Emergency Survival Kits: Essential Supplies for Every Household

How to Build an Emergency Survival Kit

Severe weather, wildfires, earthquakes, power outages, and other emergencies can disrupt access to food, water, medical care, and communication. A well-stocked emergency survival kit can help you and your household manage until services are restored or help arrives. The right kit depends on where you live, who is in your household, and the emergencies you may face.

Start with the essentials

Store supplies in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container. Keep the kit somewhere you can reach quickly, and make sure everyone in your household knows where it is. Consider preparing both a home kit and smaller kits for your vehicle and workplace.

Water: Store at least one gallon per person per day for drinking and basic sanitation. Plan for at least three days, and store more when possible. Children, people who are ill or pregnant, and hot conditions may require additional water.
Food: Choose at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food that does not require refrigeration. Include a manual can opener and any special foods household members need.
Medication and health supplies: Pack prescription medicines, a first-aid kit, glasses or contact-lens supplies, and essential medical items. Ask a health care professional how to plan for medication needs during an extended disruption.
Light and communication: Include a flashlight or headlamp, extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a phone charger, and a backup power bank.
Basic tools and supplies: Consider a whistle, multipurpose tool, duct tape, work gloves, local maps, and sanitation items such as moist towelettes, garbage bags, and hand sanitizer.
Important information: Keep copies of identification, emergency contacts, insurance details, and other essential documents in a waterproof container. Store digital copies securely as well.
Cash and keys: Keep some small bills and spare keys in a secure place within the kit.

Pack for your household

A useful kit reflects the people who will rely on it. Add infant formula, diapers, and other baby supplies; mobility or communication aids; hearing-aid batteries; and supplies for anyone with allergies, dietary restrictions, or ongoing medical needs. Include comfort items for children, such as a small game or familiar toy.

If you have pets, prepare food, water, a leash or carrier, waste bags, medications, and copies of vaccination records. Identify in advance where you can take pets if you need to evacuate.

Make a kit for your car

A vehicle kit can help if you become stranded or need to travel during an emergency. Depending on your climate and driving conditions, consider packing drinking water, shelf-stable snacks, warm clothing or blankets, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, a phone charger, basic tools, and reflective warning items. In winter, add supplies suited to snow and cold, such as a snow brush, traction aid, and extra warm layers. Keep items secured so they do not become hazards if the vehicle stops suddenly.

Plan for local hazards

Think about the emergencies most likely in your area. People in flood-prone places may want waterproof storage and a plan for moving supplies to higher ground. Those in areas with extreme heat, wildfire, or severe winter weather should add supplies and clothing suited to those conditions. Follow instructions from local emergency officials, especially when they recommend evacuation or sheltering in place.

Store and maintain your supplies

Check your kit at least twice a year. Replace expired food, water, and medications; test flashlights and radios; and make sure batteries and power banks work. Update clothing sizes, contact information, and documents as your household’s needs change. Store supplies in a cool, dry place, and keep items that may be damaged by water in sealed bags or containers.

Make a plan, not just a kit

Supplies are only one part of emergency preparedness. Decide how household members will contact one another, choose meeting places, and identify evacuation routes and nearby shelters. Write down important phone numbers in case your phone is unavailable. Practice the plan so everyone understands what to do.

A thoughtfully prepared kit cannot prevent emergencies, but it can make the first hours and days safer and less stressful. Start with the basics, build around your household’s needs, and keep the supplies ready to use.

Essential Tips for Assembling a Life-Saving Emergency Survival Kit

Pack enough water for at least three days.
Include shelf-stable food and a manual can opener.
Add a first-aid kit and essential medications.
Keep a flashlight, extra batteries, and a whistle.
Store copies of important documents in a waterproof bag.
Check expiration dates and refresh supplies regularly.

Pack enough water for at least three days.

Pack enough water to last at least three days in an emergency. A general guideline is one gallon per person per day for drinking and basic sanitation, with extra water for hot weather, illness, pregnancy, or special needs. Store water in clean, sealed containers and check it regularly so your supply stays safe and ready to use.

Include shelf-stable food and a manual can opener.

Include shelf-stable food in your emergency kit so you have meals available if power or grocery access is disrupted. Choose foods your household will eat, check expiration dates regularly, and pack a manual can opener if any items come in cans.

Add a first-aid kit and essential medications.

Include a well-stocked first-aid kit in your emergency supplies, with items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, medical tape, and tweezers. Add essential prescription and over-the-counter medications, along with any needed medical supplies, such as an inhaler or glucose-monitoring equipment. Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers when possible, check expiration dates regularly, and ask your health care provider or pharmacist how to plan for medication needs during an emergency.

Keep a flashlight, extra batteries, and a whistle.

Keep a flashlight, extra batteries, and a whistle in your emergency survival kit. A flashlight helps you move safely when the power is out, while spare batteries keep it working when you need it most. A whistle can help rescuers locate you if you’re trapped or unable to call for help.

Store copies of important documents in a waterproof bag.

Keep copies of important documents—such as identification, insurance information, medical records, and emergency contacts—in a waterproof bag as part of your emergency survival kit. This helps protect them from rain, flooding, and spills, so essential information is easier to access if you need to evacuate or your originals are damaged. Consider storing digital copies securely as a backup, too.

Check expiration dates and refresh supplies regularly.

Check the expiration dates on food, water, medications, and other kit supplies regularly, and replace anything that’s expired, damaged, or no longer safe to use. Set a reminder to review your kit at least twice a year, and update clothing, batteries, documents, and household-specific items as your needs change. Keeping supplies fresh ensures your kit is ready when you need it.

18 October 2026
tanana-watershed
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Data Storage for Long-Term Watershed Monitoring

Storing Data for the Long Term

Weather and watershed data are most valuable when they remain accurate, accessible, and useful over time. A temperature reading or precipitation record can help answer immediate questions, but years of consistent observations can reveal patterns that support research, planning, and community preparedness across the Tanana River Basin.

Why Data Storage Matters

Reliable storage protects data from accidental loss and makes it possible to compare observations across seasons and years. Researchers may use historical records to study changing conditions, while communities and agencies may consult them when planning for floods, wildfires, road conditions, or other environmental challenges. Well-organized data also helps future users understand where an observation came from and how it was collected.

What Makes a Good Data Archive?

Good data storage involves more than keeping files on a computer. A dependable archive should preserve the original observations and include clear documentation, such as:

Time and date: The time zone and format used for each observation.
Location: The station or sampling location, described in a consistent way.
Units: Measurement units for values such as temperature, precipitation, and wind speed.
Methods: Information about instruments, sampling practices, and data processing.
Quality notes: Flags or explanations for missing, estimated, or potentially unusual readings.

Consistent formats and clear file names make records easier to search and share. Documentation is especially important when instruments are replaced, station locations change, or collection procedures are updated.

Protecting Data from Loss

Hardware can fail, files can be overwritten, and accounts or services can become unavailable. Maintaining more than one copy of important data helps reduce these risks. Copies should be stored separately, and backups should be checked periodically to confirm that files can be restored. Access controls and secure systems can also help prevent unauthorized changes.

For long-term preservation, archives should use widely supported file formats and retain the original data whenever possible. If records are converted or corrected, the changes should be documented so users can distinguish raw observations from processed values.

Making Data Useful and Accessible

Stored data can only support informed decisions if people can find and interpret it. Descriptive titles, searchable metadata, plain-language explanations, and clear notes about limitations all help users understand what a dataset can—and cannot—show. Public access should also be balanced with appropriate protections for sensitive information.

Data storage is an ongoing responsibility. By preserving observations carefully and documenting how they were collected, watershed monitoring programs can help ensure that today’s measurements remain a useful resource for tomorrow’s researchers, decision-makers, and communities.

Understanding Data Storage: Answers to 6 Common Questions

What is data storage?
What are the different types of data storage?
How much data storage do I need?
What is the difference between cloud storage and local storage?
How can I protect my stored data from loss or unauthorized access?
How often should I back up my data?

What is data storage?

Data storage is the way digital information is saved so it can be accessed and used later. Data may be stored on devices such as hard drives and memory cards, or on remote servers and cloud platforms. For watershed monitoring, storage helps preserve observations—such as temperature, precipitation, and water-level readings—so they can be reviewed, analyzed, and shared over time.

What are the different types of data storage?

Data storage generally falls into three main categories: primary, secondary, and archival. Primary storage, such as RAM, gives a computer fast access to data while programs are running, but it is usually temporary. Secondary storage—including hard drives, solid-state drives, USB drives, and memory cards—keeps files available after a device is turned off. Archival storage, such as magnetic tape or long-term cloud archives, is designed to preserve data that is accessed less often. Storage can also be local, on a device or nearby server, or cloud-based, on remote servers accessed over the internet. The right option depends on how quickly data must be accessed, how long it needs to be kept, and the level of backup, security, and capacity required.

How much data storage do I need?

The amount of data storage you need depends on how much data you collect, how often you update it, and how long you plan to keep it. Text records and basic weather observations usually take up relatively little space, while high-resolution images, video, and frequent sensor readings can require much more. Estimate your current needs, account for future growth, and keep extra capacity for backups and archived data.

What is the difference between cloud storage and local storage?

Cloud storage keeps data on remote servers that you access over the internet, while local storage keeps it on a device or storage medium you control, such as a computer, external hard drive, or on-site server. Cloud storage makes it easier to access and share files from different locations and can provide off-site backups, but it depends on an internet connection and the provider’s security and availability. Local storage offers direct control and quick access without the internet, but it can be lost or damaged if the device fails. For important data, using both can provide a practical balance of accessibility, control, and backup protection.

How can I protect my stored data from loss or unauthorized access?

Protect stored data by keeping regular backups in more than one secure location, such as an encrypted external drive and a trusted cloud service, and periodically checking that the backups can be restored. Use strong, unique passwords and enable multifactor authentication for accounts that hold important files. Encrypt sensitive data, keep devices and software updated, and limit access to only the people who need it. For shared or organizational data, review permissions regularly and follow a documented backup and recovery plan.

How often should I back up my data?

How often you should back up your data depends on how frequently it changes and how difficult it would be to replace. For important files that are updated regularly, back them up daily or use automatic, continuous backups. Less frequently updated files may only need weekly backups. Keep at least one backup separate from your main device—such as in secure cloud storage or on an external drive—and check occasionally that your files can be restored.

17 October 2026
tanana-watershed
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10 Day National Weather Forecast Map: How to Read and Use It

How to Read a 10-Day National Weather Forecast Map

A 10-day national weather forecast map offers a broad look at expected weather across the United States. By showing forecast conditions for multiple days in one place, it can help travelers, families, businesses, and outdoor enthusiasts plan ahead. The map is useful for spotting developing weather patterns, but it should be treated as a guide rather than a guarantee—especially toward the end of the forecast period.

What a 10-Day Forecast Map Shows

Forecast maps may display different types of information, including high and low temperatures, precipitation, cloud cover, wind, or severe-weather risks. Colors, symbols, and labels represent expected conditions across regions or at specific locations. Because each map may use its own legend and scale, check the key before interpreting the details.

A national map is designed to show the big picture. It can help you compare conditions between regions, identify a storm system moving across the country, or see where temperatures may be warmer or colder than usual. For planning in a particular city or town, use a local forecast as well.

Why Forecast Confidence Changes Over Time

Weather forecasts are based on observations and computer models that estimate how the atmosphere will change. Forecasts are generally more reliable over the next few days. Uncertainty tends to increase farther into the future because small changes in a storm’s path, timing, or strength can lead to different conditions in a particular area.

For that reason, the later days on a 10-day map are best used to identify general trends—not to make decisions that depend on precise timing or exact amounts of rain or snow. Check for updates as the date gets closer.

Tips for Using the Map

Read the legend: Confirm what the colors, icons, and shading represent.
Check the date and time: Forecast maps may use different time zones or show conditions at a particular hour.
Compare several forecast days: Look for patterns, such as a cold front or a stretch of dry weather, rather than focusing on one symbol.
Zoom in for local details: National maps simplify conditions and may not show neighborhood-level differences.
Recheck before you go: For travel, events, and outdoor activities, review the latest local forecast and any official alerts.

Use Official Alerts for Weather Safety

A 10-day forecast map is not a substitute for watches, warnings, or emergency instructions. If hazardous weather is possible, follow updates from the National Weather Service and local emergency officials. Conditions can change quickly, and official alerts provide time-sensitive information for specific areas.

Plan Ahead, Then Stay Flexible

A 10-day national weather forecast map is a convenient way to understand what may be ahead across the country. Use it to make preliminary plans, watch for broad weather trends, and compare regional conditions. As the forecast date approaches, consult current local information for more specific guidance.

7 Essential Tips for Navigating a 10-Day National Weather Forecast Map

Check the map’s valid dates and update time.
Use the national view to spot broad weather patterns.
Zoom in to see local details and regional differences.
Check the legend for colors, units, and symbols.
Treat forecasts near day 10 as less certain.
Compare rain and temperature layers separately.
Check local alerts for fast-changing hazards.

Check the map’s valid dates and update time.

Check the map’s valid dates and update time before relying on its forecast. Weather maps may cover different date ranges or be updated at different times, and newer information can reflect changes in expected conditions. Confirm that the map applies to the days you’re planning for, then check back for updates as your plans get closer.

Use the national view to spot broad weather patterns.

Use the national view to spot broad weather patterns, such as a storm system moving across several states, a cold front bringing cooler air, or a region of persistent heat or dry weather. These large-scale trends can help you plan travel and activities, but conditions may vary locally, so check a detailed forecast for your destination as the date gets closer.

Zoom in to see local details and regional differences.

Zooming in on a 10-day national weather forecast map can reveal important local details that may be hidden at the national scale. Weather conditions can vary significantly between nearby areas because of elevation, coastlines, and local weather systems. A closer view can help you compare forecasts for neighboring communities and plan more confidently, but check a local forecast for the most current, location-specific information.

Check the legend for colors, units, and symbols.

Before interpreting a 10-day national weather forecast map, check its legend to understand what the colors, units, and symbols mean. Colors may indicate temperature ranges, precipitation amounts, or weather alerts, while units such as inches, millimeters, Fahrenheit, or Celsius can change how the numbers should be read. Symbols may represent rain, snow, wind, or other conditions, so reviewing the key helps you make sense of the forecast and avoid misreading important details.

Treat forecasts near day 10 as less certain.

Forecasts near day 10 are less certain because weather patterns can shift as new data becomes available. Use those later dates to get a general sense of possible conditions, not to rely on exact temperatures, precipitation, or timing. Check the forecast again as the day approaches, especially before making travel or outdoor plans.

Compare rain and temperature layers separately.

Compare the rain and temperature layers separately on a 10-day national weather forecast map to get a clearer picture of conditions. The rain layer shows where precipitation is expected, while the temperature layer highlights warmer and cooler areas. Reviewing each one on its own makes patterns easier to spot and helps you plan for both wet weather and changing temperatures. Keep in mind that forecasts become less certain farther out, so check for updates as your plans get closer.

Check local alerts for fast-changing hazards.

Check local alerts for fast-changing hazards, such as severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, high winds, or winter weather. A 10-day national forecast map provides a broad outlook, but conditions can change quickly and vary from one community to another. Before traveling or heading outdoors, check the latest updates from the National Weather Service and local emergency officials, and follow any watches, warnings, or safety instructions.

06 October 2026
tanana-watershed
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Education Resources Information Center: A Guide to Finding Education Research

The Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) is an online research database focused on education. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences, ERIC helps students, educators, researchers, policymakers, and the public find information on teaching, learning, and education policy.

What You Can Find in ERIC

ERIC indexes a wide range of education-related materials, including journal articles, research reports, conference papers, policy documents, and other publications. Its collection covers topics from early childhood education and literacy to higher education, special education, assessment, and school leadership.

Some records link to full-text documents, while others provide a citation and abstract. When full text is not available through ERIC, the record may still help readers identify a publication to locate through a library, publisher, or other source.

How to Search the Database

Visitors can search ERIC using keywords, titles, authors, or publication details. Filters can help narrow results by publication date, source type, education level, and other characteristics. Users can also limit results to peer-reviewed materials or records with full text available, when those options are relevant.

For more focused results, start with a specific question and choose a few precise search terms. For example, someone researching reading instruction in elementary school might search for “elementary reading instruction” and then refine the results by date or publication type. ERIC’s education-specific vocabulary can also help users discover related terms and broaden a search.

Who Uses ERIC?

Teachers and school leaders can explore research and resources related to classroom practice and school improvement.
Students and researchers can use the database to find sources for assignments, literature reviews, and research projects.
Policymakers and administrators can investigate evidence and publications related to education programs and policy.
Families and community members can learn more about education topics and locate information from research and practice.

Using ERIC Effectively

ERIC is a discovery tool, so readers should review each record carefully and consider the source, publication date, research methods, and intended audience. A database listing does not by itself mean that a study’s findings apply to every school or situation. Comparing multiple sources can provide a fuller picture of what the evidence suggests.

Whether you are beginning a research project or looking for evidence on a specific education question, ERIC offers a practical starting point. Its searchable collection can make education research easier to discover and help users connect with information that supports informed learning, teaching, and decision-making.

Top 8 Benefits of Using the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC)

Free access to education research.
Covers a wide range of education topics.
Useful for teachers and researchers.
Offers search filters to refine results.
Includes journal articles and reports.
Provides abstracts and publication details.
Helps users discover evidence-based resources.
Easy to search online.

Challenges of Using the Education Resources Information Center: Limited Full-Text Access, Complex Search Filtering, and User Navigation Difficulties

Some records do not include full-text access.
Search results may require careful filtering.
The database can be challenging for first-time users.

Free access to education research.

One of the key benefits of the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) is free access to a wide range of education research. Students, teachers, researchers, policymakers, and the public can search its database without a subscription and find citations, summaries, and—when available—full-text documents. This open access makes it easier for people to explore evidence on teaching, learning, and education policy, regardless of their budget or institutional affiliation.

Covers a wide range of education topics.

One of the key advantages of the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) is the breadth of topics it covers. Its collection includes research and resources on areas such as early childhood education, literacy, teaching methods, special education, school leadership, assessment, and higher education. This wide-ranging coverage helps educators, students, researchers, and policymakers explore topics across the education field and discover useful information for their specific needs.

Useful for teachers and researchers.

The Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) is useful for teachers and researchers because it provides access to a broad collection of education research, reports, and other resources in one searchable database. Teachers can explore evidence and ideas related to classroom practice, while researchers can find sources for literature reviews, study projects, and deeper investigation of education topics.

One useful feature of the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) is its search filters, which help users quickly narrow a large set of results to the most relevant materials. You can refine searches by factors such as publication date, resource type, education level, and peer-reviewed status, making it easier to find information that fits your research question.

Includes journal articles and reports.

One key advantage of the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) is that it brings together journal articles and reports in one searchable database. This makes it easier for students, educators, and researchers to find different kinds of education information—from peer-reviewed studies to research and policy reports—without searching multiple sources.

Provides abstracts and publication details.

ERIC provides abstracts and publication details that help users quickly assess whether a resource is relevant to their needs. Each record may summarize a document’s main ideas and include information such as its author, title, publication date, and source. These details make it easier to compare materials, cite sources, and locate full texts through ERIC or other libraries and databases.

Helps users discover evidence-based resources.

The Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) helps users discover evidence-based resources by bringing education research, reports, and other publications together in one searchable database. Teachers, students, researchers, and policymakers can explore credible sources on topics such as teaching strategies, student learning, and education policy, making it easier to find research that can inform decisions and practice.

Easy to search online.

One of the key advantages of the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) is that it is easy to search online. Users can quickly look up education research by topic, title, author, or keyword, then narrow the results with filters such as publication date or resource type. This convenient access helps students, educators, researchers, and families find relevant information without needing to visit a physical library.

Some records do not include full-text access.

One drawback of the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) is that some records provide only a citation and abstract, not the full text of the publication. This can make it harder for readers to review the complete research, especially if they do not have access through a school or public library, a publisher, or another source. As a result, users may need to spend extra time tracking down the document or may be unable to evaluate its findings in detail.

Search results may require careful filtering.

One potential drawback of the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) is that search results may require careful filtering. Broad keywords can return a large number of records, and users may need to adjust search terms or apply filters for date, publication type, education level, or peer review to find the most relevant sources. For new users, this process can take time and make it harder to quickly identify useful materials.

The database can be challenging for first-time users.

One drawback of the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) is that its database can be challenging for first-time users. Search results may feel overwhelming, and filters, research terms, and publication details can take time to understand. New users may need to experiment with different keywords and search options before finding the most relevant materials.

02 October 2026
tanana-watershed
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Renewable and Non Renewable Energy: Key Differences and Impacts

Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy: What’s the Difference?

Energy powers homes, businesses, transportation, and industry. The sources used to produce it are often grouped into two categories: renewable and nonrenewable. Understanding the difference helps explain how energy choices affect the environment, the economy, and long-term energy security.

What Is Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy comes from sources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale. Common examples include sunlight, wind, flowing water, heat from within the Earth, and organic material known as biomass.

Solar energy uses sunlight to generate electricity or heat.
Wind energy uses turbines to convert moving air into electricity.
Hydropower generates electricity from moving or falling water.
Geothermal energy draws on heat from beneath Earth’s surface.
Biomass energy comes from plant material and other organic matter.

Renewable sources generally produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions during operation than fossil fuels. They can also help diversify energy supplies. However, some renewables depend on weather or location. Solar panels produce less electricity at night, for example, and wind turbines need sufficient wind. Energy storage, transmission lines, and a mix of different power sources can help address these challenges.

What Is Nonrenewable Energy?

Nonrenewable energy comes from resources that are limited or take millions of years to form. Once used, these resources cannot be replaced quickly enough to meet current demand. The main examples are coal, oil, and natural gas. Nuclear energy is also commonly classified as nonrenewable because it relies on finite fuels such as uranium, even though it produces electricity without burning fossil fuels.

Fossil fuels have long supplied a large share of the world’s energy. They are energy-dense and can be stored and transported, making them useful for electricity generation, heating, and transportation. But extracting and burning them can cause air and water pollution and release greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Nuclear power produces low-carbon electricity during operation, but it requires careful management of radioactive materials and safety risks.

Comparing the Two

The central difference is how quickly each source is replenished. Sunlight, wind, and flowing water are continually renewed by natural processes. Coal, oil, natural gas, and uranium exist in finite quantities or take extremely long periods to replace.

Renewable does not automatically mean impact-free. Renewable energy projects can affect wildlife, land, waterways, and nearby communities. Likewise, nonrenewable sources differ from one another: the environmental and safety concerns associated with coal are not identical to those associated with natural gas or nuclear power. Careful planning and strong environmental safeguards matter for every energy source.

Why the Energy Mix Matters

No single energy source meets every need in every place. A reliable energy system may combine renewables, energy storage, transmission, efficiency measures, and other sources of dependable power. The best mix depends on local resources, infrastructure, costs, environmental priorities, and community needs.

Renewable and nonrenewable energy are not just technical categories; they represent different choices about how society produces and uses power. Improving energy efficiency, expanding cleaner sources, and planning responsibly for existing energy resources can all contribute to a more reliable and sustainable energy future.

8 Essential Tips for Balancing Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy Use

Choose renewable energy like solar and wind when possible.
Use less electricity to reduce reliance on all energy sources.
Renewable resources can naturally replenish over time.
Nonrenewable resources, like coal and oil, are limited.
Save energy by turning off unused lights and devices.
Consider biking, walking, or public transit to use less fuel.
Support clean energy programs in your community.
Recycle materials to reduce the energy needed to make new products.

Choose renewable energy like solar and wind when possible.

Choose renewable energy sources like solar and wind whenever possible. Unlike coal, oil, and natural gas, these resources are naturally replenished and generate electricity with little to no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. Switching to renewable power—at home, at work, or through a utility’s clean-energy plan—can help reduce pollution and support a more sustainable energy future.

Use less electricity to reduce reliance on all energy sources.

Using less electricity is a simple way to reduce demand for both renewable and nonrenewable energy. Turn off lights and electronics when they’re not in use, choose energy-efficient appliances, and adjust heating and cooling to avoid waste. Lower electricity use can reduce fuel consumption and emissions, ease pressure on the power grid, and help conserve resources regardless of how the electricity is generated.

Renewable resources can naturally replenish over time.

Renewable resources can naturally replenish over time, making them a more sustainable option when managed responsibly. Sunlight, wind, and flowing water are examples of resources that are continually renewed by natural processes, unlike finite resources such as coal, oil, and natural gas. While renewable resources can still have environmental impacts, using them wisely can help conserve limited fuels and support a cleaner energy future.

Nonrenewable resources, like coal and oil, are limited.

Nonrenewable resources, like coal and oil, are limited because they take millions of years to form and are used much faster than nature can replace them. As supplies decline, these fuels may become harder and more expensive to obtain. Burning them also releases pollution and greenhouse gases, so using energy efficiently and developing renewable alternatives can help conserve resources and reduce environmental impacts.

Save energy by turning off unused lights and devices.

Save energy—and reduce your impact on the environment—by turning off lights and devices when you’re not using them. Switch off lamps when leaving a room, unplug chargers and small appliances when practical, and enable sleep or energy-saving settings on computers and TVs. These simple habits can lower electricity use, help reduce utility bills, and limit the need to generate power from both renewable and nonrenewable sources.

Consider biking, walking, or public transit to use less fuel.

Choosing to bike, walk, or take public transit can reduce the amount of gasoline and diesel used for everyday travel. These fuels are nonrenewable resources, so using less helps conserve them and can also lower greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. For short trips, try walking or biking when it’s safe and practical; for longer journeys, public transit can be an efficient alternative to driving alone.

Support clean energy programs in your community.

Support clean energy programs in your community by learning about local options and getting involved. You might attend a town meeting, support renewable energy projects, or ask local leaders about programs that help residents and businesses use solar, wind, or other cleaner power. Community efforts can make clean energy more accessible, reduce reliance on nonrenewable resources such as coal, oil, and natural gas, and help build a healthier, more resilient future.

Recycle materials to reduce the energy needed to make new products.

Recycling materials can reduce the energy needed to make new products from raw resources. For example, producing items from recycled aluminum typically takes much less energy than making them from newly mined ore. By sorting and recycling paper, glass, metals, and accepted plastics, households and businesses can help conserve energy, reduce waste, and limit demand for nonrenewable resources such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Check local recycling guidelines to make sure materials are prepared correctly.

01 October 2026
tanana-watershed
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Renewable Natural Gas: Turning Organic Waste Into Energy

Renewable natural gas (RNG), also called biomethane, is a fuel made by capturing and processing methane produced when organic materials break down. It can be used in many of the same ways as conventional natural gas, including for heating, electricity generation, and transportation. Its potential climate benefits depend on how it is produced, how much methane escapes, and what energy source it replaces.

How renewable natural gas is made

RNG begins with organic material, or biomass, such as livestock manure, food scraps, wastewater sludge, and the gas produced at landfills. As this material decomposes without oxygen, microorganisms create biogas—a mixture that typically contains methane, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and other compounds.

Biogas can be used directly in some applications, but it must be cleaned and upgraded to become RNG. Processing removes much of the carbon dioxide, moisture, and contaminants. The resulting gas is mostly methane and can be conditioned to meet applicable standards for use in pipelines or equipment designed for natural gas.

Common sources include:

Landfills: Gas formed as buried waste decomposes can be captured through wells and collection systems.
Dairy and livestock farms: Manure can be processed in sealed anaerobic digesters, which capture biogas as the waste breaks down.
Wastewater treatment plants: Digesters can produce biogas from sewage solids and other organic material.
Food-waste facilities: Food scraps and processing residues can be digested to produce biogas.

How RNG is used

Once upgraded, RNG can be injected into a natural gas pipeline if it meets the pipeline’s quality requirements. It can then be used for building heat, industrial processes, power generation, or as a transportation fuel. Some projects use the gas near where it is produced, while others connect it to a pipeline for delivery elsewhere.

Because RNG can use existing gas infrastructure and equipment, it may be easier to incorporate into some systems than fuels that require entirely new networks. That compatibility does not mean every project is simple: connecting to a pipeline, meeting gas specifications, and transporting the fuel can require substantial investment.

Potential climate and community benefits

Capturing methane that would otherwise escape from a landfill or manure-management system can reduce the release of a potent greenhouse gas. When RNG displaces fossil natural gas or another fuel, it may also lower emissions over the full lifecycle, depending on the project and the fuel being replaced.

RNG projects may provide additional local benefits. They can help manage organic waste, reduce some odors, and create revenue for farms or waste facilities. At wastewater plants and landfills, gas recovery can turn a byproduct into a usable energy source.

These benefits are not automatic. The climate impact depends on factors such as how the feedstock is collected, the energy used to process it, gas losses throughout the system, and what would have happened to the organic material without the project. For example, a system that prevents methane from escaping can have a different emissions profile from one that relies on purpose-grown crops.

Challenges and considerations

Methane leaks are a central concern. If methane escapes during production, upgrading, storage, or transport, it can reduce or even undermine the climate advantage of a project. Effective leak detection, equipment maintenance, and transparent emissions monitoring are therefore important.

RNG is also limited by the amount and location of suitable organic waste. Projects need a dependable supply of feedstock, as well as nearby infrastructure or users for the gas. In some cases, the cost of collection, processing, and pipeline connection can be high.

Another important distinction is between waste-based RNG and gas made from energy crops. Using manure, landfill gas, or food waste can address existing waste streams. Growing crops specifically for fuel raises additional questions about land use, water, fertilizer, and competition with food production. Those impacts should be considered when evaluating a project.

How to evaluate an RNG project

Useful questions include:

What materials are used to produce the gas?
What would happen to those materials if the project did not exist?
How are methane leaks measured and controlled?
How much energy is used to collect and process the gas?
What fuel or energy source does the RNG replace?
Are emissions estimates based on a transparent lifecycle analysis?

The role of renewable natural gas

Renewable natural gas can be one tool for managing organic waste and reducing methane emissions, particularly where methane would otherwise be released. It is not a limitless resource or a universal substitute for fossil fuels. Its value depends on responsible feedstock choices, careful emissions controls, and a clear accounting of its full environmental impact.

As communities and industries consider ways to reduce emissions, RNG is best assessed alongside other options, including energy efficiency, electrification, renewable electricity, and improved waste prevention. Comparing these choices on a project-by-project basis can help identify where RNG offers the greatest practical benefit.

Understanding Renewable Natural Gas: Key Questions and Answers

What is renewable natural gas (RNG)?
How is renewable natural gas made?
What can renewable natural gas be used for?
How is renewable natural gas different from conventional natural gas?
Is renewable natural gas better for the environment?
Can renewable natural gas be used in existing natural gas pipelines and appliances?

What is renewable natural gas (RNG)?

Renewable natural gas (RNG), also called biomethane, is a methane-rich fuel made by capturing biogas from decomposing organic materials such as food waste, manure, wastewater, and landfill waste. The biogas is cleaned to remove carbon dioxide, moisture, and other impurities so it can be used in applications similar to conventional natural gas, including heating, electricity generation, and transportation.

How is renewable natural gas made?

Renewable natural gas (RNG) is made by capturing biogas produced as organic materials—such as food waste, livestock manure, wastewater, or landfill waste—break down. The biogas is then cleaned and upgraded to remove carbon dioxide, moisture, and other impurities, leaving a methane-rich gas that can meet standards for use in natural gas pipelines, heating, electricity generation, or transportation.

What can renewable natural gas be used for?

Renewable natural gas can be used much like conventional natural gas. After it is cleaned and upgraded, it can be delivered through compatible pipelines and used for heating buildings, cooking, generating electricity, powering industrial equipment, or fueling vehicles designed to run on natural gas. Its best use depends on local infrastructure, the source of the gas, and which energy source it replaces.

How is renewable natural gas different from conventional natural gas?

Renewable natural gas (RNG) and conventional natural gas are both made mostly of methane and can be used in many of the same appliances, vehicles, and pipelines. The main difference is their source: conventional natural gas is extracted from underground fossil fuel deposits, while RNG is produced by capturing and cleaning biogas from organic materials such as food waste, manure, wastewater, or landfill waste. Because RNG can make use of methane that might otherwise escape into the atmosphere, it may reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional natural gas—but the overall benefit depends on how the RNG is produced, whether methane leaks during processing and transport, and which fuel it replaces.

Is renewable natural gas better for the environment?

Renewable natural gas can be better for the environment when it captures methane from sources such as landfills, manure, or wastewater that would otherwise release it into the atmosphere, and when it replaces fossil fuel with minimal leakage during production and delivery. Its overall impact varies, however, depending on the feedstock, processing energy, methane leaks, and the fuel it displaces. RNG is not automatically carbon-neutral or impact-free, so projects should be evaluated using transparent, full-lifecycle emissions data.

Can renewable natural gas be used in existing natural gas pipelines and appliances?

Yes. Renewable natural gas (RNG) can often be used in existing natural gas pipelines and appliances after it is cleaned and upgraded to meet the pipeline’s gas-quality standards. Because properly processed RNG has properties similar to conventional natural gas, it can typically travel through compatible pipelines and be used in many existing furnaces, stoves, and other natural-gas equipment. Requirements vary by utility and location, so RNG must meet local specifications before it can be injected into a pipeline.

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Month: October 2026