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All You Need Is Less: The Eco-friendly Guide to Guilt-Free Green Living and Stress-Free Simplicity
Most eco-friendly books start with terror-inducing lists of the carcinogenic chemicals you are liberally slathering all over every single surface in your house, painting most people as as unwitting eco-villains, happily Lysol-ing your way straight to hell. Well, readers can just relax and unpack the (plastic) bags – no guilt trips today! At this point I think we all know that cleaning with bleach is bad and pop cans should go into the recycling – we’re beyond that, yes? All You Need is Less is about realistically adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle without either losing your mind from the soul-destroying guilt of using a plastic bag because you forgot your reusable ones in the trunk of your car (again), or becoming a preachy know-it all whom everyone loathes from the tips of her organically-shampooed hair to the toes of her naturally sourced recycled sandals. It’s all gotten kind of complicated, hasn’t it? These days you’re not “green” enough unless you quit your day job and devote your entire life to attaining an entirely carbon neutral lifestyle or throw out all of your possessions and replace them with their new “green” alternatives. This whole eco-friendly thing seems to have devolved into a horrific cycle of guilt, shaming and one-upping, and as a result people are becoming exhausted and getting annoyed and, oh my god, we are living in a world where one of my grocery bags says “This reusable bag makes me better than you.” It doesn’t have to be this way. It is possible to take easy baby-steps towards a more earth-friendly lifestyle without stress, guilt, or judgy eco-shaming. Top eco blogger Madeleine Somerville is here with really original ideas on how to save money and the planet. Her ideas are even fun! Somerville has emerged as the voice of reason on urban homesteading that is stress-free, sanity-based and above all do-able. From the Stop Using Disgusting Dryer Sheets Do y'all know that most dryer sheets coat use animal fats to coat your clothes with that 'fresh' fragrance? Yeah. It's disgusting. Switch to wool dryer balls, they're simple to make (plus a fun craft project for kids) and they work like a hot damn. Use Jars Instead of Travel Mugs 1. You can screw on the lid and literally throw a jar full o' coffee into your purse (no more balancing keys, coffee, files etc!) 2. It takes immense resources to manufacture and sell all those plastic/metal travel mugs which are often lost/forgotten You have old food jars hanging around anyway, why not make use of them? If they break or get lost,at least they were used one more time before reaching their final destination. I always get lots of compliments on my coffee jar.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2014
35 people are currently reading
463 people want to read
About the author
Madeleine Somerville
2 books10 followersHello friends, my name is Madeleine and I am incredibly lazy glamorous.
Ever since I was a sullen child of 8 I’ve adored writing in all its incarnations – dramatic, exclamation-filled diary entries, pseudo-journalistic endeavors for small town weeklies and the disfigured, bastard child of the above- blogging.
I have a BA Sociology, with a concentration in Criminology, Deviance and Social Control.
I am addicted to commas and soft cheeses. My mind works faster than my hands, I often skip whole words and sometimes entire sentences. I don’t always catch this before hitting publish. Mea culpa.
Ever since I was a sullen child of 8 I’ve adored writing in all its incarnations – dramatic, exclamation-filled diary entries, pseudo-journalistic endeavors for small town weeklies and the disfigured, bastard child of the above- blogging.
I have a BA Sociology, with a concentration in Criminology, Deviance and Social Control.
I am addicted to commas and soft cheeses. My mind works faster than my hands, I often skip whole words and sometimes entire sentences. I don’t always catch this before hitting publish. Mea culpa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 11, 2014
This review can be found on readingthething.net
"Tao of the lazy environmentalist"
This book is clearly based on a blog. I didn’t know this when I started reading, but the way it was written, with short chapters mostly filled with practical ways of living greener and the repeating of certain things (like that you should reduce the stuff you have), made that very clear. This does make for very comfortable reading, and a high density of information. I got this book as an e-galley, but would consider getting it in print, just so it’s easier to use as a reference, especially for all the “recipes” for cleaning materials in the early chapters of the book. I am certainmy going to use some of that!
I would’ve liked if the book was made a bit more bookish and a bit less bloggish; like creating a theme without repeating itself. Also, I would have enjoyed it if she nagged at her husband less. He is the butt of too many jokes. And although playful banter between couples is fine, it’s a bit different if the banter is all you see.
What I did enjoy, was the focus on doing what you can and are comfortable with, without being preachy (although the recurring mentions that she was not being preachy, felt a bit… preachy). I think this really is the way to go with greener living: just step a tiny bit outside your comfort zone, but without making it so uncomfortable you quit within a week.
I had one more point of critique: her endorsement of alternative medicine, with the reasoning that she trusts in the placebo effect, and that it can do no harm trying alternative stuff before going to a GP. I really disagree with this: sometimes, alternative medicine does damage. Also, funding people who make money with bogus treatments (even if you know it’s bogus and if you have the money to spare) that might lure others into spending more money than they might have on things that will not cure them (but they might not be aware of that) is not ethical behaviour at all.
But, if you ignore that bit if woo, and focus on the good advice she’s giving, this is a really useful little book. I’ll leave you with a quote, that sums it all up nicely.
Reduce, reuse, recycle and choose to give out instead of giving up.
"Tao of the lazy environmentalist"
This book is clearly based on a blog. I didn’t know this when I started reading, but the way it was written, with short chapters mostly filled with practical ways of living greener and the repeating of certain things (like that you should reduce the stuff you have), made that very clear. This does make for very comfortable reading, and a high density of information. I got this book as an e-galley, but would consider getting it in print, just so it’s easier to use as a reference, especially for all the “recipes” for cleaning materials in the early chapters of the book. I am certainmy going to use some of that!
I would’ve liked if the book was made a bit more bookish and a bit less bloggish; like creating a theme without repeating itself. Also, I would have enjoyed it if she nagged at her husband less. He is the butt of too many jokes. And although playful banter between couples is fine, it’s a bit different if the banter is all you see.
What I did enjoy, was the focus on doing what you can and are comfortable with, without being preachy (although the recurring mentions that she was not being preachy, felt a bit… preachy). I think this really is the way to go with greener living: just step a tiny bit outside your comfort zone, but without making it so uncomfortable you quit within a week.
I had one more point of critique: her endorsement of alternative medicine, with the reasoning that she trusts in the placebo effect, and that it can do no harm trying alternative stuff before going to a GP. I really disagree with this: sometimes, alternative medicine does damage. Also, funding people who make money with bogus treatments (even if you know it’s bogus and if you have the money to spare) that might lure others into spending more money than they might have on things that will not cure them (but they might not be aware of that) is not ethical behaviour at all.
But, if you ignore that bit if woo, and focus on the good advice she’s giving, this is a really useful little book. I’ll leave you with a quote, that sums it all up nicely.
Reduce, reuse, recycle and choose to give out instead of giving up.
April 4, 2014
Let me begin by saying that I am normally not DIY kind of girl. It isn't that I don't like the idea - I love the thought of being creative and frugal. But often, it's easier said than done. All You Need Is Less makes it easy though, and the author is hilarious as well as informative. If you want a sample of her writing style, she also has a blog - go read it, you won't be disappointed! Even if you're craft-challenged like me, this is a must-have.
April 18, 2015
I have been trying to figure out way to tackle my stuff problem for a while. All You Need is Less was the perfect book for me. I am so motivated after reading this, I am putting these tips into practice right away. Anyone wanting to cut back on stuff and costs will find ways to live with less in this book.
This book will not turn you into a hippie, or make you feel bad about your habits. I was a bit worried, but the author is really cool and this book was easy for me to read, (even with all my anti-treehugger habits) This book is broken up into sections that were easy for me to digest. All of them were full of tips for putting ideas into practice. Madeleine does a great job of not judging, she admits some of this was hard for her, and she is not perfect. I loved her antidotes and witty writing style. She is honest in this book. Some of her tips were no brainers, but most of this stuff I hadn’t even considered.
I devoured this book in a day, but I have tabs all over it for reference. This book has a bunch of recipes to make things yourself (like soap, deodorant, shampoo, cleaning products, weed killer, baby wipes, etc). Her recipes are 2-4 ingredients, which is great for someone without a large budget. She also includes tips for buying less, by thinking about the longevity of a purchase. I am almost ashamed to say that this has never occurred to me. She puts this idea into practice all over her book and I can say that it has changed my thinking.
HOME
• the ugly duckling of the green movement; the true cost of consumption; why buy secondhand?
• make it: (recipes for making cleaners that do what cleaners do, for much less)
• alternatives to dryer sheets; a word about plastic
BODY
• basic hygiene boot camp; how to choose cosmetics
• make it: (recipes for awesome holistic body products)
• lady time; hair removal
LIFESTYLE
• how being green is good for the waistline; home, sweet home; why beg, barter, borrow should be the new eat, pray, love; remembering your reusable bags
• make it: (outside the house, a few easy tricks)
• addictions
FOOD & DRINK
• eating simply; reducing waste in the grocery store; taking on take-out
• make it: (food and drinks)
• all about organics; simple food storage
GARDENING
• a word from the gardening guru imposter
• make it: (composts, weed killers and more)
RELATIONSHIPS
• what to do when your partner is a soul-sucking planet killer; quiz: are you an insufferable enviro-nag?: self; how living green can save your relationship; giving the gift
• make it: (oils and lube)
HEALTH & WELLNESS
• apple cider vinegar cures everything; how (and why) to stick a small ceramic teapot up your nose; alternative therapies
• make it: (recipes to make you feel better)
PET
• your dog does not need a sweater (or a stroller)(or boots)
• make it: (recipes for animals)
BABY
• welcoming your adorable little waste machine; why craigslist should be your baby’s middle name; toys, toys, toys; keeping it neutral; cloth diapering; baby skin care
• make it: ( recipes for baby wipes and creams for baby skin)
HOLIDAYS
• how to curb holiday excess without becoming a Scrooge
• make it: (wrapping paper and more)
As you can see, she really put living green all over in this book. I enjoyed this read. I am so glad I have it, so I can go back and reference it. I have also found loads of tips on her website, which is motivating me even more to make changes in my household/life. Check out All You Need is Less, and even if you only put one of these ideas into practice, this book will pay for itself!
This book will not turn you into a hippie, or make you feel bad about your habits. I was a bit worried, but the author is really cool and this book was easy for me to read, (even with all my anti-treehugger habits) This book is broken up into sections that were easy for me to digest. All of them were full of tips for putting ideas into practice. Madeleine does a great job of not judging, she admits some of this was hard for her, and she is not perfect. I loved her antidotes and witty writing style. She is honest in this book. Some of her tips were no brainers, but most of this stuff I hadn’t even considered.
I devoured this book in a day, but I have tabs all over it for reference. This book has a bunch of recipes to make things yourself (like soap, deodorant, shampoo, cleaning products, weed killer, baby wipes, etc). Her recipes are 2-4 ingredients, which is great for someone without a large budget. She also includes tips for buying less, by thinking about the longevity of a purchase. I am almost ashamed to say that this has never occurred to me. She puts this idea into practice all over her book and I can say that it has changed my thinking.
Table of Contents
HOME
• the ugly duckling of the green movement; the true cost of consumption; why buy secondhand?
• make it: (recipes for making cleaners that do what cleaners do, for much less)
• alternatives to dryer sheets; a word about plastic
BODY
• basic hygiene boot camp; how to choose cosmetics
• make it: (recipes for awesome holistic body products)
• lady time; hair removal
LIFESTYLE
• how being green is good for the waistline; home, sweet home; why beg, barter, borrow should be the new eat, pray, love; remembering your reusable bags
• make it: (outside the house, a few easy tricks)
• addictions
FOOD & DRINK
• eating simply; reducing waste in the grocery store; taking on take-out
• make it: (food and drinks)
• all about organics; simple food storage
GARDENING
• a word from the gardening guru imposter
• make it: (composts, weed killers and more)
RELATIONSHIPS
• what to do when your partner is a soul-sucking planet killer; quiz: are you an insufferable enviro-nag?: self; how living green can save your relationship; giving the gift
• make it: (oils and lube)
HEALTH & WELLNESS
• apple cider vinegar cures everything; how (and why) to stick a small ceramic teapot up your nose; alternative therapies
• make it: (recipes to make you feel better)
PET
• your dog does not need a sweater (or a stroller)(or boots)
• make it: (recipes for animals)
BABY
• welcoming your adorable little waste machine; why craigslist should be your baby’s middle name; toys, toys, toys; keeping it neutral; cloth diapering; baby skin care
• make it: ( recipes for baby wipes and creams for baby skin)
HOLIDAYS
• how to curb holiday excess without becoming a Scrooge
• make it: (wrapping paper and more)
As you can see, she really put living green all over in this book. I enjoyed this read. I am so glad I have it, so I can go back and reference it. I have also found loads of tips on her website, which is motivating me even more to make changes in my household/life. Check out All You Need is Less, and even if you only put one of these ideas into practice, this book will pay for itself!
August 25, 2018
This should be mandatory reading for every single high school student. I’m going to buy a copy for ALL of my girls. Madeleine makes a brutal subject fun, inviting, hilarious and I’ve not only made many of her recommended recipes, I’ve taken pictures of many pages, read aloud some of her funny stories and I even decided to rid myself of all of my books except hers! Love, love, loved reading her fun, witty ideas. I swear, she’s my new best friend!
April 22, 2019
Easy to understand and amusing family situations. Some excellent ideas and recipes to reduce chemical products in the house. Will be using some soon . Very intrigued with the hardwood floor cleaner.
August 5, 2016
I loved this book and am happily trying many of Madeleine Somerville's tips and recipes. She is able to write about "going green" so that it makes it easy and she also gets the point across as to "why" it is necessary to make the change, gradually. Her writing is too the point yet funny. I have been passing her tips and recipes on to friends and family and many of them are also making some changes. I was hesitant at first about the shampoo and conditioner recipe but I have found that it is easier, cheaper, better for the environment and my hair feels and looks wonderful. I wish I had listened sooner because I haven't had one tangle since I started using her recipe. I haven't gotten brave enough to try the toothpaste but that may eventually come. Many of the cleaning tips I already do so getting more tips on new things will help me to make that change a little bit more. I highly recommend reading this book and making the life change. We shouldn't have to own everything we see or want. When do we say enough is enough and become happy with what we have. Reduce, re-use, recycle.
I was given a copy of this book for the purpose of review.
I was given a copy of this book for the purpose of review.
February 1, 2016
I don't normally read guide books, or if I do I just skim through for the ideas or recipes I am interested in. This one has been different, the authors approach is so light, non-judgmental and engaging that I have found myself reading sections that do not and probably never will apply to me (the odds of me owning hard wood floors or glass shower doors are slim to none).
I'm not going to lie and say I've implemented many, or any, of her suggestions and recipes but I can say I am going to try several of them and her advice and stance of things such as compulsive consumerism, organizing and what is really important in life and have definitely given me much to think about and I am hoping to apply at least some of her approaches to living in my own life. And I am definitely trying the shampoo and conditioner recipes...the toothpaste one I'm not so sure on.
This is a life guide book I am very glad to have found and read and even if I only adapt one or two ideas from it I think my life would be better.
I'm not going to lie and say I've implemented many, or any, of her suggestions and recipes but I can say I am going to try several of them and her advice and stance of things such as compulsive consumerism, organizing and what is really important in life and have definitely given me much to think about and I am hoping to apply at least some of her approaches to living in my own life. And I am definitely trying the shampoo and conditioner recipes...the toothpaste one I'm not so sure on.
This is a life guide book I am very glad to have found and read and even if I only adapt one or two ideas from it I think my life would be better.
Read
April 24, 2016What a great book providing detailed information on how to help mother nature by starting to be eco friendly and be mindful of what our planet now is facing. It gave hands-on and instructional steps DIY on almost all aspects in our home on how to keep everything just plain simple. Being environmental friendly starts in everyone of us starts in our home so we must spread the word ,show action and help mother earth, this book has been informative with all the tips and tricks given on how to be eco friendly for this matter to be achievable and we may succeed in saving our planet.
July 7, 2014
In short because I'm in a hurry at the moment, I loved this book! Read it twice! A good guide to some eco-friendly cleaning of house and body and just some good advice on taking care of Mother Earth the best way we lowly humans can. Basically, don't take on the world 'cause you'll go insane. Do the best you can in your own backyard. As the cover says..."Guilt-Free Green Living."
March 6, 2017
Incredibly fun to read. I loved Madeleine's lighthearted non-shaming approach to discussing a not-so-light topic. While the book is intended for North American readers, I think a lot of readers from elsewhere can still find a few doable tips to try out. The section about her husband getting sick and her magical tea recipe cracked me up!
March 31, 2016
Great book
I was looking for Franciscan living as it's about minimalism. Poor st Francis seems to have gone out of favor, fortunately for me Madeline is writing the same type of living. And she made me laugh! Kudos I'm keeping this on my kindle for awhile as a reference. Time to visit Craig's list.;)
I was looking for Franciscan living as it's about minimalism. Poor st Francis seems to have gone out of favor, fortunately for me Madeline is writing the same type of living. And she made me laugh! Kudos I'm keeping this on my kindle for awhile as a reference. Time to visit Craig's list.;)
November 27, 2016
Thus book is simply amazing! It's a "how-to" of sorts, with major focus on environmentalism at just plain old less stuff. I laughed out loud throughout the book, and took away some really great tips & tricks that I will be incorporating with my own family. I kind of want to befriend the author-she has such great storytelling ability. Very well written and reassuring for the reader!
June 26, 2015
Borrowed from the e-library and loved it! Great, conversational writing style with some really good ways of getting me to realize how I can change! Want to look through it again later (when I move to a house with a yard, maybe?) and refresh on the entire book.
Read
December 18, 2015I've read a lot of this type of book so it rehashed a lot of what I'd already read. However, the tips and ideas were presented in a more basic way and simpler to do than others. If you've read little or nothing on the topic, this would be a good starting point.
December 12, 2015
This book has many helpful and easily doable tips for how to live a greener lifestyle. The author refrains from eco-shaming and makes great use of humor in order to convey to the reader the importance of making little changes in our daily lives that will positively impact the planet.
June 7, 2016
Not that I will be making my own kitty litter anytime soon, but there were lots of simple ideas and good reminders to do with less. Plus, who knew coconut oil would be the best eye makeup remover I've ever used?!
July 15, 2014
Good. It was funny and insightful. I am not sure how much of my cleaning products I will be making but I still enjoyed it. I did take away one star because she quoted macklemore. Girl, NO!
July 19, 2014
The basic message is good, buy less stuff, buy less packaging etc. Sadly the author has included some bad medical advice which throws the rest of the book in doubt.
August 1, 2014
A fun, informative read.
August 8, 2014
She's a funny kook and that makes it all the better to read (unless it irritates you). Informative but light. Pushing for changes in your life with no guilt.
January 25, 2015
Light-hearted approach to trying to do better. Best and easiest advice of all, just don't buy it.
March 25, 2015
I think I could be friends with the author. I liked her casual tone and totally got what she was saying. It was nice to see everything in one book but most ideas are in other outlets as well.
December 2, 2015
Awesome gift I have given several times. Ironic too!
January 2, 2016
Excellent. Funny and filled with great ideas to reduce waste in this world, and given without sounding like a hipster or a prick. Yay, lazy but effective environmentalism!
April 26, 2016
Conversational tone with personality and some good ideas, though not a lot that was new or a revelation.
June 3, 2016
Very funny and helpful tips for a simpler life.
June 26, 2016
This book is absolutely hilarious and I'm starting to wonder how I ever lived without it!
November 25, 2018
It has so many easy and helpful resources!
November 4, 2019
Humorous look at ways to be environmentally friendly including recipes for cleaners beauty products and more. She was speaking my language as I already do most of what she preaches but it was a good read nonetheless. And you always learn something new. Like ... stop organizing your home and just stop buying crap - ok I already don’t buy anything but point taken is that organizing what you have - I’d you have too much - isn’t the solution. Plus - our lives are so stressful just being home and being bombarded with how our home “should” look and add and sales and more ... stress!
January 20, 2024
I LOVE this book. The funny writing style and inspirational, wise content. Feels like therapy in a book. Or scripture. Ten stars!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews