mulling it over

no impact man. by colin beavan

i have been trying to figure out how to post about this book for over a week. that is right, i have been writing this post in my head for a week...... here is why: i want you to read it. and i know that most of you (my brother, my mother....okay, all my family) will dismiss it because it confirms what you really believe: that i am really that crunchy.

there is has been said.

i want you to read this book.....

what can i write to compel you to read it? how can i spin it? how can i sell it?

i can't.

i will only tell you what i thought.... the decision is yours but so far this is the best book i have read this year.....

he and his family (wife -prada wearing, cappuccino drinking, take-out ordering - plus toddler) try and go off the grid for a year....in new york city.

no trash.

no waste.

no impact.

want to read it yet?

of course not..... that is merely strange and crazy but a slightly fascinating prospect.

he is a good writer. he is honest. he is not preachy (but has moments and knows it). he is informed. and he is funny.

he starts the project because he realizes that he is a bleeding heart, liberal, environmentalist that actually doesn't know about re-usable grocery bags. he realizes that he is all words and no action. so he tries to see what it would be like to try and have a zero carbon footprint for an entire year.... it is fascinating.....it is fascinating because of what he learned, what he gave up, what is sustainable over the long term, what he finds out about himself & his family....... what he learns about life & living. the gave up tv and discovered marital conversation and friends.... can you imagine that?!

i was challenged.

if only to look at how much trash my family produces and evaluate how we can diminish that.

it is worth your time.

there..... so if or when you ever read this.... i would love to know what you thought.... and what kind of changes you can make, have made, are willing to make.

i'll keep you posted on mine.

i have given it to my husband to read (well, once i get it back from the library that is) so this can become a family discussion.

my goals:

produce less trash.

compost.

try not to buy new things.... and evaluate the stuff we do "have" to buy.

continue pursuing sustainable eating.