Brooke Fasani/Corbis
DCL
The Book of Rubbish Ideas by Tracy Smith is exactly that—a book of ideas on rubbish. Mainly, how rubbish impacts us and our world, and how to reduce it. And while the idea of garbage can be daunting the deeper we dig, Smith pars down the big idea to a simple guide book. She manages to reduce excess words in the same way as excess items, and speeds readers through each room of our houses, pointing out what doesn?t need to be there.
Based in the UK but accessible to readers in any location, the brisk walks include the entry, the utility (laundry room), kitchen, study, WC (guest bathroom), living and dining rooms, bedroom, bathroom, garage, and garden. With each room, readers are provided with the common clutter issues, ways to change habits, and how to reduce, recycle and reuse.
The book is set up in such a way that readers can skip to the parts they most want to read, though I recommend a cover-to-cover read-through, since intellectual treats are scattered throughout. Even for the seasoned greenie, there are plenty of "Oh, I hadn?t thought of that. Cool!" moments.
Detailed case studies are included so readers can see how the advice has been implemented. There is even a Q&A section with famous folk who are cutting down on rubbish. And as any good reference book should, a long list of resources for advice, information, and eco-products is provided.
The fact is what rubbish does to our world and what it says about us is scary. While Smith doesn't dodge the seriousness of the situation, she provides the dark and dire facts with such a compelling humor, and with so many fun and easy ways to change our homes and lives for the better, that readers can happily and eagerly reduce our excesses.
Fascinating, frightening, funny and overall enlightening, The Book of Rubbish Ideas is an excellent guide to a simpler, greener life.
5 Great Ideas You Can Implement Now from The Book of Rubbish Ideas:
1. Whole House: Utilize Freecycle.org: Join up with this non-profit sharing group and post any items of furniture, clothing, accessories, toys, etc that you don?t want. Many people may be looking for these exact items and you can keep your rubbish out of the landfills while avoiding the headache of a garage sale.
2. Kitchen: Borrow cookbooks: You don?t need to buy that cookbook or magazine. Head over to your local library for a temporary loaner. Or go online to find a whole range of unique recipes for free.
3. Bathroom: Ditch the Bubble Bath: Instead of the clutter of all those bubble bath bottles, try a handful of Dead Sea salt to soften the water. One package; smooth skin. What a relief. 4. Home Office: Paper Reduction: Put all your used paper in one box or drawer and use that for printing. You can also take the concept of clutter-cutting to your workplace. 5. Bedroom: Wear It: Don't buy an outfit you are only going to wear once. Instead, borrow one instead. More than likely you have a friend or two with great taste and a similar size who can save your closet from excess clutter and your wallet from excess use. These ideas are great, easy starting points. But if you're ready for a serious challenge, we have one for you: the 100 Thing Challenge.
