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Career Center
Is an Environmental Career in Your Future?
As interest in the environment grows, so does the need for qualified individuals to pursue the many career opportunities available in the environmental field. A person can work for a nonprofit environmental organization, a business, a school, a park, or the government. Environmental issues are involved in most fields.
In order to prepare yourself for an environmental career, you first need to ask yourself some questions: 1. What do I enjoy doing and why? Do I like writing, computer programming, or science? 2. What area of the environment interests me and why? For example, am I interested in recycling or am I curious about certain endangered animals? 3. What problem in the environment would I like to see solved? Do I like local or international issues?
In addition to asking yourself questions, you can decide if you are interested in an environmental career by talking to people who already work in the field and have a job you think is interesting. These people can answer questions and tell you how they prepared to enter the environmental arena.
You can prepare yourself either by combining a liberal arts background with some course work dealing with environmental science or policy or by pursuing a scientific approach to your education by taking more technical courses. The most important thing is to pursue something that you enjoy and that interests you. Most academic degrees can be developed into an environmental career. For example, a person with a communication degree can work in an environmental organizationÆs public relations office; a person with a math degree can collect environmental statistics and conduct research; a person with an English degree can write environmental regulations; a business degree can be utilized in corporate environmental management.
One of the best ways to see if this field is for you is to get involved now! You can read about environmental issues, start a recycling program in your community, or get a summer job in an environmental field. Volunteering or having an internship with an environmental agency or business is a valuable learning experience! It allows you to get practical work experience while you investigate the field.
The environmental field is growing rapidly both domestically and internationally. With a sincere interest in the environment, a college degree, and hands-on experience, you can be on your way to a rewarding career where you can make a difference in the world we all share.
The following list of resource books, journal articles, and contacts provide information about environmental careers. Contact your school or local library for assistance in locating these items:
- Complete Guide to Environmental Careers by The CEIP Fund. Washington, D.C.: Island Press, 1993.
- Environmental Careers Guide: Job Opportunities with the Earth in Mind by Nicholas Basta. New York: Wiley, 1991.
- Environmental Careers: A Garbage Primer for Ecoeds by Amy Martin. In Garbage: The Practical Journal for the Environment, Vol. 4, No. 1, January/February 1992, pp. 24-31.
- Environmental Jobs for Scientists and Engineers by Nicholas Basta. New York: Wiley, 1992.
- Fixing the Environment: Guide to Science/Engineering Careers in Environmental Conservation by Nicholas Basta. New York: Wiley, 1992.
- The Job Seekers Guide: Opportunities in Natural Resource Management for the Developing World by Timothy M. Resch and Mary G. Porter. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service and Office of International Cooperation and Development, Forestry Support Program, 1990.
- Massachusetts Environmental Industry/Education Resource Directory: A Guide to Schools, Careers, and Environmental Companies written and compiled by Fenna Hanes. Boston, Mass.: Bays State Skills Corporation, 1992.
- Occupational Outlook Handbook 1996û1997 by Neal H. Rosenthal and Ronald E. Kutscher. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1996.
- Opportunities in Environmental Careers by Odom Fanning. Lincolnwood, Ill.: VGM Careers Horizons, 1991.
Access50 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108(617) 720-JOBS
Gathers information on public interest and nonprofit internships and career opportunities.
American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)1501 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102(215) 421-7000
AFSC is a Quaker organization that provides material assistance to grassroots groups in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and poor communities in the United States. AFSC also coordinates cross-cultural education programs, foreign policy programs, and human rights campaigns.
American Geological Institute4220 King Street,Alexandria, VA 22302(703) 379-2480
Publishes Directory of Geoscience Departments and Careers in Geology.
Amigos de las Americas5618 Star Lane, Houston, TX 77057(800) 231-7796 or (713) 782-5290
Volunteers lead public health projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. Each volunteer receives training and raises the funds needed for his or her project during the school year and then works with a partner in a village for six to eight weeks during the summer. Projects include teaching dental hygiene, distributing eyeglasses, helping to build latrines, and providing immunization against disease.
Canadian Organization for Development through Education321 Chapel StreetOttawa, Ontario K1N 7Z2Canada(613) 232-3569
Supports sister school projects between Canada and Uganda, Kenya, the Caribbean and the Philippines.
Center for Global Educationc/o Augsburg College731 21st Avenue SouthMinneapolis, MN 55454(612) 330-1159
Coordinates travel seminars designed to introduce participants to the realities of life in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and the Philippines. Costs range between $900 and $2,000. Some scholarships are available.
Community Jobs50 Beacon Street,Boston, MA 02108(617) 720-5627
Provides listings of more than 400 jobs each month; college edition each year lists summer employment opportunities for students. Published by ACCESS: Networking in the Public Interest.
Conservation Directory1400 16th Street NW,Washington, D C 200361 (800) 432-6564 or(202) 797-6800
Lists organizations, agencies, and personnel engaged in conservation work and natural resources use and management at state, national, and international levels. Also lists college and universities in the United States and Canada that have conservation studies programs. Published yearly by the National Wildlife Federation.
Cool It!National Wildlife Federation1400 16th Street NWWashington, D C 20036(202) 797-5435
Regional Cool It! coordinators work with students over the phone and conduct on-site workshops to help establish models of environmentally sound practices. Other services include a newsletter, job bank, and speakersÆ bureau.
Earth Day Resources116 New Montgomery Street, Suite 530San Francisco, CA 94105(800) 727-8619 or (415) 495-5987
Maintains a network of grassroots organizations committed to environmental solutions at the local level. Offers materials such as lesson plans, fact sheets, and guidance for recycling and rideshare programs.
EarthwatchP.O. Box 403Watertown, MA 02272(617) 926-8200
Earthwatch links volunteers with scientists and scholars on academic research expeditions in the United States and abroad. You might help to study rock art in Italy or help to make a documentary movie on Brazilian festivals. Costs range between $600 and $2,500.
Eco-Net18 DeBoom Street, Dept. GMSan Francisco, CA 94107(415) 442-0220
An online computer network of more than 100 electronic bulletin boards that deal with environmental issues and job opportunities.
The Environmental Careers Organization, Inc.286 Congress Street, Dept. GMBoston, MA 02210(617) 426-4375
Places college students and recent graduates in short-term paid internships with environmental groups and publishes a guide to environmental careers.
Environmental Careers World22 Research Drive,Hampton, VA 23666(804) 865-0605
Lists over 500 jobs each month. Offers career advice, career news, and interviews with employers, and a career networking calendar. Published twice a month by the Environmental Career Center.
The Environmental Consortium for Minority Outreach1001 Connecticut Avenue NW,Washington, D C 20036(202) 331-8387
Recruits minorities who are interested in working for environmental organizations.
Environmental Job Opportunities550 N. Park Street,15 Science Hall,Madison, WI 53706(608) 263-1815
Published every five weeks by the Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of WisconsinûMadison.
Environmental OpportunitiesP.O. Box 788,Walpole, NH 03608(603) 756-4553
Lists permanent, seasonal, and internship opportunities with nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies. Published monthly.
Environmental Project on Central America (EPOCA)Earth Island Institute300 Broadway, Suite 28San Francisco, CA 94133-3312(415) 788-3666
Sponsors reforestation brigades in Nicaragua. Brigadistas plant tens of thousands of trees to provide wind blocks and to prevent erosion and flooding on NicaraguaÆs farmland.
Environmental Studies and Resource Management730 Polk Street,San Francisco, CA 94109
An annotated guide to universities and government training programs in the United States. Published by the Sierra Club.
Foundation for International Training200-1262 Don Mills Road, Don Mills,Ontario M3B 2W7, Canada(416) 449-8838
The Foundation sponsors projects in community development, industry administration, and management in Third World countries. Participants should have some overseas experience as well as experience teaching a technical skill. Assignments are for six to eight weeks. All expenses are paid and a small honorarium is offered.
GemquestGlobal Exchange Motivators, Inc.Montgomery County Intermediate Unit BuildingMontgomery Avenue and Paper Mill RoadErdenheim, PA 19118(215) 233-9558
Organizes study and travel programs that promote cultural understanding through intensive contact between travelers and their hosts. Includes homestays and the possibility for university study abroad.
Global Action Plan84 Ferry Hill RoadWoodstock, NY 12498(914) 679-4830; fax (914) 679-4834
Provides workbook and support for the formation of small groups, or ôEco Teams,ö that meet to learn about simple and effective ways to reduce their impact on the environment. Each group quantifies their results, such as water saved each month, and adds the data to the results of other Eco Teams around the world.
Global Exchange2940 16th Street, Room 307San Francisco, CA 94103(415) 255-7296
Creates tours designed to help people become more involved in Third World development efforts. Tours go to Central and South America, the Caribbean, and southern Africa.
Green Corps1724 Gilpin StreetDenver, CO 80218(303) 355-1881
An intensive training program in grassroots organizing, fund-raising, media, and campaign skills, followed by a year using your skills in a real life situation.
Habitat for Humanity419 West Church StreetAmericus, GA 31709(912) 924-6935
Volunteers donate labor, money, and materials in this nonprofit Christian housing ministry to build and renovate homes in the United States and abroad.
Highlander Research and Education CenterRoute 3, Box 370New Market, TN 37820(615) 933-3443
The Highlander Center organizes exchanges between community activists in Appalachia and the Third World, focusing on education, labor rights, health care, land use, toxics, and economic development.
International Bicycle Fund (IBF)4247 135th Place SEBellevue, WA 98006-1319
Sponsors bicycle tours to Africa to encourage people-to-people contact and to learn about cultures, histories, and economies of the peoples visited. Costs are about $1,000 plus airfare.
International Development Exchange (IDEX)777 Valencia StreetSan Francisco, CA 94110(415) 621-1494
IDEX brings together school and church groups in the United States with grassroots development projects in the Third World.
Job Opportunities in the Environment 1994P.O. Box 2123,Princeton, NJ 08543(800) 338-3282
Provides information on over 1,100 of the fastest-growing and most successful employers in the environmental industry. Published by PetersonÆs Guide, Inc.
MADRE121 West 27th Street, Room 301New York, NY 10001(212) 627-0444
Madre works to build friendships between women in Central America, the Caribbean, and the United States.
Mennonite Central Committee21 South 12th StreetAkron, PA 17501(717) 859-1151
Volunteers work on health, education, social services, and community development projects in over 50 countries.
National Association of Environmental ProfessionalsP.O. Box 15210,Alexandria, VA 22309(703) 660-2384
Holds an annual conference and publishes a newsletter and journal. Has local chapters and student chapters.
Opportunities130 Azalea Drive,Roswell, GA 30075(404) 594-9367
Lists teacher/naturalist, camp counselor, and internship positions. Published six times annually by the Natural Science for Youth Foundation.
Overseas Development Network (ODN)
P.O. Box 1430Cambridge, MA 02238(617) 868-3002
A network of college activists, ODN organizes educational and fund-raising events dealing with Third World development issues.
Partners for Global Justice4920 Piney Branch Road NWWashington, DC 20011(202) 723-8273
Partners for Global Justice empowers U.S. citizens to influence public policy effectively. Volunteers spend one year in a Third World country and one year in the United States working with cooperatives and community organizations.
Pax World Services1111 16th Street NW, Suite 120Washington, D C 20036(202) 293-7290
A nonprofit organization that initiates and supports projects that encourage international understanding, reconciliation, and sustainable development. Sponsors hand-on development trips that work on community projects and educational, fact-finding trips.
Plowshares InstituteP.O. Box 243Simsbury, CT 06070(203) 651-9675, (203) 658-6645
Travel seminars to Africa, Asia, and Australia. Participants are asked to do advanced reading and preparation and to share experiences with others after the trip.
Public Interest Research GroupsThe Fund for Public Interest Research29 Temple PlaceBoston, MA 02111(617) 292-4800
The PIRGs organize student groups, campaign on a variety of environmental and social justice issues, and provide numerous canvassing and fund-raising jobs to recent college graduates.
SERVAS International11 John Street, Suite 706New York, NY 10038(212) 267-0252
SERVAS is an international network of people interested in peace issues. SERVAS does not organize or lead trips. Instead, the organization compiles national directories of people in over 70 countries who are interested in meeting travelers for a short homestay, or just for coffee.
Student Conservation Association1800 North Kent Street, Suite 1260Arlington, VA 22209(703) 524-2441
Volunteers work with stewardship and conservation programs on public land and in national parks. For example, you might help with a botany research project in Yellowstone National Park.
Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC)P.O. Box 1168Chapel Hill, NC 27514(919) 967-4600
SEAC publishes a monthly newsletter for its members and sponsors over 70 gatherings across the country for students interested in environmental justice. Through the Campus Ecology Project, students can assess environmental quality and create strategies for change on their own campuses.
Youth Ambassadors of AmericaP.O. Box 5273Bellingham, WA 98227Exchange programs, conferences, and summits for young people.
Volunteers for Peace International WorkcampsTiffany RoadBelmont, VT 05730(802) 259-2759
Opportunities for young people of all nationalities to work together on two- and three-week hands-on projects in over 800 camps in 36 countries.
Witness for PeaceP.O. Box 567Durham, NC 27702-0567(919) 688-5049
A grassroots, faith-based organization committed to changing U.S. policy toward Central America through nonviolent action. WFP sponsors both long-term and short-term work delegations.
World Environmental DirectoryP.O. Box 1068,Silver Spring, MD 20910
Includes over 40,000 company, organization, agency, institution, and personal listings worldwide. Published by Business Publishers, Inc.
This is a sampling of nongovernmental national and international environmental organizations. For the more complete, annually updated Conservation Directory, send $25 and $5.25 S&H to the National Wildlife Federation, 1400 Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, D C 20036. The directory includes many professional associations and state or local organizations not listed here. Your local library may have a copy. Most of the organizations publish a magazine or newsletter.
Acid Rain Foundation, 1410 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606. A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that educates the public on air-quality issues, including acid rain, air pollutants, and global climate changes.
African Wildlife Foundation, 1717 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, D C 20036 (202-265-8393). Finances and operates wildlife conservation projects in Africa.
American Farmland Trust, 1920 N Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, D C 20036 (202-659-5170). Works for preservation of family farms and for soil conservation.
American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024 (212-769-5100). Conducts natural history research and publishes educational material.
American Rivers, Inc., 801 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Suite 400, Washington, D C 20003 (202-547-6900). Works for preservation of American rivers.
Appalachian Mountain Club, 5 Joy Street, Boston, MA 02108 (617-523-0636). Sponsors trail maintenance, outdoor education, and recreational hikes and climbs. Operates a mountain hut system on the Appalachian trail.
Bat Conservation International, P.O. Box 162603, Austin, TX 78716 (512-327-9721). Works to preserve bats and to change peopleÆs perceptions of bats.
CARE, 660 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016 (212-686-3110). Offers technical and material assistance to developing countries focusing on health, nutrition, agriculture, environment, small business support, and emergency aid.
Center for Environmental Education, 1725 DeSales Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, D C 20036 (202-429-5609). A nongovernmental, nonprofit organization that sponsors programs for protection of endangered species.
Center for Science in the Public Interest, 1875 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 300, Washington, D C 20009 (202-332-9110). National consumer advocacy organization that focuses on health and nutrition.
Cenozoic Society, P.O. Box 455, Richmond, VT 05477 (802-434-4077). Founded in 1991 as a splinter group from Earth First!, the Cenozoic Society publishes Wild Earth, a journal of conservation biology and wildlands activism.
CitizenÆs Clearinghouse for Hazardous Wastes, P.O. Box 6806, Falls Church, VA 22040 (703-237-2249). Collects information on hazardous-waste effects, disposal, and cleanup.
Clean Water Fund, 1320 18th Street NW, Washington, D C 20036 (202-457-0336). Works for clean water and for protection of natural resources. Conducts voter education and public awareness projects through 14 state groups.
Conservation International, 1015 18th Street NW, Suite 1000, Washington, D C 20036 (202-429-5660). Buys land or trades foreign debt for land set aside for nature preserves in developing countries.
Cousteau Society, Inc., 870 Greenbriar Cir., Suite 402, Chesapeake, VA 23320 (804-523-9335). Produces television films, lectures, books, and research on ocean quality and other resource issues.
Cultural Survival, 53-A Church Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 (617-495-2562). Helps small, vulnerable societies survive the encroachments of governments and industrialized society.
Defenders of Wildlife, 1101 14th St., NW, Suite 1400, Washington,D C 20005 (202-682-9400). Seeks to protect and restore native species, habitats, and ecosystems.
Ducks Unlimited, Inc., 1 Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120 (901-758-3825). Perpetuates waterfowl by purchasing and protecting wetland habitat.
Earth Island Institute, 300 Broadway, Suite 28, San Francisco, CA 94133 (415-788-3666). A clearinghouse for international information on environmental and resource issues. Founded by David Brower to bring together sources of conservation action and news.
Earthwatch, P.O. Box 403N Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02272 (800-776-0188). Sponsors scientific field research worldwide. Recruits volunteers for a wide variety of research expeditions.
Environmental Careers Organization, 286 Congress St., 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02210 (617-426-4375). Promotes environmental careers through consulting and publications.
Environmental Defense Fund, Inc., 257 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010 (212-505-2100). Protects environmental quality and public health through litigation and administrative appeals.
Environmental Law Institute, 1616 P Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, D C 20036 (202-328-5150). Sponsors research and education on environmental law and policy.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Via delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome 00100 Italy (Tele: 57971). A special agency of the United Nations established to improve food production, nutrition, and the health of all people.
Friends of the Earth, 1025 Vermont Ave, NW, Suite 300, Washington,D C 20005 (202-783-7400). Affiliated with groups in 32 countries around the world. Works to form public opinion and to influence government policies to protect nature.
Fund for Animals, Inc., 200 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019 (212-246-2096). Advocacy group for humane treatment of all animals.
Greater Yellowstone Coalition, P.O. Box 1874, 13 S. Willson, Bozeman, MT 59715 (406-586-1593). A small but influential organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem.
Green Party USA/The Greens, P.O. Box 30208, Kansas City, MO 64112 (816-931-9366). Headquarters of the green political movement in the U.S.
Greenpeace USA, 1436 U Street NW, Washington, D C 20009 (202-462-1177). Worldwide organization that works to halt nuclear weapons testing, to protect marine animals, and to stop pollution and environmental degradation.
Humane Society of the United States, 2100 L Street NW, Washington, D C 20037 (202-452-1100). Dedicated to the protection of both domestic and wild animals.
Institute for Food and Development Policy, 398 60th St., Oakland, CA, 94618 (570-654-4400). An international research and education center working for social justice and environmental protection.
Institute for Social Ecology, P.O. Box 89, Plainsfield, VT 85667. Offers courses for credit through Goddard College and workshops on social ecology, ecofeminism, urban design, and ecological planning.
International Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture, 1701 University Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414 (612-331-1099). An alliance of organic farmers, researchers, consumers, and international organizations dedicated to sustainable agriculture.
International Society for Ecological Economics, P.O. Box 1589, Solomons, MD 20688 (410-326-0794). Publishes the journal Ecological Economics.
International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), US, 1400 16th St., NW, Washington,D C 20036 (202-797-5454). Promotes scientifically based action for the conservation of wild plants, animals, and resources.
International Wolf Center, 1396 Hwy 169, Ely, MN 55731 (218-365-4695). Offers classes and tours and maintains displays and a captive wolf pack for conservation education and research.
Izaak Walton League of America, Inc., Conservation Center, 707 Conservation Lane, Gaithersburg, MD 20878. Educates the public on land, water, air, wildlife, and other conservation issues.
Land Institute, 2440 E. Water Well Road, Salina, KS 67401 (913-823-5376). Carries out research on perennial species, prairie polycultures, and sustainable agriculture. Has training programs and conferences.
League of Conservation Voters, 1707 L Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, D C 20036 (202-785-8683). A nonpartisan national political campaign committee that strives to elect environmentally responsible public officials. Publishes an annual evaluation of voting records of Congress.
National Audubon Society, 700 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 (212-979-3000). One of the oldest and largest conservation organizations, Audubon has many educational and recreational programs as well as an active lobbying and litigation staff.
National Parks and Conservation Association, 1776 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite 200, Washington,D C 20036 (202-223-6722). A private nonprofit organization dedicated to preservation, promotion, and improvement of our national parks.
National Wildlife Federation, 1400 Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, D C 20036 (202-797-6800). Specializes in wildlife conservation but recognizes the importance of habitat and other resources to all living things. More than 5 million members.
Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., 40 W. 20th Street, New York, NY 10011 (212-727-2700). An environmental organization that monitors government agencies and brings legal action to protect the environment.
(The) Nature Conservancy, 1815 North Lynn Street, Arlington, VA 22209 (703-841-5300). Works with state and federal agencies to identify ecologically significant natural areas. Manages a system of over 1,000 nature sanctuaries nationwide.
Planet Drum Foundation, P.O. Box 31251, San Francisco, CA 94131 (415-285-6556). Promotes bioregionalism, wise use of resources, and new attitudes toward nature.
Population Reference Bureau, 1875 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 540, Washington, D C 20009 (202-483-1100). Gathers, interprets, and publishes information on social, economic, and environmental implications of world population dynamics. Excellent data source.
Rainforest Action Network, 450 Sansome St., Suite 700, San Francisco, CA 94111 (415-398-4404). Focuses on actions designed to save rainforest and to defend the rights of indigenous people around the world.
Resources for the Future, 1616 P Street NW, Washington, D C 20036 (202-328-5000). Conducts research and provides education about natural resource conservation issues.
Rodale Institute, 222 Main Street, Emmaus, PA 18098 (610-967-8509). A leading research institute for organic farming and alternative crops. Publishes magazines, books, and reports on regenerative farming.
Save-the-Redwoods League, 114 Sansome Street, Room 605, San Francisco, CA 94104 (415-362-2352). Buys land, plants trees, and works with state and federal agencies to save redwood trees.
ScientistsÆ Institute for Public Information, 355 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10017 (212-661-9110). Enlists scientists and other experts in public information programs and public policy forums on a variety of environmental issues.
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, P.O. Box 628, Venice, CA 90294 (310-301-7325). An international marine conservation action program. Carries out field campaigns to call attention to and stop wildlife destruction and resource misuse.
Sierra Club, 730 Polk Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 (415-776-2211). Founded in 1892 by John Muir and others to explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places of the earth. Conducts outings, educational programs, volunteer work projects, litigation, political action, and administrative appeals. Has one of the most comprehensive programs of any conservation organization.
Society for Conservation Biology, Stanford University, Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford, CA 94305 (415-725-1852). A professional society for research and information. Publishes Conservation Biology.
Soil and Water Conservation Society, 7515 NE Ankeny Rd., Ankeny, IA 50021 (515-289-2331). Promotes soil and water conservation.
Student Conservation Association, Inc., Route 12A, River Road, Charlestown, NH 03603 (603-543-1700). Coordinates environmental internships and volunteer jobs with state and federal agencies and private organizations for students and adults.
United Nations Environment Programme, P.O. Box 30552, Nairobi, Kenya; and United Nations, Rm, DC2-0803, New York, NY 10017 (212-963-8138). Coordinates global environmental efforts with United Nations agencies, national governments, and nongovernmental organizations.
Waldebridge Ecological Centre, Worthyvale Manor Farm, Camelford, Cornwall P132 9TT England (Tele: 0840 212711). Conducts research and education on a variety of environmental issues. Publishes The Ecologist, an excellent global environmental journal.
Wilderness Society, 900 17th Street NW, Washington, D C 20006 (202-833-2300). Dedicated to preserving wilderness and wildlife in America.
World Resources Institute, 1709 New York Avenue NW, Washington, D C 20006 (202-638-6300). A policy research center that publishes excellent annual reports on world resources.
Worldwatch Institute, 1776 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, D C 20036 (202-452-1999). A nonprofit research organization concerned with global trends and problems. Publishes excellent periodic reports and annual summaries.
World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th Street NW, Washington, D C 20037 (202-293-4800). Seeks to protect the worldÆs endangered wildlife and the habitat they need to survive.
Zero Population Growth, Inc., 1400 16th Street NW, Suite 320, Washington, D C 20036 (202-332-2200). Advocates of worldwide population stabilization.
Bureau of Land Management, 1620 L St. NW, Washington, D C 20240 (202-205-3801). Administers about half of all public lands, mainly in the western United States. Follows policy of multiple use for maximum public benefit.
Bureau of Reclamation, Room 7654, Department of the Interior, Washington, D C 20240. Builds and operates federal water projects, mostly in the western states with the Army Corps of Engineers.
Bureau of Sports Fisheries and Wildlife (formerly U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), Washington, D C 20240 (202-208-4717). Carries out wildlife research and management. Enforces game, fish, and endangered species laws. Administers the national wildlife refuges.
Council on Environmental Quality, 722 Jackson Place NW, Washington, D C 20503 (202-395-5750). Advises the president on environmental matters.
Department of Agriculture, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D C 20250 (202-720-8732). Manages national forests and grasslands and oversees farm prices, farm policies, and soil conservation. (http://www.usda.gov)
Department of Health and Human Services: Food and Drug Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857. Enforces laws requiring that foods and drugs be pure, safe, and wholesome.
Department of the Interior, C Street between 18th and 19th NW, Washington, D C 20240 (202-208-3100). Administers national parks, monuments, wildlife refuges, and public lands. (http://www.usgs.gov.doi)
Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street SW, Washington, D C 20460 (202-260-2090). Enforces clean air and clean water laws. Identifies, regulates, and purifies toxic and hazardous materials. (http://www.epa.gov)
Forest Service, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, D C 20013 (202-250-0951). Administers national forests and grasslands.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Herbert C. Hoover Bldg., Rm 5128, 14th and Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D C 20230 (202-482-3384). Part of the Department of Commerce. Promotes global environmental stewardship and conducts atmospheric and oceanic research. Good source of information on atmosphere and climate. (http://www.gov.doc)
National Park Service, Interior Bldg, P.O. Box 37127, Washington, D C 20013 (202-208-4717). Administers the national park system, monuments, and wild and scenic rivers. Possible source of seasonal jobs.
National Resource Conservation Service (formerly Soil Conservation Service), 14th and Independence Ave. SW, P.O. Box 2890, Washington, D C 20013 (202-447-4543). Provides technical and educational assistance for soil conservation and watershed protection.
It is easy to complain; in fact, we all tend to do so almost on a daily basis. Complaining, however, never corrects a problem or helps to resolve a dispute. There are actions you can take that will help improve the environment. The following list offers a few suggestions, and others will probably come to mind once you have thought about it. Try to expand the list with others in your class, and give your suggestions to your instructor. Have your instructor send your suggestions to the authors at Delta College, University Center, Michigan 48710 or Huxley College of Environmental Studies, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington 98226. We will expand the list in the next edition of the textbook. Remember, you do not have to start big to help!
1. Continue your education. Learning should not stop when you leave school. Become informed about issues; then you can begin to bring about change.
2. Do not feel responsible for every problem in the world. You cannot do everything. Concentrate on issues that you feel strongly about and that you can do something about. Focus your energy.
3. Think about the consequences of your profession and your lifestyle. If they are damaging to other people or to the environment, adjust your behavior accordingly. Try to persuade friends, family, and coworkers to do the same. Make environmental awareness a family affair.
4. Work with others. Attend meetings of your local government and ask officials about their plans to prevent pollution. Often, officials are very responsive to visits of this kind. Being part of a group of people with similar interests gives you support and increases your effectiveness. If you cannot find an appropriate group, start one of your own.
5. Become active in your community. Organize a community conference to discuss positive approaches to pollution prevention. Invite public officials, industry and labor representatives, other interested groups, and individual citizens. Get all the facts, and then try to get the appropriate action programs initiated.
6. Learn about the ecology of your bioregion. Develop a sense of place that puts you in contact with your local physical environment. Learn about the unique environmental features of your area. What are the most urgent environmental problems?
7. Vote. You cannot improve your world by not voting. If you do not like the choices available, work to get individuals on the ballot who represent your interests.
8. Think globally and act locally. You need to be aware of global conditions, but you should also work to improve your own particular place.
9. Do not be discouraged. It is important to face facts honestly and to be realistic about the state of the world, but it does not help to wallow in despair. Do not dwell on negatives. Do what you can to improve the world, and take pleasure and pride in the small victories and elements of success.
10. Try to leave things better than you found them. Pick up a piece of litter on a beach or on your street, plant a tree, recycle your papers . . . the list goes on. DonÆt wait for the next person to beginùyou can make a difference!
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