5 Green Reads

I love to read. If you’ve read my blog, you know this because I allude to it often. I read parenting books, fiction and now going green titles. Last week, I wrote about how to start going green and I thought it would be a great follow up to recommend some of my favorite green reads that have helped me on my journey, thus far. I’m sure my list will continue to grow. Mind you, these aren’t all the books that I’ve read but I’ve compiled my top five reads for the new greenie. A few are downloadable from Eco Brain where you can just download the book onto your desktop or laptop and save a tree. Others are available through Amazon but you can probably find most of them at your local bookstore or library.

1. Green This, by Deirdre Imus. The reason I’m recommending this book is because it was my first  ever “go green” read. It launched me into a whole new world, literally. It motivated me to think about the products I was cleaning with and how there are alternatives available. There were many great natural cleaning tips that I adapted into my cleaning routine and then I ultimately decided to purchase some green cleaners for other areas of my home. For some great ideas on cleaning natural check out Amy’s recent post and give some of the ideas a whirl!

2. Gorgeously Green, by Sophie Uliano. I recently interviewed Sophie and besides liking her book I like her philosophy and her attitude. Her book is great because it gives you steps to take. Not just tips but ways to begin an action plan.

3. Big Green Purse, by Diane MacEachern. What I love about this book is how it puts our money where our mouth is. Women like to spend and shop and this book teaches us how to use that power to help the environment. A must read, but very thick and resourceful so don’t plan on reading it quickly!

4. Eco Kids, by Dan Chiras. This book helped me realize how I can raise my children to appreciate the environment and live a more sustainable life. The interviews were inspiring and the ideas motivated me to do more with my children.

5. The Green Parent, by Jenn Savedge. This book also motivated me to do more with my children but most of all it outlines some great ways to involve the children when it comes to living green. As parents we all need to involve our children in the process and help raise them to be earth friendly because that is what they know, and not just what they’ve been taught. I’m taught things but I don’t know them, and there is a difference.

My bookshelf is stocked full of books similar to these but perusing through all of my recent reads I have to give these five the best recommendations for starting out. I’d love to hear more of what you’re reading and your thoughts, so please share.

Original post written for 5 Minutes for Going Green

Read more from Sommer over at Green & Clean Mom, where she writes about being some shade of green every day. Subscribe to her blog here and don’t miss out her latest finds, contests, giveaways and sexy and sassy green tips!