Rating: 
Summary: Strange omission
Review: This was an interesting enough book, if slightly repetitive. The best part about it was telling people not to sweat the small stuff like deciding between paper and plastic bags. But what I found particularly odd was that there was absolutely no mention of cigarettes anywhere. It's strange because tobacco is a crop like fruits and vegetables and therefore effects land use, water pollution, and stuff like that. It's clearly a personal health risk (cancer), and it may contribute to air pollution since there's tar and other toxic chemicals that are released into the air when they're smoked. I can't believe it's more important to eat organic foods than to stop smoking. Why such a glaring omission??
Rating: 
Summary: distinguishing the crucial from the trivial
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: A "Must Read" reference if you care about the environment!
Review: What is better for the environment - eating a chicken sandwich or a hamburger? (Neither, but chicken if you must.) Am I a good environmentalist because I have "Conserve Wildlife" license plate on my Sport Utility Vehicle? (No) Can I take five large suitcases for a three day trip and still feel good because I recycled my coke can this morning? (No) The "Consumer's Guide" answers these questions and also more subtle questions which come up if one is to choose correctly for the environment. It is a great resource that does not bog you down in numbers, but they are there if you want them. I am willing to bet that many a die hard environmentalists would have to alter their lifestyles and message if they read this book!
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