Inspiration and Practical Information Whether You're New to Sustainable Living or Well On Your Way
351533
As someone who has been moving towards a more sustainable food supply and household for the last 5 years, I have read many, many books on these subjects. I still found some fresh ideas in this great book, and I wish it had been written 5 years ago--it would have saved me a lot of trouble! Whether you're wondering if you should start to make some changes or you're already  committed to the lifestyle, you'll find much useful information  here.  For beginners, there are practical tips on implementing good first steps such as reducing your reliance on plastics, understanding the importance of organic food, and avoiding packaging and other waste at home or on the go. If you've already implemented some of the basics, you will find motivation and inspiration to keep on going while still remaining compassionate and helpful to those who are not on the same track. Chapter 15, Cultivating Sustainability from the Inside Out, was particularly helpful in this regard. It reminded me of the thought processes I went through in the beginning of my journey and reminded me that other people who come into my house may still be back at that thinking stage--or maybe not even there yet. What can I do to help them along and support them? What information will motivate them rather than discourage them or make them feel bad about their choices? The tone is always compassionate and thoughtful. A very handy resource!
1014758
Your Wilder Nature is an excellent pocket guide for new and seasoned nature buffs.

I wish, I had this guide early on, to expand my understanding of just how impactful a connection to nature could be. Now as a seasoned Nature buff, I love how this guide offers so many ways I can connect in a deeper and more meaningful manner.

I especially like the chapter entitled, Earth Walk. Daian gives her personal experiences and then offers ways to take your own journeys in the safest and most meaningful way. Lots of instructions and encouraging examples of connecting to Soul through explorations in nature.

The author shares her wealth of experience in a way that entices you to choose one of her methods and get out the door tracking soul.
4853564
This is a wonderful book that contains a self-guided step-by-step program, and thought provoking and inspiring materials that helped me gain a deeper connection and appreciation for the natural world around me.  Gorgeously illustrated and includes lots of exercises that helped expand the way I see and think about the natural place in which I live.

I know that there are individuals, groups and other organizations that have used this as a basis to create their own Exploring Sense of Place program that helps them connect with their bioregion. As a busy professional, I found this book to be easy-to-use and beautifully written.
2957731
Ellen Rondina's book "Self-Care Revolution" is a practical guide to being your best. Ellen's conversational writing style invites the reader to take steps toward setting and achieving goals, all while being encouraged to believe that it is possible no matter the barriers in our way. Ellen describes her personal experiences on the journey to daily self-care practices; all of which serve as examples of strategies and results. If you are interested in beginning, strengthening, or updating your self-care journey, you will be pleased to have this reference full of useful and empowering reminders. You will want to join the Self-Care Revolution and bring others along as well!
1831733
Very practical suggestions on living and eating healthier
2616555
This is a wonderful book because it embodies the author's philosophy of life - it's more than just a DIY book, it's a guide to a way of life that is more creative, fulfilling and easier on the planet. Very inspiring! And the projects are great too!
4078789
I bought this book a few weeks ago, and ever since then, I have been referring to it nearly each day. The book is eight chapters long with eight 'tips' on how to be more green! The first chapter is all about becoming aware of our world, and going green. The second and third chapters focus on beauty and makeup as well as exercising - These two chapters are the ones I constantly refer back to. Not only does Uliano suggest many different eco makeup brands, but she also has recipes for making your own beauty stuff. The exercise section is terribly good, and I like the fact that it is simple, and clearly costs little.

The rest of the book focuses on shopping habits, greening your home, food, and as well as eco holidays. The sections on shopping and greening your home have been very helpful to me, as is the food section. I'm not planning a holiday soon, but when I do, I'll know to make sure it is eco friendly! I have found this book simple and easy to read, and use. There is nothing in this book that is challenging or hard to do, thankfully. And the author's fun style of writing keeps me interested too!

I would highly recomend this book to anyone who is interested in going green, beautifully!
911547
Get a copy of this book and be prepared to be inspired!  The book is very well organized and easy to follow.  You don't know what you don't know until you've seen this book!  The Universal Design Toolkit is such a valuable source of information on practical adaptations that can be incorporated into a new or existing home.  There are ideas in this book that you've never thought of and solutions to problems you thought you had to live with.
Whether you're looking for ideas to age in place or need  to make adaptations to your current living space to accommodate a new disability, this book will guide you through the process.

Rosemarie and her husband Mark have done so much research on the subject.  There is a practical insight that comes from living with a disability and building a home from the ground up that is so powerful.  A visitor to their beautiful home would never know that it is constructed to enable a disabled person to function independently!  They have thought of everything and their home is so functional that you wonder why aren't all homes constructed like this.  This book tells you how to go about making this dream come true.  They've gathered all the information you need in one place.
My husband and I are retired physicians in our seventies.  We recently downsized to a ranch home but it could be so much more functional for us as we age if the builder had planned ahead!  This book gives you that information and knowledge is power!

I highly recommend this book!
Carol Hostetter
2820428
As someone struggling to live an eco-friendly, Green lifestyle, this book was just what I needed to read at the time. I could truly relate to the author's struggles to set regular goals and see whether she could meet them or not.

The lists at the beginning of each chapter were also helpful references for me and provided new information (and, wow, did I need it) to up our attempts at Green living. The engaging, personal writing kept this book from being dry. The author went FAR beyond what we were able to accomplish (yes, we still own a car and even a refrigerator) but we are actually imagining a day when we could live close enough to work to use the car less often (or not at all). In that regard, the book is inspiring.

Even if you are a pro at living the eco-friendly lifestyle, you might want to pick up this book. The writer's style will keep you thoroughly engaged. I felt like I was part of a discussion, rather than reading a "how to" book.
1260823
I really enjoyed reading this book.  It gives good information and options for suburanites that want to lead more sustainable lives. The author managed to give enough detail in each section without going overboard.  As she says there are lots of books devoted to each of these topics, she just tries to show how best to adapt these principles to an everyday suburban home.  I loved her style of writing; it kept me entertained throughout.
4142885
Great book for anyone who's really serious about caring for the earth and living sustainably and in harmony with it.
4097409
In Golden Age, Golden Earth, Anni Sennov gives us a guide to using our planet's energy and our own energy in tandem to unlock our truest spiritual being. This an inspiring and uplifting guide for anyone that believes in auras and the metaphysical. I am increasingly exploring more spiritual avenues to life and found this book to be engaging, informative, and practical. While there may be skeptics out there, I think that even they might be able to relate to Sennov's ideas of energy.

I would have given this book 5 stars, but there were some parts that were a little wordy and akward. Sennov is a Scandanavian author and I assume that there are some ideas/words that do not translate easily. I would still read this again and recommend to others!
1687614
"Nowtopia" is an inspiring glimpse of the exciting cooperative work being done by environmental and social justice activists to build a sustainable, life-affirming, liberatory society. From bicycle activism to community gardens, biodiesel to permaculture, Chris Carlsson chronicles the various ways ordinary people are challenging the free market economy and reclaiming the commons. As a social ecologist, I especially appreciate how Carlsson interconnects the ecological crisis we are in with class issues like environmental racism and corporate globalization. As such, I encourage you to read this delightful book and then go out into the world and plant some seeds!
4916019
Loaded with great information ! An investment that will help save money down the road but more importantly help move towards a more sustainable way of living. A must buy !
3117212
This book is an invaluable asset for anyone interested in learning about sustainable living and agriculture or even anyone who is an environmental enthusiast. This book is going to change the way America as a nation and the world as a whole view the entire agricultural industry. The practicality and humility this book is written with is striking and refreshing. Read on and let us join in on the green revolution!
2117836
Going green, creation care, saving the planet--the motives are powerful in millions of individuals and families around the world. But where do we start? Everybody's got at least one or two good ideas.

First, it's wise to start with the facts. What's needed in our sphere of influence? What's happening in regions close to home--and half way around the world? Where ARE those grasslands we're trying to preserve? Where ARE those forests that we need to protect?

The Nature Conservancy, founded in 1951 and focused on taking a science-based approach toward environmental issues, is the overall "author" of this lavish volume from University of California Press. It's new for the spring of 2010, so the global information in these 80 full-color maps is as up-to-date as possible.

Here are examples: Want to see the spots on Earth with the greatest surviving mammal diversity? They're here in easy-to-understand color. Where are the Earth's small but crucial "dots" of protected marine life? They're shown here. Where are freshwater invasive species a threat? You'll see global patterns.

Invest in this book, show it to friends, discuss it in your small group--even bring it to Bible study in your congregation to show where Creation care is most crucial right now.
259934
This is an outstanding resource for women who are health/eco-conscious or wanting to become greener in their lives.  As a biomedical instructor I can assure you that Pilar Bueno does a fabulous job of discussing the health risks such as toxic shock syndrome as well as the chemicals associated with the commercial products that could cause cancer, hormone disturbances and infections.  She points out that a woman will over 15,500 products in her lifetime and add 3kg of waste to the landfill every year.  That is a lot of waste of which a good percentage has ended up in certain areas of our oceans (24,000 plastic applicators in 2009 according to oceanconservancy.org).

 I absolutely love how the author goes into great detail discussing the alternatives (organic sanitary towels, cup, reusable towels, reusable tampons, sea sponges, and making your own pads).  She answers many questions including where to purchase these alternative items!!  I also loved the bonus at the end of eating healthy and taking care of you to minimize PMS! It is a wealth of knowledge for any woman wanting Eco-friendly alternatives to improve their health during their menstruation cycle!  Excellent!