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Living Green
Over 85 percent of Americans today express concern about health and the environment, yet only a small fraction say they know where to begin. If you are concerned about climate change, personal health, or simply wish to tread more lightly on the earth, this book is for you. It wil help you get past the worry adn take positive action to improve both your health and the health of the planet. Based on a lifetime of research and practice, Greg Horn provides the ultimate primer for living sustainably.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2006
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293 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 25, 2007
Meh, there are definitely better things to read if you want advice on how to "live green". This one was a little too scare-tactic-y, and most of the recommendations require spending a lot of money on things like organic mattresses and new houses built out of sustainable materials. Also, dude was CEO of GNC, so I'm not really going to be able to take him too seriously.
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August 12, 2022Redundant, occasionally misinformed, amateurish, and self-aggrandizing.
Horn frequently references his personal triumphs in becoming holier-than-thou. And he cites Wikipedia like it's a credible source. There's a lot of self-congratulatory nonsense about how knowledge is power and green is the new red-white-and-blue.
That said, Horn does offer some valid tips: cutting back on sugars/fried foods/processed stuff; eating fresh, organic, whole foods; not using products with harsh chemicals in your home/on your body; eating low on the food chain; turning off electronic devices, recycling, and investing in clean energy whenever possible. The point-by-point outlines that precede and conclude each section are probably more worthwhile than the didactic preaching-to-the-choir that is the bulk of the book. Because, seriously, who's going to pick up a book called "Living Green" and actually read it? Definitely not someone who needs convincing about the need to do so.
I would recommend to:
credulous tree-huggers
Horn frequently references his personal triumphs in becoming holier-than-thou. And he cites Wikipedia like it's a credible source. There's a lot of self-congratulatory nonsense about how knowledge is power and green is the new red-white-and-blue.
That said, Horn does offer some valid tips: cutting back on sugars/fried foods/processed stuff; eating fresh, organic, whole foods; not using products with harsh chemicals in your home/on your body; eating low on the food chain; turning off electronic devices, recycling, and investing in clean energy whenever possible. The point-by-point outlines that precede and conclude each section are probably more worthwhile than the didactic preaching-to-the-choir that is the bulk of the book. Because, seriously, who's going to pick up a book called "Living Green" and actually read it? Definitely not someone who needs convincing about the need to do so.
I would recommend to:
credulous tree-huggers
June 1, 2020
It’s insane how much things can change in 15 years, especially in terms of the environment. A lot of this book was about how to avoid things with chemicals or things that cause carcinogens (ie everything apparently). Also, a lot of Horn’s solutions are not cost effective despite what he insists upon. A lot is also very specific information for homeowners, which I am not. It also seems that his intended audience is upper middle to upper class white people such as himself. One of his main concerns is if his daughters will be able to ski in the future. What he is good at is breaking things down for the average person. He also is good at keeping his book hopeful, instead of doom and gloom, which I found encouraging. Also a good reminder to be a conscious consumer. There are definitely some solutions I will take from this book, but I am looking for a more intersectional, accessible, book on sustainability.
August 19, 2011
I liked the resources in the back.
November 25, 2018
White bougie environmentalism. Outdated info (to be fair, it was written 10+ years ago). It's pretty widely accepted now of the extreme detrimental effect of animal agriculture on the environment but this was mentioned in one sentence and the suggestion was to eat organic meat. Also, the dude literally asked, "Are we even going to be able to take our children skiing anymore?" if climate changes too much. like....WTF.
That being said, the first half of the book had a lot of interesting info and facts and I feel like for the right audience (upper middle class white people) it could probably open up some eyes to the issues facing the planet.
That being said, the first half of the book had a lot of interesting info and facts and I feel like for the right audience (upper middle class white people) it could probably open up some eyes to the issues facing the planet.
November 28, 2025
Living Green: A Practical Guide to Simple Sustainability is a highly practical and engaging guide for anyone looking to live a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Greg Horn combines thorough research with actionable advice, making it easy for readers to implement changes that positively impact both their health and the environment.
What stood out most is the author’s role as an expert guide and the book’s emphasis on clear, realistic steps from organic food choices to eco friendly home solutions that readers can start applying immediately.
A valuable resource for anyone seeking practical guidance on sustainability, personal health, and mindful living.
What stood out most is the author’s role as an expert guide and the book’s emphasis on clear, realistic steps from organic food choices to eco friendly home solutions that readers can start applying immediately.
A valuable resource for anyone seeking practical guidance on sustainability, personal health, and mindful living.
November 9, 2024
It's a good, short summary of why we need to become more conscious of the things we do--similar to a large number of other books on this topic. It has a small selection of areas where we need to focus with a few suggestions. A good beginner book. If you want a lot more specific suggestions, there are many other books that provide more specific ideas for becoming sustainable. One suggestion is: The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide: Everything you need to know to make small changes that make a big difference.
April 10, 2021
Good book, maybe outdated. Good resource of "green living". As far as wind or solar power, must weigh the return vs your age and climate conditions. Many of the resources still exist, as I have checked their websites, just not sure how sustainable many of them are vs value added. I think the book could have been written simpler, but overall good readings.
July 9, 2022
This book is full of useful information about how to try to leave the smallest carbon footprint as possible, and how to avoid the negative impacts of our current lifestyle filled with toxic chemicals. Truthfully, I will not be pulling up all my carpet, revamping my home, or switching only to organic products. Still, I will be more mindful of what I put in, on, and around my body when I shop.
October 21, 2017
Well, this ruined a lot of things for me. Now I’m going to be aware of all the terrible things around and going into me. Not that well written, preachy and dated. Links in back are interesting but many have gone under.
January 9, 2023
Trying to find more ways to go green. This book was heavy on talking about the problem, but presented solutions very generally. I was hoping for lots of tips. Guess I’ll have to do more research online.
January 25, 2018
I feel bad looking down on this book because it was written 12 years ago and so much of the advice is outdated, but the references seem lazy and it’s disjointed.
June 30, 2019
Brilliant work at the time, but seems heavily optimistic for green politics.
December 3, 2019
An interesting book that, while it does give good tips, leaves you wanting a little more.
February 13, 2008
Not that I would have bought the thing full-price, but it came free with some green-drink mix at Whole Foods. The guy who wrote it seemed like sort of a yuppie obsessed with immortality, but those types still seem to be doing more good things for ecology than most.
Actually, though I'm already doing about 90% of the stuff in this book, it was a good resource, and it did teach me a couple of things I didn't know. For instance, recent findings show that Lexan polycarbonate (i.e. Nalgene bottles) can leach toxic endocrine disruptors. This was upsetting for about ten minutes, until I realized that it gave me a chance to buy some cool stainless-steel NPR water bottles as a replacement. I also learned some new things about green building and retrofitting pre-existing homes, which I'm sure will come in handy in a few years. I learned about a motorcycle coming out this year that can go 50 miles per hour, over a 100 mile span, and runs on air. Moreover, I was lead to further research which taught me that solar-powered battery and cell-phone chargers are now available for $20-30 and that they make dechlorinating shower filters that run on vitamin C instead of traditional carbon.
Actually, though I'm already doing about 90% of the stuff in this book, it was a good resource, and it did teach me a couple of things I didn't know. For instance, recent findings show that Lexan polycarbonate (i.e. Nalgene bottles) can leach toxic endocrine disruptors. This was upsetting for about ten minutes, until I realized that it gave me a chance to buy some cool stainless-steel NPR water bottles as a replacement. I also learned some new things about green building and retrofitting pre-existing homes, which I'm sure will come in handy in a few years. I learned about a motorcycle coming out this year that can go 50 miles per hour, over a 100 mile span, and runs on air. Moreover, I was lead to further research which taught me that solar-powered battery and cell-phone chargers are now available for $20-30 and that they make dechlorinating shower filters that run on vitamin C instead of traditional carbon.
April 20, 2007
I'm only halfway through this book (just in time for earth day!) but I love it already. Sustainability is an important principle of landscape architecture, and I try to incorporate it in my work every day, but this book gives helpful ways that you can practice sustainability at home.easy things like eating organic, avoiding all exposure to certian types of plastics (NEVER PUT ANYTHING PLASTIC IN THE MICROWAVE!!), drinking tap water instead of bottled water, using makeup with natural ingredients. It's another one of those eye-opening books that makes you think about what's actually IN the food and products you use everyday, and how this is bad for you and bad for the planet. (he tells of workers on a farm who have to wear rubber boots and masks to protect them from the harmful pesticides they're spraying on the lettuce we EAT!!) It makes you realize, we have all this fancy technology and modern conveniences, but what is the ultimate cost?
April 9, 2016
My notes for this book consist entirely of very specific recommendations Horn makes for sustainable living practices. Indeed, that's all the book is. As such, it is incredibly thorough and will be a catalyst for anyone wanting to live more sustainably. Each section not only makes recommendations, but goes through their reasoning at the same time.
Categories Include: Food and Drink, Clothing, Cosmetics and Body Care, Water Use, Energy Use and Carbon Emission, Home Sustainability, and Recycling. There is a stupefying range of resources, especially websites, that Horn evokes. It is a bit dizzying; I recommend choosing one area of change at a time. It doesn't need to be a cover-to-cover read at all.
This is a good book to own, although you may find it at the library. It is to be kept as a reference and inspiration.
Categories Include: Food and Drink, Clothing, Cosmetics and Body Care, Water Use, Energy Use and Carbon Emission, Home Sustainability, and Recycling. There is a stupefying range of resources, especially websites, that Horn evokes. It is a bit dizzying; I recommend choosing one area of change at a time. It doesn't need to be a cover-to-cover read at all.
This is a good book to own, although you may find it at the library. It is to be kept as a reference and inspiration.
August 12, 2017
This book is fantastic! While it is a pretty quick read (less than two hundred pages), it is stocked full of incredibly useful and important information. Reading this inspires me to consider how to live sustainably in every aspect of my life, not simply when it comes to food or other common sense products. Not only does he discuss the impact many every-day household items have on our health, but he also describes their impact on the environment and what we can do to help. The resource guide in the back is so helpful at pointing me in the direction of other resources I can use to make necessary lifestyle changes. There are recommendations for places to shop, research to consult, and products to invest in or use to replace the harmful ones.
This book is one I intend to have on my bookshelf at all times, and to consult regularly and often!
This book is one I intend to have on my bookshelf at all times, and to consult regularly and often!
February 1, 2015
Easy read, good advise. There are some easy changes one can do to live a more sustainable life. Changes that I personally made after reading the book, like reducing my take out food intake, buying in bulk, offsetting carbon emissions, etc.
However I would really like to meet the author to see if he really has made all the changes he promotes, some of them are over the top and quite impractical. Does he really make his own shampoo? Does he have a wind turbine in his back yard?
However I would really like to meet the author to see if he really has made all the changes he promotes, some of them are over the top and quite impractical. Does he really make his own shampoo? Does he have a wind turbine in his back yard?
July 1, 2007
This book is just alright in my opinion. The author does pose some neat ideas on how to live sustainably. However, he has too far a radical view on some things - i found it annoying at times. Its a quick easy read and if you are interested in finding new ways to "live green" its worth at least a skim through.
February 28, 2008
Very enlightening...I changed alot about how I live because of info in this book. This is a real guys experiences and the info he found to solve his medical issues.He doesn't give a bunch of his opinions ect. he has links and books ect. for you to check out on your own. Fast read read it in one day and keep going back to it for reference.
April 26, 2008
This was an interesting read mostly because it tied our own individual health to the health of the planet. Many books tackle environmental issues from a moral, financial or conservationist angle, many of which do not resonate with the majority of the population. Hopefully, the issues as presented in this book will prompt folks to start saving the planet.
March 13, 2010
A introduction to "living green" however not all suggestions are practical for the average middle class family. I.e. an all natural mattress? These are generally above 2,000. and out of reach for most.
Good references for reducing your carbon footprint, and a good start to begin researching the products in your household.
Good references for reducing your carbon footprint, and a good start to begin researching the products in your household.
June 8, 2007
an easy read for the basics of health and sustainability. sort of a coffee table book for health nerds. first half is interesting. it drags toward the end. i get it. you want me to go to your website.
August 18, 2007
I bought this book on an impulse while in Boulder and it is the best thing I've done in a long, long time. In two short weeks I've already made many simple changes in my lifestyle that can help improve our environment and my health. Highly recommended for everyone.
December 13, 2007
Very short, simple, easy to read book with practical advice for living a little lighter on the earth. A good intro book for someone who is just getting into or interested in learning about green living. Good food for thought without being too heavy.
August 7, 2008
This book is amazing and enlightening. It's realistically written for the world we live in today...showing the reader how to make small changes to improve their own health while contributing to the environment and decreasing their carbon footprint!
October 28, 2008
This book had some good basic information about what chemicals are in everyday products, but was pretty boring to read. He talked about his own personal life and green company way too much instead of providing more informative information.
September 29, 2008
Most of the material here was common sense, and some was a little too extreme (not sure about putting a wind turbine in my backyard!), but I did learn some things. I like the list of resources in the back.
October 23, 2008
I would give this book 4.5 stars if possible. It was full of some great info but I feel that it was a bit repetitive at times. Also, I feel that he was focused a little more on the health aspect and a little less on the eco friendly stuff.
Overall, lots of great tips.
Overall, lots of great tips.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews