A Green Reading List

Reading is one of my favorite pastimes; it can be done anywhere, anytime and with little to no planning, prepping or scheduling. The summer season especially begs for a tall stack of books and your favorite iced beverage, then head for the hammock, your favorite lounge chair, the pool, the beach or a quiet corner of the house. Here are just a few "green" reads to add to the stack, some new, some classic. Instead of buying new, consider supporting our local library or the local bookstore for great used selections. Or host a book swap with your friends for a fun gathering. Happy Reading!

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson

The classic revelation about chemicals, modern living and the priorities of the human race.

Hot, Flat and Crowded by Thomas L. Friedman

Friedman's newest book addresses the issues of destabilizing climate change and rising competition for energy. He proposes the implementation of a new national strategy in order to not only save the planet, but also make America healthier, richer and more secure.

Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by William McDonough and Michael Braungart

The authors argue that the conflict between industry and the environment is not without a solution. They suggest old practices of the Industrial Revolution must be replaced by a new approach that allows nature and commerce to fruitfully co-exist.

The Carbon Diaries: 2015 by Saci Lloyd

This book was chosen as the 2009 winner of the Green Book Festival (check out their website for additional titles). Lloyd's novel details the futuristic world of 16-year-old Laura Brown, who lives in a carbon-constrained U.K. where everything from heat to transportation to the daily shower is regulated by government-issued points.

The Green Collar Economy by Van Jones

Jones, founder of the Free For All organization, explores the twin crises of our day: economic downturn and environmental devastation. He argues that the two crises are interlinked, and that pursuing green industry will bring prosperity.

Go Green, Live Rich: 50 Simple Ways to Save the Earth and Get Rich Trying by David Bach and Hillary Rosner

Bach, the author of several New York Times Bestsellers, focuses on how helping the earth can coincide with smart financial choices. One reader described the book as "not a bunch of touchy feely, mumbo jumbo, but real world solutions that show why going green is just plain smart."

A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold

Nature writing classic mixes essay and editorial as it explores the personal and political sides of preservation.

The World Without Us by Alan Weisman

How would our planet respond without the relentless pressure of human presence? Drawing on the expertise of engineers, atmospheric scientists, art conservators, zoologists, oil refiners, marine biologists, astrophysicists, religious leaders and paleontologists, Weisman illustrates what the planet might be like today, if not for us.

The Green Teen by Jenn Savedge

Author of "The Green Parent," this book caters to the rising generation. She gives realistic and simple guidelines on how young people can get involved in the green movement, including tips on how to land a job in the environmental field.

The Green Book by Elizabeth Rogers and Thomas M. Kostigen

The authors discuss 12 aspects of our habitat, such as home, work and school, suggesting simple lifestyle changes in each arena.

Wake Up and Smell the Planet edited by Brangien Davis with Katharine Wroth

The non-pompous, non-preachy Grist guide to greening your day. It's hilarious!

Your comments, questions, and green tips are welcome at GoGreenBF@yahoo.com

Next week: Give your Dryer a Vacation