Reviews (4)

For the busy person who wants to go green!
What a great little book! It's chock full of information and even created out of recycled paper! As someone who wants to "go green," but doesn't want a lot of long explanations and hard to understand terms, this book was perfect for me!
Incredibly helpful and easy!
The cover of this book intrigued me.What made me take it home was that upon glancing through it, I found that it wasn't a breathy manifesto but rather a compilation of tips.
Easy and No Preaching!
Ms. Trask's book was my first book about how to live green.I've wanted to learn more but have always felt overwhelmed by the information in other books.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Citizen participation    2. Cleaning & Caretaking - Household Hints    3. Ecology    4. Environmental Science    5. Environmental protection    6. Environmentalism    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. Organic living    9. Reference    10. Remodeling & Renovation - Energy Efficient    11. Science    12. Science/Mathematics    13. Waste Recycling    14. House & Home / Reference   

Subjects:  1. Environmental Science    2. Environmental Studies    3. Environmental protection    4. Environmental sciences    5. Life Sciences - General    6. Science    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Science / Environmental Science    9. The Environment   

Reviews (8)

Beauty and the Best (Green Practices)
Books on remodeling have tended to take one of two tracks: aesthetics and harmony with lifestyle or environmentally sensitive and responsible. With this book, the authors have taken an important step in integrating what has been the somewhat esoteric field of green 'thinking' with mainstream remodeling. They enable us to recognize that these paths not only complement each other, but drawn together open an entirely new range of creative and spatial possibilities.
The Green Building Book to Read First
First, I have to disclose that author Carol Venolia and I have been friends for over twenty years, and we have been discussing this subject for all that time. So my review is a bit biased in that regard. Please do believe me, however, that this is an incredible book that will change how you think about building and your place in, relationship with, and how you interact with Nature.
At last, remodeling with nature
I have waited a long time for a book like this. It is packed with really good examples, and I love those numerous drawings and diagrams. The contributions by so many people give the book such diversity and depth. Architects should show this book to their clients in advance of any renovation project.I congratulate the Graham Foundation for their support of Carol and Kelly, making this excellent book possible. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself    2. Dwellings    3. Ecological houses    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. Home Maintenance And Repair    6. House & Home    7. Organic living    8. Remodeling    9. Remodeling & Renovation - Energy Efficient    10. Remodeling & Renovation - General    11. Residential Construction    12. DIY    13. House & Home / Remodeling & Renovation    14. LITERATURE - LIT BIOG/CRIT TRD PB    15. The Environment   

Reviews (2)

Excellent reference book
I use this book as a starting point on specific topics in plant physiology & ecophysiology from the plant cell to plant global communities. Indeed, it is not an intro course in plant physiology and very broad but I would recommend this book for graduate students, it is helpful.

A complex book - not for the beginner
This book covers a lot of ground, beginning with photosynthesis, plant-water relations, and plant energy balances before discussing ecological aspects of plant physiology.While it follows a logical progression from the cell to the ecosystem scale, the book is very difficult to read.The authors try to cover too much material in the book, omitting basic material in order to broaden the focus of the book.Therefore, it is definitely not for those who are looking for a basic book in either plant physiology or plant ecology.As a textbook, it is difficult for undergraduate students to understand, and seems to be geared towards graduate students and those already familiar with the field. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ecology    2. Life Sciences - Anatomy & Physiology    3. Life Sciences - Biology - General    4. Life Sciences - Botany    5. Plant Ecology    6. Plant Physiology    7. Plant ecophysiology    8. Science    9. Science/Mathematics    10. Science / Botany   

Subjects:  1. Ecology    2. Environmental Engineering & Technology    3. Environmental Science    4. Environmental Studies    5. Life Sciences - Ecology    6. Mathematical models    7. Science    8. Science/Mathematics    9. Applied ecology    10. Computer modelling & simulation    11. Ecological science, the Biosphere    12. Science / Biology   

Reviews (4)

A wonderful introduction to the life of this fantastic place
My wife and I bought Jackson's book in preparation for a trip to the Galapagos.The book served us well; when we arrived at the islands we felt that we were almost on a first-name basis with all the fantastic creatures and plants that make the Galapagos such a fascinating place.The book is considerably more than just a field guide; it includes information on the islands' history, their environmental and ecological setting, and the conservation efforts being made to preserve this truly unique place.And, as the title indicates, the book provides a lot of natural history, not just a brief summary of bare facts about each animal or plant.Not only is it a fine guide, it is a most enjoyable read.

The Guide's bible on the Galapagos
Every naturalist guide in the Galapagos has this book. They also sell this book at the Charles Darwin Center in Santa Cruz, and it is a must read. It explains how the islands came about and what makes them so unique. I highly recommend this book!

The one book needed when travelling to the galapagos
I just recently returned from the Galapagos Islands, and the book thatguided me throughout my journey was this book by M.H. Jackson.Very easyto find the animal you are looking, and also helps to discover morecreatures to look for.Helped explain things further from what the guideshad said.Also helped me in answering many people's questions aboutdifferent creatures.A Great book! A must for all travelers to thegalapagos in search of unique wildlife. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americas (North Central South West Indies)    2. Ecology    3. Galapagos Islands    4. Guidebooks    5. History    6. History: World    7. Natural History    8. Nature    9. NATURAL HISTORY, COUNTRY LIFE & PETS   

Reviews (3)

Valuable reference in environmental field
This is a recommended reading text in a 3rd yr Env. Science paper here in N.Z. I find it relevant and pertinent - highly recommended

Great resource! I wish it had been available 20 years ago.
Nazaroff and Cohen-Alvarez: Where were you when I got interested in this field a long time ago? I used to buy several texts to cover the material ccvered in this great book. It combines information from various disciplines and provides a comprehensive resource that is invaluable. It covers the basics and takes the reader-user through to applications. It is obviously a valuable resource for engineering students and faculty as well as practitioners.

Wow! Best work on this important subject.
Ms. Cohen and Mr. Nazaroff make environmental science spring to life in this comprehensive, fascinating work which will undoubtedly become the standard text for serious students of the environment worldwide.Read more

Subjects:  1. Air quality management    2. Environmental Engineering & Technology    3. Environmental engineering    4. Pollution    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Technology    7. Technology & Industrial Arts    8. Water quality management    9. Environmental science    10. Sanitary & municipal engineering    11. Technology / Environmental    12. The Environment   

Subjects:  1. Energy    2. Environmental Science    3. Environmental Studies    4. Renewable energy sources    5. Science    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Alternative & renewable energy industries    8. Alternative & renewable energy sources & technology    9. Life Sciences | Ecology    10. Science / Environmental Science    11. The Environment   

Reviews (9)

Everyone should read this book!
This is a very important book that should be read by all politicians, educators, and citizens of Earth. David Orr gives clear examples and ideas for making the radical changes we need to undo some of the damage that we have done to the planet. You will be inspired and moved if you read this book.

a great book in all respects
first off, as promised by the reseller, the book was in great condition.
The Inclusion ofEcology Studies Needed In All Education
David W. Orr is chair of the environmental studies program at Oberlin College in Ohio and is most often credited with coining the word "ecoliteracy" (similar to the renown biologist Garrett Hardin's "ecolacy") to describe the very important study and understanding of ecology and natural resource processes. He is also credited with the simple, but profound statement, "When we heal the Earth, we heal ourselves."
Read more

Subjects:  1. Conservation Of Natural Resources (General)    2. Ecology    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. Educational Policy & Reform    6. Environmental Conservation & Protection - General    7. Environmental Science    8. Environmental education    9. Philosophy    10. Philosophy & Social Aspects    11. Education / Educational Reform    12. Nature / Essays    13. Philosophy of education    14. The Environment   

Reviews (5)

Most complete and credible book on the topic
After reading a couple of books about composting toilets and graywater systems that were either suspiciously poetic or a little too humorous, I was happy to find this book. The best book out there
I would venture that the authors have forgotten more about toilets than most of the rest of us will ever know.There is no possible toilet configuration that does not receive at least cursory discussion.I only have 2 complaints about the book, both of them minor.First there were a couple of systems that I felt were described incompletely and critiqued a bit unfairly.Second, much of the book seemed to be a compilation of other writings without a lot of editing.Consequently there is significant repetition, and a presentation of information that is sometimes slightly disorganized and confusing. Impressive, comprehensive, reader friendly, practical.
The Composting Toilet System Book is an impressive, comprehensive, reader friendly, and practical guide to choosing, planning and maintaining composting toilet systems for those seeking an alternative to traditionalsewer and septic tank systems. David Del Porto and Carol Steinfeldcollaborate to explain the technologies, sources, applications, graywaterissues, and regulations relevant to a composting toilet system for thehome, whether manufactured or site-built. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - Plumbing    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Do-It-Yourself - Plumbing    4. Ecology    5. Environmental Engineering & Technology    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Sewage treatment & disposal    9. Waste management   

Subjects:  1. Biostatistics    2. Ecology    3. Encyclopedias    4. Environmental Engineering & Technology    5. Environmental Science    6. Environmental Studies    7. Environmental sciences    8. Mathematics    9. Methodology    10. Probability & Statistics - General    11. Reference    12. Science/Mathematics    13. Statistical methods    14. Applied ecology    15. Earth Sciences    16. Mathematics / Statistics   

Reviews (2)

Packed with Knowledge!
Every once in a while a little book comes along that, while small in size, carries sufficient intellectual weight to strike the body politic between the eyes, thereby getting its collective attention. This may be one such book. It offers a realistic look at megaprojects - those major infrastructure endeavors that span vast bodies of water, dam natural resources to generate energy and extend rail lines to previously unreachable regions - and compares the promises of these projects to what they actually deliver. The report card isn't very good. Cost overruns are typically 25% to 100%, and sometimes 200% or more. Worse yet, studies show that the public tends to use megaprojects - be they airports or subway systems - only a fraction of the amount predicted. We strongly recommends this book to politicians, legislators and anyone who wants to know the truth behind these huge infrastructure projects, as well as to CEOs, CFOs, project managers and risk officers in the private sector - this applies to your projects, even if there is a difference of scale.

A fool,his money and the bridge that parted them.......
I am the first amazon.com reviewer of this short, but important book. It concerns me that this might reflect a diminished U.S. readership.That would be unfortunate. Professor Bent Flyvbjerg and his colleagues have written a book of significance to taxpayers everywhere.It's apparent that they have written this book largely for the policy-maker; yet, make no mistake about it:the ordinary taxpayer has a major stake in this book's message.The central characters in Megaprojects and Risk are three large-scale, European transportation projects:the Chunnel, the Great Belt and the Oresund.American readers unfamilar with these names (the chunnel connecting London and Paris is perhaps the most recognizable to American readers)will nonetheless recognize familiar features.Specifically, they will find project costs that exceed estimates, and revenue inflows that are below projections.The traits are not unique to these projects.In fact, cost over-runs and revenue disappointments are a familiar global refrain, according to these authors.In spite of this, the number and scale of infrastructure projects continues to grow, forming what they call the megaproject paradox.The book is stronger on documenting problems, including the lack of project post-audits, than on providing solutions.I think they have correctly identified the problem -- the lack of accountability throughout the project life-cycle -- but their solution, which largely involves ensuring a healthy segment of private capital not supported by state guarantees, together with more attention to genuine risk assessment, falls short of the mark.The risk assessment tools are firmly established and largely well-understood (Monte Carlo simulation packages are increasingly available).So is the "moral hazard" problem that rears its ugly head when projects (in this case) are "over-insured."The difficulty, which they acknowledge, is that the political interplay between state, private interests and NGOs are decisive in determining whether and to what extent the appropriate risk assessment and risk management tools are used. Read more

Subjects:  1. Economics - General    2. Project Management    3. Risk management    4. Social Science    5. Sociology    6. Sociology - General    7. Economics    8. Environmental science    9. Regional & Area Planning    10. Social Science / Sociology / General    11. Social issues    12. Social, group or collective psychology   

Subjects:  1. 19th century    2. Biography    3. Environmental Conservation & Protection - General    4. Environmental Science    5. Environmentalism    6. Germany    7. History    8. History Of Science    9. Nature    10. Science    11. Science/Mathematics    12. Scientific expeditions    13. Scientists    14. United States - General    15. History / United States / General   

Subjects:  1. Entomology    2. Life Sciences - Zoology - Entomology    3. Life Sciences - Zoology - General    4. Reference    5. Science    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Insects (entomology)    8. Reference works    9. Science / Entomology   

Reviews (14)

A wind from the north
The publication of Eugene Linden's The Winds of Change causes me to ask:What's the point in writing a book of this genre (a question that also applies to recent books by Tim Flannery, Brian Fagan, Al Gore, Morris Berman, etc.)?
One of the most thought provoking books I've read in a decade
Linden provides the historical context and scientific underpinnings for his positions.He makes you think and view the world in entirely new ways.If the purpose of the study of history is to insure that we do not repeat the errors of the past, the author provides us quite a wake up call.

Linden posits a political agenda that spoils his argument
Mr. Linden reviews the scientific evidence for sudden climatic change and correlates such rapid shifts in climate with abrupt declines of settlements and civilizations.He overreaches the evidence, however, with a thesis proposing that capitalism is the primary culprit in the progressive increase in concentrations of greenhouse gases and infers that socialism is an appropriate response to the threat. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Climate Changes    2. Climate and civilization    3. Climatic changes    4. Earth Sciences - General    5. Earth Sciences - Meteorology & Climatology    6. Environmental Science    7. History - General History    8. Science    9. Science/Mathematics    10. Weather    11. World - General    12. Science / Earth Sciences   

Subjects:  1. Environmental Science    2. Environmental Studies    3. Science    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Science / Environmental Science   

Subjects:  1. Earth Sciences - Meteorology & Climatology    2. Science    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Weather    5. Meteorology    6. Science / Meteorology   

Reviews (3)

Karl Marx, Thomas Paine, Fredrick Douglass, Derrick Jensen-a call for responsibility beyond fear
It's a daunting task to begin to distill 908 pages (with very funny footnotes)into an online review.Essentially, I think this work takes its place among other great works that are often recognized and revered from a historical distance. We look at history and say, yes, I would have definetely been part of the Underground Railroad, or the German resistance against the Nazis, or the Zapatistas. But what of now and the crisis that we face?Maybe you can't see the clearcuts or the dying salmon. But maybe you teach in the public schools and see children that are destined for prison. Maybe you know someone that's suffered and died of a rare cancer that didn't exist in your grandparent's time. Maybe it's feeling like a whore for a mortgage company. Or maybe you're finding that all the pharmaceuticals in the world can't make up for the lack of a local community.
Landmark work of moral philosophy
This seems to be Jensen's ultimate manifesto. It is basically a declaration of war against agricultural and industrial civilization.
Abolitionist-Online
Endgame is a book for our time. It is an important contribution to radial environmentalism, direct action and understanding the underlying subterranean currents that transpire to make up western culture as we know it today.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Civilization    2. Effect of human beings on    3. Environmental Conservation & Protection - General    4. Environmental Studies    5. History    6. History: American    7. Human ecology    8. Nature    9. Sociology - Social Theory    10. United States - 20th Century    11. History / United States / 20th Century    12. USA   

Reviews (1)

Permaculture Tour-de-force!
If you are a home gardener who has ever stopped to wonder whether permaculture was useful to you, you need to read these books. If you are an intermediate to advanced permaculturist, you will revel in these books. If you want to understand how a single individual with a garden can make the world a better place, you need to read these books.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Climatic - Temperate    2. Ecology    3. Gardening / Horticulture    4. Nature    5. Nature/Ecology    6. Plants - General    7. Techniques    8. Trees & Forests - General   

Reviews (2)

Hooray for Hartmann!
Simply put, this is the only assigned text I kept from my college years. It's compact size and overall readability are excellent. Although intended for advanced undergrads and beginning graduate students, it's still a great reference for multi-disciplinary scientists, basic global circulation modellers, researchers, and professors. The appendices are particularly noteworhty, especially the list of English and Greek symbols commonly used in just about all the physical sciences, and the derivation of SI Units. If anything, the book is pricey (as all in the International Geophysics Series are), but this one is worth it.

The standard of comparison for global systems science.
This is the most thorough, most rigorous, well-written textbook in global systems climatology that I've seen.If you're bright, interested, and aren't allergic to equations (you don't need to read them to understand thebook, you just have to not freak out) then this text will teach you moreabout the planet as a dynamic system than any other that I've seen -- plus,unlike most texbooks, it's not chuck full of stupid mistakes.I've used itin my upper division climatology class since it came out. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Atmospheric physics    2. Climatology    3. Earth Sciences - General    4. Earth Sciences - Meteorology & Climatology    5. Earth Sciences - Oceanography    6. Science    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Weather    9. Science / Meteorology