This short readable book is intended as a big-picture introduction overview for environmental
students and lay-people involved with environmental issues. Every freshman in college intending
to study environmental science should read it. It begins with a historical perspective on waste
and environmental control. Basic instruction on some important fundamentals faced by
environmental professionals every day such as sampling analysis data visualization risk
assessment and forensic chemistry are provided in the following chapter. Important regulatory
fundamentals such as the National Contingency Plan which is the U.S. regulatory framework for
addressing hazardous waste is also defined. The book concludes with pertinent and provocative
considerations on the future of environmental management such as alternative approaches
(technical impracticability) the not-in-my-backyard syndrome and the safety of chemicals in
consumer products. The book contains many useful facts about waste production rates energy use
and recycling rates-all referenced to allow substantiation and provide a springboard for
further research.
