What do you think?
Rate this book
It's Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living
It's Easy Being Green is a handy tool to help you make better choices for the environment. This is what the busy person needs to start making changes today. Get informative, comprehensive and practical information for adopting greener buying habits and identifying earth-friendly products; shopping for green products online; participating in online activism; and learning from over 250 eco-tips for cultivating a sustainable environment.
Take the difficulty and guesswork out of greener living by learning the following:
Install rain gutters and rain barrels to collect rainwater from your roof to use in the garden.
Shift appliance use to off-peak hours. Some utility companies offer off-peak rates!
Make your own household cleaners instead of relying on toxic commercial products.
Submerge a plastic bottle in your toilet tank to save one quart of water per flush and thousands of gallons a year.
This book concurrently presents a plan, tips and an Internet resources list that you can use to follow-through on good intentions. An extensive product labels list is also provided to help interpret how some foods are produced. If you haven't invested in substantially greener behaviors, consumerism and politics because you didn't know how or thought it was difficult, help is here: It's Easy Being Green is a handbook for all those who aspire do more to protect the environment but want it to be simpler. You can make a difference!
Take the difficulty and guesswork out of greener living by learning the following:
Install rain gutters and rain barrels to collect rainwater from your roof to use in the garden.
Shift appliance use to off-peak hours. Some utility companies offer off-peak rates!
Make your own household cleaners instead of relying on toxic commercial products.
Submerge a plastic bottle in your toilet tank to save one quart of water per flush and thousands of gallons a year.
This book concurrently presents a plan, tips and an Internet resources list that you can use to follow-through on good intentions. An extensive product labels list is also provided to help interpret how some foods are produced. If you haven't invested in substantially greener behaviors, consumerism and politics because you didn't know how or thought it was difficult, help is here: It's Easy Being Green is a handbook for all those who aspire do more to protect the environment but want it to be simpler. You can make a difference!
168 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
20 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
Crissy Trask
2 booksBased in Washington, Crissy Trask is a green writer, speaker, and consultant dedicated to sustainable living. Working from home and cooking primarily with whole foods, she strives to reduce plastic use in daily life. While eliminating plastic entirely is challenging, she's committed to minimizing her impact and leading by example.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 28, 2012
I had a hard time trying to decide what to rate this book. While it had a lot of good tips and ideas, it also had a lot of outdated ideas, ideas that just plain disturbed me, and so many links to websites and really it seemed you could learn much more just by using your computer and never touching this book.
This book claims that it is a handbook for Earth-Friendly Living and it breaks itself into different parts to complete that mission. First it exposes those Green Living Myths and says what the actual truth about living green is. Like saying that green products are expensive and instead explaining why they are not expensive. Next it talks about how the average person can make a difference, regardless of how busy they are. Part Three covers Eco-Tips for living greener and includes check-boxes so you can keep track of how you are doing. These tips range from travel to cleaning to food. Buying Green is next and it tells you what to look for and some common terms when looking at labels. Green Shopping Online is a huge listing of websites dedicated to green products. And getting involved has more online listings so you can get involved with campaign writing and other initiatives. Lastly there are Resources to help the Earth, which again, is a listing of online sites.
My main problem with this book is that it is mostly online listings of websites. You could easily look up all this information without this book just by typing in what you're searching for. So in buying this book, you actually wasted a resource in that regard. Next, because websites close down, change, etc., this book is ineffective even only six years later as not all of those sites are around anymore (although some still are). The next problem I had was with some of the tips. There was actually a tip saying that you should use your microwave for cooking and reheating more than your stove because it saves energy. Ok, in theory this is true, but microwave cooking also breaks down the nutrients in your food, which could cause you to be less healthy, and use up more resources later to improve your health as a result of not eating properly. Then there was the tip on how to reuse film canisters. Let's be honest, who in the heck has seen a film canister lately?!? And while there were quite a few tips, most of them were more appropriate for a beginner, or just common sense. Although I should say that I learned a few things from this book, so it wasn't a total waste.
My main thought is that if you are going to call a book a handbook, the information should be there for you to look at, not listed in an online website for you to go look up later. It should more appropriately be called a guide. And I do like that it encourages Green Living, I just don't think that it's a lasting book or one that should be referenced now that it seems to have gotten outdated. It did have an easy to read format and was broken down into logical parts. The typing is small though and may be harder for older people or people with weak eyesight to read.
There are better Green Living books out there to read (or even websites really) and while I can appreciate what this book was trying to do, I can't recommend it for reading.
It's Easy Being Green
Copyright 2006
161 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2012
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
This book claims that it is a handbook for Earth-Friendly Living and it breaks itself into different parts to complete that mission. First it exposes those Green Living Myths and says what the actual truth about living green is. Like saying that green products are expensive and instead explaining why they are not expensive. Next it talks about how the average person can make a difference, regardless of how busy they are. Part Three covers Eco-Tips for living greener and includes check-boxes so you can keep track of how you are doing. These tips range from travel to cleaning to food. Buying Green is next and it tells you what to look for and some common terms when looking at labels. Green Shopping Online is a huge listing of websites dedicated to green products. And getting involved has more online listings so you can get involved with campaign writing and other initiatives. Lastly there are Resources to help the Earth, which again, is a listing of online sites.
My main problem with this book is that it is mostly online listings of websites. You could easily look up all this information without this book just by typing in what you're searching for. So in buying this book, you actually wasted a resource in that regard. Next, because websites close down, change, etc., this book is ineffective even only six years later as not all of those sites are around anymore (although some still are). The next problem I had was with some of the tips. There was actually a tip saying that you should use your microwave for cooking and reheating more than your stove because it saves energy. Ok, in theory this is true, but microwave cooking also breaks down the nutrients in your food, which could cause you to be less healthy, and use up more resources later to improve your health as a result of not eating properly. Then there was the tip on how to reuse film canisters. Let's be honest, who in the heck has seen a film canister lately?!? And while there were quite a few tips, most of them were more appropriate for a beginner, or just common sense. Although I should say that I learned a few things from this book, so it wasn't a total waste.
My main thought is that if you are going to call a book a handbook, the information should be there for you to look at, not listed in an online website for you to go look up later. It should more appropriately be called a guide. And I do like that it encourages Green Living, I just don't think that it's a lasting book or one that should be referenced now that it seems to have gotten outdated. It did have an easy to read format and was broken down into logical parts. The typing is small though and may be harder for older people or people with weak eyesight to read.
There are better Green Living books out there to read (or even websites really) and while I can appreciate what this book was trying to do, I can't recommend it for reading.
It's Easy Being Green
Copyright 2006
161 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2012
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
June 11, 2009
I found "It's Easy Being Green" to be horribly slapped together, with nothing new to offer anyone who's been around since "green" became popular. At least they recycled ideas? I don't know, maybe a total noob to the green scene would find something to learn in here, which I guess would redeem it a little bit.
There are typos throughout this book, never a good sign; they make me cranky even when I'm reading a GOOD book. In this book, they reinforced the feeling that someone threw together a bunch of obvious "hints" in order to make a quick buck.
I couldn't bring myself to do anything but page through this one a couple of times.
There are typos throughout this book, never a good sign; they make me cranky even when I'm reading a GOOD book. In this book, they reinforced the feeling that someone threw together a bunch of obvious "hints" in order to make a quick buck.
I couldn't bring myself to do anything but page through this one a couple of times.
May 31, 2020
This book gives great tips and websites for anyone interested in trying to make a change on this planet. Recommended for anyone willing to try and make the earth a cleaner more sustainable planet.
October 9, 2007
This book is really helpful. Unlike a lot of the 'get green' books I looked into, this one was not a list of products to buy or things that will cost you money. One of my main beefs with the enviromentalist movement is that it has turned into another excuse to buy new stuff, when in reality thats the heart of the problem. Being greener is about consuming less and although this book does give some suggestion of better alternatives to products or simple inexpensive things to reduce your energy or water use, it mostly gives some really helpful ideas on how to make easy changes beyond the obvious. It has an easy format to remember exactly the ideas you want to put to use and rate the progress you've made on putting them into practice. There are also some longer explanatory chapters that are motivating and informative and a resources chapter for changing what and where you buy everyday items like sheets and beauty items.
June 18, 2008
This slim volume is the Cliff Notes every lazy environmentalist (or wanna-be envirnmentalist) needs to start taking better care of the planet, without breaking a sweat. So many people want to do things to improve the environment, but knowing where to start and what to focus on is such a daunting task that it's easier just to fall into old patterns. With short chapters and checklists to help you track your progress, this book allows you to change your habits NOW, without feeling guilty or overwhelmed. I, myself, no longer waste as much water as I did before I started the book. I also now carry my water and juice in a Sigg (a reusable container) instead of buying wasteful bottled water and juices, and I waste far less paper at work. And all that has been from reading the book for a half an hour! And it's been completely painless; I don't even think about it anymore! Which means I can move on to new challenges, and then new challenges after that! It's that easy!
March 31, 2012
Very similar in feel to Michael Pollan's Food Rules.
Includes a detailed checklist of activities and habits to alter to live a more green lifestyle. Much of it actually applied to my situation (late 20's in an urban city, working 30+ hours a week). Most books in this topic seem to be written for stay-at-home adults, or people with huge acres of land to do a lot of homesteading. This book actually provides useful tips for those of us who don't own a home, and don't have all the free time in the world to make jars of jam.
My only complaint is the font is super tiny which made it hard to read, as the book is also small in size. Larger font would have been helpful, as would have clearer separations between topics in the checklist.
Overall, its a great resource for anyone curious about how to go green without too much extra effort.
Includes a detailed checklist of activities and habits to alter to live a more green lifestyle. Much of it actually applied to my situation (late 20's in an urban city, working 30+ hours a week). Most books in this topic seem to be written for stay-at-home adults, or people with huge acres of land to do a lot of homesteading. This book actually provides useful tips for those of us who don't own a home, and don't have all the free time in the world to make jars of jam.
My only complaint is the font is super tiny which made it hard to read, as the book is also small in size. Larger font would have been helpful, as would have clearer separations between topics in the checklist.
Overall, its a great resource for anyone curious about how to go green without too much extra effort.
July 12, 2023
While this is filled with good suggestions for the average person on how to make greener choices in the everyday life, it is one of those books that is veeeeery outdated. The information and resources did not withstand the test of time.
However I really enjoyed all the phonebook and disk drive references/suggestions lol.
However I really enjoyed all the phonebook and disk drive references/suggestions lol.
May 24, 2020
Practical, realistic tips.
July 27, 2007
if 4 stars didn't mean really liked it, i'd go with that, but it partially, really turned me off, so i just can't. however, it is a super user-friendly guide to being greener. also, there's a good companion website: www.greenmatters.com.
i'd like to give this book two separate ratings - 5 stars for the comprehensive, yet concise and well organized content. and, the book's physical form is nice. it has a place in my go-to drawer in the kitchen.
but, i'd give it 1 star for being preachy, presumptuous, condescending, patronizing, annoying, etc.
and, the title is totally a lie. (but, if we're going to save the planet, we've got to spread this lie (and the one about it not being expensive, too) far and wide.)
ms. trask has done a good thing, and i appreciate it, so i feel bad for being harsh, but moralistic ("Our obligation to at least try to pay our own way in life, raise our children into healthy, productive and ethical members of society, and lighten our impact on the earth, among other things, is real.") attitudes and the government is always the only/best solutionism really perturb me.
i'd like to give this book two separate ratings - 5 stars for the comprehensive, yet concise and well organized content. and, the book's physical form is nice. it has a place in my go-to drawer in the kitchen.
but, i'd give it 1 star for being preachy, presumptuous, condescending, patronizing, annoying, etc.
and, the title is totally a lie. (but, if we're going to save the planet, we've got to spread this lie (and the one about it not being expensive, too) far and wide.)
ms. trask has done a good thing, and i appreciate it, so i feel bad for being harsh, but moralistic ("Our obligation to at least try to pay our own way in life, raise our children into healthy, productive and ethical members of society, and lighten our impact on the earth, among other things, is real.") attitudes and the government is always the only/best solutionism really perturb me.
May 5, 2009
Written for the American market this is very different from the other 'green' books I've read. I liked the style of the book with the recycled pages but I wasn't a fan of the changing between dual columns during each chapter and the standard single column at the beginning of each. It made it a bit more 'difficult' to read. I liked the checklist section where you can pick which actions you going to take and then mark each one as you work through and rate yourself once you have incorporated each point into your daily life. I found this section very user friendly and well thought out and well targeted at those who feel overwhelmed about where to start. However the rest of the text was a bit preachy and at times a bit condescending, although overall a good and handy book.
April 1, 2010
This book has a lot of lists and things to do, but the format makes it less interesting. However, it does have some very good comic and quotes to capture your attention. I feel like I can get most of this information online, so it is not very helpful for me.
Favorite Quote: "People can turn things around by making small, incremental efforts to green their lives today - and then keep going. You can accomplish meaningful preservation and conservation every day by learning how daily chores and decisions impact the environment and making simple adjustments that can make a difference." Page 20
Favorite Quote: "People can turn things around by making small, incremental efforts to green their lives today - and then keep going. You can accomplish meaningful preservation and conservation every day by learning how daily chores and decisions impact the environment and making simple adjustments that can make a difference." Page 20
November 2, 2008
Includes an extensive checklist of to-do items to help you live more earth-friendly. There are also a few chapters that just list helpful web sites with information or products.
It's really more of a workbook than a book you read from cover to cover, but she shares some great ideas in a practical way. I like that she helps you start small and make little changes at a time. She doesn't make you feel guilty for not jumping right in and changing everything at once. Most of the ideas are relatively easy changes to make.
It's really more of a workbook than a book you read from cover to cover, but she shares some great ideas in a practical way. I like that she helps you start small and make little changes at a time. She doesn't make you feel guilty for not jumping right in and changing everything at once. Most of the ideas are relatively easy changes to make.
February 17, 2008
This book is a great intro to green living. It goes over several of the things we have all heard before, but also goes a step further into living an environmentally friendly life. I especially liked the chapter with the checklists and the chapter with resources. I originally got this to help with planning our wedding, and I think there are several things we will be able to use as we are putting together our wedding plans.
April 3, 2008
I guess that a lot of these "green living" books bore me, thanks to my mom. This was just the way we lived - recycling, thrift shopping, composting, etc.
The list was nice - it's always nice to see that I am on top of most green-living goals - and I can certainly see it being very useful for someone needing a clear idea of what to do. It's a good, basic list that you can pick and choose from, see where you are already working, where you can work harder, and get new ideas to apply.
The list was nice - it's always nice to see that I am on top of most green-living goals - and I can certainly see it being very useful for someone needing a clear idea of what to do. It's a good, basic list that you can pick and choose from, see where you are already working, where you can work harder, and get new ideas to apply.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2008
The tips are good, but the book's organization is pretty sloppy. The formatting (multiple columns in a normal-sized book, numerous "sidebar" conversations) made it hard for me to find the main thread. When I was done with it, I felt as though I'd read a dozen different magazines about green living; lots of information, not a lot of coherency or prioritization.
But that said, I was able to use several of the tips and it's a good resource.
But that said, I was able to use several of the tips and it's a good resource.
July 16, 2008
This is a really quick and easy read with lots of good ideas for ways to green your household and your life. My main complaint is the way it was organized--the meat of the book is one long section composed of lots and lots of tips. So it's easy to digest, but not easy to pinpoint something specific. But there's a good section with resources and websites in the back. All in all, I'd recommend it.
November 6, 2010
The tips in this book are pretty much the same as elswhere, but it includes a list of sources to help you get started. So, while the suggestions are the same, this book takes it a step further and points you in the direction you need to get started. While other books may list a website or phone number, this book goes above and beyond listing multiple sources in each topic (including clothing, furniture, energy, and transportation). Easy to follow and a good read! A great place to start.
Read
June 3, 2016I really enjoyed reading this book. I'm always trying to find new ways to help our environment; this book has all of the information to help me do so. By reading this I discovered many Earth friendly materials and products. Although I probably won't follow all of the information given to me , it's still nice knowing that I am now aware. It has inspired me to change many of my bad habits into greener, healthier habits.
September 17, 2008
I bought this at the Seattle Green Festival, I had been eyeing it for a while. A great book for of ideas of ways to live a life with less impact, complete with a rating system to say keep track of what you need to work on, currently working on and a wonderful resource guide full of tips and websites.
July 30, 2008
More than anything, this is a good reference book with a wide variety of ideas about how to live in a more earth-friendly way. The book is well organized, with tons of websites to help the reader find out more about everything from activism to buying more sustainable products. A bit preachy at times, especially as most readers are already wanting to do more, the book is nevertheless useful.
July 28, 2011
Pretty awesome book. Very informative, and I really like the checklist. Nice resources in the back, and I will definitely investigate them once they become more pertinent to me. It includes a lot of simple ways lessen your ecological footprint, and there are also several complex ways to practice later on.
December 26, 2012
I love the information and tops this book has about the saving the environment and being a responsible citizen through wise consuming.
I only gave it four stars because, though it was informative, most of the other details are based in US and it would have been a better book if it was generally for everyone.
I only gave it four stars because, though it was informative, most of the other details are based in US and it would have been a better book if it was generally for everyone.
May 3, 2016
The back of the book has it right; this book is friendly while managing to be informative. It reads like a textbook (in a good way) with a no-nonsense approach that offers countless possible tips and resources. It also offers encouragement to slowly incorporate changes, rather than overwhelming yourself all at once. I'll be sure to keep this book on hand for future reference.
January 16, 2008
this book has a section devoted to energy conserving ideas, i was very pleased to see all that was suggested many perfectly reasonable and it gets you thinking... ill have this book around for a while just to look back on and see what else i can do to change things!
September 19, 2007
I really like checklists so this book had a lot of appeal for me. I was keeping up with the environmentally-friendly tasks for a while but I've completely gone back to my resource-wasting ways. Don't judge me.
December 26, 2007
This is a good companion to "The Green Book," which told you a lot of what not to do, whereas this one tells you more what TO do and where TO shop and what different labels mean and everything. A great resource. And, it didn't condemn be for my fake "holiday tree," so that's a plus!
February 26, 2008
Good tips, just too many! Also, the tips are not weighted, so you may think that refusing that extra plastic bag makes just as much of an impact as getting rid of your car. Still worth a peek for anyone interested in going green.
July 24, 2009
Great stuff to implement now that we're moving from an apartment to a house. We've been recyclers for years and we're always coming up with ways to reuse and reduce. A great gift from my m-in-law. Down with plastic grocery sacks!
March 31, 2010
Nothing new to offer. Also wouldn't it be more "Green" to have just sent this out as an email checklist? At least I picked this up at the free books section of the library and I'm forwarding it on paperbackswap in the hopes that next person gets some use out of it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews