The Consumer's Guide to Effective Environmental Choices: Practical Advice from the Union of Concerned Scientists

I selected this book to teach in freshman college composition at our community college because current research shows American high school students are more challenged by informational reading, but this is a book by which informational reading can connect directly to everyday life. With this concrete connection to their lives, students have much material to write about at various levels ranging from concrete to abstract.

Students are challenged by the cause-effect implications in the book as well as by the numberical literacy involved in reading of various charts and graphs. I have provided worksheets and writing assignments to support student growth in this area. So far, the groans of the early part of the semester seem to give way to enthusiasm as students use the content and the resources in the appendix to develop their own research projects on topics ranging from Great Lakes Pollution to lightbulb or clothing choices.

Some might criticize this book for its lack of illustration--the current generation reads much more enthusiastically with visual enhancements to text. However, since the appendix provides lists of related Web Sites, students can easily find their own access to related pictures.

At first, I was disappointed that the authors did not discuss family size and population pressures in greater detail. But the three-page discussion that is included, roping off this area as one to be dealt with by individual couples with a right to their own faith and values, is sensitive and appropriate.

One other critique might address the vocabulary level: Although I find the range of vocabulary suitable but challenging for community college freshmen, a high school class would have more difficulty with it. Nevertheless, I chose this book as the one to give for graduation gifts last summer--no material could be of greater importance to the high school graduate setting out on his or her own into the world of environmental choice


An invaluable resource for everyday choices   June 10, 1999
Micahel Celaya (mcelaya@pop.jpl.nasa.gov) (Pasadena, CA)
17 out of 17 found this review helpful

Most people are willing to modestly alter their behavior on behalf of the environment. Many of us recycle, ride public transportation and try to conserve energy. What's not clear though, is how effective these and other measures are. What daily activity of ours is most damaging to the Earth? Is it driving, wasting water, or discarding paper napkins? Do we do greater harm by using disposable diapers than by eating red meat? The merits of many conservation efforts have been hotly debated, often with inconclusive results. The ensuing uncertainty has in some cases stalled public (and governmental) endorsement of otherwise sound environmental practices and diffused our will to act.

On the pages of their concise handbook Brower and Leon rid the air of much of this uncertainty. In a clear and dispassionate analysis they lay down the hard numbers that tell the truth: transportation, food production and household operations account for the great majority of environmental destruction at the hands of consumers. They emphasize, however, that between and within these broad categories there are great disparities. This makes consumer choice paramount. Just how we choose to live our lives matters a great deal to the Earth.

The authors identify the most significant environmental problems affected by consumer spending. "Alas," they note, "many of the things that cause most damage are pretty fundamental to the American middle class way of life." Radical change is not likely or in some instances even possible. Yet despite the trade-offs we face the authors show how responsible consumption is possible without drastic measures. In most cases their simple recommendations benefit the environment and our wallets. By focusing on those few activities that are most damaging Brower and Leon show us how we can reduce our impact without unnecessary anxiety.

Those seeking to go beyond personal change will find sound advice for promoting green technology and gently persuading friends and local institutions to assess their own consumer choices. A final chapter recognizes the fact that without the help of government our impact is limited. As the biggest polluter, the largest land owner, the greatest consumer, and the maker of laws government's choices carry the most weight. The authors describe four key government strategies to diminish its environmental burden that merit our support.

Apart from providing interesting reading, this consumer guide has proven an invaluable reference that I consult weekly as I learn the ultimate consequences of how I spend my money. I highly recommend it.


distinguishing the crucial from the trivial   November 10, 2000
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

We've all read well-intentioned books with titles something like "50 ways to save the earth." While all 50 ways listed might be at least marginally helpful, there was no way of telling from such books which ways were really helpful and which were more or less a waste of time and effort.

This book does just that. It is thoroughly researched and well thought out. If you want to read the most current thinking on what you as an individual can do right now to help improve the environment, this book is a great start.


Very interesting and easy to apply in your life   October 18, 2003
Roberto Giannicola (Walnut Creek, CA United States)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

This books is very good and gives clear updated information about what are the choices you can take in your life to avoid causing bad consequences to the environment.

They can easily be applied in your life, often saving you money too.

I feel that people need to be educated about the consequences and repercussions that their daily choices and lifestyles can cause. It is essential to realize that our children will not be able to live in the same beautiful environment we grew up into, if we don't revise our wasteful, egocentric and inconsiderate behavior.

Also check their web site, http://www.ucsusa.org/
a lot of information there as well.

Roberto


Wonderful information for concerned but confused consumers   May 10, 1999
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

The "Consumer's Guide to Effective Environmental Choices" offers an excellent and inspiring look at choices that we consumers make every day in a clear, objective and interesting way. The authors offer plenty of information to help concerned folks make decisions on a daily basis, keeping in mind that most people would rather focus on several changes in lifestyle that will make a big impact rather than worrying about small or negligible actions. They also suggest steps for improving policies of local, state and national government. Excellent resources are included for further information on a number of issues, including websites. This is an empowering, extremely practical book, which I would recommend for everyone, especially well-intentioned but guilt-ridden, overwhelmed people like me.