Book: How bad are bananas: The carbon footprint of everything
Author: Mike Berners-Lee
Review: At the start of this great book, the author explains that he's not set out to write a preachy polemic about the merits of a low carbon lifestyle, however instead is set on myth-busting several misconceptions about the 'carbon cost' of everyday activities in order that we can all enjoy a genuinely informed debate on the issue. I think he succeeds beautifully at this and has produced a hugely well researched reference book which I personally learnt a great deal from. Who knew for example that synthetic materials are far preferable in carbon terms to natural fibres in clothing, and that the average plastic bag actually has a significantly lower 'carbon debt' than a paper one. Readers are likely to enjoy the light, humorous tone of the book, whilst equally appreciating the meaningful and important statistics it shares. Definitely an informative, educational and enjoyable read for green geeks and bookworms alike.
Score: 3.5 out of 5!
Book: Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet
Author: Bill McKibben (2010)
Author: Mike Berners-Lee
Review: At the start of this great book, the author explains that he's not set out to write a preachy polemic about the merits of a low carbon lifestyle, however instead is set on myth-busting several misconceptions about the 'carbon cost' of everyday activities in order that we can all enjoy a genuinely informed debate on the issue. I think he succeeds beautifully at this and has produced a hugely well researched reference book which I personally learnt a great deal from. Who knew for example that synthetic materials are far preferable in carbon terms to natural fibres in clothing, and that the average plastic bag actually has a significantly lower 'carbon debt' than a paper one. Readers are likely to enjoy the light, humorous tone of the book, whilst equally appreciating the meaningful and important statistics it shares. Definitely an informative, educational and enjoyable read for green geeks and bookworms alike.Score: 3.5 out of 5!
Author: John Naish (2008)
Review: A fascinating insight into the
psychology, sociology and consequences of rampant consumerism by the health
lifestyle correspondent of The Times, John Naish. Naish walks us through the
early days of human evolution, when our greed and competitiveness gave us an
advantageous evolutionary edge, to the modern day when it seems, ultimately, to
be hampering our wellbeing due to its toll on our wallet, lifestyles and
psychology. The book contains fascinating statistics and tit bits of
useful information for armchair environmentalists like me, to chew on, ponder
and regurgitate to interested souls. A quick, easy and informative read for
anyone intrigued by the ins and outs of the consumer plague that seems to be afflicting
our curious species.
Score: 3.5 out of 5!
Book: Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet
Author: Bill McKibben (2010)
Review: Even though ‘Eaarth’ is already slightly out of date, with
environmental statistics, science and technological advances moving so fast, it’s a fascinating book which paints a detailed and compelling picture
of our pressing macro and micro climate challenges and potential solutions, in
places ranging from Vermont where McKibben lives to multilateral summits such
as the COPs and Rios of the world. As an American journalist, author
and campaigner he can be forgiven for writing for a predominantly American audience, but I
do confess to feeling a little frustrated about the lack of European references.
I felt there was plenty of scope for more details about the Transition Town movement in the UK, and some of the many pioneering and successful renewables community ownership schemes in Scandinavia and Germany for example. However, he writes well and has definitely done his sociological and scientific
research; overall I came away frightened, enlightened and even more determined
to make a worthwhile contribution to the sustainable future we must all forge
from here on.
Score: 4 out of 5!
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