World Nature Conservation Day

July 27, 2020

The earth is our home. Regardless of where you live, we all share the same planet. On July 28th, we celebrate 2020 World Nature Conservation Day to focus our efforts on preserving our natural environment and keeping our home, Earth, healthy. The future of life on earth depends on a healthy climate – everything from food production to our favorite vacation spots are affected by the environment.

What can we do today to protect the future?

  • Support local businesses and help your community thrive by finding a local environmental cause to support, which can make a big impact for yourself and neighbors. What Does the U.S. EPA Do to Protect the Environment? is an activity book for young children outlining the different ways The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protects human health and the environment.
  • Check your own habits to see how earth-friendly you are on a day-to-day basis. Are you following the three “R’s?”: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. EPA’s Consumer’s Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste describes how people can help solve a growing problem, garbage.
  • Share a love of nature with your kids, which can make a huge impact on the rest of their lives. Show your passion for protecting our environment with others and create a big change! The National Park Service (NPS) preserves natural and cultural resources in over 400 units for this generation and future generations. Teaching children to become Junior Rangers supports the mission by exploring, learning about, and helping to protect these areas for future generations. The Junior Ranger Activity Book for Utah’s Capitol Reef National Park is a great activity resource to learn about the park and earn a badge.

Nature conservation means protecting our environment and the wildlife it supports. It includes looking after biodiversity and the health of the planet. Logging, loss of milkweed breeding, climate change, and extreme weather are factors that help explain the decline of the best-known butterflies in North America, the monarch (Danaus plexippus). Read the Conservation Status and Ecology of the Monarch Butterfly in the United States report, which briefly summarizes the monarch’s North American distribution, life history, population, current conservation status, and potential causes of decline.

Isn’t it fun to just let time go by while we admire the beauty of nature and the bountiful gifts we receive? Most of us take our natural surroundings and resources for granted. Widespread damage to the environment in the form of reduced green cover, drought, global warming, and unexpected floods can be avoided. On World Nature Conservation Day, let’s rethink our outlook toward the environment and come up with activities and ideas to help nature.

Each year, the NPS conducts an assessment of the agency’s progress in meeting goals and objectives to lessen the NPS’s impact on the environment and improve human welfare. Read how the NPS is on track to achieve its goals in Green Parks Plan (GPP). The plan is framed around the following 10 sustainability categories and sets ambitious agency-wide goals.

  • Continuously Improve Environmental Performance
  • Be Climate Friendly and Climate Ready
  • Be Energy Smart
  • Be Water Wise
  • Green Our Rides
  • Buy Green and Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
  • Preserve Outdoor Experiences, Promote Healthy Engagement
  • Strengthen Sustainability Partnerships
  • Foster Sustainability Beyond Our Boundaries
  • Green Our Grounds

Help raise awareness about the conservation of nature and stress the importance of preserving our natural resources. To ensure the well-being of our future generations, it is important that we work towards sustainable development and take care of our environment.

Today, the world urgently needs a new commitment to nature, especially as we recover from COVID-19. Below are additional suggested U.S. Government publications in support of World Nature Conservation Day.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

For the free resources, click on the links above.

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Visit our Retail Store: To buy or order a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up(s).

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor BethAnn Telford is part of GPO’s Public Relations office.

Leave a Comment » | Environment, Environmental Protection Agency | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

GPO’s Gift Guide Series: Books for the Environmental Enthusiast

November 28, 2018

It’s time to make a list and check it twice … so many gifts to buy, so little time! ‘Tis the season for over-crowded malls, stressful shopping sprees, and loads of self-doubt about what to get your family and friends. Before you go all bah, humbug on us, GPO is here to help. Give the gift of reading, knowledge and doing something good for the world this holiday season. From now until the end of the holiday season, we’ll be your little elves, bringing you a holiday gift guide series on our blog with unique ideas for everyone in your life, from the environmental enthusiast to the health nut to the great outdoorsman. Today, we’ll start with ideas for your favorite friend of the planet.

Toys, books, and clothes all make for great gifts for children. But what if your gift could offer that little something extra special … like a way to help save the planet! Pair environmental publications from the GPO Bookstore with other green and eco-friendly toys, games, school supplies and clothes (there are tons of options out there) for a cute, cohesive present that will put a smile on their face and teach them a valuable lesson about caring for our one and only planet. Published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the EPA Activity Book is the perfect educational yet fun holiday gift for kids … the ones who made the nice list, that is. The booklet provides a visual depiction of how the EPA protects our entire environment, the land where we live, and our ecosystems. With crossword games and puzzles, children will be spending their holiday morning educating themselves about good environmental practices. Another publication great for kids that features a favorite Dr. Seuss character is the Join the Lorax to Help Save Energy, Water, and Protect the Planet activity book. This book teaches children how to save energy at home and at school, how to keep pollution out of the air and keep the earth cool! A graphic and simple-to-understand activity book, this publication engages school children in learning and caring about the environment.

Need a gift for someone who is passionate about climate change? NASA and the Environment: The Case of Ozone Depletion published by NASA represents a critical case study in the history of NASA and environmental sciences. And Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States from the Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is a scientific assessment to enhance understanding and inform decisions about the growing threat of climate change to the health and well-being of residents of the United States. The assessment is part of the ongoing efforts of The U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP)’s sustained National Climate Assessment process and was called for under the President’s Climate Action Plan. USGCRP agencies identified human health impacts as a high-priority topic for scientific assessment. This assessment was developed by a team of more than 100 experts from eight U.S. Federal agencies to inform people on the potential negative impact that climate change can have on human health.

Finding the perfect present can be tough. A gift that makes a difference beats even the silkiest pajamas, most pleasant perfumes, or smartest speakers, especially for someone who takes an interest in the health of our planet and its people. And hey, Mother Earth deserves a gift, too! Good luck with your holiday shopping, and stay tuned for more unique holiday gift ideas right here on the Government Book Talk blog. Happy hunting!

Click here to shop our Holiday Gift Guides for everyone on your list.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Cat Goergen is the PR Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations office.

Leave a Comment » | Environment, Environmental Protection Agency | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Smart Irrigation Month

July 14, 2017

July is Smart Irrigation Month, a great time to bring awareness to the importance of using water wisely. To help in this effort, Government Book Talk reviews an Army Corps of Engineers publication about water resources and environmental planning.

Harry E. Schwarz and the Development of Water Resources and Environmental Planning: Planning Methods in an Era of Challenge and Change

Harry Schwarz was a devoted photographer of nature and considered the first practitioner in a major Federal agency to adopt and implement many new ideas and methods of water resources and environmental planning pioneered by Professors Arthur Maass and Gilbert White.  Schwarz’s contributions relate particularly to water quality, the assessments of environmental impacts, and the visual and cultural aspects of the environment.

This comprehensive resource touches upon the problems with environmental engineering and offers some solutions in water and natural resources planning. Environmental science students, advocates, utilities professionals, and land developers may find this historical view of America’s river basins and information for evaluating structural plans and assessments that can impact environmental and water quality helpful to their research.   This narration includes case studies, such as greenhouse effects that may have an effect on drinking water.  Within this section, global warming and climate changes on water supplies are introduced, and evaluated.  Additionally, this volume covers information about flood frequencies in a Major Drainage Basin, reflections on water and environmental planning, effects of urbanization on streams, the North Atlantic Regional Case Study, and more. You will learn many of Schwarz’s contributions through his government service with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to move science forward, especially in the areas of environmental science, conservation, and natural resources planning.

Industries related to water utilities include local government utilities; water, sewage, and other systems; and water and sewer system construction, natural resource planning, environmental engineering, and more. Project management planning, formula mathematics for chemical compounds, system’s analysis, knowledge of ground water contamination structures, construction engineering, and natural resources planning skill sets may be required for knowledge within these occupational areas.

Multiple appendices are included in this authoritative work to showcase Schwarz’s personal chronology and professional bibliography, his personal memoirs and reflections, oral history interview, and the biographical sketches of Arthur Maass and Gilbert White, pioneer scientists, within this field that may interest other environmental scientists, advocates, and students hoping to follow in Schwarz’s footsteps to pursue a career in water resources planning and operations..

Purchase your personal copy of Harry E. Schwarz and the Development of Water Resources and Environmental Planning today!

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at http://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

About the author: This week’s blog contributor is Maureen Whelan, Senior Marketing Team Leader for GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office in Washington, DC. Maureen oversees print and digital content dissemination strategy and manages third party free and paid content distribution through platforms and vendors, such as Apple iBookstore, Barnes and Noble.com, Google Play eBookstore, Ebscohost databases, Overdrive, and more.

Leave a Comment » | Department of Defense, Environment, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Celebrate Arbor Day

April 27, 2017

Arbor Day celebrates the value of trees in our daily lives.  It is a special time set aside for tree planting.

For this Arbor Day, April 28, here are a few tips on how to honor those stately trees in your local parks and suburban landscapes by coming together and enjoy those quiet giant oaks, and even a still growing scruffy pine.

  • Hold an Arbor Day ceremony to honor the good stewards in your community.
  • Organize a Largest or Oldest Tree search across your community.
  • Plant a tree. Host a reception to honor Park or Tree Board members in the community.
  • Create a story, produce a play, or present a skit about trees.
  • Choose a public park or downtown area to clean up.
  • Sponsor a craft show featuring artists engaged in crafts with natural materials.
  • Schedule classes on tree pruning, tree selection, identification and planting.
  • Hold a Children’s Read-In at the library.

Best of all…. read a book at home about trees – with your children.

The U.S. Government Bookstore offers publications covering some of the above subjects plus a wide range of “tree hugging” topics depending on your interests. Here a just few examples.

Why Would Anyone Cut a Tree Down?

This delightful book shows children the life cycle of trees, showing that trees are a renewable resource as their seeds can be planted to make new trees grow. It also discusses the need to remove sick, flammable, and other dangerous trees as well as the various uses for wood from cut trees.

National Individual Tree Species Atlas

This reference covers each tree species in the United States and precisely where each species is likely to grow or not grow. Written primarily for horticulturists, the contents are also a wonderful resource for anyone studying America’s tree population: from Boy and Girl Scouts, to landscapers, to forestry professors and guides.

How To Prune Trees

This handy pamphlet provides helpful information on how, when, and why to prune. By following the few simple principles outlined in this publication, you will learn how to produce strong, healthy, attractive plants.

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at http://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.

Leave a Comment » | Agriculture, Consumers, Department of Agriculture, Environment, Family | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Environmental resources from the Federal Government

June 4, 2015

environment 1It’s time, once again, for World Environment Day (WED), a globally-celebrated day for positive environmental action. Established by the UN General Assembly in 1972, WED is celebrated annually on June 5th and inspires worldwide environmental awareness, attention, and action.

2015’s theme is “resource efficiency and sustainable consumption and production in the context of the planet’s regenerative capacity, as captured in the slogan ‘Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care’.”

There are countless resources from the Federal Government on the topics of environmental protection, conservation, sustainability, green initiatives, and footprint reduction, just to name a few.

The White House has pioneered many initiatives focused on energy, climate change, and our environment. You can read more about all these initiatives, get the latest news, and even sign up for energy and environment updates via email at https://www.whitehouse.gov/energy.

And let’s not forget the obvious authority on tackling these issues, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). From epa.gov, you can get important facts and information about a host of environmental issues, including: air, chemicals and toxics, climate change, emergencies, greener living, health and safety, land and cleanup, pesticides, waste, and water. Of course, you can also access laws and regulations that are in the works to support these issues. And with summer nearly here, you can also get sun safety tips and learn about insect repellents. You can even locate resources in your own community to address local environmental challenges by inputting an address, zip code, or location name.

USA.gov offers a browseable list of .gov resources on the topics of “environment, energy, and agriculture.” From there, you can also sign up to receive updates when there is new information available on these topics.

earth-from-spaceGPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications offers access to a wide variety of related publications and resources from across the Federal Government. Here is just a small sampling:

GPO’s Federal Digital System also provides free access to countless pieces of legislation and Federal regulations on the topic. Here are just a few:

earth 2The U.S. Government Bookstore offers a wide variety of U.S. Government publications related to this important and timely topic.

Take a look at our 19 collections of publications related to the topic of Environment and Nature.

There are U.S. Government publications on topics ranging from Environmental Protection and Conservation collection to Biofuels and Renewable Energy to Earth Day and more!

Celebrate World Environment Day by taking in all of the environmental information resources provided by the U.S. Government, and share this information with others.

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Click on the Links: For the free resources, click on the links above in the blog post.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at http://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

About the author: Kelly Seifert is the Lead Planning Specialist in GPO’s Library Services & Content Management division.

Leave a Comment » | Environment, Environmental Protection Agency | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins