Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful information for concerned but confused consumers
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: An Invaluable Resource for Responsible Consumers.
Review: The Consumer's Guide to Effective Environmental Choices (CGEEC) is perhaps the most useful guidebook ever published for environmentally concerned consumers. It's divided into two parts: The first part (82 pages) describes the impact of typical consumer activities in terms of environmental damage and resources consumption. The second part (pages 83-178) identifies the specific actions consumers (citizens) should take to minimize environmental impact. Appendix A provides detailed descriptions of the research methods and statistical analysis, while appendix B is a comprehensive list and description of resources for consumers.
The CGEEC eminently useful because it is thorough without being unnecessarily detailed; Brower, et all, describe the overall environmental impact without going in the details of production (which might be interesting, but aren't very useful). In part I, Brower and his colleagues examining various catagories of activities (food consumption, transportation, waste disposal, housing, etc.), describing the environmental impact of specific behavior within each catagory. Precise statistical information is presented in the form of graphs and tables, which makes it easy for readers to reference. Using part I as a foundation, Part II provides specific actions consumer's should take to minimize environmental impact. This includes not just how consumer's spend money and use resources, but how citizens can effectively influence government policy. Boxes within the text provide specific examples of how individuals or small groups of people have had a tangible effect with personal behavior and sociopolitical influence.
The CGEEC is an invaluable resource because it is everything readers would want in a guidebook: informative, comprehensive, concise, practical, and highly readable. Another reviewer argued that the authors dismiss certain common consumer practices (specifically the choice of paper vs. plasitic grocery bags), but this exemplifies how useful this book is. By debunking the perceived importance of such fallacies [the authors reveal that the production and use of paper and plastic bags have comparable (and negligible) environmental impact], this empowers consumers to focus on behavior that is truly significant (diet, transportation, housing, etc.).
The Epilogue of the CGEEC is an essay by Strasser tracing the development of U.S. consumerism from it's origins in the industrial revolution to modernity. She reveals that public attitude towards consumerism has always been ambivalent. The conveniences and opportunities are appreciated by some, while others see it as dehumanizing. This denouement is germane because the argument made by the authors (convincingly) is essentially that the consumer system can be used and shaped in an environmentally (and humanely) responsible way. The CGEEC shows that we can maintain most of the convenience and comfort afforded by modern society, while minimizing environmental damage. Consumers have the ability to have a genuine, tangible influence and this book is an invaluable resource for environmentally conscientious citizens.
Rating: 
Summary: Thought-provoking
Review: This book is a guide to spending your money in a way that does less harm to the environment than the way you are spending it now. The authors began their book by undertaking a project to identify the greatest environmental problems caused by consumer activities, and find ways to measure which consumer activities cause the most damage. First, they gathered data about environmental problems, compared the data and analyzed the numbers. Through this research, they determined that the greatest environmental problems in the US related to consumer activities are air pollution, global warming, habitat alteration, and water pollution. Having determined the greatest environmental problems related to consumption, they then looked at all the ways a household consumes, and quantified the percent of the household's total environmental damage caused by each item on their list. This enabled them to determine which items on the list are most damaging. Another way they looked at consumption was to take the average cost of each item on the list, and calculate the environmental damage associated with each dollar of expenditure in that category. This is used to find which items on the list give us the worst bang for the buck. Based on these numerical calculations, the authors determined that the worst consumer activities that the average household engages in are cars and light trucks, meat and poultry, fruit, vegetables, and grains, home heating, hot water, and air conditioning, household appliances and lighting, home construction, and household water and sewage. With the worst activities identified in this way, they go on to make the following suggestions to address these specific items: choose a place to live that reduces the need to drive; think twice before purchasing another car; choose a fuel-efficient, low-polluting car; set goals for reducing your travel; whenever practical, walk, bicycle, or take public transportation; eat less meat, buy certified organic produce; choose your home carefully; reduce the environmental costs of heating and hot water; install efficient lighting and appliances; choose an electricity supplier offering renewable energy. The authors also point out some non-issues, like landfill space, paper vs. plastic shopping bags, disposable vs. cloth diapers, styrofoam cups, and cotton vs. synthetic materials for clothing. In each of these cases, either the environmental harm of the item is often played up out of proportion to the harm caused by other consumer activities, or the two choices are more or less equal in terms of environmental damage caused. The authors argue that if we really want to make a difference, we need to focus our efforts on the big items, like transportation, food, and housing, rather than on these minor items. There's no sense putting a lot of effort into using cloth napkins instead of paper while ignoring the fact that you have an old water-hog clothes washer and an electric full-time water heater in a room lit by incandescent bulbs. The authors also include a chapter on priority actions government should take to decrease damage to the environment. There is an epilogue by Susan Strasser covering the history of consumption in America, an appendix, where the authors describe their research methods and results, a second appendix providing resources for concerned consumers, footnotes citing sources of data and statistics, and an index. Overall, I found the book quite interesting. In reading the appendix covering the methods and results, I am not completely convinced I agree with all of their methodology. In general though, the results the authors come to are plausible. One direction I would like to investigate next is to complete the cost-benefit analysis. In this book, the authors mainly focus on costs- -what are the environmental costs of each activity? But what if we were to focus on benefits instead, and ask, what are the environmental benefits of taking each action that they suggest? For example, if all Americans gave up their private cars and trucks tomorrow in favor of public transit and bikes, the environmental benefits would be obviously tremendous. But what would happen if all Americans became vegetarians tomorrow? How would the environmental impact shake out then? It would be interesting for the authors to do a follow-up study that quantifies potential environmental improvements based on each type of consumer action aimed at reducing environmental costs. These results could be compared with the costs of the associated actions to the consumers in terms of money and time. Then we would have even better answers about prioritizing our actions aimed at lessening our environmental load.
Rating:
Summary: Thought-provoking
Review: This book is a guide to spending your money in a way that does less harm to the environment than the way you are spending it now. The authors began their book by undertaking a project to identify the greatest environmental problems caused by consumer activities, and find ways to measure which consumer activities cause the most damage. First, they gathered data about environmental problems, compared the data and analyzed the numbers. Through this research, they determined that the greatest environmental problems in the US related to consumer activities are air pollution, global warming, habitat alteration, and water pollution. Having determined the greatest environmental problems related to consumption, they then looked at all the ways a household consumes, and quantified the percent of the household's total environmental damage caused by each item on their list. This enabled them to determine which items on the list are most damaging. Another way they looked at consumption was to take the average cost of each item on the list, and calculate the environmental damage associated with each dollar of expenditure in that category. This is used to find which items on the list give us the worst bang for the buck. Based on these numerical calculations, the authors determined that the worst consumer activities that the average household engages in are cars and light trucks, meat and poultry, fruit, vegetables, and grains, home heating, hot water, and air conditioning, household appliances and lighting, home construction, and household water and sewage. With the worst activities identified in this way, they go on to make the following suggestions to address these specific items: choose a place to live that reduces the need to drive; think twice before purchasing another car; choose a fuel-efficient, low-polluting car; set goals for reducing your travel; whenever practical, walk, bicycle, or take public transportation; eat less meat, buy certified organic produce; choose your home carefully; reduce the environmental costs of heating and hot water; install efficient lighting and appliances; choose an electricity supplier offering renewable energy. The authors also point out some non-issues, like landfill space, paper vs. plastic shopping bags, disposable vs. cloth diapers, styrofoam cups, and cotton vs. synthetic materials for clothing. In each of these cases, either the environmental harm of the item is often played up out of proportion to the harm caused by other consumer activities, or the two choices are more or less equal in terms of environmental damage caused. The authors argue that if we really want to make a difference, we need to focus our efforts on the big items, like transportation, food, and housing, rather than on these minor items. There's no sense putting a lot of effort into using cloth napkins instead of paper while ignoring the fact that you have an old water-hog clothes washer and an electric full-time water heater in a room lit by incandescent bulbs. The authors also include a chapter on priority actions government should take to decrease damage to the environment. There is an epilogue by Susan Strasser covering the history of consumption in America, an appendix, where the authors describe their research methods and results, a second appendix providing resources for concerned consumers, footnotes citing sources of data and statistics, and an index. Overall, I found the book quite interesting. In reading the appendix covering the methods and results, I am not completely convinced I agree with all of their methodology. In general though, the results the authors come to are plausible. One direction I would like to investigate next is to complete the cost-benefit analysis. In this book, the authors mainly focus on costs- -what are the environmental costs of each activity? But what if we were to focus on benefits instead, and ask, what are the environmental benefits of taking each action that they suggest? For example, if all Americans gave up their private cars and trucks tomorrow in favor of public transit and bikes, the environmental benefits would be obviously tremendous. But what would happen if all Americans became vegetarians tomorrow? How would the environmental impact shake out then? It would be interesting for the authors to do a follow-up study that quantifies potential environmental improvements based on each type of consumer action aimed at reducing environmental costs. These results could be compared with the costs of the associated actions to the consumers in terms of money and time. Then we would have even better answers about prioritizing our actions aimed at lessening our environmental load.
Rating:
Summary: distinguishing the crucial from the trivial
Review: This book is challenging but worthwhile for young people of college age, the ones inheriting our environment in the next century, for better or worse. On my first reading, I was struck by the motivating use of concrete examples and the effort by the authors to make complex issues clear. Most important, this book addresses the central ethical choices we are making each day which affect our environment, choices we too easily make without being aware of their implications. 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
Rating:
Summary: a wonderful resource for educators
Review: This book is challenging but worthwhile for young people of college age, the ones inheriting our environment in the next century, for better or worse. On my first reading, I was struck by the motivating use of concrete examples and the effort by the authors to make complex issues clear. Most important, this book addresses the central ethical choices we are making each day which affect our environment, choices we too easily make without being aware of their implications. 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
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: This book is well reasoned and scientific (if occasionally self-contradicting). It's a great start for the Ford Expedition-driving suburbanite who is having pangs of guilt. But underlying most of its methodology and conclusions is an attitude of "let's not be too inconvenienced by this environment thing." A disappointing approach from an organization that I respect. Overall, a useful contribution but not a book to live by if you are serious about the environment.
Rating:
Summary: A great practical book for the environmentally-concerned
Review: This book, written by two PhD scientists, documents and explains what actions consumers can take to help the environment. Unlike some other books on the subject, it is not just a laundry list of ideas...The authors have built a model which attempts to assess the environmental impact of various consumer products ranging from refrigerators to diapers.
The basic conclusions are that some things are worth worrying about (e.g., what kind of car you drive and how much you drive, how energy-efficient your house and the major appliances you own are, what sort of food you eat). Others are not (e.g., "paper of plastic", cloth or disposible diapers, occasional use of disposible cups and silverware). Perhaps the best summary of the conclusions is provided by Denis Hayes (Chair of Earth Day 2000) as quoted on the back cover: "Too many people drive their Land Rovers to the grocery store and think 'paper or plastic' is a meaningful choice. [This book] will help you to distinguish the crucial from the trivial and make choices that are congruent with your values."
I found this book to be an excellent attempt to assess the environmental consequences of one's lifestyle choices. It is not the last word on the subject, of course. No such study is perfect. However, the results are cogently and honestly presented (and with good humor too). I think it sets a new high standard for discussions about how to protect the environment through your purchases.
Rating:
Summary: Very interesting and easy to apply in your life
Review: 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
Rating:
Summary: Good, practical resource for sound environmental choices.
Review: This is a book about choices. Many people are convinced that they should live in ways that are less harmful to our earth-home, but the task of deciding how to do that can be overwhelming. In this book Michael Brower and Warren Leon help us to focus our efforts. They identify a relatively small number of choices about how we choose to live, that control most of the impact we have as individuals on this planet. Of course, this does not make the choices easier - although it is encouraging to learn that some of our choices have relatively little impact. But it does help us focus, so that we understand where to spend the time and effort necessary to come to sound environmental decisions.
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