Give a Sh*t: Do Good. Live Better. Save the Planet.

by Ashlee Piper

"The time for stepping up and protecting our planet is now. And this book is an easy, enjoyable place to start." -- Moby

It's time to put your good intentions into action. It's time to give a shit -- about your health, your footprint, and your planet.

Give a Sh*t guides you through the transition to a kinder, healthier, more conscious, and sustainable life like no book has done before. With a humorous and nonjudgmental tone, savvy eco-friendly lifestyle expert Ashlee Piper walks you through easy-but-impactful shifts anyone can make to live and be better every damn day:


In your home - Room-by-room guidance and tactics for a chic, affordable, sustainable living space, no matter where or how you live

In the kitchen - 20+ unfussy, quick, and delicious plant-based recipes for every life occasion, from pantry staples like White Witch Almond Milk to exciting everyday fare like Walnut Chorizo Tostadas to kick-ass desserts like Jamocha Silk Pie

In your closet - Advice for building a polished, ethical wardrobe in a world of fast fashion

In the mirror - Beauty and grooming tips and DIY products (from skin care to foundation to, ahem, ladytime provisions) that are safer, natural, cruelty-free, and, best of all, effective

In the wild - How to maintain your values (and your moxie) at work, in your social life, and when abroad


Give a Sh*t isn't a manual of restrictions -- it's a practical handbook that meets you where you are and finally harmonizes doing good with living well.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sustainability, Environment, Self Help, Science, Personal Development, Social Justice

304 pages, Paperback

First published June 26, 2018

Reviews

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is exactly what I was looking for. For the most part, I’m someone who wants to help the environment as much as possible, but before this guide I was mostly just unsure how to do that. I stopped eating meat months ago, but besides that I wasn’t really doing all that much to be eco-friendly.
This book is a comprehensive guide on how to do better for the environment,without speaking down to you. Ashlee Piper sounds like a good friend throughout the book, just there to give you some statistics and help. Because of Ashlee I’m genuinely trying to do my part, I’ve made some changes so far, and hope to make more in the future. If you’re someone who feels overwhelmed at the state of the world/environment but don’t know where to start, this is a great book for you! There are a few different sections/recipes on how to make so many amazing different things. Highly recommend!

[Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

They'll tell you it's hopeless, that there's no point in trying to save the world because we can't make a difference. The environment is too big of a problem for us so we shouldn't worry about it, instead we should do nothing. Well I've tried doing nothing, and I don't feel any better.

Thank goodness for Ashlee Piper's manifesto, because she has taught me so many ways to do SOMETHING, without being judgmental or defeatist, which can be quite a difficult maneuver for the eco/sustainability crowd (And that includes myself).

I recommend this book to everyone for the myriad of topics and ideas covered including:
-Room by room guides to more sustainable living
-How to consume less, waste less, and feel cleaner, less cluttered and healthier all at once
-Recommendations on the big changes you can make (Going vegan, public transit, sustainable clothing)
-Recommendations on the small changes you can make within your budget and lifestyle (Every little bit helps)

It's really fun and motivating, and has put me in the mood to really, truly give a shit.

The only weakness I found is the activism section. Piper recommends everybody get active... okay, but how? What organizations are trying to make a difference? How can I join something bigger than myself, or donate money, or volunteer my time to make the world a more sustainable place? Luckily your friendly neighborhood librarian is here to help you with just that!

National Organizations:

-The Citizens' Climate Lobby is an organization I have recently joined making an effort to pass a national BIPARTISAN law that will reduce our emissions and unleash innovation in sustainable energy. They do this through the democratic system of lobbying congresspeople, meeting with congressional staffs, writing letters, and getting media attention. Ask me anything if you're interested in joining or check out their website for more info!

-The Sierra Club is a national organization dedicated to environmental protection and social justice. The Ohio chapter can be found at https://www.sierraclub.org/ohio

-The National Resource Defense Council is a lobbying and litigation group committed to safeguarding the Earth and our natural resources. They have a four-star rating on charity navigator. (That's good, FYI)

-For the more radical people among us, check out The Sunrise Movement, Extinction Rebellion, and/or Earth Strike to find out how you can participate in protests and civil disobedience to demand climate change action.

Local/State Organizations:

-The Ohio Environmental Council is committed to defending natural resources, parks, and the general environment in the state of Ohio.

-Simply Living is a local Columbus group that meets and teaches about sustainable practices and how to make our city more sustainable.

-Columbus Greenspot is a movement sponsored by the city of Columbus where you can sign up your business/organization to commit to be more sustainable and learn how to make your office a more sustainable workplace.

There are many, many more but I think a start is all you need to give a shit. Let's do this!

[Kelly]

A lot of great tips for how to be more conscious of consumption and of the environment more broadly, but most of them are old hat and many are from a super privileged perspective, not to mention coming from a place of no consideration for those without ability/access to partake (so much straw talk without ever once mentioning that straws are a necessity for many who are disabled). The animal talking points are straight from PETA and look, I'm an animal lover, but even my passion for animals can be suspended a bit when the discussion is "some studies have shown" and "undercover investigations have shown" without a lot of real details or further evidence to back it up. This doesn't happen in other sections of the book.

It's fine, but nothing new or insightful, and I listened to the audiobook cringing in the parts where the author -- who reads it -- tries to be hip and cool and down with the kids.

[Kaylee Walterbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't a manual of restrictions—it's a manifesto for a life that's, perhaps for the first time, in harmony with your desire to do good.

This book changed my life. Seriously. I know we all say that, but this book changed my liiiiife. It's the best and only book on sustainability / eco-friendly lifestyle that I've ever read. The whole bring-your-own-bag-to-grocery-store, eat-less-meat, torches-and-pitchforks-to-animal-testing thing has always been intimidating to me as a cheapskate and (mostly) carnivore. All that good stuff makes sense, but nothing has ever convinced me to do those "inconvenient" things that save the planet.

Spoiler alert: supposedly "inconvenient" things are really easy to do, and this book tells you how. Not only does Ashlee Piper tell you how to "give a sh*t," but she does it with hilarious bouts of swearing, fun anecdotes, cited facts and sources, and no judgement whatsoever. No judgement!! No requirements! I was so intimidated when I started this book because I'm slightly scared of judgey eco-people and their baffling ways. But now I'm turning into one (though hopefully non-judgey, à la Ashlee Piper).

I recommend this to every person ever. Especially those of us who want to be more eco-friendly but are intimidated, confused, or plain freaked out by the lifestyle. It's a great start and a great supplement and just plain fun to read.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES. YES. AND MORE YES!

This book is the PERFECT guide to help any person become a more eco-conscious and animal-friendly human being. Whether you just started recycling or have been an active environmentalist for years, this book shares many great changes you can make in different aspects of your life for a healthier you and a healthier Earth. I am constantly trying to share my knowledge and raise awareness of how important it is to “go green” and Ashlee Piper did an amazing job of presenting this information in a fun and enjoyable manner. This book contains so much information I never knew (even with all my own researching) and many helpful resources to make going green easier. I will be buying this book to gift this Christmas to some people I know that would appreciate it as much as I did. I highly recommend this book to everyone and would definitely give it 10 stars if I could!

[October · Rating 2 out of 5]

I find myself torn on this book. Because, on the one hand, the book is written in an entertaining way and--for the most part--seems factual. On the other hand, it's both endorsed by the president of PETA and PETA is cited at least once in the footnotes.

Both personally and as a librarian, I can't in good conscience give more than two stars to a book that cites from a group that uses misinformation campaigns to attempt to get their point across (can we say 'fake news' here? Is that officially allowed with PETA?).

Add a not so subtle touch snobbery, and you get a book that exemplifies why the internet dislikes vegans. 2/10--read at your own risk, unless getting up on your high horse on this topic is definitely your thing.

[Jayasree B · Rating 4 out of 5]

With all the talk about caring for the planet and being eco-friendly, all of us want to contribute to the topic. But in practise, where does one start? What is the game plan?

For a simple and easy beginning, this book is apt. It gets you started on the journey and then you can do more research about being more effective. Excellent start for going that extra mile.

For more book reviews, visit Frost At Midnite.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has literally changed my life. I've always tried to live as ethically as possible, but "Give a Sh*t" has so much info about ways to reduce waste and be a conscientious consumer that I'd never heard. Examples of topics covered: how beneficial eating vegan is for the environment, why recycling is good but reducing is better (especially when it comes to plastic), the real deal with animal testing (I must admit that I used to think it wasn't a big deal, like they were just trying the eye shadows on bunnies before putting them out to sell...but no), and much more. It's backed by tons of research, but presented in a totally fun and non-judgmental way with lots of practical tips. I don't often purchase books for myself, but after returning this to the library I immediately bought a copy to reference later and lend to friends. There is SO MUCH that I could do better, but this book is helping me make changes as I can and that feels fantastic. "Give a Sh*t" is a must-read for anyone who wants to make lifestyle choices that protect the planet, human beings, and other creatures.

[Julia Kardon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Especially in the era of the infamous Melania "I Don't Really Care Do U" jacket, I think it's important for people with some morals to start acting like it. This guide is fantastic, helpful, funny, and full of important and useful ideas. It's bound to make you a more conscientious member of the human race and I'm so glad to have so much laid out in one place.

[Kimya · Rating 4 out of 5]

از نقد هایی که بهش وارده شروع میکنم
اولین نکته اینکه نویسنده ی کتاب متولد آمریکا ست و قاعدتاً روش هایی که ارائه میده همشون تو ایران قابل اجرا نیست مثلا برای تهیه خونگی یه شامپو خشک یکی از موادی که نیاز داره «خاک کائولین» هست که من حتی نمی‌دونم چی هست و از کجا باید بگیرم، اغلب برند هایی هم که معرفی می‌کنه به عنوان دوستدار محیط زیست که نگم بهتره، مشخصا خیلی هاشون تو ایران وارد نمیشه. خلاصه اگه شما برند لباس یا لوازم آرایشی که تو ایران وجود داره و دارای علامت دوستدار محیط زیستی و عاری از حیوان آزاری هست به منم معرفی کنین. واقعا خوشحال میشم ❤️
جدای این ها ی�� سری پیشنهاداتی میده برای کمک که محیط زیست که من واقعا نسبت بهشون گارد داشتم که احساس میکنم یه بخش خیلی خیلی زیادیش باز هم برمیگرده به فرهنگ ایرانی که درون همه ی ماست برای مثال تو کتاب برای بخش جشن ها پی��نهاد میده که لباس عروسی تون دست دوم باشه یا حلقه ای که می‌خرید دست دوم باشه لباس هایی که کلا به طور روزانه استفاده میکنید می‌تونه دست دوم باشه یا با همسایه هاتون تعویض کنین.
من به این گارد گرفتن افتخار نمیکنم ولی چیزیه که انجام دادنش سخته.
ولی خب هیچ کدوم اینا تقصیر نویسنده نیست که🤷🏻‍♀️

از قشنگیای کتاب حالا بگم که خیلی خوشم اومد این بود که یه طرز فکر جدید و یه سبک جدید زندگی بهم معرفی کرد و باعث بعضی طرز فکر های غلطمو بذارم کنار. مثلا من همیشه فکر میکردم که اگه چیزی رو به صورت فله ای بخرم خیلی غیر بهداشتی تر از بسته بندی خریدنشه که خب نویسنده دلایلی آورد که اینجوری نیست و یه ایده ی جدید بهم داد که میتونی شیشه مربا ببری و از مغازه به صورت فله ای بخری بدون اینکه از پلاستیک استفاده بشه یا اینکه پیشنهاد خیلی جالبی که داد این بود که بازار های محلی میوه اطراف رو پیدا کنی و به صورت مستقیم از فروشنده های باغ ها خرید کنی که این باعث شد تا درمورد همچین جایی از بابام یه سری سوالات بپرسم ( که خب برای کسی که کاهو پیچ رو از کلم تشخیص نمیده پیشرفت بزرگیه)
خلاصه ایده های خیلی قشنگ و خلاقانه ای داد و موقع خوندنش با نویسنده احساس نزدیکی میکنی چون یکمی طنز به کار برده تو کتابش
و نکته ی دیگه که خیلی خوبه درمورد کتاب اینکه درمورد موقعیت های مختلف برای شما راهکار های در نظر گرفته کمتر مصرف کنید و بیشتر لذت ببرید.
من این کتاب رو دوران کرونا شروع کردم و چون الکترونیکی بود اذیت شدم و گذاشتم کنار
خوشحالم که دوباره شروع کردم به خوندش. خلاصه که من پیشنهاد میدمش چون مطالب خیلی زیادی ازش یاد میگیرید.

پ.ن: باز هم میگم پیشنهاد میکنم که اگه نسخه ی چاپی رو پیدا کردید خریداری کنین چون خیلی نکته داره (مال من نسخه الکترونیکش بود)

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very witty, not at all preachy, easy-to-ready beginner's guide to sustainability. It's even helpful for those (like me) who have already read a whole bunch of books about the topic, because even after having read those, I still don't do everything I could be doing to better the environment. We can always be better!
I recommend the audiobook! It's great to listen to while doing house chores.

Only thing I didn't like was that she called disabled people "differently abled". It's been agreed upon that most disabled people do not like to be called this (including me). Also, she suggests people who rely on straws for medical reasons bring their own stainless steel or glass straws, but like... that's the problem with straws, many disabled people need them to be flexible and bendy, and oftentimes only plastic straws suffice. Just wanted to let y'all know.

[Kristin Gilbreth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew what I was getting into when I started it, so I can't complain too much about the crass language throughout. Usually doesn't bother me, but at times it seemed a bit unnecessary. The content, however, was spot-on, and very informative. I plan on using some of her recipes for home cleaning supplies and I'm stoked about it!

[Aleixie · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you've been following along with my journey, you'll know that I don't hold this book in high esteem. Ashlee Piper says a lot of controversial stuff that I don't particularly agree with. But her book is well documented and uses a lot of statistics, so she's already done a lot of research I can just compound on.

But! Her arguments aren't very logical, and her use of statistics is, well, bad.

She states a personal opinion. Then she gives a lot of statistics about the state of the current world. And then she tells you ways in which you can live sustainably. Nothing wrong with it. Sounds pretty solid, right?

Well, no. She's cherry picking studies. Let me illustrate: she has a chapter called, "Find Your Reason for Vegan". It starts off saying if you care about the environment, you'll go vegan and that you're probably gonna get flack for it, so yea. And then she lists stats on how farming is killing (pun unintended) the planet. And it's awful horrible stuff what they do to those animals. But none of the statistics are about how going vegan actually saves those animals. Or what kind of impact's already been established. Now, don't get me wrong, I love critters and cows as much as the next person. But she totes this solution (veganism) without actual support that it works. And that's irritating.

"How is it ethical to feed thousands of pounds of life-sustaining grain to fatten a cow when 14 million people are starving in Yemen?"

Well, Ashlee, no one is gonna argue that people in Yemen should starve. Your point is ill-worded. I'm not gonna get into blah blah the cost of transport, and all the shipping emissions, that's your job, but there's millions of other ways I can phrase this that mentions nothing about animal farming and still be valid. "How is it ethical to throw out thousands of pounds of life sustaining food from grocery stores and farms when 14 million people are starving in Yemen?" "How is it ethical to let billionaires not pay their taxes when there's 14 million people starving in Yemen and US could provide foreign aid?" And so on.

She also covers animal testing. And I hate that it exists, but the reality is that we don't have a better solution right now. Call me selfish, but if it's between me or the rats, I'd pick me any day.

And eating organic is supposed to save you money? LOL?

And going solar is efficient and cost effective? Are you kidding me? Maybe if you're bringing in big buck and have no kids could you even think about affording solar panels. Which, look around you, most people are trying to figure out where their next meal is coming from while working two jobs. They're not thinking about solar panels.

I snoozed through the second half too. Her writing has a preachy undertone, and she's already assumed that I just blindly followed her advice and an now mad at the world! And I will be taking action! But the reality is that I'm not. And she's trying to tell me what I think (or what I should be thinking) and I'm not impressed. The tone of her book comes across more like she's preaching to the choir rather than trying to convince someone that they should begin to incorporate sustainability into their values. Which, considering that's the entire point of her book, is a little ironic.

But! She's allowed to live her life however she wants, and as long as she's not knocking down my door in the middle of night bc I use body wash instead of environmentally friendly soap, I'm okay with her message. If it helps someone be more sustainable, great! I already do a lot of the stuff she mentions: I shop second-hand, I reuse and recycle, I'm looking into composting technologies, I try to be energy efficient, etc, etc. I couldn't take more from her book unfortunately. She's got her research down, but I do hope that there's more research coming out on how well sustainability techniques actually impact the world.

[Cynthia Saul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant tips and research provided in this book by Ashlee Piper!
Her handbook provides fantastic ideas for living a better life and going Green!
Loved her modern, witty writing style. Refreshing and easy going.
Great research done in the author's book.
It was a joy to read and reflect upon.
5 Stars in every category-
1.) Research
2.) Helpful tips
3.) Thought provoking
4.) Writing style
5.) Edgy humor

[Shari Suarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you always wanted to live a more sustainable eco-friendly life but didn't know where to start? Then this is the book for you. Ashlee Piper has written an easy and humorous guide to making changes that help our planet.
It has a non-judgmental tone and the author encourages you to make easy shifts in your life to protect our planet.

[Kalie Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book is amazing! If you care about the planet at all and want to learn simple ways to help save Mother Nature, you need to read this book. Ashlee offers simple tips in a non-judgmental way. Some parts can be depressing or overwhelming, but that's the reality of our planet, and we all need to hear it.

[Cady · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 - finished this book feeling motivated to make some changes in my lifestyle to have a larger environmental impact. This book breaks changes down into easy, digestible steps, which is great for such a large daunting problem.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book!
Review to come.

[Karma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I am moving with a small list of actions that I would start doing to make my life greener. Thanks to Netgalley for a free copy of this book.

[Courtney Macfarlane · Rating 5 out of 5]

although there was no new ground breaking information for me (though beginners of sustainability will find some great information that is backed by legit sources) i still loved this audiobook, made even better by the author narrating it herself, and it did give me inspiration to be better at giving a shit and helped me form my 2019 goal of recycling smarter.
will be buying the physical copy to have as a resource and to share with friends!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with bit size tips on reducing your environmental impact. Piper is a proponent of doing what you can when you can but offers some accessible ways to start doing more. I'm buying this for sure since I can't keep my library copy forever with all its post-it notes.

[Sara Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give a Shit has really lit a fire in me to focus better on three of many of our goals: have less stuff, create less waste, live more sustainably. We know about the ever-growing need to take responsibility in the face of jaw-dropping denial over climate change. But to fully live environmentally conscious, more green, can be daunting. Feeling in awe of mega-dedicated recyclers -- from those who don't use plastic and swear off paper towels to those who've committed to buying only secondhand -- can sometimes overwhelm us in the face of our daily battles and in our desire to match their zeal. Ashlee's energy and delivery combats that fatigue by lifting the mood with personal stories that are funny and touching and ultimately inspiring and motivating. Ashlee's guidebook is full of hard facts as well as achievable and fun do-something-about-its in whichever area you are ready to be a little more planet friendly. And Ashlee delivers these morsels straightforwardly with more lightness and humor than seems possible for such a task. And even her recipes (and I have to admit her Crazy Creamy Mac and Cheese was my gateway into the book) have been tailorable to my own needs (gluten free in addition to dairy free) -- I swear I have not had such good mac and cheese, even when I ate dairy.

[L1ll14n · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is so much information out there on what we should be doing to help the environment and improve sustainability. It is often difficult to know whether what we do actually makes a difference. This book will help you get started with great tips and advice on effective actions to help the planet. This sets a good standard for everyday sustainability.
Advanced reading copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

[Lalaa #ThisBlackGirlReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is such a great guide on helping anyone, even me, live a more eco-friendly life. When you think of living eco-friendly, you're probably like me, you don't know where on earth to start, this book clears out all the fog and provides an easy guide for making the changes needed to make our planet a better place. I loved this book and it made me feel more powerful and gave me much needed inspiration about giving a shit!

[Lindsey Hegenauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible! I read this book twice in the first year and used it as a reference during my second year. Everyone should read this book. It might be overwhelming to some that don’t do anything sustainable but trust me when I say this book will help you. Ashlee Piper does an amazing job informing the readers about ways to be sustainable in different parts of their life while also not being judgmental. Please read this book? You won’t regret it💕

[Mona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with this book. Cant wait for it to be available in bookstores. It is such an amazing guide to sustainable living and is equally informative. P.s thanks to netgalley for providing me an ARC

[Julia Nowakowska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of good practices on how to live sustainable life. I enjoy that she included different situations : wedding, party, night-out, birthdays etc. I will come back to this book for piece of advice in future.

[Joao Reis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an introduction book to zero waste lifestyle using a modern give a shit or fuck language. Does not add much more than other books o the same purpose but it's more entertaining.

If you are new and curious to a more sustainable lifestyle then, by all means, jump in!!!

[Caroline Hardin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would give this book to Elle Woods at the beginning of Legally Blonde II. For someone who has been taking steps to be more sustainable for the past 10 or so years, this book was a review at best and exhausting in its peppiness at worst. TL;DR: ****I am not the target market****

[Tori G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read! It was quick paced and written in a very fun way so that you could learn important facts about the environment without feeling like you’re drowning in information. Definitely recommend if you want to start an eco friendly journey ♻️🌱💚