Use Less Stuff

by Robert Lilienfeld

What do all of the previous civilizations that practiced recycling have in common?
They're extinct.

Let's face it. Recycling has its limits. But so does our Earth. As environmentalists Robert Lilienfeld and William Rathje explain, the answer to our twenty-first century garbage crisis is both simple and practical--use less stuff. This groundbreaking consumer guide suggests helpful money- and energy-saving tips for everyone who cares about how we live today and tomorrow. Learn to reduce and reuse with creative suggestions for all areas of your life,


At Turn down the heat before guests arrive for a party--the extra body heat will warm up the room
During the Save gift boxes to use the following year
At the Buy products that come in concentrated formats--like juice and detergent
At the Donate or sell old office equipment
At Post announcements on a school Web site
In the great Bring magic markers to your picnic so guests can label their cups and plates

And many more!

Start a war on waste and help save the planet!

Genres: Environment, Ecology, Green

192 pages, Paperback

First published November 3, 1998

Reviews

[Naphta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think Lilienfield sums up human foibles/psychology pretty well (in terms of why people on't conserve more), but the book is dated and we do most of the stuff in it. Still, there might be something to be gleaned from this book for some people. His mind/heart is in the right place, I think, (except the part about eating more processed food, because the preparers waste less. (If one composts as he suggests, then it hardly seems to me that we waste the food, but we do have to be careful about spoilage.))

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best way to reduce any environmental impact is not to recycle more, but to produce and dispose of less.

Just because a material is recycled does not automatically make it ecologically benign, especially if it was not designed specifically for recycling.

[Moony · Rating 1 out of 5]

Save yourself the time and read the summary offered here. It says the same thing, but in 191 fewer pages.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

i super-love william rathje. his garbage project is a true modern day archaeological dig, which gives him great insight into consumption.