Waste
Paper waste prevention is a large part of waste reduction, the practice of reducing or eliminating paper use so that the potential for paper to be used inefficiently or disposed is prevented in the first place. Printing paper on both sides of the sheet—rather than on one side—is a classic example of paper waste prevention, as it can reduce the need for paper by up to 50 percent. A Xerox study recently found that 45% of paper printed in offices ends up in a bin by the end of each day. This overview of a recent webinar released in Feb of 2014 suggests ways to reduce our paper use in the office as well as presents statistics on paper waste as well as how to save paper and what it can do to costs and how it affects the environment.
http://www.epa.gov/federalgreenchallenge/academy/pdf/2014-02-27-fgc-recycled-paper.pdf
As indicated within the content of this webinar overview, the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) is a system to help purchasers evaluate, compare
and select electronic products based on their environmental attributes. This information is presented to the consumer to encourage the buying of green electronic products as well as provides a set of voluntary performance criteria that define required and optional environmental attributes for electronic products.
Water
It is important to know and understand where your water comes from and how it is treated. Sustainable water infrastructure research takes a look municipal water systems and the challenges being faced with operating and renewing pipes sustainably while keeping public health in mind.
http://www2.epa.gov/water-research/sustainable-water-infrastructure-research
Energy
There is a bit of a difference between the terms renewable energy and green power. This in depth definition of both as well as their identification in the green power market describes the differences in environmental benefits and costs that comes with sources of powerIn short, not all sources of power generation have the same environmental benefits and costs.
http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/gpmarket/index.htm
Pollution
As indicated within the content of this webinar overview, the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) is a system to help purchasers evaluate, compare and select electronic products based on their environmental attributes. This information is presented to the consumer to encourage the buying of green electronic products approved by the EPA in different categories.
What is pollution and how does it affect you? In this short synopsis of pollution prevention, it highlights visible pollution problems and opportunities to reduce and prevent pollution. The information is taken from the pollution prevention act of 1990.
http://www.epa.gov/p2/pubs/basic.htm
Iowa Specific Information, it includes specifics to our region about air pollution, drinking water, clean ups (waste)