Review: The Green Year

We moms don’t have huge amounts of time to read. And while we’re trying to save the world, we have to do in between drop off and pick up, or maybe while we’re in between emails. So this is where The Green Year by Jodi Helmer, comes in handy. The book, which goes on sale December 2nd, promotes “365 small things you can do to make a big difference.” Each day, there’s an idea you can use, which doesn't suck up all your time.

Better yet, involve your kids and have them pick out ideas to implement. Here are a few of the kid-friendly ones.

January 15: turn off the tap when you’re brushing your teeth. Admittedly this is my pet peeve, and I still don’t understand how in California, with a water shortage, people let the water run while they’re brushing their teeth and cleaning dishes. Sure you need the water to rinse off the dish, but you don’t need to leave it on while you’re putting the dishes in the dishwater too.

January 22: store reusable shopping bags in the car. I know, I know. You forget they’re in there until you’re actually checking out. But if you put them with your grocery list, you won’t forget them.

March 29: research ecofriendly paint to use for your next home improvement project. I don’t think this one needs much explanation. Fumes anyone?

October 20 – donate used winter coats to charity. And you’re in luck, because I just blogged about a coat drive going on RIGHT NOW – and you can read the post here – One Warm Coat.

November 6 - ask about teleconferencing at the office. This holds for volunteer meetings too - no need to waste gas if you only need to be heard, not seen.

The book isn't rocket science, which means that the ideas are easy to implement. That's not a criticism of the book - it's a good thing. I don't have the concentration for rocket science these days.