Green technology : an A-to-Z guide /

This volume, part of the "SAGE Series on Green Society," provides detailed definitions of many new terms associated with the fast-widening "green" movement. Entries explain new technologies such as light-emitting diodes, hybrid electric vehicles, composting toilets, and solar cells. Many articles define the larger topics, such as the concepts and frameworks of this field, and how green technology relates to larger issues of society. Essays vary in length, ranging from two to ten pages; all have bibliographies for those interested in further information. References that appear in the entries, along with an additional list of resources, point to recent relevant material, including websites, books, and articles. Many of the longer items discuss the more general overall concepts; they include "Bioethics," "Ecological Modernization," "Unintended Consequences," and "Technology Transfer." Shorter ones, e.g., "Greywater," "Algae Biofuel," and "Solar Ovens," tend to cover a particular product or biological process. A brief (eight-page) glossary gives concise explanations for unfamiliar terms. Illustrations appear sparsely, always in black and white. Numerous cross-references are provided after each article. Finally, comprehensive, detailed indexing makes the volume even easier to use. This title furnishes useful information in understanding this rapidly developing field. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through professionals/practitioners; general readers. M. S. Muskiewicz University of Massachusetts at Lowell

The second installment in the SAGE Reference Series on Green Society brings an interesting shift the original 6 volumes were published in electronic-only format; now all 12 volumes are available in print as well as electronic editions. The print editions are less expensive than the electronic versions and are also available as a bundle. The editors are authorities in the focus of their volumes for example, the editors of Green Technology have each contributed other books to the field and work extensively on academic research on the environment. Each volume includes approximately 150 signed articles listed by topic and alphabetically. There is some overlap in article content among the volumes, but they are written by different contributors and address the volume's theme. Articles in the print volumes include unremarkable black-and-white photographs. The e-book versions, however, do contain color photos. Suggestions for further reading are featured, and there is a Resource Guide, a glossary, and an appendix listing notable organizations closing out each volume. Green Technology covers topics such as Biological Processes and Concepts , Cleanup, Recovery and Maintenance , and Laws, Government, and Policies . This series is highly recommended for undergraduate and large public libraries. Because both electronic and print editions are available as individual volumes, institutions focusing on specific interests for example, libraries supporting design or media programs that might be most interested in green culture will be able to purchase only those volumes supporting their curricula.--Whittington, Christine Copyright 2010 Booklist

Gr 10 Up-With its coverage of a wide variety of environmental issues, including everything from ethics and philosophy to education and culture, the scope of this set at times seems almost too broad, especially in Green Health. For example, although the book covers logically "green" topics such as smog and organic food, it also includes entries on STDs and skin disorders. Their inclusion is hard to justify, especially since the articles read more like entries in a health textbook and make no specific reference to the environment or include any "green" aspect of the issue. Other volumes, including Ethics and Philosophy, which features biographies of important individuals in the movement, provide a more logical collection of entries. The lack of a cumulative index to the series is a problem as volume titles are sometimes ambiguous. A few black-and-white images are included, but the volumes mostly contain dense pages of text. The series is written for an academic audience, but it may be accessible to some high school students working at an advanced level.-Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.