365 Ways to Change The World
365 Ways to Change the World: How to Make a Difference One Day At a Time (365 Ways) by Michael Norton is phenomenal! Not every idea listed is environmentally focused but many are. And those ideas that aren’t are still absolutely worthwhile. The book lists one idea for every day of the year. Some ideas are do-able in a day, some need more time. The ideas are divided into categories (such as human rights, and environmentalism). Though it can be rough to learn about the dark realities of this world (hunger, torture, pollution, etc.) the issues are too important to ignore. And if we don’t learn and act now it’ll be too late in the future. For example…I learned that eating shrimp is killing our oceans. Shrimp will not be easy to give up. Though, as I’m working on being a good vegetarian (again), the extra motivation to give up yummy seafood can only help, right? I highly recommend this book to everyone! It’s not one that will do much good if you just check it out from the library for a few weeks. I do recommend being smarter than I was: buy your copy used (it was a moment of weakness…books are my kryptonite)! Check PaperBackSwap, Craig’s List, and Amazon for a good used copy. Then read the ideas and act upon them! This book gets an A+!!! And here’s the official website. (PS- The link at the beginning of this post leads you to a preview of the book.)
The Future of Food
Mr. E and I watched The Future of Food this weekend. It was fascinating (and disturbing). We’re getting organic produce whenever possible now. It’s hard considering we live on a starving student budget. But some things are worth the extra cost. I’m willing to pay a little extra to have the satisfaction and comfort of knowing my food is local and healthy for my family and the planet. I was disappointed that the documentary didn’t cover the meat industry. It had a lot to say, but still, I would have appreciated some mention of factory farming. After all…it isn’t titled “The Future of Some Food.” But I give it an A nonetheless. It is gripping and educational. And it addresses an issue not many (including myself, until watching) understand.
The Gospel According to Larry
Update: The website has been revamped…though it still lacks excitement.
It’s been a while since I read The Gospel According to Larry (TGAtL) and its sequel Vote For Larry by Janet Tashjian. But I wanted TGAtL to be my first review here on Eco Elly’s. While not my favorite book ever I was quite fond of it. It was, if nothing else, mentally stimulating. The ideas of the main character are intriguing. And it’s a comfortable read. Tashjian’s style isn’t tiring or otherwise obnoxious. I think my favorite thing about the book is the main character’s commitment to only owning 75 items. It’s a goal I’ve often wanted to set for myself…but owning only 75 items as a teenager in your parents’ house and owning only 75 items as a functioning adult are two totally different ball games. When you move out and live on your own you have to own dishes, cookware, furniture, sheets, etc. and can’t just mooch of mommy and daddy anymore. But…TGAtL is still an inspiration! I may not be able to get down to 75 items…but I’d like to see just how low I can go. What about you? Can you treat your possessions like limbo? How low can you go?
TGAtL has a website. I wish I could tell you that the website is as cool as the book, but liars go to hell. ;)
I give this book an A-. I wouldn’t say it’s earth-shatteringly amazing but I would say it is pretty dang awesome. Go check it out! Literally! Check it out from your local library. Then if you decide you have to have it look for a used copy on Paperback Swap or Amazon.
