Guides: GPS: Recover, Reuse, Recycle: Basic Facts & Data

Government Sources

Many government agencies collect and publish statistics. The easiest way to find these statistics are by using the 'site' search on Google.

Example search:

average water consumption site:.gov

This search will bring up only government websites. This can be a great way not only to find the information you're looking for, but also to find out what government agencies are collecting this data. For instance, the search above brings up a lot of results from both the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Reference Resources

Below are some examples of encyclopedias and dictionaries for water related topics.

How to Find Reference Resources

Perform a search in WPI Library Search on the main library website
Use the filters on the left hand side to find 'Resource Type'
Under Resource Type, click on 'Reference Entries'/www.screencast.com

Some reference sources that can help for this course:

New Thinking about Pollution by Robert Curley (Editor); Britannica Educational Publishing Staff
ISBN: 9781615301713
Publication Date: 2010-08-15
As the worldOCOs resources continue to suffer from overuse and the effects of human activity, understanding the causes and effects of pollution is critical to preserving the land, water, and air that are vital to all life. This insightful volume explores the root causes of pollution, as well as the local and global responses and constantly emerging technologies that allow governments and ordinary citizens to cope with an increasingly toxic environment and landscape.
Encyclopedia of Consumption and Waste by Carl A. Zimring (Editor); William L. Rathje (Editor)
ISBN: 9781412988193
Publication Date: 2012-02-29
In our age of globalization and multiculturalism, it has never been more important to understand and appreciate all cultures across the world. The four volumes take a step forward in this endeavour by presenting concise information on those regions least well-known to students across Europe: the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The volumes convey what daily life is like for people in these selected regions. Entries will aid readers in understanding the importance of cultural sociology, to appreciate the effects of cultural forces around the world, and to learn the history of countries and cultures within these important regions.
Science and Politics by Brent S. Steel (Editor)
ISBN: 1452258104
Publication Date: 2014-05-14
Recent partisan squabbles over science in the news are indicative of a larger tendency for scientific research and practice to get entangled in major ideological divisions in the public arena. This politicization of science is deepened by the key role government funding plays in scientific research and development, the market leading position of U.S.-based science and technology firms, and controversial U.S. exports (such as genetically modified foods or hormone-injected livestock).