Book Reviews
“We Animals” Will Remind You Why You Went Vegan
Product review by EvG team member Rachel Curit:
Sometimes you don't need words to understand the magnitude of a photograph. All you need is to look into the eyes of the subject and feel what they feel. Photographed and written by Jo-Anne McArthur, "We Animals" is a collection of full color and black and white photographs, depicting animals in some of their most vulnerable states, whether it's right before their death or in the arms of their protector. Almost every photo affords you the opportunity to look into their soul and really understand them for who they are: individuals.
"Why Dogs Hump and Bees Get Depressed” Holds the Secret to Animal Intelligence and Emotions
Book review by EvG team member Margie Spurrier:
Have you ever wondered if animals have intelligence or if they are capable of feeling emotions like empathy, grief or depression? Have you wondered what makes humans unique compared to all other animals? If so, then "Why Dogs Hump and Bees Get Depressed" by Marc Bekoff is a book you should be reading right now.
Take a Trip to Catskill Animal Sanctuary with “Animal Camp”
Book review by EvG team member Rachel Curit:
Most vegans are familiar with the concept of farm animal sanctuaries, where abused and neglected beings find peace and happiness for the rest of their lives. Many of us don't spend our days kissing pigs and massaging sheep while simultaneously mucking stalls and doing office work. For those of us not able to see the transformation of "broken beings [becoming] whole again," there is "Animal Camp: Reflections on a Decade of Love, Hope, and Veganism at Catskill Animal Sanctuary" by Kathy Stevens, Founder and Director of Catskill Animal Sanctuary in Saugerties, New York.
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My Gentle Barn: An Autobiography of Animals, Sanctuary and Following Dreams
Product review by EvG team member Rachel Curit:
An animal sanctuary is a place for animals to heal and humans to find peace in this crazy, exploitative world. Animal activists often say they visit sanctuaries when they need to recharge. If you’ve ever felt this way, try taking a peek at My Gentle Barn: Creating a Sanctuary Where Animals Heal and Children Learn to Hope. Written by Ellie Laks, the founder of Gentle Barn, this book will take you on a journey. From the early days of Gentle Barn to its booming success in recent years, you’ll get the inside scoop on Gentle Barn’s ups and downs.
How to Kick Your Addiction To Plastic To The Curb
Most people live a "lifestyle of consumption, enabled by convenience", perhaps because "we don’t have to think about the costs, beyond what is printed on the package or on our receipts. We don’t have to think about the consequences." One of the biggest problems we face is plastic, which is turned into inexpensive products that are not designed to last and "are packaged so that they can wait indefinitely on store shelves for our sudden desires". While some call plastic addiction the “crisis of our civilization”, it's really just a reflection of the real issue - "the biggest challenge is paying attention".
These are quotes from Plastic-Free: How I Kicked the Plastic Habit and How You Can Too, a book by Beth Terry, who educated herself about environmental, health and political issues surrounding plastic and found ways to get it almost entirely out of her life. Her passion lead her to pen a now very successful blog called My Plastic-Free Life that inspired the book, both in which she shares her personal journey and offers accessible solutions without imposing guilt. But her driving forces goes beyond plastic - there's a bigger message within her words that encourages people to start thinking and living differently to achieve longer, happier lives.
The following video is a review of Plastic-Free: How I Kicked the Plastic Habit and How You Can Too. My feelings are best captured on camera than in writing, but I wanted to share some more details, facts, quotes and links to more information here because it's more easily accessible.
Just Green It book launch (video)
Last week I went to a party to celebrate the launch of the new book Just Green It by Lisa & Rob Beres. Here's the video montage I made of the event:
Hot, Rich & Green: book launch
Last night I attended yet another amazing green event: the launch of Hot, Rich & Green by Rebecca Harrell Tickell. As you may know, I assisted with the production of the book and it inspired me to turn my full attention to running this blog. Though the book has been out for a little while, this was the official media launch. In attendance were many of the women who shared their stories and advice on how to run green businesses.
Anna Getty's new book "Easy Green Organic" launches at Rolling Greens
Rachel Sarnoff of EcoStiletto really knows how to throw a great party, and Anna Getty knows how to make beautiful green books, so their event last night at Rolling Greens was really wonderful. In fact, I can honestly say this was one of the best events I've been to in L.A., mainly because of all of the great people who were there. I admit I was so distracted by my conversations that I only caught a glimpse of Anna's new book, Easy Green Organic, but I'll be sure to review it eventually.
In addition to Rachel & Anna, I enjoyed the company of:
- Carolyn Scott
- Don Bodin (my music composer)
- Heather Lounsbury
- Karynne Boese
- Laura Klein
- Marty Stevens-Heebner
- Rachel Avalon
- Rebecca Harrell Tickell & Josh Tickell
- Siel
- Silvie Celiz
- Tracy Hepler
"I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas"
While it is a little late in the game, there is still time to green your holidays. If you're looking for some inspiration and advice, check out "I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas" by Anna Getty. The book shows you how to make "gifts, decorations, and recipes that use less and mean more", and it is a joy to read. It has beautiful pictures and illustrations that remind you why the holidays are so special. It's a very well laid out book: each recipe and set of instructions are easy to follow, and I love that it has flaps on the cover to allow you to bookmark your place. Simple tips, green facts, and notes from Anna are mixed in throughout the book, giving readers more insight into why it's important to make eco-friendly choices.