When today’s conservation movement first began more than 100 years ago, most groups focused on preserving our valuable natural resources, as well as some delicate natural areas like forests of diminishing tree species. Today, conservation encompasses much more than natural resources. Fisheries, wildlife reserves, and forestry, as well as the conservation of water and soil, are a part of the conservation movement.

Conservation involves the protection of our environmental resources and focuses on keeping our world safe without losing the magnificent variety of animal and plant species we see across the planet. Environmentalism is much the same, but environmentalism places more concentration on the protection and stability of the natural environment. Conserving our natural resources and preventing pollution are both issues of environmentalism. Environmentalism urges us to practice conservation by being responsible and efficient with the resources we use.

Conservationists of long ago, like Henry David Thoreau and John Muir, laid the foundation for modern environmentalism by bringing attention to the value and beauty of nature and influencing us to take on the responsibility of respecting this intricate system. Today’s environmentalism movement combines important aspects of both the conservation movement and the green movement.

A variety of groups, including those of political, scientific, and social natures, work together in the environmentalism movement to protect our natural resources and our environment by altering our own behaviors. Environmentalists emphasize our responsibility to preserve and maintain a healthy and safe environment, from our own human rights to depleting supplies of natural resources.

There are thousands of environmental and conservational organizations around the world. Some are politically operated, while others are ran privately, and these organizations act at all levels, globally, nationally, and locally. Environmental agencies do a variety of things, ranging from researching and studying sensitive issues to holding active demonstrations to make others aware of their concerns. These groups also lobby political representatives to make changes to improve the environment, take part in public hearings that relate to their interests, and sometimes even obtain property to set up preserves and reserves to protect the environment.

Some well known environmental organizations include the National Wildlife Federation, Friends of the Earth, and the Environmental Defense Fund, specializing in environmental lawsuits. The World Wide Fund for Nature, the Wilderness Society, and the Natural Resources Defense Council are a few more.

Environmental policy can be formed on a political, public level or it can be determined by the private sector. The public sector of environmental policy typically refers to the laws and programs currently supported by the government to regulate issues of environmental concern. Private environmental policy often goes beyond that in place by the public sector to include other rules and regulations, usually self-imposed or put in place by an individual rights group, to protect the environment.

A sometimes controversial conservation practice known as off-site conservation, or ex-situ conservation, is often argued by environmentalists because it uses laboratory procedures rather than natural techniques. This type of conservation is only used when deemed absolutely necessary because it is not only expensive, it can be harmful to the subject it is intended to help. Ex-situ conservation is an attempt to preserve a species of plant or animal on the verge of extinction through human intervention. A portion of the endangered species population is removed from its natural environment and isolating it in a simulated environment in hopes of prolonging and replenishing the species. This method of conservation seldom deters a species from becoming extinct, however.

Environmentalists and conservationists alike have a dire responsibility to protect the delicate environment of our world. From conserving water to recycling our garbage, individuals everywhere are a part of the environmental movement.

Global warming is a threat that will affect generations to come. The atmosphere surrounding us that supports life is a God-given gift. It must be protected. We should be leaders in efforts to curb global warming, not resistant followers.

Erin Hunt is an avid writer and activist. She discovered that many are still unaware of the dangers of global warming and thus created a website to educate others on how they can play a role in the fight against global warming. Find out more about the effects and cause of global warming and how you can make a difference at http://www.fightagainstglobalwarming.com

Author: Erin Hunt
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The Environmental Studies curriculum includes the areas of conservation, environmental assessments on climate, sustainable lifestyles, fisheries, forests, solid waste, and fresh water issues. Environmental Studies also provide education in land use, green certification, waste management, recyclables, landfills, gas consumption, vehicles, travel, and more.

A degree in Environmental Studies can take you anywhere in the world, helping to protect the environment and making the world a better place to live. Career opportunities in Environmental Studies include environmental policy, legislation and communication jobs, natural resources and conservation, environmental advocacy, environmental science jobs & engineering jobs, environmental education jobs, environmental jobs in higher education, international environmental jobs, and many others.

If you are interested in a career in Environmental Studies, feel free to search the many options found at http://www.schoolsgalore.com.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com

Copyright 2006 – All Rights Reserved
Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

M. Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Environmental Studies [http://www.schoolsgalore.com/categories/environmental_studies_schools.html] at SchoolsGalore.com; meeting your needs as your educational resource to locate schools.

Author: Michael Bustamante
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The short answer is… yes.

Let’s take a brief look at how that can be achievable. Marketing within a business is generally known as an intangible expense, where the benefits are long term sales opportunities that your sales team would convert to revenue. Compare this with funds spent on environmental strategies and produst. Many business owners and managers view their environmental compliance as a bottom line burden. An expense that comes right off the profit for no or little apparent benefit – other than the obvious environmental benefit, of course.

To put a darker spin on this, the money you spend now on water pollution prevention products can save you much more substantial expense in future fines should you not be environmentally responsible.

Would the expense of environmental compliance be an easier pill to swallow if there was some way it could benefit the top line of the business? If you buy a spill kit, or some containment bunding, can that expense be used to generate future revenue?

Revenue is what essentially drives a business. I think we all know that! Even if you have low overheads and expenses, if you can’t generate enough cash flow at the sales end of the business then your overheads can overrun you and every expense seems enormous.

Isn’t it a strange co-incidence that the most profitable businesses are also among the highest spenders? Now relate that spend to the cost of environmental protection.

In years gone by, environmental awareness was a new term. Suddenly (over thirty years of learning) people started thinking of the Earth, and how we, as a race, could play our part in its health. Instead of a local issue, it became a global concern, and different media groups pushed the message of negativity around the civilized world. They told the world if any business was polluting the environment through its operations. Tut! Tut!

And how times change attitudes.

The reported negativity from the media over the past years has created a consumer demand for products and services from those companies who are not only protecting the environment, but are seen to be protecting the environment. Previously catchy terms such as ‘bio-diversity’ and ‘sustainability’ became real targets. Marketing logos started quoting ‘a green company’ and ‘protecting the environment’ to tap into a growing swell of community opinion that would inevitably turn into sales. Advertising suddenly started bragging about a business being environmentally friendly, and consumers responded.

There has been a tangible shift in client sentiment regarding the requirements of their suppliers. The push from Government authorities for environmental compliance has gradually morphed into an equal demand from clients – evidenced through most tendering processes. Particularly in larger corporations, where environmental compliance is expected from suppliers and potential suppliers alike. To do business with large corporations these days, you may need to have a strategy in place to obviate your environmental priorities.

Top line revenues started seeing benefit from the marketing activities that included pro-active environmental policies. Not just in consumer goods, either. Many business transactions, tenders and procurement policies started demanding similar environmental protection policies from their suppliers. The world was making it more difficult for the non compliant business to win their contracts.

Suddenly it was cool to be green – within reason. Rather than a trend, the environmental movement became a business model, and specialized businesses sprung up to provide the products and services that are, now, so much in demand. Some of those businesses are today highly successful.

I want you to ask yourself these questions:

Are we, as a business, pushing the fact that we are environmentally friendly to our clients? Are we, as a business, truly tapping into the ground swell of community opinion that all business should be supporting the environment?

There is a true marketing strength to be gained from spending money on products to protect the environment. You just need to recognise it.

Warren R Ratliff

Chatoyer

Warren R Ratliff was raised and still lives in Sydney, Australia. Working with Chatoyer Environmental enables him to offer his experience within the environmental industry and through his article and news writing he is able to offer assistance to others and expand his already diverse business experience.

Living in the belief that the environment is worth protecting, Warren focuses on storm water pollution prevention and spill control.

Contact Warren at his email address w.ratliff@chatoyer.com.au or visit the website http://www.chatoyerenvironmental.com.au to see how environmental protection can assist your business.

+61 458 185 910

Author: Warren R Ratliff
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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All too often, people close their ears to information about the natural resources we are losing because they see it as an inevitable part of our modern lifestyle. Many believe that unless we want to miss out on opportunities and things we wish to do, we have to sacrifice nature. That is not the case, and it is why you need to be aware of a professional environmental consulting company who can help you find a compromise between the needs of nature, the demands of modern life and economic necessities.

Wetland management is just one such discipline in the South Florida area and in North Carolina and Palm Beach County. Wetlands are essential to many other ecosystems and their management requires expert knowledge of aquatic and terrestrial biota sampling and surveys of endangered species. Once these are done, by the professionals, one can implement projects with certainty, knowing that they can be tackled with respect to the natural environment.

Wetlands, whether restored or created specifically for the intention of conservation of endangered species, need good management if they are to thrive. Several environmental consulting companies have performed several such projects through South Florida, North Carolina and Palm Beach County. They all require permits to be given from federal, state or local agencies before the projects can even start. Ongoing compliance with the permits is essential to maintain the project’s legality and protect its funding. Monitoring of such environmental projects has to be done by expert and the right environmental consulting company can take care of this for you. Environmental consulting companies will ensure that you maintain a functional project and meet all environmental permit conditions.

Other important environmental projects necessitate a multi-disciplinary approach to apply scientific research to planning and management in a variety of areas. This is important to ensure that the project is planned and implemented in the most effective way. Professional environmental consulting companies work in both the public and private sectors to find ways to protect the environment while also being mindful of the need for economic and social development.

Environmental management typically involves photographic logs, statistical and quantitative vegetation and hydrologic success records. It also requires measures to be put into place to protect native species and to restrict invasion by exotic species as well as monitoring of wildlife in order to measure the efficacy of the environmental projects. It also has to bear in mind the social and economic impact, so that people and business can live in harmony alongside nature. It isn’t always an easy equation, but environmental consultants help to balance it.

CZR Incorporated is an experienced team of specialists ready to provide a variety of environmental services, like environmental consulting, Aquatic and terrestrial biota sampling, Environmental Impact Statements/Environmental Assessments, Environmental research and management studies Environmental permitting and more. Our offices are located in Jupiter, Florida and Wilmington, North Carolina.For more information, visit http://czr-inc.com/

Author: Wolfram Krammel
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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For the most part, environmental consulting firms have multi-disciplinary staff to address a variety of different concerns. They employ the help of competent employers like environmental scientists, chemists, environmental engineers, geologists and many other staff having scientific backgrounds.

A large environmental consulting firm might include a laboratory for conducting analyses of samples or the laboratory functions possibly are subcontracted to another facility. Plus some might also have remediation contractors.

Due to the increased focus on environmental concerns, new commercial development isn’t going to be pushed through without having some kind of environmental evaluation. A potential new owner often wants to know if perhaps there are any issues of contamination and does not desire to be answerable for them in case a remediation and environmental service is important. Potential developers are concerned with matters including groundwater contamination from petroleum products or pesticides or toxic contamination in buildings from asbestos, lead, or mold. A preliminary environmental site assessment or an ESA is the normal 1st step to embark on.

The 1st step of ESA incorporates an evaluation of prior businesses conducted at the site, permits given for the site, as well as observations of the land and buildings for signs of conntamination. It would include the analysis of nearby properties, air quality issues, draining in addition to the topography of the site. Just in case the studies show possible issues, the potential developer may ask for a further assessment through actual soil, groundwater, and residue sampling. The sampling is conducted under the phase 2 of ESA.

If the outcomes of the sampling show a contamination problem then a phase 3 ESA will be started in order to plan and organize the property’s remediation. When the company is already aware about the contamination they may retain the services of an environmental consulting firm. The consultant is essential to manage the completion of the environmental services and remediation project. Projects including remediation and environmental services usually takes years and may necessitate a huge number of samples and the removal of large volumes of polluted material.

These stated consultants can at the same time offer environmental services to businesses to aid them get in compliance and stay in compliance with the myriad of environmental regulations that happen to be existing these days.

Hazardous material handling, underground storage tank management, storage, and shipping concerns, and development of spill prevention and control plans are the problems that may addressed by environmental consultants. In addition, some may also guide clients on the storage, and shipping concerns, and development of spill prevention and control plans measures that guarantee a secure and safe working environment for laborers.

They help corporations develop “green” architectural structures and lessen the carbon footprint of the operations. They also focus and evaluate a different area that is energy conservation so that you can save companies money and boost the business’ “environment friendly” level.

Angela Dysuanco is a remediation consultant. She also writes about the importance and benefits of environmental services and the functions of remediation contractors. Her interest is focused on providing environmental services and reduction of pollution.

Author: Angela Christi Dysuanco
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The first benefit of having a dedicated environmental officer is the company can ensure the person appointed to the role has the skill set needed to implement green business practices. An employee committed to environmental issues based outside the normal operational departments will likely see areas for improvement that are not obvious to those working in each individual department. Although you cannot have a green business program without the input of staff doing the work, an environmental officer can provide an overview of the issues while incorporating the views of others in the company. Appointing an environmental officer leads to greater capacity to get things done including more in-depth strategic planning.

As well as providing the overview for the green business program, the environmental officer will be responsible for maintaining records, training staff and assisting with the communications related to environmental issues. Depending on the size of the business and the staff available, it can be difficult to ensure 1. that all staff receive the required training, 2. that the training occurs on a regular basis and 3. registers are kept to show what training has occurred. Providing regular feedback to staff on the environmental program and ensuring there are open lines of communication also take time to maintain.

Further having a staff member dedicated to environmental issues guarantees they have time available to investigate all the environmental impacts of the business as well as keeping an eye on new developments within the industry that will improve environmental performance. Often the requirement for a green business program is added to the role of an existing employee whether or not they have the skills or capacity to do the job. A dedicated person (who does not have to be full time) has the advantage of the environmental issues being their primary focus so their “real” job does not get in the way. This also shows staff, customers and shareholders that the company is taking its environmental commitment seriously.

A lot of companies start implementing green practices without a strategic vision of where they want to go. An environmental officer can save time by ensuring there is a step by step strategic plan which is communicated throughout the company on a regular basis. Having one person accountable for creating and maintaining environmental records and ensuring staff receive training on a regular basis provides certainty that these tasks will be done.

As you can see having a dedicated environmental officer provides many benefits to the company which are unlikely to be gained if the establishment of a green business program is an addition to an existing workload.

Want to find out more about starting a green business program? Check out Lets Do It Green for ideas on how to green your business.

Author: Manda Trevarthen
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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An environmental geologist holds a Bachelor’s degree in geology, or even a Master’s or doctoral degrees for those who are professors or instructors at colleges and universities. Fieldwork for environmental geologists involves conducting tests and investigations to determine a number of different conditions regarding toxicity and/or contamination of a property. The results of such tests are then used to make recommendations on needed actions, as well as the creation of policies to prevent or minimize any future contamination of the environment.

The necessity of exercising environmental due diligence by landowners and prospective property buyers underscores the importance of the services provided by geologists. Investigations, such as Phase I ESAs, should only be conducted by firms offering environmental engineering services performed by highly qualified environmental geologists or engineers. This helps ensure that tragic incidents like the debacle in Love Canal, New York never occur again.

Now, more than ever, geologists are needed to determine environmental hazards and identify contaminants discovered on so-called “brownfield sites.” These cleanups take some time and require significant funds to complete. Although it may be impossible to completely “clean” a contaminated site, environmental geologists, in collaboration with the government, ensure that incidents of environmental contamination and physical harm from such waste are mitigated as much as possible.

Companies and individuals planning to buy or sell properties should have the site reviewed prior to any change of ownership transaction. Assessment of risk exposure from potential contaminants to human health and the environment is a vital preventative measure to avoid legal liabilities, attorney’s fees and, most importantly, harm or loss of human life.

Environmental geologists help prevent and reverse property contamination as well as identifying steps to remediate and repair damage to soil, streams, wetlands, rivers and shorelines. Military bases, dumpsites and old mining sites are the most common places visited and tested for hidden threats and dangers of poisonous and hazardous chemical contaminants. Some sites have already been listed as superfund sites that will be subjected to cleanup and remediation.

Environmental due diligence is only the first step in the prevention and control of contamination. As stewards of Earth, consumers and businesses alike should exercise environmental due diligence and compassion in actions involving the natural world.

Environmental geologists commit their lives to protecting and reviving the land, but everyone must do their fair share to ensure the planet remains a treasure for future generations. Only through a concerted effort and adherence to national environmental regulations can this be accomplished.

http://www.AustinEnviroSolutions.com specializes in meeting the needs of commercial real estate professionals and lenders. Our Environmental Consultants have a thorough understanding of environmental laws and practices enabling us to provide quick turnaround on Phase I Environmental Site Assessments.

Author: Louise Lohrena
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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As more and more consumers become aware of the damage done to the environment by industrial and commercial enterprises, the need for immediate action becomes increasingly apparent. In fact, the only way to ensure that environmental damage is halted, and even reversed, is to utilize environmental engineering services. These experts provide not only help with testing, but also the means to eliminate harmful pollutants from land and groundwater, and ease the strain on existing vegetation.

Environmental engineers are experts in determining the effects of possible biological, physical or chemical contaminants to the air you breathe, the water you drink, and the land on which you live. They are well versed in the fields of geology, biology, and chemistry as well as civil, mechanical and agricultural engineering. These experts know the different provisions of environmental law and ensure the tenants of these laws are implemented through environmental due diligence.

It is imperative that owners and CEOs take corporate responsibility toward the community seriously, and insist on careful planning and research. Companies are now beginning to realize that they need to conduct environmental due diligence when planning land development, whether for commercial needs or for residential projects.

As new projects are designed, an environmental site assessment should be performed on each property in question. It is vital that such an assessment be completed prior to any construction. Reliable environmental engineering services can easily provide the necessary information to ensure companies make sound investments, as well as helping to provide better health for those who will be involved in the property once construction is finished. Environmental engineers will also be able to determine the possible positive impact a project will bring to an area, such as clean air and adequate water resources.

How will this prove to be beneficial? As more companies become aware of their responsibility toward the environment, the wanton destruction of natural resources is prevented. With the proper recommendations from reputable environment engineering services, projects will be conceptualized around the preservation of, rather than destruction of, our surroundings. In addition to that, environmental site assessment papers are considered important legal papers that the company can be use as future reference. They can use their Phase I ESA whether they are applying for a loan, sharing equity or wanting to have partnership.

The welfare of people and the impact of the place they live will be given priority. There will be an added sense of safety and assurance that environmental concerns will not pose any threat to the wellbeing of those in or around the property. But the most important thing of all is that they will gain trust. Trust from the humankind, and trust from mother nature too. And who knows, property owners will be blessed with abundance.

http://AustinEnviroSolutions.com specializes in meeting the needs of commercial real estate professionals and lenders. Our environmental consultants have a thorough understanding of environmental law and required environmental practices, enabling us to provide quick turnaround on Phase I environmental site assessments.

Author: Louise Lohrena
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Both of these programs are voluntary certifications that offer a higher standard of education to professionals that work in this industry. Environmental training, in and of itself, refers to the training of various practices including stormwater management, wastewater operations, sanitarian training, and other environmental training that relates to the industry of environmental protection and management. These are divided into various categories, including small communities’ environmental management and larger environmental management for bigger cities and areas of practice. Most of the training done in this area deals with drinking water, wastewater, solid waste, source water protection, and pollution prevention in all of these areas.

Other courses that could be taught in the environmental training area include OSHA courses, hazardous waste and hazard communication training, hazardous materials transportation, and even blood borne pathogens education. These classes can be learned online or through a traditional classroom setting, as well as being taught on site, in some cases, for companies and businesses by tutors and instructors that are willing to travel to you. The most important aspect of any environmental training course is the conformity with and understanding of environmental policy and procedure as well as the requirements of environmental management in any capacity that a person is involved.

The EPA and other agencies do everything in their power to make this environmental training available to anyone who needs it through a variety of sources. It doesn’t matter if the training is required or not, because it is always encouraged for anyone who wants to learn more about working in the environmental industry and especially for employees within this industry. Each state and specific professional designation will dictate the necessary training, if any, that is to be administered for every person who works in a particular industry and/or state when it comes to environmental training and the requirements and statutes set forth in each area and industry.

Fulfill your EPA requirements for Environmental Training

Author: Zafer Ahmed
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Online studies are available in Environmental Studies at associate, bachelor, master, and doctorate levels, as well as for gaining advanced certification. However, laboratory studies often require some onsite coursework. Online Environmental Studies curriculums include courses in environmental geology, biodiversity, ecology, conservation biology, international environmental issues, and global environmental sciences, and much more. Environmental Studies degrees are flexible, allowing students to choose specialties.

Programs in Environmental Studies through online venues at the master level are plentiful and varied, focusing on advanced material after sufficient knowledge and experience in the basic sciences has been accumulated. Curriculums at the master degree level in Environmental Studies may include such subjects as environmental assessments on climate, sustainable lifestyles, forests, solid waste, conservation, land use, waste management, recycling and recyclables, landfill issues, green certification, fossil fuel consumption, modes of travel, fisheries, and fresh water issues, as well as other areas. Advanced study for gaining certification is also available online.

Environmental Studies degrees can prepare students for addressing issues anywhere in the world in occupations that propose to protect the environments and make the world a safer place to live. Professional opportunities for Environmental Studies graduates are found in environmental policy, legislation and communication, natural resources, conservation, advocacy, environmental sciences, environmental engineering, environmental education, higher education institutions, international positions, and more.

If you are interested in learning more about Online Environmental Studies Schools, colleges, and universities, please search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2006 – All Rights Reserved
Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

Notice to Publishers: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.

M. Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Environmental Studies Online at SchoolsGalore.com; meeting your needs as your educational resource to locate schools

Author: Michael Bustamante
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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