Go
Green, Live Rich ,
by David Bach with Hillary Rosner (Read by the author
and Oliver Wyman)
Placed above the title on the CD box, so
it really doesn't qualify as a subtitle is the additional
title: "50 Simple Ways to Save the Earth (and Get
Rich Trying)," and that is the only thing that
is confusing or ambiguous about this mighty little audio
book. David Bach of "…Finish Rich" fame
is once again trying to improve the lives of consumers
by offering sound advice. The message in this audio
book is that by taking any of 50 different actions to
live in a more environmentally friendly way, not only
will we improve the quality of life on Planet Earth,
but we will save or make money.
The book is divided into different "green
areas," with my favorite being "Raising a
Green Baby." No, he's not advocating adopting frogs
or importing Martians, he's talking about making "Going
Green" a family value by making choices in childcare.
These will make children healthier and ultimately shape
the decisions about the environment that they will make.
His other advice ranges from energy conservation to
consumerism to health maintenance to investment strategies
to philanthropy. Many of his tips are obvious, but some
are less so. By eating less meat, not only could we
improve health by reducing fat and cholesterol, but
our choice could have an effect on greenhouse gas emissions
because fewer cows would be creating less methane. He
goes beyond the expected directive to give statistics,
examples and in many cases, Web links for further information.
When he talks about the 40 pounds of junk mail each
American receives per year, he also gives directions
for getting off catalog and junk mail lists. He points
listeners to his Web site where he has a "Latte
Factor" calculator that can be used to determine
how much money could be saved by various fast food,
beverage or lunch choices.
This is a book to be listened to many times,
because it is packed with ideas and motivation. It's
a perfect book for family listening, since even very
young children can contribute to the effort to save
the planet. This book would make a great gift, because
the message is heartfelt -- not condescending or preachy
-- while the advice is timely and crucial. Bach urges
listeners to take action and experience the peace of
knowing we are doing something to save the planet, while
making us healthier and richer. It's a no-brainer. Immensely
informative and enjoyable!
Ruth
Mormon
11/21/08
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