simple + green

Here at simpleandgreen.net, we tend to plan out the books we read. My interests run the gamut, and include a good dose of fiction. Nowadays, I tend to gravitate towards all the ways we can improve our environment and lives. Right now I’m putting together the list of books I really want, and these top the list.

1. The Not So Big Life: Making Room for What Really Matters - Sarah Susanka. I’m giving this to my wife for Christmas. Architect Sarah Susanka is the author of the ‘Not So Big House’ series which focuses on creating homes that are better not bigger. She believes in the “simplicity of life by eliminating the clutter and enjoying every aspect of life to the fullest.” That sums us up nicely!

Here is an excerpt from the review that reflect the book’s intent:

Our schedules are chaotic and overcommitted, leaving us so stressed that we are numb, yet we wonder why we cannot fall asleep at night. In The Not So Big Life, Susanka shows us that it is possible to take our finger off the fast-forward button, and to our surprise we find how effortless and rewarding this change can be.

2. Slow Is Beautiful: New Visions of Community, Leisure And Joie De Vivre by Cecile Andrews. This books sounds great:

Slow Is Beautiful analyzes the subtle consumer, political and corporate forces stamping the joy from our existence and provides a vision of a more fulfilling life through the rediscovery of caring community, unhurried leisure, and life affirming joie de vivre.

This is an ideas book! And one that can also serve as a blueprint to creating that simpler life, slower pace and rich existence. I’m drawn to this one.

3. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Living (Complete Idiot’s Guide to) by Trish Riley. The starter guide! Even if I was an expert, I’m sure there would be a reason to read one of these guides. There is always room to learn, enhance knowledge or at least keep up with what people are writing about green living. In case you need a summary of what the book is about:

The environmental movement and rising awareness of global warming have sparked an interest in green living. People want to know what they can do to live sustainable lives. In this book, you will find an overview of global warming and environmental degradation of air, water, and soil; what sustainable living is and how to do it; how to cut down on carbon output (the cause of global warming) with alternative cars and fuels; and environmentally friendly home and lawn care products.

Like the “Dummies” series, these books can be a very valuable way to learn about a subject. Anything from gambling to… green living! This looks like a solid, comprehensive resource for green living. The user reviews are positive, and the areas she covers sound fascinating.

The one disadvantage to a guide like this is relevance. Once published, unless the author has a website, any updates would come in the next edition. Relevant green living information changes often enough to warrant regular updating. Which is why simpleandgreen.net and other eco/green-centrics sites are so important. And busy!

In some future post, I’ll list favorite books that have nothing to do with either green living or simplifying ones life. Just for contrast…