Be the Change You Want to See in the World: 365 Things You Can Do for Yourself and Your Planet

by Julie Fisher-McGarry, John Robbins (Foreword)

Activist, environmentalist, and author Julie Fisher-McGarry is at the leading edge of the next wave of the "simplicity movement," with her less-is-more, eco-friendly guide to life, Blue Skies, Green Thoughts. Fisher-McGarry writes for a new society of people who consider the large-scale implications of their smallest actions—from buying only magazines printed on recycled paper with soy-based ink and making sure the morning coffee is both organic and fair-trade, to larger life decisions like getting out of global financial markets, unplugging from the grid, and creating a community-based economy by buying local and buying green. She shows that an equally important component of any sustainable lifestyle is making contact with the earth beneath our feet. In a wise and supportive tone, Julie Fisher-McGarry offers personal stories, inspiration, tips, and tools for how to "dwell well" on a daily basis. Organized by month, each day’s entry contains a thoughtful passage and a direct action for healthier living. For example, one entry relates the medical impact of a transfatty diet followed by two delightful vegan soup recipes sure to warm both body and soul. Other tips include monthly checklists for recycling, guides to organic gardening, ways to vacation eco-consciously, and ideas for green gifts. Blue Skies, Green Thoughts is a daily guide for Conscious Consumers everywhere. From planet-loving Baby Boomers, to Gen X vegan soccer moms, to teenage Echo Boomers who eschew brand logos, there is a huge market of consumers who do not merely consume, but carefully and consciously choose. This is one of the first comprehensive books that speaks directly to them. Each day and in every way, Julie Fisher-McGarry shows that hey—it’s good to be green. Activist, environmentalist, and author Julie Fisher-McGarry is at the leading edge of the next wave of the "simplicity movement," with her less-is-more, eco-friendly guide to life, Blue Skies, Green Thoughts. Fisher-McGarry writes for a new society of people who consider the large-scale implications of their smallest actions—from buying only magazines printed on recycled paper with soy-based ink and making sure the morning coffee is both organic and fair-trade, to larger life decisions like getting out of global financial markets, unplugging from the grid, and creating a community-based economy by buying local and buying green. She shows that an equally important component of any sustainable lifestyle is making contact with the earth beneath our feet. In a wise and supportive tone, Julie Fisher-McGarry offers personal stories, inspiration, tips, and tools for how to "dwell well" on a daily basis. Organized by month, each day’s entry contains a thoughtful passage and a direct action for healthier living. For example, one entry relates the medical impact of a transfatty diet followed by two delightful vegan soup recipes sure to warm both body and soul. Other tips include monthly checklists for recycling, guides to organic gardening, ways to vacation eco-consciously, and ideas for green gifts. Blue Skies, Green Thoughts is a daily guide for Conscious Consumers everywhere. From planet-loving Baby Boomers, to Gen X vegan soccer moms, to teenage Echo Boomers who eschew brand logos, there is a huge market of consumers who do not merely consume, but carefully and consciously choose. This is one of the first comprehensive books that speaks directly to them. Each day and in every way, Julie Fisher-McGarry shows that hey—it’s good to be green.

253 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2006

Reviews

[Dave Donahoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A daily affirmation book geared more toward women but with some good information in it.

[Lilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the environment the way it is today, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with worrying about what other people do. In steps Julie Fisher-McGarry and her new book. This fabulous tome is set up in a daily devotional style, one tip per day for 365 days to help you take the step to controlling how you, yourself, use the environment. Julie evens provides yummy recipes to help you start using your local farmer’s market in season produce instead of buying it from a corporate super chain. This is a wonderful book for those who want to take that leap into living organically and for the planet.

[Mackenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun little book filled with thoughts, reminders, fun things to try, recipes, etc for living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Encourages the reader to go ahead and start changing the world as change comes from home. I found some of the suggestions to be a little over the top and others I've all ready started to use.... :)

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A day by day book of simple personal changes.

[Stef · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good tips here, although they are often masked by a preachy tone. It also spoke to a female-only audience, which was unexpected and misleading.