The Organic Suburbanite : An Environmentally Friendly Way to Live the American Dream

by Warren Schultz

In this one-of-a-kind guide, award-winning garden writer Warren Schultz, author of A Man's Turf, demystifies the world of organics with his trademark wit and extensive horticultural knowledge. First he explains the environmental and personal pitfalls of traditional, toxic household practices, then provides safe, natural, and easy alternatives. He tackles the tough issues facing today's suburbanites, such as cutting down energy use in the kitchen, what to use to unclog the bathroom sink, which cars create the least pollution, and whether to fertilize the lawn.In a beautiful, four-color design, The Organic Suburbanite addresses every inch of the home environment, from garden and garage to laundry and bath. The 80 vintage photographs provide a tongue-in-cheek look at life in the 'burbs and add a lighthearted touch to serious subject matter. Combining wit and practicality, The Organic Suburbanite is sure to become the essential organic handbook for suburban "homesteaders" across the country.

Genres: Nonfiction, Environment, Reference, Green

168 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2001

Reviews

[Robert Hudder]

I got this book when it was published in 2001 and have read it every now and then. When I first got it, this whole business of doing better for the planet was not quite there. Now, this information is readily available.

I read it for one last time and it will find a home in the local little libraries. Maybe someone who is more into paper will keep it well than I will.

[Eileen Dougherty]

The cute/kitschy retro photos make this a fun book to explore. There are a lot of good ideas about "going green" in this book, many of which I've seen elsewhere but some I've never heard of. This puts it all together into a handy, reference for the guilty suburbanite (like me) who is trying to reduce the impact of our lives on the local environment.

I am, however, questioning the author's use of certain chemicals to ward off pests in the garden. From my perspective, this is not organic thinking. Using natural enemies like ladybugs, bats and nematodes are earth-friendly alternatives. To me, chemicals in the garden is not organic.

[Chrystal]

This is a book that I checked out from the library but will soon be buying my own copy of. It was a phenomenal resource for all things green. I learned many many alternatives to everyday things that are harmful to the health of my family, pets and the environment. Prior to reading, I'd already started implementing a lot of the suggestions, but now I have many many more ideas to use in my home (and even in my classroom!) to keep things green, healthy and (financially) happy!

[Jennifer]

A few good tips, and a quick and easy flip-through type book. Probably more helpful if you care slightly more about your lawn/yard/exterior. The tips for the interior domestic stuff seemed pretty obvious to me. Avoid bleach. Use vinegar and baking soda for most cleaning. Buy organic, and focus on foods that cost less water overall (ie, veggies not beef). Three stars, though, because I love the vintage magazine ad photos which are the illustrations!

[Julie]

Nice gathering together of environmental ideas - and the vintage photos selected to illustrate this book are hilarious.
And the book completely got me when it said the true test to green living is how you deal with bugs and clogged sinks. I've been weak. I still own a toxic bug killer. And sink problems... well I the whole vinegar and baking soda thing. Yeah, I do it, but I miss the drano. I do.

[S]

I didn't realize this book was printed in 2001. Much of the 'cutting edge' green advice is now pretty much common knowledge. I ended up skimming through the book...the best part, IMO, were the photos. Most of them look like they're from the 50s/60s, and quite fun to look at.

All in all, not a bad book, but rather outdated.

[Reader]

This is a great intro book, but if you are into the topic there's not a lot you probably haven't heard before. Pictures are great and entertaining. I checked out from the library, but probably won't purchase.

[Cheryl]

Amy gave me this book when we bought our first house. It has great cleaning and house / yard tips for non-toxic alternatives. It also has charming pictures and is a little cheeky!

[Lauren]

The book has several interesting suggestions about decreasing your carbon footprint - includes info on natural pet care, and some natural cleaning tips for the home. Pretty good reference.

[David]

Ideas here that not only save money and the ecosystem, but your health as well.

[Molly]

Not a lot new here, but the design is fun. This would make a nice gift book.

[Tashie]

This is what I call "Common Sense for Housewives." Not many helpful oober green tips, just more "duh" moments for dumb people who don't understand their wasteful ways.

[H. Brown]

Love. This. Book. I hadn't pulled it out in a while, but it's still great 12 years after publication. A great, great resource and the vintage pix just make it that much better.

[Rowan]

Handy!!

[Danton]

seems as close to Fact as possible.