Celebrate Green Blog

by Lynn

Today, books covering the basics of green living are as common as quinoa.

Most of them cover the same general topics. And if you read our blog or those of other greenies, follow any of the sites on sustainability or have implemented a list of eco-changes as long as you are tall, these introductory books probably aren’t for you.

On the other hand, if you’re new to green (or know someone who is who deserves a gift), curious about how to get started, which aspects of your life are easiest (or most difficult) to green up, and prefer books to the internet, then I suggest you take a look at Picture Yourself Going Green, by Erinn Morgan.

Published by Cengage Learning, the book reads like a text. For this reason, it’s extremely accessible. The design is simple and it’s packed with illustrations and pull-outs which break up the copy, just right for those of us with short attention spans!

The book starts by explaining what “green” is (of course everyone, including us, has their own interpretation), then lays out ten simple steps anyone can take to move in an eco-friendlier direction. The following eight chapters are set up as a guide to change over eight weeks. They cover everything from recycling to energy use, to travel, to personal care products, just about everything you’d expect. Each chapter also contains a review of changes you’ve learned about and suggestions to try. This attention to doing rather than just mulling idea over is great. I see it as the literary equivalent to websites like all-about-action, Practically Green, which promotes the idea of small steps over time (just as we do).

This is a readable book with enough facts to satisfy curiosity without shoving endless statistics down the reader’s throat.

I have one criticism which is not about the content, but the paper on which the book is printed. Thirty percent recycled paper for a book about green living isn’t acceptable when 100% PCW paper is available. Something like this, so simple to remedy, is a turn off to those committed to sustainability. It could be considered a form of green washing or at the least, paternalistic—Do as I say, not as I do. It makes one wonder whether the company has any real interest in sustainability or just wants to sell books and figures 30 percent is better than nothing. I have to admit though, that Cengage is not alone. Unfortunately, far too many (most) publishers figure any percentage gives the luster of intention.

That flaw aside, contentwise, Picture Yourself Going Green is jam packed with great basic info, easy-to-absorb, and nicely presented.

Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, and founders of Green Halloween®.