True Green: 100 Everyday Ways you Can Contribute to a Healthier Planet (True Green

by Kim Mckay, Jenny Bonnin

Global warming, climate change, toxic waste, and more: it sometimes seems the environmental challenges we face are just too huge for individual actions to matter, but they're not–and here's the proof. True Green is based on the practical experience of Clean Up the World, a grassroots environmental movement that has inspired more than 40 million volunteers in over 100 countries to take action since 1993.

Whether you live in a city apartment, a suburban house, or a country farm, these simple, straightforward methods produce positive effects not just on our planet but on your pocketbook, too. For example, showering accounts for one-third of a typical home's water use, so making each shower slightly shorter results in real conservation over the long run. An average washing machine annually produces about 200 pounds of greenhouse gases, but a cold water wash can save about six pounds in emissions per cycle. Many electronic devices draw power even when "off," so actually unplugging them when not in use will save both money and electricity. Outdoors, mulching your garden can cut evaporation by as much as 70%, reducing the need to water often and conserving resources.

True Green explores six key areas where small changes can make a big difference: In the Home; In the Garden; At Work; Shopping; Travel; and In the Community. Dozens of illustrated spreads provide positive, practical, simple-to-implement tips and a summary of their environmental contribution; in addition, a reference guide to useful websites offers access to priceless additional information, global and local alike.

Genres: Nonfiction, Environment, Science, Green, Reference

128 pages, Paperback

First published April 10, 2007

Reviews

[Kevin Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty simple book with most of it's suggestions being fairly common knowledge, but with the number of them it's a good place to start. Most of the suggestions are fairly practical and I went through marking the ones that I'm already doing. This book is targeted for people that are not already trying to live with a smaller footprint as they will find a lot of this info to be either thin or they already know. This is definitely more of a intro book, but with the targeting of work, home, travel, garden, shopping and the community I think most people can find something in there that they aren't already doing.

[Monika · Rating 2 out of 5]

So disappointing National Geographic!!! Was hoping to find new insights into what I could personally do to contribute to a healthier planet and instead go the usual ideas I already was well aware of, such as take a shorter shower to conserve water, grow your own veggies, drive a small car, etc. I guess this book is for those that know nothing about 'going green' as it does give very simple things that you can do to make change.

[Marjanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a quick read, with some good suggestions. Unfortunately all the things I think I could really apply in my life I already have. Several of the suggestions are pricy, like getting solar powers to heat water and provide electricity. The sad part is that I wish it really were more cost effective (including time, not just money) to be more environmentally friendly.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of the suggestions in this book were things I already knew I should be doing (but wasn't) and it is nice to have them compiled in one place. I liked the format and will refer back to the book in my effort to make one small change a week to become "greener".

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very useful book that I will return to now and agian. Using an index card or two as a book mark, I found lots of small things to write down that I will do to make a positive impact on the world. Very easy to read with references to where you can find out more information.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a pretty cool book, though some of the things in there were things we already do thee were some that I had never heard of and some I had but havent done yet. I can't wait to add some of these things onto the list of things to do :P

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple (some might say "too simple" but I'm new to the "green" trend) ways in which you can be more environmentally-conscious...

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recycle! Very informative book. Lots of suggestions, some very practical, some not. Good list of resources in the back.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

a lot of practical ideas mixed with more stretching types too. at the very least it makes you really think about things which is never a bad thing.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basic but great info. Laid out in a simple format.

[Allison Marsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, it was a very easy read, and even though most of it was common sense stuff.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was the best in the "True Green" series offering helpful ways people can save money and start giving back to the environment by recycling, turning off the lights, buying greener cars, etc.

[Kelv · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty general information on being greener - most was relevant and useful. Written in a straightforward style that was somewhat monotonous.