Book Review: The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget

Whether you’re a newbie to the whole green scene or a dedicated veteran, you’ve undoubtedly noticed that green products can sometimes be discouragingly expensive. Oh, sure, most of these products are worth the money because they’re better for the earth and in many cases, they last longer than conventional goods, too. But the truth is, in many cases you can get by without them, and still be green.

If you’re wondering exactly how one goes about doing that, we’ve got just the book you need to read. The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget is a follow-up to Josh Dorfman’s 2007 book, The Lazy Environmentalist, named after his popular radio show.  The new book takes Dorfman’s guide to “easy, stylish green living” and applies it to a big segment of the population – those of us without a lot of money to spare.

So, how does one shop green on a tight budget? There are so many things to consider, from the smallest household items to big purchases like vehicles and real estate – and it’s all in the book. Dorfman’s tips help readers navigate the often-confusing world of sustainable and ethical shopping – and the best thing about it is, every suggestion adheres to the author’s “easy, stylish green living” standards. No settling for low-quality junk.

And you can still splurge on those pricey green products every now and then – sometimes, it’s worth it. That’s another thing Dorman covers in his latest book: breaking down the long-term cost benefits of buying green vs. buying conventional goods. Once you understand how much you can save in the long term, taking extra time to save up for something seems like no big deal.

Every chapter of The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget includes a list of additional sources of info plus recommended products and affordable brands that you might not have otherwise heard about.

The book’s not perfect – hardcore environmentalists will question whether there are hidden costs to some of the cheaper green recommendations, and roll their eyes at the suggestion to shop at Wal-Mart – but it’s definitely packed with useful information, and it’s a great testament to the fact that you don’t have to be an uptight, rich snob with a lot of time on your hands in order to live in harmony with the earth.

Be sure to catch Josh Dorfman’s new television show, The Lazy Environmentalist, on the Sundance Channel Tuesdays at 9pm EST.

Link [The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget]

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