Home Enlightenment: Practical, Earth-Friendly Advice for Creating a Nurturing, Healthy, and Toxin-Free Home and Lifestyle

by Annie Berthold-Bond

A comprehensive guide to creating a toxin-free, environmentally friendly home-with an eye toward bringing health and harmony to those living there and those on the earth as a whole. Recent studies show that nearly one-third of American adults, or 63 million consumers, care deeply about health and environmental issues and the realization of human potential through a unity of mind, body, and spirit. Appealing directly to the Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) market, this informative and practical guide helps readers tend to their living spaces in ecologically sound ways that protect the health and safety of their families and the world around them. From selecting weekly produce to purchasing a water-filtration system, from using a steam cleaner or non-toxic pest controls to adjusting the energy in a home with crystals and aromatherapy, Home Enlightenment examines the environmental impact of choices a consumer makes, and helps readers establish day-to-day practices and a lifestyle that bring healing and natural spirituality into their homes. The author, host of Annie's Healthy Living Network online, is one of the most trusted names in the health and environmental awareness field. Twice poisoned by chemicals as a young adult, Annie has become one of the champions of toxin-free living. Here she shares her story of recovery, renewal, and transformation as a guide for living in a healthier home environment.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction

544 pages, Hardcover

First published September 25, 2005

Reviews

[dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a great book to use as home and health reference guide if you are into that sort of stuff. the author can go over the top...even for me...rituals involving baths and chants and some very extreme stuff on going organic. but, she is well researched and a lot of her ideas are incredibly helpful. I actually bought the book after reading it and use it all the time. the cleaning fluid recipes work well and are easy to make. her ideas are not just for the home but for health--mind and body.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A It took me several months of reading this book at short spurts (often with dinner) but it is a fantastic read. At times, Bond gets a little hippity-dippity as V would say (with all the crystal stuff) but she has a lot of incredibly valid stuff to say and backs it up with why certain things are unhealthy, and alternatives. Best, she doesn't make you feel bad if you can't change things or assume you can--she realizes some people live on a limited budget in an apt/house they rent.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it fascinating to learn about green building materials and natural options for mattresses, carpets, furniture, clothing, etc. However, it is a bit overwhelming to read because it is stressful to learn about all the toxins in regular "stuff." But overall, it's good to know about for long term redecorating and purchasing goals.

[Kristina]

Definitely a good resource; I brought it back to the library so I could put it on a display about an upcoming program on environmental toxins (& how to avoid them), but I want to check it back out for a few of the recipes for bird food, pet care and home cleaning products. (You know, for those rare moments when I'm inspired to clean my home... :)

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book with lots of healthy "green" tips. Most practical, some a little too out there for me, but maybe I'm just not in tune with the energy of the rocks in my yard. It covers a lot of information, and has a great product guide in the back of the book.

[Emilysa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Living well is a constant battle as the world changes. She has a lot of great ideas and suggestions on how to make the home a healthier, more natural place. I will likely never go for everything she says, but I can try some of it.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time to face facts - I'm New-Agey.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some weird new age stuff-but amazing info.

[Martina · Rating 1 out of 5]

I applaud the concept and intentions behind the book, but find its execution sorely lacking and unenlightened. While (on the one hand), the author gives much weight and credence to metaphysical, new age concepts that find little support in the scientific literature, she (on the other hand) completely overlooks the significant research that has demonstrated the devastating effects of animal agriculture on our planet and health. I cannot reconcile the author's attempt to find spiritual fulfillment in keeping a healthy & nurturing home, with her repeated mention (and apparent support) of the use of animal products. I find nothing "enlightening" in her recommended life-style that includes eating animals and using animal products -- in a day and age when we ought to know better and no longer need to create our own happiness on the backs of the suffering of other sentient beings.

[Mark Miller Jr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great simple tips that I could immediately implement, shared this knowledge with clients and they all benefited from the book.