Nature, Science & the Environment

Animals, plants, astronomy, mathematics, chemistry, physics, earth science, paleontology, biology

Contact: Reference Desk 203-438-2282 x1014 referencedesk@ridgefieldlibrary.org

Online Resources | Websites | Library Materials | Also of Interest

Ridgefield Goes Green!

Here is important information about several environmental initiatives taking place currently in Ridgefield. Follow these links, research further in additional recommended resources and also check out our special green programs and services below. You can even borrow a Kill a Watt Energy Monitor to see how much energy your devices and appliances currently consume.

Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge

Ridgefield is one of 14 towns across the state participating in a grassroots energy efficiency program tailored to Connecticut's energy reality. The Challenge is for each one of us to reduce our energy use by 20% in 2013!!!

Take action by attending a workshop, signing up for a free lighting retrofit, completing a Home Energy Solutions assessment and performing viable energy upgrades. The Challenge is a non-profit initiative made possible by a highly competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Mention the Ridgefield Library when you sign up for a Home Energy Solutions assessment and and we will receive $25. Save money on energy bills while raising money for your Library!

IN THE NEWS! Agencies honor Ridgefielders for saving energy inRidgefield Press, February 28, 2012.

Learn more about local activities at the Ridgefield Neighbor to Neighbor Facebook Page.

Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority

Recycling Goes "Single Stream" - Ridgefield Press July 17, 2011
No More Sorting: Ridgefield Switches to Single Stream Recycling - Ridgefield's HamletHub July 14, 2011
Ridgefield Recycling Center Moves to Single Stream - Ridgefield Patch July 13, 2011
Single Stream Recycling Poster from HRRA - print and post for handy reference

Town of Ridgefield

Transfer Station
Recycling Center
E-Waste List
Ice B'Gone - the innovative and environmentally friendly snow and ice fighting material the town began using two years ago

Online Resources

Authoritative sources of articles and reference information, brought to you by the Ridgefield Library unless otherwise noted. Have your library card handy for log-in.

Discovering Collection: Science - scroll down and click on the Science icon (left side). - click here for an online tutorial
Science In Context- click here for on online tutorial
More Science/Nature/ Environment Resources from iCONN

Websites

Tested and recommended by our librarians.

All Weather Is Good
Weather-related books, resources and websites from the National Weather Center.

Alliance to Save Energy
Nonprofit coalition of business, government, environmental & consumer leaders that undertakes research, educational programs and policy advocacy. Offers listing of no-cost and low-cost tips for saving money & energy.

American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy
Nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection.

Clean Energy Fund
Promotes clean and renewable energy used in CT. Contains information on clean and renewable energy sources, current and previous CT investments and how to apply for funding.

Connecticut Green Building Council
Chapter of U.S. Green Building Council - provides education about design and construction of high performance, energy efficient buildings along with information about the LEED rating system and "green" building resources in CT.

Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Composting Videos
Three short videos for online viewing -Home Composting: Turning Your Spoils to Soil, Don't Trash Grass and Leaf Composting: Windrows of Opportunity.

CT Energy Info
Assists CT consumers in locating information about energy related matters and helps them identify strategies that can be used to lower energy consumption and cost.

Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy
Comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility and selected federal incentives that promote energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Green File
Includes information on the relationship between human beings and the environment, with well-researched topics ranging from global warming to recycling to alternate fuel sources and more.

Home Energy Saver
Energy audit tool designed to help consumers identity the best ways to save energy in their homes and find resources to take advantage of cost savings.

Institute For Sustainable Energy
Established at Eastern Connecticut State University to identify, develop and implement the means for achieving a sustainable energy future for CT.

Low Impact Living
Comprehensive source for U.S. environmental service providers.

NASA Images
Access to NASA's images, video, and audio collections with content divided into sections on the universe, the solar system, Earth, aeronautics and astronauts.

National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations
Travelers can find links to information on eco-tours and heritage travel, destination scorecards, and more.

Natural Resources Defense Council
Product information and suggestions for protecting the environment and more.

Product Stewardship Institute
Encourages innovative product design and outlines possible new legislation on products currently in the marketplace

Ridgefield Action Committee for the Environment (RACE)
Dedicated to environmental education and activism on the local level.

Ridgefield Green Village Initiative
Working to make the town of Ridgefield a model for sustainable energy use

Reduce.org
Tips on cutting waste.

ScienceDaily
Provides breaking news about the latest scientific discoveries as well as research articles, encyclopedia information, images and videos.

Skin Deep
Rates the hazards in nearly 30,000 products, from baby wipes to styling mousse.

Stormpulse
Track the latest hurricane, severe weather threat or get information on your local weather forecast.

U.S. Department of Energy
Provides comprehensive list of energy-related topics.

Library Materials

Circulating materials, most reference books and non-fiction DVDs are shelved together in the stacks. Print magazines and newspapers on display or ask at the Reference Desk. Audiobooks on CD are shelved in a separate section.

Books/DVD/Audiobooks

Animals – 590
Astronomy – 520
Biology – 570
Chemistry – 540
Earth Science – 550
Environmental Sciences 333.7
Nature - 508
Paleontology – 560
Physics – 530
Plants – 580

Great Courses college lectures on CD, Cassette and DVD, including many science topics, are shelved separately in the Audiobook section.

Ask about our Resource List for International Year of Astronomy 2009

Magazines/Newspapers

Archaeology
Connecticut Wildlife
Connecticut Woodlands
Discover
National Geographic
National Wildlife
Natural History
Popular Science
Physics Essays
Science
Science News
Scientific American
Sky & Telescope
See General Periodical Indexes online