Here are some sites which promote environmental awareness. Feel free to suggest additional “green” sites by sending a note to info@brightsphere.com. And let us know about any broken links you find. Thank you for promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. See notes below.
Use the search bar below to quickly find topics of interest to you.
| Subject | Information and links |
|---|---|
| Architectural design: sustainibility | JLG Architects: Five tips for embedding sustainability into design practice: blog.sketchup.com/home/five-tips-for-embedding-sustainability-into-practice-and-design-processes |
| Asbestos: guide to dangers and removal | Asbestos is a dangerous mineral that was extensively used in house construction up until several decades ago. Obviously, having asbestos in your home is something that no homeowner wants to deal with, but many of us have to. That's why we made a guide about what homeowners need to know with asbestos and the removal process. Check it out: Asbestos and Removal Guide - lanierlawfirm.com/mesothelioma/asbestos-exposure/abatement |
| Asbestos recycling | An online resource for victims suffering from asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma: asbestos.net/asbestos/recycling |
| Asbestos: Where Is It Found? Mesothelioma Cancer Info | Asbestos is a highly cancer-causing group of minerals. The mineral was used in thousands of consumer products during the 1930’s through the 1980’s to build homes and buildings across the country. Today, asbestos is still found in many structures including; air duct coverings, window panels, door gaskets, floor and walls around wood-burning stoves, gutters, hot water pipes, steam pipes, insulation, pipes, popcorn ceilings, roofing, shingles, vinyl floor tiles, water tanks, and more. Mesothelioma is cancer caused by asbestos, and it kills 2,000-3,000 people every year and many of them are exposed at home or work. For these reasons, mesotheliomahub.com wants to educate as many people as possible about the dangers of asbestos. Read the article: "Where is Asbestos Found?" mesotheliomahub.com/mesothelioma/asbestos/where-is-asbestos |
| Audubon Society | audubon.org – The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. |
| California Association of Environmental Professionals | califaep.org |
| Composting for kids | Composting is fun, easy, and a perfect opportunity to teach children about Biology, Health, Nutrition, Agriculture, Sustainability, and much more. Visit "Composting For Kids – Guide For Spring/Summer 2020" here: tradesmencosts.co.uk/composting-for-kids-guide |
| Composting: A Complete Guide to Composting for Kids | quiethut.com/composting-for-kids |
| Composting: step-by-step guide | The Ultimate Step by Step Guide for Composting: thereviewsinsider.com/guide-for-composting/ |
| Cooking oil disposal, pickup and recycling | Used Cooking Oil Disposal: darpro-solutions.com/restaurant-supermarket-solutions/used-cooking-oil-collection-pickup-recycling. DAR PRO Solutions is a one-stop-shop for sustainably recycling used grease/cooking oil. DAR PRO repurposes used cooking oil and meat byproducts throughout the United States into renewable biofuels, animal feed ingredients, and other household and industrial resources. |
| Cruelty-free beauty products for animal lovers | Thanks, Deborah, for sending us a link to this resource guide on shopping for cruelty-free beauty products for animal lovers (including mascara, shampoo, and other cosmetic products). It helps support the global initiative against animal-testing. cocokind.com/pages/cruelty-free-beauty |
| Deck lighting, energy-efficient | Thanks, Neal, for sending us a link to this guide to energy-efficient deck lights. How To Choose Energy-Efficient Deck Lighting: decksdirect.com/energy-efficient-lighting-for-deck |
| Earth Day | www.earthday.org Earth Day 2022 |
| Earth Day – Kid Friendly | 8 Ways to Have a Kid-Friendly Earth Day 7 cool ways to commemorate Earth Day with kids in 2021. From tackling nature scavenger hunts to growing plants from seeds, here are fun ideas for the whole family. www.today.com/parents/7-cool-ways-commemorate-earth-day-kids-2021-t215110 |
| EarthTrends | earthtrends.wri.org |
| Electric bikes / E-bikes | Thinking of taking a greener commute to work? Or maybe you’re just looking for a fun way to cruise around town? Whatever your reasons, there are a lot of benefits to e-bikes. E-Bike Guide for Beginners: flyridesusa.com/pages/ebike-guide-for-beginners |
| Electric car and hybrid car insurance | Compare insurance rates for electric and hybrid cars at GoCompare.com: gocompare.com/car-insurance/electric-car-insurance |
| Electric cars | Electric cars: Your Mechanic yourmechanic.com/article/electric-cars-and-how-they-work-by-maddy-martin How electric cars work and the benefits of EV/hybrid technologies |
| Electric cars | The Beginner's Guide to Driving Electric Cars exchangeandmart.co.uk/electric-cars-guide History, environmental impact, health benefits, brands and models, comparison to gas, diesel and hybrid engines, battery life, government grant, etc. |
| Electricity Plans (Thanks for the green links, Rebecca) | Earth Day Activities plus a Carbon Footprint Worksheet. https://electricityplans.com/13-fun-earth-day-activities/ 6 Tips for Raising Energy Smart Kids – easy ways to incorporate energy efficiency learning into everyday life. https://electricityplans.com/6-tips-for-raising-energy-smart-kids/ What is a Kilowatt Hour and What Can it Power – energy measurement basics, plus how to calculate electricity usage around the home. https://electricityplans.com/kwh-kilowatt-hour-can-power/ |
| Environmental Activist and Leadership Organization | earthisland.org – Earth Island Institute supports environmental action projects and helps foster the next generation of environmental leaders in order to achieve solutions to the crises threatening the survival of life on Earth. |
| Environmental activities for kids | From Wordtips: Handy Activities To Teach Your Kids About Environmental Issues. Helping children connect to nature and learn about what they can do to help the planet can be incredibly rewarding and support positive attitudes that will stay with them for life. From community action to doing your part with recycling and fundraising, there are many ways to help create budding eco-warriors. word.tips/environmental-education |
| Environmental Awareness and Sustainability | From Maryville University: The Importance of Environmental Awareness and Sustainability When Running a Business – online.maryville.edu/blog/importance-of-environmental-awareness-when-running-a-business |
| Environmental Defense Fund | edf.org |
| Environmental issues | Thanks to Kait for this green link. From Plastic Pollution to Global Warming: Top Environmental Issues We're Facing Today: bottlestore.com/environmentalissues |
| Environmental Kids Club (at EPA) | epa.gov/students |
| Environmental learning for kids | A collection of environmental word games and activities for kids to help build your vocabulary of nature, weather and climate terms: wordfinderx.com/blog/climate-weather-nature-vocabulary |
| Environmental organizations and nonprofits | Green Dreamer is a podcast and multimedia journal exploring our paths to holistic healing, ecological regeneration, and true abundance and wellness for all. This page lists 35 environmental organizations and nonprofits for a sustainable future (with ways you can get involved). greendreamer.com/journal/environmental-organizations-nonprofits-for-a-sustainable-future |
| EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) | epa.gov epa.gov/climatechange |
| Finding and Organizing Green Storage | yourstoragefinder.com/eco-friendly-storage-tips |
| Getting Started with Green Living | sustainablebabysteps.com/definition-of-green-living.html |
| Glass Recycling | Glass Recycling 101: Jars, Glass Cups and Wine Bottles. It's clear that recycling glass is a smart thing to do. But how can you make sure that you're disposing of your glass the right way? winecellarinnovations.com/wine-cellar-decor/glass-recycling-101 (Thanks to Leah and her mom Lisa for this suggestion.) |
| Global Environmental Technologies | New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization – nedo.go.jp/english/ |
| Green Investing | Types of investments that qualify as green, with actionable ways the average person can leverage their money to help the environment. https://turbo.intuit.com/blog/investments/green-investing-4451/ |
| Green business: starting up and certifications | This resource, provided by FindLaw, includes crucial information for entrepreneurs who want to start an earth-friendly business or simply improve the environmental status of their existing business. Within the guide, readers will learn the importance of environmental regulations and incentives and find access to several U.S. based certification programs, including Green Seal, Energy Star, LEED, and the USDA National Organic Program, which exist with the purpose of maintaining the integrity of green practices and are individually important certifications for earth-friendly businesses to possess. The guide can be found here: www.findlaw.com/smallbusiness/starting-a-business/starting-a-green-business.html |
| Green cleaning at home | This green guide was submitted by Ivy Greene's daughter who attends "Environmental Kids Club" every week at her local community center. She would like her program director to see this! Green cleaning at home. Make green cleaning at home a breeze with tips for choosing natural cleaning products for every area of the house: www.grove.co/welcome/green-cleaning-home |
| Green Kids, Green Corps: Save-the-planet tips for youth | Book: True-Green-Kids-Things-Planet by Kim Mckay and Jenny Bonnin (Author) Project guide: sciencenetlinks.com/lessons/true-green-kids-100-things-you-can-do-to-save-the-planet |
| Green Living Tips | This Green Living Tips guide discusses simple changes that lead to an eco-friendly lifestyle, such as: reducing waste, sourcing food locally, switching to green cleaning products, and more. directenergy.com/learning-center/green-living-tips-for-home |
| Green Modifications for the Home | homecity.com/going-green-a-guide-to-eco-friendly-home-modifications |
| Green Parenting guide | parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/green/the-ultimate-guide-to-green-parenting/ |
| GreenPeace | greenpeace.org/usa/ |
| Home decor that is sustainable, ethical and eco-friendly | Ethical design, sustainable design, vegan design, and specific tips and products for ethical and sustainable design and paint options. https://www.fivestarpainting.com/blog/2019/november/sustainable-home-decor-guide-ethical-and-eco-fri/ |
| Home Energy Conservation for Kids | homeadvisor.com/r/home-energy-conservation-for-kids |
| Home Improvements that are Eco-Friendly | As homeowners have become more aware of environmental concerns, many have opted for eco-friendly home improvements. Our experts highlight conscious steps that homeowners can take during the remodeling process to become more environmentally friendly on a budget while adding value to their homes and making a positive impact on the world's energy consumption. www.bankrate.com/loans/home-improvement/eco-friendly-improvements/ |
| Home insulation and energy efficiency | Home Insulation & Energy Efficiency Guide buildingmaterials.co.uk/resources/home-insulation-guide |
| Household waste management | This "Household Waste Management Guide for Parents" includes simple activities in the household that can contribute to proper waste management. saniflodepot.com/pages/household-waste-management-guide-for-parents. Thanks to Olivia for sending this resource to BrightSphere. |
| Irrigation: Sustainable Methods for Farming | Sustainable Irrigation Methods for Farming: sprinklersupplystore.com/blogs/news/sustainable-irrigation-methods-for-farming |
| Loans for Energy Efficient Tax Credits | A Guide to Green Loans and Energy Efficient Tax Credits (Rider University) |
| Mattress disposal and recycling | Lowe's guide to mattress disposal or recycling: lowes.com/n/how-to/dispose-mattress |
| Medical Care Programs for Veterans | Our veterans may suffer serious health problems as a result of their service, including addiction, depression and cancers like mesothelioma. Simmons Hanly Conroy lists resources that help support our heroes, including the Veterans Affairs (VA) to help find medical care or counseling, mental health organizations such as the Veterans Crisis Line, and non-profit veteran support organizations such as the Wounded Warriors Project, Disabled American Veterans and the Joshua Chamberlain Society, all to which Simmons Hanly Conroy has proudly donated. Please visit: www.simmonsfirm.com/mesothelioma/veterans/healthcare-resources |
| Medical Waste | Different types of medical wastes and medical waste management methods: pureway.com/blog/medical-waste-treatment-and-disposal |
| Medical Waste | This article addresses methods of treatment of medical waste and transporting the waste: gloves.com/blogs/news/how-to-safely-manage-medical-waste |
| Mesothelioma cancer | MesotheliomaLawyerCenter.org provides visitors with comprehensive mesothelioma cancer information, and helps asbestos victims recover money for medical treatment and other expenses. |
| Mesothelioma cancer: asbestos in the home | Guide to Asbestos in the Home: Homes built before the 1980s could expose homeowners, their families and others to asbestos possibly hiding in cement, floor tiles, insulation, walls and pipes. Our Guide to Asbestos in the Home can help protect you and others from exposure and the risk of mesothelioma cancer. www.asbestos.com/exposure/home |
| Minimalist green lifestyle; declutter rooms in your home | Now that we're spending more time at home, it's the perfect opportunity to be eco-friendly, declutter, and simplify. This visual guide highlights 10 tips that promote a green, minimalist lifestyle like making space for your favorite things and digitizing books. blog.mint.com/minimalist-lifestyle/minimalist-lifestyle-tips |
| Moving: eco-friendly tips | Moves require a relatively large carbon footprint compared to more typical daily activities, but luckily there are many ways that you can reduce your footprint as you move. Our guide covers the largest contributing factors to environmental damage during the moving process, eco-friendly and biodegradable packing materials, and donating or selling unneeded items. The article also details cleaning and landscaping substances, transportation and travel options, and further eco-friendly moving tips. getbellhops.com/blog/the-eco-friendly-moving-guide-tips-and-resources-for-reducing-carbon-emissions-during-your-move. Thank you, Thomas, for the green link. |
| Natural resources education | The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has events and curriculum supplements for all ages, including outdoor lessons for K-12 students, DNR Education Programs, and Arbor Day tree plantings. Visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/education |
| Nature's Classroom | A program for students and teachers to experience education from another perspective, outside the walls of the classroom – naturesclassroom.org |
| Office Space – going green (Thanks for the green link, Anne!) | 5 Benefits of having a Green Office Space atriumproperties.net/5-benefits-of-having-a-green-office-space |
| Paper: how to reduce usage and waste | This "Reducing Paper Consumption" article explains how the use of e-documents and e-signature signing can help reduce overall paper waste, reduce vehicle emissions, and alleviate paper storage concerns www.onespan.com/blog/reducing-paper-consumption-and-saving-planet-one-e-signature-time |
| Phone, tablet, accessory recycling | Bring your cell phones (any make, model or carrier), cell phone batteries, chargers, accessories, tablets and netbooks to any T-Mobile location in the United States & Puerto Rico to be recycled for free. www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/sustainability/our-customers/recycling-matters. Thanks for the link, Lara. |
| Polar Bears | Polar Bears International's mission is to conserve polar bears and the sea ice they depend on. Visit polarbearsinternational.org |
| Recycling – a comprehensive guide | A Comprehensive Recycling Guide: www.publicrecordsreviews.com/education-center/comprehensive-recycling-guide.
Recycling 101: How & Why You Should Recycle thehubpost.com/recycling-101-how-why-you-should-recycle/ (Links submitted by Edelyn C.) |
| Recycle Anything – How To | personalcreations.com/blog/how-to-recycle-anything |
| Recycling appliances, electronics, phones and more | Best Buy recycling: bestbuy.com/site/services/recycling/pcmcat149900050025.c. Thanks for the green link, Peyton! |
| Recycling and disposal of deck lights | Guide For Deck Lights Disposal And Recycling: www.decksdirect.com/deck-lights-disposal-recycling |
| Recycling guide | A Guide To Eco-Friendly Recycling By BankEditor: www.bankeditor.com/recycling-guide. Contents include: • A Brief History Of Recycling in America • Why Recycling Is Important • What To Recycle and How To Do It Right • The Benefits of Recycling • How To Up Your Recycling Game • Recycling Trivia |
| Recycling home appliances | Link sent by Tyler from GreenTeensClub.org – basementguides.com/recycling-appliances-guide |
| Recycling Home Components | calgary.com/home-component-recycling-guide |
| Recycling motor vehicles (cars) | A comprehensive car recycling guide: https://www.junkcarmedics.com/blog/car-recycling/ Vehicle Recycling: An Eco-Friendly Alternative |
| Recycling electronics and appliances | Recycling of Electronics and Appliances at Best Buy (Thanks for the green link, Peyton!) bestbuy.com/site/clp/recycling |
| Recycling: Kid’s Guide | Recycling: Kid’s Guide to Reducing, Reusing & Recycling Waste: homeadvisor.com/r/reduce-reuse-recycle-for-kids |
| Renewable Energy World | renewableenergyworld.com |
| Shopping Green for Your Pet | retailmenot.com/blog/shopping-green-for-your-pet.html |
| Sierra Club | sierraclub.org – The Sierra Club is one of the most enduring and influential grassroots environmental organizations in the United States, defending everyone’s right to a healthy world. |
| Smart Home Systems | Mr. Electric has created a guide about conserving energy through smart home systems. The guide covers different ways that smart home technologies help save energy and help to reduce impact on the environment. Read "Energy Saving Through Smart Home Systems" here: https://mrelectric.com/blog/energy-saving-through-smart-home-systems |
| Solar energy | Best Solar Energy Companies Based on In-Depth Reviews: consumersadvocate.org/solar-energy |
| Solar panels | With residential solar power rising in popularity, many homeowners are looking to install solar panels. The article explains how solar panels convert sunlight into usable energy: "How do Solar Panels Work?" solarcalculator.com.au/how-do-solar-panels-work |
| Solar power guide | From Mrs. Grace Coleman: "One of my student volunteers showed me this solar power guide: solarpower.guide. The whole website is fantastic. There's lots of conservation and clean energy information, plus project ideas and educational games for kids to learn about solar energy. I'd be delighted to show Alex, my volunteer who found it! She a member of her school's Green Team, so she was very excited to help me with this!" |
| Solar power purchase agreement | Solar Power Purchase Agreement (Solar PPA) Explained: www.saveonenergy.com/solar-energy/solar-power-purchase-agreement |
| Stain removal, eco-friendly | 15 Eco-Friendly Hacks to Eliminate Obnoxious Stains https://tommyjohn.com/blogs/news/eco-friendly-stain-remover |
| Sustainability guides for college students | Thanks to Lucas from Lake Jennings Troop 325 for sending us a green link to this college student's guide on how to live sustainably on campus (while remaining on a budget): couponfollow.com/research/sustainability-guide Also see "15 Easy Ways Students Can Go Green": fastweb.com/student-life/articles/the-15-easy-ways-students-can-go-green Here is an "Outdoor Action Sustainability Guide" from Princeton University: princeton.edu/~oa/sustainability/OutdoorActionSustainabilityGuide-Web.pdf |
| Sustainability: educational programs | The definition of “sustainability” is the study of how natural systems function, remain diverse and produce everything it needs for the ecology to remain in balance. See our article "What Is Sustainability and Why Is It Important? environmentalscience.org/sustainability |
| Sustainable shopping | Sustainable Me, from BBC Earth: bbcearth.com/sustainable-me. If you’re feeling inspired to make a difference, why not make a #SustainableMe pledge on social media and commit to being a more conscious shopper? |
| Technology: environmentally friendly uses | Teaching kids how to use technology in environmentally friendly ways: https://privacyhq.com/guide/teach-children-technology-environmentally-friendly/ |
| The Green Writer: professional newsletters, email campaigns and blogging | Balaka Ghosal is a “green writer" who can assist you with your sustainability initiatives. See her articles on environment and the circular economy here: thegreenwriter.com/category/green-blog |
| Thrifting | Thrifting is a better, eco-friendly alternative to recycling as it involves reusing preloved products. Here is an in-depth guide to thrifting: thrifting.io |
| Water Pollution and Conservation | Mr. Rooter's Protecting our Natural Resources: A Guide to Water Pollution and Conservation in Your Community guide educates about understanding water pollution and how you can help conservation efforts in your own community. It covers types and sources of water contamination, understanding water quality, tips to prevent water pollution, as well as water reuse and water-use efficiency. The Guide: https://www.mrrooter.ca/about/expert-tips/water-conservation/protecting-our-natural-resources-a-guide-to-wate |
NOTES: There are many ways to obtain reviews of non-profit and for-profit groups, companies and initiatives. A reputable website which fact-checks the influencers of public policy on a wide range of subjects (including environment and sustainability) is InfluenceWatch.org.
Most environmental groups simply seek to educate people about what is good for us and our planet.
Some environmental groups are politically driven, urging various levels of government to enact legislation that will protect us (that is what is meant by being an “influencer). Some groups might be regarded as excessively profit-motivated. Use CharityNavigator.org to check the financial health, accountability and transparency of organizations.
Use your own good judgment in determining the reputation of websites that you visit. Feel free to write to me to report any sites listed here that you feel are suspect.
Thank you. – Richard Schletty
