no required accountabilty for removing the wall. It is now a permanent monument to disaster. Cornelia Dean articulately reveals how shamefully common this is. She has superbly documented the inept practices of coastal management efforts that are prevalent all along America's coasts. Nothing was written, however, about how to undo this American tragedy. I will, therefore, offer one suggestion based on Cornelia Dean's numerous contacts and her rapport with coastal planners. She should be given a special Presidential appointment to head up a commission to consolidate all coastal management agencies and to develop and enforce a unified set of standards. Ms. Dean's outstanding book certainly qualifies her for such a step.

Beautifully written and explained.
This book is a must-have for anyone interested in beach erosion and overdevelopment. The author clearly lays out the arguments against such beachfront "improvements" as armoring, sandtrapping, etc. As a hydrologist, I was already well aware of the futility of most attempts to preserve beaches in their existing configurations, yet this book explains these issues in a very compelling and succinct fashion. The author also describes those rare occasions when intervention can indeed be helpful, and the special circumstances under which it is justifiable. Yet what is most compelling is the overall argument that in the majority of cases, most attempts at beach and property preservation actually hasten the destruction of the very things requiring protection. Ultimately, a particular beach structure is by its very nature a transient thing, yet it is most durable in its present form if left alone. Unfortunately, with beachfront development continuing at its currently rapid pace, it is unlikely that much of this important information will be heeded. Nevertheless, it is necessary to disseminate this knowledge. Perhaps this book can help inform the public of the need to let beaches be beaches. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Imagine an organism as big as Earth!
Reading Edward Wilson's "The Future of Life" served as the spark to pick up and read this book. And its true, good things do come in small packages. The book is all of 140 pages, and is written in a lean, but not glossed-over style. Robert Lovelock (to my knowledge) is the contemporary father of the study of the earth as a complete living system.

Lovelock readily admits that the book serves more to promote the dialog about our planet as a living, breathing whole and to share key discoveries that support his concept. (He states in the Preface that his follow-on book, "The Ages of Gaia" aims to build the scientific argument to the Gaia theory.)

By no means, does Lovelock detour around the science that supports his case. With the scope of the topic requiring knowledge of both physical and biological science, and the small number of pages, he manages to instruct and create a sense of awe in a short amount of time.

The 3 major principles he brings to light about Gaia are:

1. Gaia exhibits a tendency to keep conditions (e.g., temperature, air quality) constant for all terrestrial life.

2. Like other living systems, Gaia has vital organs at the core, and expandable or redundant ones on the periphery.

3. Under the worse conditions, Gaia responses similar to other cybernetic systems (i.e., where time constant and loop gain are important)

The material is far reaching in both its scope and in shaping our understanding of where we stand. Put in the context of Gaia, we have straddled ourselves to the largest of all known living and breathing creatures.

Listening to the sound of the world.....
Simply written, mythically convincing, and conveying an idea--Gaia--so evident to the intuitive feel of life here that it's hard even to summon the will to question it.

Lovelock treads difficult ground. Apparently unaware of depth psychology's amplifications of the "anima mundi," the World Soul described by Plato and so many aboriginal socities, Lovelock seeks to move the proof into the realm of science without sounding--in this book--overly scientific.

One could wish he'd dreamed into the Gaia image more deeply and less literally. At the same time, empirical research could go a long way toward establishing the systemic, globe-regulating processes he envisions in this book. Whether such science would convince those who benefit financially from colonizing and exploiting the world's resources is open to question.

While I don't share the author's optimistic belief in Gaia's capacity to regulate herself despite our ever-increasing power to disrupt her systems, I admire the attempt to give current form to an ancient idea...an idea with tremendous archetypal punch and relevancy.

If you buy this book, use it as a point of departure--into biology, ecology, or ecopsychology, perhaps. Or into that state of humility that pauses to wonder what the world is thinking and feeling.

Interesting Hypothesis in Somewhat Convoluted Form
James Lovelock has created a powerful and interesting argument in this book that will keep scientists busy for centuries. He notices that there is an ability for the Earth to maintain relatively constant conditions in temperature, atmosphere, salinity and pH of the oceans, and reductions in pollutants that defies the simple observations of what "should" happen. From this, he concludes that there is a complex of physical, chemical and biological interrelationships that work like a living organism, which he defines as the Gaia Hypothesis. For defining that concept and providing some of the measurements to establish its premises, he deserves a 7 star rating.

Unfortunately, the argument is expressed in overlong and convoluted fashion. He deliberately limits himself to a nonscientific explanation in this book. The scientific version of the argument is in The Ages of Gaia. Although the book is not long, it certainly could have been condensed into a longish article for Scientific American or The Atlantic Monthly. My second quibble is that the editor was nowhere in sight on the organization of the book. The key point is often buried in the third sentence of the last paragraph in a chapter. The argument in between wanders into all kinds of places where it doesn't need to go. For organization and editing, I give this book a one star rating.

So the average is a 4 star rating. The writing itself is pleasant enough. Don't let the lack of organization and editing put you off, for it is worth your while to read this book. It will remind you of the benefits of the sort of sytems thinking that Peter Senge talks about in The Fifth Discipline.

The other thing you will learn is the weakness of scientific work that fails to develop enough field data and to connect enough with other disciplines. I was struck by the same observations recently while visiting environmental scientists at the Smithsonian Institution. The basics in many of these areas have yet to be measured and evaluated. This book will point countless generations forward in understanding how our plant maintains its environment that permits life to flourish. Clearly, it is a stallbusting effort to replace "stalled" thinking about the history and future of the Earth. I found the key questions (such as why doesn't the ocean become more saline?) to be irresistible. I think you will, too. Enjoy and think!

How to change your outlook
Although parts of the text are confusing and too deep for a mere mortal like myself, this book changed the whole way I look at the earth and my own role upon it, not to mention the part my species is taking. Reading and re-reading yields great rewards, the arguments, whether agreed with or not, are cogent and thought provoking, and will provide for many a night spent in those deep discussions with friends ... Read more

Book Description

Help is on the Web!
There is more to Environment, 4e by Raven and Berg than what you see in this text. An enhanced book-specific Web site will help you further examine critical environmental issues. The Web site offers a variety of activities to help you succeed in your course and additional tools that will help you make environmentally responsible choices.
Online resources include:
* Environmental Debates provide the opportunity to learn about two sides of a contentious issue affecting the environment.
* Activity Links identify the most useful Internet links related to the environment and present short exercises that invite you to use these links to increase your understanding of the material.
* Take a Stand activities encourage you to think critically and carefully weigh the short- and long-term advantages and disadvantages of a particular position relating to an environmental situation.
* Research Projects provide you with specific suggestions for topics, reading materials, research techniques, and activities.
* Case Studies highlight key issues in environmental science and lead you to related Web sites for further information.
* How to Make a Difference shows how to get involved in environmental issues and lists environmental organizations that you can join.
* Student Lounge offers valuable study tips and writing tips that will help you get a better grade.
* Quizzes and Essays test your understanding of each chapter with multiple-choice, true/false questions, and short-answer essay questions. You can email your answers and responses directly to your instructor. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Environment by John Allif
The thing that I like the most about this book is the way chemistry is incorporated into the sciences that relate to environment. It has all the basic chemistry skills required for one to be able to relate to environment at the introductory level.

The Appendix on Environmental Chemistry is very well presented. It has most of the concepts that one require in this course. It is written in short and to the point to avoid confusion, but with high clarity. That is what students appreciate. Students do not need to refer to other textbooks. The material includes all that a student need to understand the basic concepts of chemsitry as applied to environmental science.

The format is outstanding. It is best suited for students taking Environmental Science. It just delivers materials of basic interest with excellent problems and things to ponder sections. The illustrations are superb.

Students are often frustrated with voluminous information. They usually buy a book and are turned off and do not read it. They need concise and just the right stuff in it. This book has that quality. Students would love it and I am glad it is on the market.

It was a delight reading this study guide. Excellent job! It just does a good service to students. ... Read more

Book Description

Reveals a dark secret of the ideological environmental movement. The movement imposes the views of mostly wealthy, comfortable Americans and Europeans on mostly poor, desperate Africans, Asians and Latin Americans. It violates these people's most basic human rights, denying them economic opportunities, the chance for better lives, the right to rid their countries of diseases that were vanquished long ago in Europe and the United States. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Should open a lot of eyes
Before reading this exceptional primer on the negative effects of modern environmentalism, I was clueless of the far-reaching costs that group's policies have had on the Third World. Driesen documents at length the effect radical environmentalism has had on Africa's struggling poor, who want nothing more than to benefit from the same energy sources and standard of living the First World takes for granted. He shows how DDT saved thousands of lives in Africa by protecting families from malaria, while radical Greens fought to eliminate the benign chemical because of a theoretical risk it posed to birds. When families were restricted from using the chemical on their huts in Africa, malaria deaths shot through the roof. Driesen lays the blame for those thousands of deaths at the doorstep of the Sierra Club and other like-minded groups who would rather maintain a politically correct notion of what good environmentalism is rather than save actual lives.

Driesen goes on to show how environmentalists keep the Third World populations in poverty by fighting against the use of traditional, affordable sources of energy like coal and fossil fuels. Instead, Greens think other sources like wind and solar should be the only option for these people, disregarding the fact that the technology is no where near advanced enough to provide the energy needs these populations need to pull themselves out of poverty. Ironically, it would take over 10,000 acres of windmills to generate the same amount of electricity a 2-3 acre fossil fuel plant produces. So much for "saving the land."

Driesen does not endorse using fossil fuels forever and ever amen. In fact, he wants nothing more than for the world to develop and invest in alternative energy because he knows as well as everyone else the day will come when we have no other choice. He simply believes (and rightly so) that, in the mean time, the problems of the Third World are real and not theoretical like so many Green "concerns", and that First World governments should not be intimidated by radical Greens and NGOs in their efforts to employ free-trade and responsible investment in these areas. One of the books biggest themes is how unfair it is that NGOs are not held to the same standards of accountability and transparency they constantly demand from for-profit coroporations.

The only problem with the book is that it is poorly edited, which takes away from its overall intellectual package and gives it a slightly amateur vibe. I came across way too many punctuation errors and word omissions for this to be a serious book for serious readers.

But the arguments are strong and the evidence is solid. Anyone interested in understanding why the Third World continues to fail at modernization should read this book.

Remarkable
There is no greater way to underline the point of Paul Driessen's brilliant and meticulously foot-noted book than to read the review here that blindly criticizes it (from a brave anonymous reader). Just for a start the book and its message is endorsed by the man who FOUNDED Greenpeace - and that message is that the Radical Environmental movement has become so entrenched in dogma and a vision of a world without people that they summarily ignore the suffering, famine, disease, and death of millions.

These radical groups are incredibly well-funded, untaxed, and totally unaccountable. What's worse is that they flatly refuse to engage in any debate whatsoever. They expect their followers to toe the line or be immediately dismissed as corporate ghouls.

Driessen's review of their history and tactics is accurate, verifiable and horrifying. Anyone in politics, the media, or even the environmental movement itself ought to read this book and consider what it says. Driessen gives a voice, and a platform, to the people who are actually affected by decisions made by world bodies, NGO's, and pressure groups. What they speak is the truth as they live it - not conjecture from 2000 miles away.

Eco-Imperialism is a shocking, profound, and desperately needed account of what happens when the privileged Western world decides the fate of millions of people whom they never have to see or hear. Driessen sees, and hears, and shares it all.

Corporate Attack Dogs Target Environmental Activists
Driessen is obviously doing the bidding of corporate interests that want access to the world's markets without any accountability for environmental risks or concern for sustainability. The world does not need monoculture and genetically-engineered crops to eliminate hunger. It needs the political and moral will to share. Current food production is enough to feed a population 50% greater than the world's current population. Greedy corporations, dictators hoarding wealth, and international agencies that favor export crops over sustenance crops are to blame for hunger, not environmentalists. Don't let this mouthpiece for Monsanto and Dow fool you.

We've had it all wrong
My Lord! This is one of those books that has such an immediate and gut wrenching impact that it is hard not to lose your balance after each chapter. The modern, mostly American, environmental movement has gotten it all wrong. Hearing the logic of Doctor Norman Borlaug who has concluded that organic farming will never be able to feed more than 4 Billion people (6.6 is our current population folks) or that good old fashioned malaria is killing a million people in Africa each year left me cold. I've enjoyed the huge comeback of migratory wildfowl and raptors in the U.S. since WE eliminated DDT, but I forgot to appreciate the benefit of not dying of malaria. We eliminated this disease, but won't let others use the same method.

Farming, Dams, Water sources, pesticides...each issue is fraught with cumulative bad, past decisions...

Wow, Wow, Wow....Who is going to fix this one?

DB

Eye Opening!
This book really opened my eyes to the realities of many aspects of the environmental movement. See the book's website at eco-imperialism . com for more info. ... Read more

Book Description

Completely revised and updated, the Second Edition of Site Assessment and Remediation Handbook provides coverage of new procedures and technologies for an expanded range of site investigations. With over 700 figures, tables, and flow charts, the handbook is a comprehensive resource for engineers, geologists, and hydrologists conducting site investigation, and a one-stop, technical reference for environmental attorneys. ... Read more

Book Description

This book presents systematic, integrated A-to-Z coverage of state-of-the-art unsaturated zone hydrology. Multi-disciplinary in approach, it provides both a soil physics and an engineering approach to unsaturated zone hydrology. Coverage begins with the basic physical properties and the behavior of clays, and moves on to contaminant transport and other parameters such as spatial variability, scaling, and fractals in the earth sciences. KEY TOPICS: Details analytical solutions for seven analytical infiltration models. Provides a comprehensive description and equations for performing a detailed water balance used to size and design water-storage facilities, reclamation zones for waste-storage facilities, and other water-management facilities. Presents five analytical models for both deterministic and probabilistic solutions to liquid/vapor flow in the unsaturated zone -- including unique coverage of the derivation and use of a three-dimensional analytical solution for flow of NAPLs in the unsaturated zone. Presents eight analytical models to assess unsaturated zone contaminant levels which are permissible to regulators for protection of underlying ground water. Includes a detailed description of the current technology of site characterization and monitoring devices used in unsaturated zone research -- including illustrations, diagrams of connections, and advantages and disadvantages of each. Illustrates real-world problems typical of sites the authors have worked with during the last 10 years.A reference for practicing engineers and environmental law firms. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

An outstanding book that is very well written.
This book does an outstanding job of presenting the concepts and principles used in dealing with unsaturated zone transport problems. It uses an environmental approach of the problems found in this field of study and is ideally suited as both a teaching and reference text. I find this book superior to others such as "Soil Physics" by Jury, Gardner, Gardner; "Environmental Soil Physics" by Hillel (including the other 3 soil physics books by Hillel), "Vadose Zone Hydrology" by Stephens, and several others. Indeed, when compared to the books listed by Jury, et al., and Hillel, this book contains more information and is superior to both of them if combined together, i.e., "Soil Physics" and "Environmental Soil Physics."

The text includes a wealth of information not found in other texts dealing with this subject. This includes hazardous waste site characterization, bioremediation of the vadose zone, LNAPL's and DNAPL's, an excellent treatment of modeling water, solute, and vapor movement in the unsaturated zone, use of fractals in unsaturated zone studies, and other topics. I enjoyed several major points of this text. First, in addition to a detailed coverage of the topics, questions are asked within various sections of each chapter, and answers to these questions are given at the end of the chapter to reinforce learning skills by the student. Second, in addition to the answered questions, more questions are given to which there are no answers. However, answers to these questions are given in a separate solutions manual available to the instructor. Third, rather than a theoretical text, the book has an excellent blend of both practical and theoretical information. Fourth, I really like the appendices that cover site characterization and monitoring devices, a mathematics review that has questions with answers given in the solutions manual, and one of the most complete set of conversion tables I have ever seen. Finally, this book should be considered as a pre-programed self-learning tool that will serve the student, instructor, and consultant very well.

If you are an instructor and desire a book that has a logical topic progression of unsaturated zone hydrology, and if you want a book the students will love, that will not only promote learning, but will ease your teaching time commitment, this is the book for you. Whether you teach soil physics, unsaturated zone hydrology, or fracture flow, the information you need is here. If you are a consultant, practicing scientist, or an engineer that needs a complete reference for this field, this text is it! The preface even lists the author contact. This book is easy to use, reasonably priced, and extremely well written, I only wish I had access to this text when I studied unsaturated zone hydrology. I now use this book as a reference for unsaturated zone studies, and even though I obtained my copy in late 1998, it has been very useful. I commend the authors for such a fine work.

Kenneth J. Lull, Hydrologist, United States Geological Survey

Good text on vadose zone hydrology.
It is my impression as a soil physics professor that these authors have done an excellent job in presenting the concepts and principles necessary for assisting the reader or student in mastering the subject of soil physics. I teach in a traditional department and have found that for the past several years, my class is composed of more students from environmental study areas whose goal is to learn about methods for characterizing and studying unsaturated zone hydrology. Tindall and Kunkel have an obvious grasp on these changes as is evidenced by the title of their book and the manner in which the material is presented. This new text is environmental in approach and can be used by students and professionals in many fields of study.

Rather than a simple reiteration of soil physics, Tindall and Kunkel have written their text using a new approach. The text includes new material and chapters not found in previous texts including hazardous waste site characterization and case studies, use of fractals in vadose zone science, bioremediation, discussion of LNAPLs and DNAPLs, as well as many other topics. Not only are these covered in detail, but questions are presented so that the reader is allowed to develop confidence in solving problems. Appendices are included which describe site characterization and monitoring devices as well as challenges associated with their selection and use. There is a math review for those students who come from non-traditional fields of study or those who are simply rusty in their math ability. A list of symbols and unit conversion tables are also included at the end of the text.

In essence, the authors of this book have done an outstanding job covering the typical problems encountered in this field. Example problems are given in the text with answers at the end of each chapter along with additional questions. These additional questions are solved in an instructor's manual available to course instructors. Some problems may be too advanced for introductory students; however, the text can be easily adapted for an introductory or advanced course. I used this text during the Fall 1998 semester and have reordered it for the Fall 1999 semester. Not only did I enjoy the text, but my students enjoyed it as well. The book is complete, up-to-date, and well written. I heartily recommend this text to instructors of soil physics as well as professionals in the environmental industry who require a good reference text.

Splendid Text
Like calculus, unsaturated zone hydrology can only be made so easy. As a soils professor and instructor of this subject, I have waited for 20 years for a text of this sort to come along. It gives me the flexibility to teach both undergraduate and graduate classes. For the students there are many worked examples and for the instructors a great manual that you can order separately. I get the best of both worlds and the students have what is in my opinion, the finest text and reference in this field. Many kudos to the authors for a job well done!

Great text for both teaching and students
I was unable to attend a college in my area that offered an unsaturated zone hydrology or soil physics course. As a result, I purchased several books on the subject including those by Hillel, Jury, and Stephens. While they were useful, it was difficult to grasp the material within certain areas then, at the suggestion of a friend I purchased this book. I found it much easier to follow than other texts and very informative both as a study tool and a professional reference for instructors and consultants.

I must admit that the previous review from the skier guy in Denver kinda turned me off, but I bought the book anyway and have never regretted it. Actually, I was able to discuss some aspects with the authors and found their insights particularly useful. Without doubt the material is difficult, but it's laid out well here. I found the answered questions very useful before trying the additional questions to which no answers are given.

While the book is likely not perfect I can say to the guy from Denver that if you were lucky enough to take this class from the author then, kudos to you. Also, one thing I have learned is that it's extremely difficult to have as he put it "a decent and intense class" without a good text. My experience has been that the class generally follows the text. If one is poor, usually both are poor.

My recommendation is that this is a great text and one won't go wrong by purchasing it. In my opinion the best chapters are 1-3, 7-10, and 13, but that those are where my skills are concentrated and they are all well thought out and well written. The list of symbols is also very useful although quite lengthy as they include soil science, hydrology, and engineering symbols for the same areas. I didn't catch that at first. I really like the book compared to others I've studied. Best of all, it helped me master this area and gained me a $10k per year raise in my firm.

4.5 stars? You have got to be kidding me.
Without question, this book is useful to professional vadose zone scientists as a refrence. I'll even go so far as to say it's the least-bad unsaturated zone book on the market. It scores points for being comprehensive and thorough. The book also looks nice and has good diagrams. Many of us have it on our book shelves here at work. I find myself referring to it occasionally, years after I first studied the text in grad school.
BUT
After *extensive* study of this text, I hate it. It is very hard to follow for even the sharpest of grad students / hydrologists. For instance, the index of symbols has over 500 entries (thank god there is an index). I found the explanations to be "on a different level" from 95% of the audience of the book, which severely limits its usefulness. This is no "Freeze and Cherry" textbook. And no, I'm no dummy who got frustrated w/ the content and gave up on it - I took Dr. Tindall's unsaturated zone course, persevered, and recieved an A for my efforts.

Once again, the book is good for a refrence if you already know your unsaturated zone science, but forget trying to learn unsat zone hydrolgy from this text unless you have a great prof or 170 IQ. Looking at my book shelf, I have to put this text in the bottom 40%, 2 stars. ... Read more

Book Description

A collection of images and impressions captured by those who have listened to the earth with their hearts --- John Muir, Walt Whitman, Annie Dillard, John Burroughs, Rachel Carson, Aldo Leopold, Henry David Thoreau, and more...

The Earth Speaks can be read by individuals in moments of solitude, shared among friends around a trailside campfire, and used by leaders to help their learners develop a love for life and the systems of the earth that sustain it.

Brought to life by the beautiful block prints of Gwen Frostic, this book contains the writings of naturalists and natives, poets and philosophers, plus ordinary people who were able to capture in words some of the magic and meaning of the earth's marvels. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Awesome peaceful beautiful book
I remember at camp our councelors read this a bedtime, and i used sit there and think about what was read. Then at closing ceremony they read a paragraph, this book has a tremendus effect on the way you think about life and the earth when your done reading it. I would recomend this to anyone not just environmentalists.

Lovely, peaceful little book....
I first bought this book a few years ago when, by good fortune, I was in the middle of Denali National Park in Alaska in cabins with nothing around us for about 100 miles - true wilderness as I have never experienced it before or since. And, to me, this book brings me back to that peaceful, transcendent, truly wild place. I use it as a meditation book in the early morning. I have five that I read - the first four are about peace for me, human person, and they certainly have their place. But this little book I read last because it puts things in perspective and reminds me that I am not the center of anything at all. I buy them in quantity and give them away. It is such a beautiful book. The quotes are outstanding and are from some of our most eloquent naturalists, et al, and the peace that emanates from every reading can only be experienced, not described. It's wonderful.

An inspirational must for any kind of environmentalist!
This book contains many inspirational verses to stimulate thought and discussion. I find myself turning the pages over and over again. I love it!

It gives ideas, ideals, and brings you to new places.
This book is what to read when you have run out of steam, and just don't know what to do with yourself anymore. It brings the best of your outdoors side out and lets you not forget the most peaceful places on earth. It also has stories and quotations that one would want to live by. It is amazing how it can make you feel, I do not know quite how to explain it. All in all, it gives motivation, reason to be, and expresses nature in ways not seen everyday. And the best part about it is, it is a collection of the most wonderual writers one could find! It is enjoyable for everyone with a sense of adventure, love, and nature. ... Read more