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Minimal: How to simplify your life and live sustainably
Love yourself. Love the planet.
We are facing an urgent climate crisis and we must all take action now. However, it can be difficult to know where to start when bombarded with overwhelming facts and statistics every day. We all want to make a difference, but what can we do?
Minimal makes simple and sustainable living attainable for everyone, using practical tips for all areas of everyday life to reduce your impact on the earth. Leading environmentalist Madeleine Olivia shares her insights on how to care for yourself in a more eco-friendly way, as well as how to introduce a mindful approach to your habits. This includes how to declutter your life, reduce your waste and consumption, recipes for eating seasonally and making your own natural beauty and cleaning products.
Learn how to minimise the areas that aren't giving you anything back and discover a happier and more fulfilled life, while looking after the Earth we share.
We are facing an urgent climate crisis and we must all take action now. However, it can be difficult to know where to start when bombarded with overwhelming facts and statistics every day. We all want to make a difference, but what can we do?
Minimal makes simple and sustainable living attainable for everyone, using practical tips for all areas of everyday life to reduce your impact on the earth. Leading environmentalist Madeleine Olivia shares her insights on how to care for yourself in a more eco-friendly way, as well as how to introduce a mindful approach to your habits. This includes how to declutter your life, reduce your waste and consumption, recipes for eating seasonally and making your own natural beauty and cleaning products.
Learn how to minimise the areas that aren't giving you anything back and discover a happier and more fulfilled life, while looking after the Earth we share.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published April 22, 2020
109 people are currently reading
1750 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
January 10, 2020
While this book is wonderful (hence the initial thought of giving it 5*), it has some not-so-great moments, such as when the author suggests that, to show we don’t want plastic wrapping on our food, we make a point of taking all the plastic off our food at the checkout and leave it there. Maybe don’t make more mess for staff to clear up. There’s better ways to make your point.
January 29, 2020
Good book, but little new information about minimalism and sustainability. The bit about leaving plastic packaging at the till, didn't quite sit right with me. It isn't necessarily the supermarket's fault and I fail to see how it would solve anything.
It is great for motivation, if you are stuck in a rut.
It is great for motivation, if you are stuck in a rut.
August 30, 2021
TL;DR: This rating would be 3-stars if it weren't for Madeleine Olivia's irresponsible use of facts and skincare advice. I do recommend this book as it's a quick and easy intro to sustainable living and the overall presentation is endearing. BUT, be very critical of the claims Madeleine Olivia is making and what areas she is qualified to give advice on (e.g. consult a dermatologist or esthetician before using essential oil in your DIY skincare)
ON CLAIM-MAKING: When reading, be mindful and critical of which claims are cited and which are not. Madeleine Olivia regularly cites facts about the environmental impacts of consumption, but makes other claims with no sources at all. This is concerning when the claims are surrounding health advice like specific benefits of DIY skincare ingredients or how aluminum in deodorant apparently alters estrogen receptors in breasts (pg. 154).
The latter claim, especially, is something that should not be thrown around without reputable scientific sources. This was the only fear-mongering type claim that stood out to me, but it's still concerning that so much research went into educating the audience about environmental impacts compared to how flippantly health advice was provided. Madeleine Olivia simply states it is important to avoid aluminum in deodorant because of it's impact on estrogen receptors, but does not acknowledge that research suggests the amount of aluminum being absorbed in the body is too minimal to have an impact on your health. The American Cancer Society has a page talking about this claim if it had you worried: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-...
ON DIY SKIN-CARE: There is a big DIY skincare and clean beauty push in the sustainable living realm of the internet, but sometimes DIY/clean beauty is worse for the environment, ineffective, or unsafe. For example, pure essential oils are often irritating to your skin and lots of DIY recipes don't really do what they claim because they haven't been specifically formulated for that purpose. Using an overripe avocado on your face won't cause you any harm, but it probably won't do much other than make you look like Shrek (but please don't do this with food that's still good to eat -- it's just a waste). Other ingredients like lemon could seriously harm your skin.
I'm not against DIY skincare. Non-comedogenic oils work as great alternatives to expensive, package heavy makeup removers (if followed by an actual cleanser) and certain raw ingredients will actually do what they say. But, definitely be critical of this section and do your own research on what will be good for your skin. Especially if you have serious skincare concerns, a DIY routine will likely not address them in the way you need (speaking from experience :()
If you don't have access to a skincare professional (same :(), there are plenty of dermatologists and estheticians on YouTube who provide more qualified advice. I would recommend Cassandra Bankson - she is a medical esthetician that uses cruelty-free/vegan skincare and is more eco-conscious than some others.
ON "MAKING A POINT" ABOUT PLASTIC USE: At one point, Madeleine Olivia recommends unwrapping produce and leaving the plastic in the store to make a point. This is just rude to service workers and likely won't make its way up the ranks of the store to be able to make a point. Similarly, she recommends sending your empty packages to skincare companies to make a similar point. The only point this makes is that you are willing to buy the product despite the plastic. A better way to make a point to brands is sending emails or letters expressing your concerns -- that has a better chance of making it to the ears of the people who matter.
GENERAL REVIEW:
This book reads like a series of blog posts. I've seen reviews criticizing this, but I think this feature is the book's greatest strength. Yes, you could probably find a lot of this information online (but isn't that the case for most lifestyle books?), but this book puts everything you'd find in several different Google searches into one neat book that you can regularly reference. If you want a tips for a certain area of sustainable consumption, you can pull out this book whenever you need instead of Googling and reading a bunch of different blog posts on the topic every time you want a refresher.
Madeleine Olivia uses a very accessible, conversational tone which you will either find annoying or endearing. I found it endearing. Everything is also broken down into headings and lists. This makes the book easy to skim. If you don't want all the fluff, you can easily skim the headings and lists and then read the parts that stand out to you.
Despite my critiques and low-rating, I would still recommend this book. It's simple, easy to read, and includes a variety of tips on sustainable living that will be helpful to beginners and a good reference for experienced low-wasters just looking for a reminder.
ON ECO-CONSCIOUS LIVING:
Low-waste living is a really important aspect of responding to our various environmental crises, but eco-friendly consumption is not going to change the world. If this book left you excited to take care of the environment, please take your learning further to learn about the different ways you can support climate and environment action through donations, lobbying and other forms activism, etc.
ON CLAIM-MAKING: When reading, be mindful and critical of which claims are cited and which are not. Madeleine Olivia regularly cites facts about the environmental impacts of consumption, but makes other claims with no sources at all. This is concerning when the claims are surrounding health advice like specific benefits of DIY skincare ingredients or how aluminum in deodorant apparently alters estrogen receptors in breasts (pg. 154).
The latter claim, especially, is something that should not be thrown around without reputable scientific sources. This was the only fear-mongering type claim that stood out to me, but it's still concerning that so much research went into educating the audience about environmental impacts compared to how flippantly health advice was provided. Madeleine Olivia simply states it is important to avoid aluminum in deodorant because of it's impact on estrogen receptors, but does not acknowledge that research suggests the amount of aluminum being absorbed in the body is too minimal to have an impact on your health. The American Cancer Society has a page talking about this claim if it had you worried: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-...
ON DIY SKIN-CARE: There is a big DIY skincare and clean beauty push in the sustainable living realm of the internet, but sometimes DIY/clean beauty is worse for the environment, ineffective, or unsafe. For example, pure essential oils are often irritating to your skin and lots of DIY recipes don't really do what they claim because they haven't been specifically formulated for that purpose. Using an overripe avocado on your face won't cause you any harm, but it probably won't do much other than make you look like Shrek (but please don't do this with food that's still good to eat -- it's just a waste). Other ingredients like lemon could seriously harm your skin.
I'm not against DIY skincare. Non-comedogenic oils work as great alternatives to expensive, package heavy makeup removers (if followed by an actual cleanser) and certain raw ingredients will actually do what they say. But, definitely be critical of this section and do your own research on what will be good for your skin. Especially if you have serious skincare concerns, a DIY routine will likely not address them in the way you need (speaking from experience :()
If you don't have access to a skincare professional (same :(), there are plenty of dermatologists and estheticians on YouTube who provide more qualified advice. I would recommend Cassandra Bankson - she is a medical esthetician that uses cruelty-free/vegan skincare and is more eco-conscious than some others.
ON "MAKING A POINT" ABOUT PLASTIC USE: At one point, Madeleine Olivia recommends unwrapping produce and leaving the plastic in the store to make a point. This is just rude to service workers and likely won't make its way up the ranks of the store to be able to make a point. Similarly, she recommends sending your empty packages to skincare companies to make a similar point. The only point this makes is that you are willing to buy the product despite the plastic. A better way to make a point to brands is sending emails or letters expressing your concerns -- that has a better chance of making it to the ears of the people who matter.
GENERAL REVIEW:
This book reads like a series of blog posts. I've seen reviews criticizing this, but I think this feature is the book's greatest strength. Yes, you could probably find a lot of this information online (but isn't that the case for most lifestyle books?), but this book puts everything you'd find in several different Google searches into one neat book that you can regularly reference. If you want a tips for a certain area of sustainable consumption, you can pull out this book whenever you need instead of Googling and reading a bunch of different blog posts on the topic every time you want a refresher.
Madeleine Olivia uses a very accessible, conversational tone which you will either find annoying or endearing. I found it endearing. Everything is also broken down into headings and lists. This makes the book easy to skim. If you don't want all the fluff, you can easily skim the headings and lists and then read the parts that stand out to you.
Despite my critiques and low-rating, I would still recommend this book. It's simple, easy to read, and includes a variety of tips on sustainable living that will be helpful to beginners and a good reference for experienced low-wasters just looking for a reminder.
ON ECO-CONSCIOUS LIVING:
Low-waste living is a really important aspect of responding to our various environmental crises, but eco-friendly consumption is not going to change the world. If this book left you excited to take care of the environment, please take your learning further to learn about the different ways you can support climate and environment action through donations, lobbying and other forms activism, etc.
March 26, 2024
Some interesting points, a bit repetitive. Great beginners guide if you want to really change lifestyle.
January 9, 2021
Listened to the audiobook from my local library!
I’ve really been getting into non-fiction listening within the last six months or so and Madeleine’s book Minimal was a great listen. There are some great tips included on how to shop more sustainably and advice about going vegan and cutting single-use plastic out of your everyday life. It’s so important to have educational reads out there that really open up your eyes and mind to the current environmental changes in the world (climate change, increased usage of landfills, plastic in the oceans etc) so this will be a book I’ll re-visit in the future and make some important life changes for my future!
EDIT: The author Madeleine had treatment for an eating disorder which is discussed in the book.
Added to my book Wishlist for 2021.
I post more bookish content on the following social media apps!:
Twitter- www.Twitter.com/AllyBookKnot
Instagram- www.Instagram.com/alicetiedthebookish...
I’ve really been getting into non-fiction listening within the last six months or so and Madeleine’s book Minimal was a great listen. There are some great tips included on how to shop more sustainably and advice about going vegan and cutting single-use plastic out of your everyday life. It’s so important to have educational reads out there that really open up your eyes and mind to the current environmental changes in the world (climate change, increased usage of landfills, plastic in the oceans etc) so this will be a book I’ll re-visit in the future and make some important life changes for my future!
EDIT: The author Madeleine had treatment for an eating disorder which is discussed in the book.
Added to my book Wishlist for 2021.
I post more bookish content on the following social media apps!:
Twitter- www.Twitter.com/AllyBookKnot
Instagram- www.Instagram.com/alicetiedthebookish...
December 27, 2024
Nothing new I got from this book. Most of the information already accessible on the Internet and other resources. But I appreciate that Madeline really went into minimalism & sustainable lifestyle herself. So, what she wrote is can be accounted.
The book contains with tips and recipes to anyone who want to switch their lifestyle. It’s quite easy to follow actually, but I didn’t feel engaged since I live in Indonesia as middle-class worker so I already a “minimalist” and live frugally by default. Some tips like “travel locally” also something I put a doubt since there are many “scam” happened here. I prefer to go outside Indo (the airplane ticket is waayyy affordable)
I was so close to purchase the book from Kinokuniya (it IS expensive) and luckily I didn’t follow my desire (I ended up checking it out from library) 😓🙏
The book contains with tips and recipes to anyone who want to switch their lifestyle. It’s quite easy to follow actually, but I didn’t feel engaged since I live in Indonesia as middle-class worker so I already a “minimalist” and live frugally by default. Some tips like “travel locally” also something I put a doubt since there are many “scam” happened here. I prefer to go outside Indo (the airplane ticket is waayyy affordable)
I was so close to purchase the book from Kinokuniya (it IS expensive) and luckily I didn’t follow my desire (I ended up checking it out from library) 😓🙏
May 16, 2022
I didn't think I had much to say about this book, and then I wrote almost 4,000 words about it. You can read the full review here. For now, here's the tl;dr version.
What I Liked
-The writing was simple and therefore accessible to a broader audience.
-It's a good primer/introduction to the concept of minimalism and sustainability.
-A variety of recipes are included, and most people could probably find at least one they're interested in trying.
What I Didn't Like
-The writing was at times too simple, and rife with problems in repetitiveness, being overly wordy, punctuation errors, misused words, and just technical issues in general.
-The citations are a mess and don't follow any actual citation style. They are also wildly inconsistent and sometimes missing important information for anyone trying to track down her sources.
-A lot of claims are not cited at all.
-A significant portion of the advice offered in this book does not account for the limitations or differing lifestyles of her readers, despite being marketed as a comprehensive guide to minimalism for everyone.
-The same flow chart is used four times.
-There are a lot of strange things in this book, such as telling readers to reuse broken dishes by putting the shards at the bottom of a plant pot, but never explaining why. She also recommends unwrapping packaging and leaving it at the till to send a message about wanting less plastic on our products, which demonstrates an enormous level of ignorance about how these industries work, as well as a lack of respect for the likely overworked and underpaid staff at her local shops.
-Two pieces of advice are outright dangerous. Olivia tells readers they should avoid using items that can't be recycled, and then her list of examples includes medical needles, something that absolutely no one should feel guilty or wasteful about needing. She also tells readers they can disinfect chopping boards by rubbing a lemon on it, but lemon juice is not a disinfectant, so this is a really good way to get food poisoning.
Overall, the book was poorly written, the research is questionable, and the advice is often inaccessible and ends up saying a lot about the author's privileges and lack of insight into how the average person lives. I can't recommend it or rate it any higher than a 1-star because following the aforementioned dangerous pieces of advice could genuinely get someone killed.
What I Liked
-The writing was simple and therefore accessible to a broader audience.
-It's a good primer/introduction to the concept of minimalism and sustainability.
-A variety of recipes are included, and most people could probably find at least one they're interested in trying.
What I Didn't Like
-The writing was at times too simple, and rife with problems in repetitiveness, being overly wordy, punctuation errors, misused words, and just technical issues in general.
-The citations are a mess and don't follow any actual citation style. They are also wildly inconsistent and sometimes missing important information for anyone trying to track down her sources.
-A lot of claims are not cited at all.
-A significant portion of the advice offered in this book does not account for the limitations or differing lifestyles of her readers, despite being marketed as a comprehensive guide to minimalism for everyone.
-The same flow chart is used four times.
-There are a lot of strange things in this book, such as telling readers to reuse broken dishes by putting the shards at the bottom of a plant pot, but never explaining why. She also recommends unwrapping packaging and leaving it at the till to send a message about wanting less plastic on our products, which demonstrates an enormous level of ignorance about how these industries work, as well as a lack of respect for the likely overworked and underpaid staff at her local shops.
-Two pieces of advice are outright dangerous. Olivia tells readers they should avoid using items that can't be recycled, and then her list of examples includes medical needles, something that absolutely no one should feel guilty or wasteful about needing. She also tells readers they can disinfect chopping boards by rubbing a lemon on it, but lemon juice is not a disinfectant, so this is a really good way to get food poisoning.
Overall, the book was poorly written, the research is questionable, and the advice is often inaccessible and ends up saying a lot about the author's privileges and lack of insight into how the average person lives. I can't recommend it or rate it any higher than a 1-star because following the aforementioned dangerous pieces of advice could genuinely get someone killed.
February 23, 2021
I think that this is a good beginners guide to sustainability, but I did find it really repetitive. Also, a lot of the things that were mentioned were things that I already knew, but I can't really blame the book for that. Good for beginners, but not so much for people who already do a lot of these things.
November 2, 2020
Pretty Book 📚 I kind of had a hunch not to waste my money on it, especially when trying to limit my Book buying! But I went with it, and yeh got bored to be honest.
Concept is basically a Kon Mari approach with some zero waste slapped in like how to make your own products or what you can use instead of! Fair enough!
Some moments was like Ok don’t just dump all the bathroom products use them first and then on a next page it’s like if your not going to use that moisturiser then empty it wash the bottle and recycle! 😆
Or cooking from scratch well I’ve seen your YouTube you buy those awful packets of vegan sausages or burgers or whatever that’s not cooking from scratch!
Or yeh the moment you leave all the plastic at the check out!
Yeh sorry wasn’t for me what I shame I never listened to my inner voice most likely will end up on a charity shop
Shelf x
Concept is basically a Kon Mari approach with some zero waste slapped in like how to make your own products or what you can use instead of! Fair enough!
Some moments was like Ok don’t just dump all the bathroom products use them first and then on a next page it’s like if your not going to use that moisturiser then empty it wash the bottle and recycle! 😆
Or cooking from scratch well I’ve seen your YouTube you buy those awful packets of vegan sausages or burgers or whatever that’s not cooking from scratch!
Or yeh the moment you leave all the plastic at the check out!
Yeh sorry wasn’t for me what I shame I never listened to my inner voice most likely will end up on a charity shop
Shelf x
January 16, 2020
3.5
I feel like its handy for my shelf (for cleaning recipes and checking seasonal food) and enjoyed the read. However, I disagree with the remove the packaging at the till. It won't send a message it will just be swept into a bin and not even reported to management. Buy package free if you can. Voting with your money is probably the best thing you can do.
I feel like its handy for my shelf (for cleaning recipes and checking seasonal food) and enjoyed the read. However, I disagree with the remove the packaging at the till. It won't send a message it will just be swept into a bin and not even reported to management. Buy package free if you can. Voting with your money is probably the best thing you can do.
February 27, 2022
This book is very aesthetically pleasing. The pink cover, lowercase letters. The page numbers are on the side instead of the bottom, the layout is very nice and there some nice doodles inside.
The content was just okay. I mean you can find all of this online but it’s nice to have it all in one place. I liked the addition of skincare recipes and other alternative skincare products.
The minimal aspect can be described as Marie Kondo for millennials. (I’m still wary of someone who doesn’t keep books in their house)
There were a couple cringey things in here. One being when the author suggested unwrapping the food products in the store and pilling it all on the till for the cashier. I really hope she doesn’t actually do that.
The content was just okay. I mean you can find all of this online but it’s nice to have it all in one place. I liked the addition of skincare recipes and other alternative skincare products.
The minimal aspect can be described as Marie Kondo for millennials. (I’m still wary of someone who doesn’t keep books in their house)
There were a couple cringey things in here. One being when the author suggested unwrapping the food products in the store and pilling it all on the till for the cashier. I really hope she doesn’t actually do that.
March 23, 2022
Audio book companion while I was decluttering last couple of weekends.
Planning to read again when it's time to make more sustainable changes...
Planning to read again when it's time to make more sustainable changes...
September 16, 2025
girl, it's a book about minimalism...we don't need your makeup routine.
July 25, 2022
2020 review- I’ve watched Madeleine Olivia on YouTube for the best part of a year now and when she announced she was writing a book on how to live sustainably and ethically, I couldn’t wait. Being the eager beaver I am I raced to Waterstones and brought it the day it was released.
It’s taken me a while to get through it to be honest, but that’s generally life that just annoyingly keeps taking my time away from reading it. And honestly reading the last chapter of self care was very much an important reminder to oneself that if we don’t look after ourselves, we get burnout. So thank you for the reminder Madeleine! (Working a lot of overtime to pay for our deposit of our first home).
For the past couple of years I have heard more and more conversation of living ethically, living a more sustainable lifestyle. Now I’m going to hold my hand up here and say that I never really took an interest in it until I somehow fell upon M.O’s YouTube channel. I don’t know why I suddenly became interested, but I just did. As I watched more of her videos, I began to take more of an interest into this whole sustainable living way of life and why it’s so important. Of course I care about the planet just like everyone else. I recycle just as much as everyone else does. Heck we only have one planet and we have to take care of it the best we can.
But it’s not enough. I said to my partner the other day, discussing the possibility of having children and how it scares me to think what sort of world would we bring up our children? Would the planet and it’s people be able to survive In the next 50 years or so, or will it all end in disaster because we all haven’t listened and acted to the evidence that is piling up about climate change and it’s unethical and unsustainable ways of current living?
But moving onto the book itself. I love it. I personally am not a fan of pink books but this is just right. I have the hardback and the fact that the book was made with recycled paper makes me love it even more. I love the design layout and it’s illustrations which help break up the book so it doesn’t feel like a chore to read. The actual contents of the book was very interesting to read about. I love that she gives you suggestions to think about when swapping from one thing to another. I.e. wardrobe and fast fashion chapter. I recently talked about this with my best friend and she is also another buddying human who is wanting to make more ethical and sustainable life choices. And there was me thinking I wouldn’t be able to find someone to connect about this with. For our birthday this year we have planned out a birthday day of shopping where instead of buying fast fashion and products, we plan on buying for our homes ethical products and clothes that we only need and want. And I’m so looking forward to it.
I’m trying to be a better person, but not just for the planet and for future generations to come but also for my self. To teach myself how I can be a better contributor to the planet and for my future children. I’ve already started making better life changes and choices and I can only hope that I will continue to grow with living more ethically and sustainably.
It’s taken me a while to get through it to be honest, but that’s generally life that just annoyingly keeps taking my time away from reading it. And honestly reading the last chapter of self care was very much an important reminder to oneself that if we don’t look after ourselves, we get burnout. So thank you for the reminder Madeleine! (Working a lot of overtime to pay for our deposit of our first home).
For the past couple of years I have heard more and more conversation of living ethically, living a more sustainable lifestyle. Now I’m going to hold my hand up here and say that I never really took an interest in it until I somehow fell upon M.O’s YouTube channel. I don’t know why I suddenly became interested, but I just did. As I watched more of her videos, I began to take more of an interest into this whole sustainable living way of life and why it’s so important. Of course I care about the planet just like everyone else. I recycle just as much as everyone else does. Heck we only have one planet and we have to take care of it the best we can.
But it’s not enough. I said to my partner the other day, discussing the possibility of having children and how it scares me to think what sort of world would we bring up our children? Would the planet and it’s people be able to survive In the next 50 years or so, or will it all end in disaster because we all haven’t listened and acted to the evidence that is piling up about climate change and it’s unethical and unsustainable ways of current living?
But moving onto the book itself. I love it. I personally am not a fan of pink books but this is just right. I have the hardback and the fact that the book was made with recycled paper makes me love it even more. I love the design layout and it’s illustrations which help break up the book so it doesn’t feel like a chore to read. The actual contents of the book was very interesting to read about. I love that she gives you suggestions to think about when swapping from one thing to another. I.e. wardrobe and fast fashion chapter. I recently talked about this with my best friend and she is also another buddying human who is wanting to make more ethical and sustainable life choices. And there was me thinking I wouldn’t be able to find someone to connect about this with. For our birthday this year we have planned out a birthday day of shopping where instead of buying fast fashion and products, we plan on buying for our homes ethical products and clothes that we only need and want. And I’m so looking forward to it.
I’m trying to be a better person, but not just for the planet and for future generations to come but also for my self. To teach myself how I can be a better contributor to the planet and for my future children. I’ve already started making better life changes and choices and I can only hope that I will continue to grow with living more ethically and sustainably.
January 30, 2020
It made me feel motivated to start living a more minimal and sustainable life. Useful tips I’m definitely going to use. It also made me rethink more about my actions. Especially the focus on food waste, clothes and decluttering sparked some joy in me. It did however feel a bit repetitive near the end of the book with a lot of the same tips repeating itself.
This book is more like a guideline to help you get started, keep you motivated and inspired to live the most minimal and sustainable life you can afford. Perfect on the coffee table and to inspire others as well.
This book is more like a guideline to help you get started, keep you motivated and inspired to live the most minimal and sustainable life you can afford. Perfect on the coffee table and to inspire others as well.
June 9, 2020
only took notice of this for the first time because the book was super pretty and surprisingly also available at my library, but i ended up really enjoying it (for the most part). obviously with any books giving advice on topics you already know a bit about there will be things you can skim through, things you don't think are necessary and some things you don't agree with but overall this was a really nice read to sort of get myself in the mood to declutter, make some changes & improve my mental state because, you know, the world is on fire.
November 24, 2021
This book is a great introduction to the world of eco minimalism.
Madeleine provides great advice on how to declutter and how we can all reduce our environmental footprint.
The book is divided into sections, including health/beauty, fashion, travel and food.
There are loads of great tips, tricks, receipes and guides which I will definitely be coming back to in the future when needed.
However, there were a couple of pieces of advice I didn't agree with. Including, taking the plastic of food and leaving it at the supermarket tills to make a statement. Its not the fault of the low paid cashier that your bananas come in plastic. So, don't make more work for them. Writing to the company or using social media to get in contact with them is a much better way to get your point across.
Also, as a volunteer in a charity shop, please check what your local shops take. Madeleine never mentions that some shops don't take electronics, kids clothes, linen etc. So one of the most sustainable things you can do is to ring the shop first and ask what they do or don't take and what they may really need or don't require at the moment.
The book also got quite repetitive at times. I'm sure some of the advice was repeated again and again in the book.
This book finishes with a selection of self care tips, which I wasn't sure were particularly relevant but we're nice nonetheless.
Overall, if you are just starting your journey into being more sustainable and wanting to decultter in an environmentally friendly way, this is the right book for you.
Madeleine provides great advice on how to declutter and how we can all reduce our environmental footprint.
The book is divided into sections, including health/beauty, fashion, travel and food.
There are loads of great tips, tricks, receipes and guides which I will definitely be coming back to in the future when needed.
However, there were a couple of pieces of advice I didn't agree with. Including, taking the plastic of food and leaving it at the supermarket tills to make a statement. Its not the fault of the low paid cashier that your bananas come in plastic. So, don't make more work for them. Writing to the company or using social media to get in contact with them is a much better way to get your point across.
Also, as a volunteer in a charity shop, please check what your local shops take. Madeleine never mentions that some shops don't take electronics, kids clothes, linen etc. So one of the most sustainable things you can do is to ring the shop first and ask what they do or don't take and what they may really need or don't require at the moment.
The book also got quite repetitive at times. I'm sure some of the advice was repeated again and again in the book.
This book finishes with a selection of self care tips, which I wasn't sure were particularly relevant but we're nice nonetheless.
Overall, if you are just starting your journey into being more sustainable and wanting to decultter in an environmentally friendly way, this is the right book for you.
January 10, 2020
I adored this book. Madeline makes everything easy to understand and implement but also makes you feel like you can make a huge contribution to the world and your own happiness if you make these changes. It's really cleverly laid out, and totally non-judgmental. It's the kind of book you probably end up reading once a year to check back in and get new ideas! There are also gorgeous illustrations throughout. Love that it's made of recycled paper. <3
May 3, 2021
Finally, a book about sustainability and minimalism that acknowledges that the starting point of everyone is not the same. I really like how the author points out the problems we are facing right now about climate change, but she understands that not everything she does or proposes works or is accessible to some people. Although some of the ideas are not new, I really like how the author delivers her messages, with practical solutions.
February 4, 2021
Great tips on how to be more sustainable
An easy read with some great tips and how a few small changes (some which I've already implemented) can make a big difference. Some parts weren't relevant for me at the moment but definitely a book you can come back to.
An easy read with some great tips and how a few small changes (some which I've already implemented) can make a big difference. Some parts weren't relevant for me at the moment but definitely a book you can come back to.
June 25, 2020
Does what it says really. Love the recipes and tips
December 14, 2020
This was really decent and I like Madeleine a lot. Definitely more aimed at beginners but still useful even if you think you know a bit more already
February 25, 2025
A light, accessible self-help book about focusing on what really matters with belongings, relationships, selfcare, etc. Take what you like and leave the rest!
May 21, 2020
This was a very easy to listen to non fiction book and has giving me some great ideas for living more sustainable and to reduce my affect on the planet
November 14, 2020
If you want to know what the experience of being preached to by a teenage zealot is like, then this is the book for you. Probably the author is a bit older than that, but it is not clear that with increased age has come wisdom and maturity. There are major problems facing us and our future due to our unsustainable economic practices, our ever-increasing overconsumption of our natural resources, and the growing damage from our waste production. Individually as and as a society we are going to have to face and tackle these problems and I had hoped this book might make useful reading in this regard.
If I had the problem of not knowing what to do with all the skin foundation preparations I had, or what to do with all the hair conditioners on my shelf, or perhaps being troubled by the number of shoes I owned, or if I had a difficulty in resisting buying new fashionable outfits, then this book may have had some utility. It seems aimed at a group who have been excessively consuming and now want to deal with the guilt from that. It provides ways to make minor changes that will have imperceptible effects, but which might assuage your guilt and perhaps even afford a little bit of smugness.
Food, fashion, and cosmetics are the principal areas covered. I can't imagine many people did not know much of the content prior to reading this book. Possibly I am wrong but I don't think you will be amazed to discover that an empty bottle can be used to hold a candle, or a jam jar can be re-purposed into a pencil and pen holder. If you are then you are going to be amazed to discover that a mug with a broken handle can also be used as a pen holder. There is also an unpleasant tendency to see the "decluttering" aspect of the advice as an excuse to buy again - make space to repeat the purchasing. There is an inordinate amount of time telling the reader where to buy vintage fashion, second-hand clothes and other fashion items. The jolly nature avoids dealing with the big issue we have to consume less not just consume differently.
The writing is light and irritating; often using six or seven adjectives in a list when the point was as easily made with one. There are innumerable lists, most of which are unnecessary. What there is very little of is information. The information presented is glibly presented as fact and there is no recognition of areas which are contentious or difficult. Ten minutes in front of an open browser window would provide more information.
Maybe I am too mean. Perhaps this is the only way to make headway with the fashion conscious, skin cleansing, cosmetic and beauty obsessed youth. But if you are not in that group I think you are unlikely to take anything away from this book.
If I had the problem of not knowing what to do with all the skin foundation preparations I had, or what to do with all the hair conditioners on my shelf, or perhaps being troubled by the number of shoes I owned, or if I had a difficulty in resisting buying new fashionable outfits, then this book may have had some utility. It seems aimed at a group who have been excessively consuming and now want to deal with the guilt from that. It provides ways to make minor changes that will have imperceptible effects, but which might assuage your guilt and perhaps even afford a little bit of smugness.
Food, fashion, and cosmetics are the principal areas covered. I can't imagine many people did not know much of the content prior to reading this book. Possibly I am wrong but I don't think you will be amazed to discover that an empty bottle can be used to hold a candle, or a jam jar can be re-purposed into a pencil and pen holder. If you are then you are going to be amazed to discover that a mug with a broken handle can also be used as a pen holder. There is also an unpleasant tendency to see the "decluttering" aspect of the advice as an excuse to buy again - make space to repeat the purchasing. There is an inordinate amount of time telling the reader where to buy vintage fashion, second-hand clothes and other fashion items. The jolly nature avoids dealing with the big issue we have to consume less not just consume differently.
The writing is light and irritating; often using six or seven adjectives in a list when the point was as easily made with one. There are innumerable lists, most of which are unnecessary. What there is very little of is information. The information presented is glibly presented as fact and there is no recognition of areas which are contentious or difficult. Ten minutes in front of an open browser window would provide more information.
Maybe I am too mean. Perhaps this is the only way to make headway with the fashion conscious, skin cleansing, cosmetic and beauty obsessed youth. But if you are not in that group I think you are unlikely to take anything away from this book.
February 9, 2020
This book is a comprehensive guide to sustainable living (which involves minimalism, veganism, plastic-free living and many other practices), but a very pleasant one. It's helpful, practical, positive, informative and just so damn pretty. I will be revisiting it again and again looking for advice, motivation and inspiration.
January 21, 2021
This book is a really good starting point if you want to learn how every choice, as individuals, we make every day affect not only the planet but also our mental well-being. It’s pretty basic and if you’re already pretty well informed on this topic (through social media, documentaries, etc), none of it is really new information to be honest.
The recipes for the vegan meals, for cleaning product alternatives, and the table of alternatives for sustainable home items are super helpful though and I’ve made a note of them on my phone for future reference!
But I must admit some things the author was saying I thought was a bit ridiculous, such as the suggestion we should start emptying fruit / veg from its plastic packaging at supermarkets and leaving the packaging at the till "to send a message” like, what? How is that helpful to anyone? All you’re doing is creating more work for the shop floor staff, I highly doubt the CEOs will get the message.
Another topic I had an issue with was skincare alternatives. You should absolutely not make your own "DIY” skincare!!! Some natural face masks are an exception, but there are a professionals for a reason - so much could go wrong in doing this and you will more than likely end up damaging your skin barrier. Also suggesting everyone replaces their heavy foundation with bb cream isn’t helpful, not all of us are blessed with naturally flawless skin!
It was a nice little read but I feel like I didn’t learn anything mind-blowing
The recipes for the vegan meals, for cleaning product alternatives, and the table of alternatives for sustainable home items are super helpful though and I’ve made a note of them on my phone for future reference!
But I must admit some things the author was saying I thought was a bit ridiculous, such as the suggestion we should start emptying fruit / veg from its plastic packaging at supermarkets and leaving the packaging at the till "to send a message” like, what? How is that helpful to anyone? All you’re doing is creating more work for the shop floor staff, I highly doubt the CEOs will get the message.
Another topic I had an issue with was skincare alternatives. You should absolutely not make your own "DIY” skincare!!! Some natural face masks are an exception, but there are a professionals for a reason - so much could go wrong in doing this and you will more than likely end up damaging your skin barrier. Also suggesting everyone replaces their heavy foundation with bb cream isn’t helpful, not all of us are blessed with naturally flawless skin!
It was a nice little read but I feel like I didn’t learn anything mind-blowing
January 28, 2021
This book was repetitive and seemed to lack identity on what it was trying to discuss. Its the Kon Mari method, a vegan cookbook, a cleaning guide, a beauty guide, all wrapped up under the topic of sustainability. The end section on self care suggests essentially 3 basic tips which are repeated in different ways to form an entire "section". The structure and content seem muddled throughout with lack of clear narrative and constant switching of formats.
The author repeatedly persuades readers to declutters but then keeps mentioning turning tin cans, glass jars and anything else it would seem into pen pots (possibly to create a pen pot army or perhaps the author just has a serious unaddressed pen addition).
I did enjoy the research done on how to tell if makeup and clothes were environmentally and ethically sound. But I feel I could have conducted this research by myself.
Overall, the book is easy to read and relatively pleasant, but there is no information within that I found particularly interesting or even that was a new idea.
If you are beginning your first steps into looking at the world around you and your impact upon it, give it a go - might be helpful.
The author repeatedly persuades readers to declutters but then keeps mentioning turning tin cans, glass jars and anything else it would seem into pen pots (possibly to create a pen pot army or perhaps the author just has a serious unaddressed pen addition).
I did enjoy the research done on how to tell if makeup and clothes were environmentally and ethically sound. But I feel I could have conducted this research by myself.
Overall, the book is easy to read and relatively pleasant, but there is no information within that I found particularly interesting or even that was a new idea.
If you are beginning your first steps into looking at the world around you and your impact upon it, give it a go - might be helpful.
March 28, 2020
(3.5*)
I read this book quite pleasantly. Great for beginners in this journey and written in a very understandable and smooth way. However, I am deeply disappointed by the suggestion to leave your plastic packaging at the supermarket till to send a message (??). What kind of message is this exactly? If I go to a cafe and the only dessert they have is lemon pie which I despise, do I send a message to the management by ordering the pie and then throwing it on the floor for the staff to clean? I don't think so. Very irresponsible thing to promote, which kind of shows the author's point of privilege.
I read this book quite pleasantly. Great for beginners in this journey and written in a very understandable and smooth way. However, I am deeply disappointed by the suggestion to leave your plastic packaging at the supermarket till to send a message (??). What kind of message is this exactly? If I go to a cafe and the only dessert they have is lemon pie which I despise, do I send a message to the management by ordering the pie and then throwing it on the floor for the staff to clean? I don't think so. Very irresponsible thing to promote, which kind of shows the author's point of privilege.
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