Entertainment : Books & Poetry
Sprawl out in the spring sun with 'green' reading
By Kelly Vormelker, Staff Writer
May 1, 2008 | 6 a.m.
“Going green” has fallen victim to the trend label. These days, it seems that clothing, organizations, literature and television are all dominated by this idea. If the result were a more conscious, collective society, this would not be a bad thing, but there is danger in just picking up the first green guide that is available. Many outlets preach their green roots when really they are simply trying to make a quick buck. Not all of the programs and literature are truly environmentally safe and smart.
Do not fret, though, because Speakeasy has put together a list of “going green” books that hit the mark. Each of the books below provide excellent information about how to adopt a green lifestyle. “Going green” is not just a trend but rather an important change that all citizens should make within their lives. These books help to pave the grassy road.
For the celeb obsessed: “The Green Book” by Elizabeth Rogers and Thomas Kostigen
What else could better motivate the US Weekly set more than hearing green tips from their favorite celebrities? “The Green Book” includes tips for a green lifestyle from salacious celebs such as Robert Redford, Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Aniston, Faith Hill and Dale Earnhardt Jr. “Going green” can now be just one more way to emulate the lifestyle of the lavish. “The Green Book” also identifies different aspects of everyday habitats and suggests ways to improve each of these aspects while moving toward a more sustainable lifestyle. There is also a large focus within “The Green Book” on reducing waste. It points out startling statistics, including one that reports if Americans used just one less paper towel every day, in one year’s time, one billion tons of landfill waste will have been saved. If Jennifer Aniston cannot motivate the average American to go green, then stats like this have to.
For the class clown about town: “Wake Up and Smell the Planet: The Non-Pompous, Non-Preachy Grist Guide to Greening Your Day” by Brangien Davis and Katharine Wroth
Grist magazine provides readers with a humorous view on protecting the environment. Its pages are full of witty banter, but underlying this sarcastic front is award-winning journalism that motivates people to take an active role in protecting the environment. That said, it makes sense that this magazine would produce one of the most relatable and “non-pompous” environmental books on shelves today. If taking in the traditional environmental book seems like swallowing a huge wad of thick, fact-covered paper, then rest easy because “Wake Up and Smell the Planet” will go down smooth. This book, printed on recycled paper with soy ink guide, bangs readers over the head by outlining how just about everything American citizens do is wasteful. The book then proceeds to outline very simple and easy ways people can reverse this fact. “Wake Up and Smell the Planet” motivates readers to do exactly as the title says. It shows readers how to take a look at the harsh truth around them and change their lives in simple and easy ways. All this comes wrapped in a clever, recycled, tongue-and-cheek package.
For the lazy green guy or girl: “It’s Easy Being Green” by Crissy Trask
Many people are informed about why destructive behaviors regarding the environment should change, but they do not change them because these people are lying complacent in routine lifestyles, thinking it would just be too hard to change. Well fret no more, lethargic lazy one! It’s easy being green! The book boasting this claim in its title proves this to be true. “It’s Easy Being Green” includes a cohesive plan to live sustainable. It comes complete with tips, links and product lists. It explains ways to identify and find earth-friendly products, how to participate in activism and how to live a sustainable lifestyle. Living green does not have to be complicated. This book provides more than 250 tips to simplify this way of life. Now even the average couch potato can be green. Just be sure to turn off the TV for a bit and conserve some energy first.
For the followers: “Living Like Ed: A Guide to the Eco-Friendly Life” by Ed Begley Jr.
The book “Living Like Ed” came out of the HGTV reality show “Living With Ed.” The show features Ed Begley and his wife Rachelle living in their eco-friendly Los Angeles home. The house has been equipped with solar panels, windmills and compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. Ed Begley lives his life as green as possible, and “Living Like Ed” is his guide to how he achieves this sustainable lifestyle and how anyone can do the same. The book contains simple tips, such as outlining how to grow a vegetable garden in any backyard. Begley also points out things not commonly thought of, like the fact that unplugging every appliance when it is not in use can cut down up to 10 percent of electricity use per household. Or, people can donate old magazines, toys or newspapers to charity to cut down on the toxins in landfills. It is easy for many books to simply preach tips, but “Living Like Ed” leads by example. Many people will be more motivated by actually seeing a real person doing these things and leading a green lifestyle. And it does not hurt that Ed is kind of sexy in a very sustainable way.
For the party people (woot woot!): “Simply Green Parties: Simple and resourceful ideas for throwing the perfect celebration, event, or get-together” by Danny Seo
What does everybody’s favorite socialite do when she has the unalterable urge to throw a party but is limited by her burning desire to help the environment? Settle down, “Simply Green Parties” is here to save the rave! “Simply Green Parties” provides ways for the green conscious to celebrate in style without hurting the environment. The main focus of the tips in this book is on reducing, reusing and recycling, age old concepts that, until now, have not been adapted to the party scene. All of the concepts in “Simply Green Parties” can be altered to differing individual parties. Gone are the days of tree lawns scattered with red plastic cups and discarded pizza boxes. It may be difficult to motivate the average frat boy to adopt these changes. However, other die-hard partiers can rest assured that their party can be sustainable. Who knows when a sustainable party will end? Ohio University could benefit from Sustainability fest-- bring your own recyclable cup, and party like you’re stopping global warming!
For the bleeding heart: “Worldchanging: A User's Guide for the 21st Century” by Alex Steffen, Al Gore and Bruce Sterling
Do cheeky, simple green books just not cut it? Then check out, “Worldchanging.” This book could motivate even the over-the-hill, staunch republican grandma. “Worldchanging” provides ideas from around the world to change lifestyles, making them completely eco-friendly. These changes are shown in ways that allow the reader to adopt a green lifestyle without leaving behind luxuries of today’s society. “Worldchanging” does not preach. It gives hope for a sustainable future. At a time when the coming changes within the environment seem eminent and daunting, hope is something that every citizen needs to hold on to. There can be a change, a turnaround. “Worldchanging” points out ways to make this change, while noting the importance to simultaneously simply inspire.
“We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect,” said Aldo Leopold in “A Sand County Almanac.”
Get inspired. Read green. Live green.
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Find these green books and more green goodies on Amazon.com.
Looking for more? Check out Ecobooks.com for other great "green living" reads.