Little Changes: Tales of a Reluctant Home Eco-Momics Pioneer

by Kristi Marsh, Rachel Vidoni, Kathryn Tempestoso (Illustrator)

After a startling discovery threatened to extinguish her right to be a mother to her three children, Kristi Marsh was thrown into an unexpected mommy-timeout. Over the next few years, she resurrected her inner warrior, vowed to abandon mainstream domesticity, and challenged the parenting status quo in the name of health. A gut-wrenching roller coaster of emotions, her adventure involves a Western Grebe, farm stand spinach, a meaty love story, a rocky in Wyoming, and some pioneers -- which eventually captured national attention.

With a cup of humor, a smidgeon of sarcasm, and a wallop of mainstream motherhood, Little Changes enlightens readers about the simmering, swelling, epic transformation of our generation.

Genres: Nonfiction

193 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2012

Reviews

[C. S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read other books on environmental toxins and the poisons that we (willingly or unknowingly) accumulate in our bodies every day. But Kristi made it matter. The combination of her personal health struggle and quest to learn "why?", humor, and plain un-sciency descriptions of techie concepts like hormone-disruptors combine to make "Choosing Wiser" seem not only worthwhile, but actually doable. Even by regular, non-hippie, non-wealthy, non-research-lab-owning ordinary people like me.

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book delivers on its title it introduces the reader to a variety of ways to move toward a more healthy way of living and does so in a non-preachy way. Kristi suggests making 'little changes' rather than promoting an all or nothing approach to organic livd this to peopleiing and non toxic cleaning. I would recommend this to peoplewho are looking for a good introduction to organic living.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What starts as a tear-jerking description of the challenges of undergoing treatment for breast cancer quickly transforms into one woman's mission to seek out and eliminate health hazards in her home. This is a book for EVERYONE, especially parents. All of us have one body, and collectively one planet, to keep as healthy as possible because we won't get a second chance. I'm extremely grateful that I've never had cancer, and I'm in good health. I will go to great lengths to reduce my risk and my family's risk in a world where cancer rates (and other health issues) are skyrocketing.

This book has been an enormous help in doing so. I used to look at my cabinets, knowing there were chemicals in there that weren't safe or healthy (legislation in the United States is so far behind Europe it's laughable, in that choking laugh-sob-chokethelobbyists kind of way) but feeling like I didn't have time to find the safe alternatives. Even when I picked products labeled green or natural, I would read the back of the bottle to discover ingredients that have been banned in Europe for over a decade! WTF.

Kristi went through the same experiences, and I laughed and learned as she wrote about her journey to make little changes in her family's eating, personal care products, household cleaners, etc. She gives the background on her research about what changes are important to make and what the health risks are, and then describes the best ways to find healthier alternatives.

She stresses making healthier choices a journey, not an event or an overwhelming overhaul of all the products in your house. When you run out of toothpaste, here's what to look for to buy one with safe ingredients. Add it to your list, move on.

She's so REAL, so every day, so easy to follow, and so logical and well-informed.

If you're interested (and you SHOULD be) in making better choices that will be healthier for your family and for the environment, this book is incredibly healthy.

Please note - she still wears lipstick and deodorant. Her house is still clean. Her family still eats... and enjoys (perhaps even more) tasty and delicious food. You don't have to give it up, you just have to change it up.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I found it to be a really easy read and completely related to the author. The book is about a woman's educational process of beginning to educate herself on the chemicals in our products, food, etc and I laughed at her experience beginning to tackle this issue. I felt good knowing she replaced things little by little with safer products, as I have been doing. Her writing style was funny too. Pretty cool that she lives in the town next door to me too! I recommend this book!

[Nancy Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how you wrote this book. I have been recommending it to all my friends. It was full of great information written in a very personal way. Very easy to read. I like that how you put good information in with your own story. Already we are making changes in our life style.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really wish everyone would read this and realize what they are consuming. It concerns me a lot and I just think most people don't get how serious it is. :-/

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this book. Interesting, informative, applicable and easy to read.

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very readable book. I also found it helpful & encouraging as I continue to make "little changes" in my life & home. A very honest & real approach to living healthier, & the happiness that brings.