Organized around the three parts of the biosphere: land, water, and air, this book contains descriptions of the environmental problems associated with that part of the biosphere. It discusses such problems as acid rain and the greenhouse effect, and suggests ways that individuals can help solve or alleviate them.

This book is organized around the three parts of the biosphere: land, water, and air. Each section contains descriptions of the environmental problems associated with that part of the biosphere. In the section on the atmosphere, for instance, such problems as acid rain and the greenhouse effect are discussed. Immediately following each problem or "challenge" are suggested ways that individuals can help solve or alleviate them. This book has been written to provide the reader with some easy and practical ways to protect the Earth, and to help understand why the task is so important.

Introduction: On Board Spaceship EarthSpaceship EarthThe BiosphereThis Handbook: Challenge and ResponseThe LandChallenge: The Garbage MessResponse: Reduce the Amount of TrashResponse: Reuse Items Whenever PossibleResponse: Recycle CansResponse: Recycle Glass Bottles and JarsResponse: Recycle NewspapersResponse: Recycle Some PlasticsResponse: Recycle Yard and Food WastesResponse: Reject Disposables and NonbiodegradablesResponse: Reject Polystyrene Foam ProductsResponse: Reward Companies That Demonstrate Concern for the EnvironmentResponse: Purchase Recycled GoodsResponse: Give Environmentally Responsible PresentsChallenge: Hazardous WasteResponse: Handle, Store, and Dispose of Hazardous Waste ProperlyResponse: Use Environmentally Friendly CleanersResponse: Know the Hazardous Materials in Your Garage and WorkshopResponse: Substitute Natural for Chemical BiocidesChallenge: Destruction of the Tropical Rain ForestsResponse: Help Save the Tropical Rain ForestsThe WaterChallenge: Saving WaterResponse: Flush and Brush with CareResponse: Save Water While You BatheResponse: Other Ways to Save WaterChallenge: Water PollutionResponse: Launder Your Clothes ResponsiblyResponse: Three Other Ways to Keep the Water CleanResponse: Help Halt Marine PollutionThe AirChallenge: SmogResponse: Control Harmful EmissionsChallenge: Acid RainResponse: Stretch Your Gas MileageResponse: Fill Up WiselyChallenge: The Greenhouse EffectResponse: Use Energy EfficientlyResponse: Make Your Water Heater More Energy EfficientResponse: Buy Compact Fluorescent BulbsResponse: Reduce the Cost of Running Your RefrigeratorResponse: Use Clothes Washers and Dryers EfficientlyResponse: Save Energy When You Use a DishwasherResponse: Cook with Less EnergyResponse: Keep Your CoolResponse: Conserve Energy While Keeping WarmResponse: Drive a Fuel-Efficient CarChallenge: Depletion of the Ozone LayerResponse: Keep CFCs Where They Belong