What is the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)?
It governs the "cradle-to-grave" disposal of hazardous materials.
What is the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)?
Also known as "Superfund," it provides for the cleanup of abandoned toxic waste sites.
What is the Clean Water Act (CWA)?
It makes it unlawful to discharge waste into waterways without a permit.
What is the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)?
The EPA sets health standards for drinking water sources.
What is the Delaney Clause?
Carcinogens that cause reasonable harm cannot be added to food or drugs.
How can reducing waste at the source promote sustainability?
It minimizes resource consumption, energy use, and pollution associated with waste disposal.
How can recycling promote sustainability?
It conserves resources, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes the need for landfills.
How can reusing items promote sustainability?
It reduces waste, conserves resources, and minimizes the environmental impact of producing new items.
What are the effects of Eutrophication?
Algal blooms, oxygen depletion, fish kills, and reduced biodiversity.
What are the consequences of oil spills?
Death of marine life, habitat destruction, and economic losses for coastal communities.
What are the environmental problems associated with landfills?
Leachate contamination of groundwater, methane production, and habitat destruction.
What are the effects of thermal pollution on aquatic ecosystems?
Reduced oxygen levels, harm to aquatic organisms, and altered ecosystem dynamics.
What are the human health impacts of pollution?
Respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurological disorders, and endocrine disruption.
What are the environmental consequences of mining?
Habitat destruction, soil erosion, water pollution, and air pollution.
