Denoyer-Geppert Science Series Conservation

“Conservation means wise use of the world’s resources”

“Human beings depend upon the resources of the earth for most of the basic needs of life. Each generation of people has a responsibility for using the earth’s resources in a way which will assure a continuous supply for future generations. The purpose of this chart is to depict the six major areas into which the conservation of resources is divided, and to illustrate some of the principal conservation measures in each area.” [Text, bottom]

Urgently relevant to modern America’s consumerist society, this large wall chart was published in Chicago by the Denoyer-Geppert Company over 60 years ago, in 1960. The image promoting the principles of conservation was designed by John Sternig, assistant superintendent of the Glencoe Public Schools and adjunct professor at Lake Forest College in Illinois.

The basic aspects of conservation in six different areas – water, wildlife, humans, minerals, vegetation, and soil – are explained with captioned illustrations. Text along the bottom provides further information on the importance of conservation and the various methods humanity can take to improve their habits. Though rather elementary in its presentation, the composition is an effective tool for educating the fundamental principles of conservation to a broad audience.