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Summer just wouldn't be summer without a little time lounging outside with a good book. With that in mind, Naturally Savvy has put together a mini reading list of books that are sure to have you thinking green—and they're perfect for gifts, too. Here are our top picks for green summer reads...They aren't so much light and uplifting, but they're compelling and quick to get into.
Slow Death by Rubber Duck
Authors: Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie
It was an experiment designed to result in a failure of sorts. Over the course of four days Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie used, ate, drank and inhaled products with all those commonplace substances that researchers suspect are detrimental to our health, then wrote a book about it. Phthalates, bisphenol A, brominated flame retardants, triclosan, non-stick chemicals, mercury and pesticides are the primary areas of interest, and when Smith and Lourie tested pollution amounts in the body before and after their little experiment, the results weren't so surprising as they were downright scary. Read it.
Uranium: War, Energy and the Rock that Shaped the World
Author: Tom Zoellner
This is one for the science nerds and the history buffs. Focusing in on the element's storied history, Zoellner examines the power shifts—labor camps, American miners' deaths and the war in Iraq—that have revolved around this source of explosive energy. As the book jacket states, uranium has the power to "sustain life or destroy it," and though uranium has equally caused misery and joy, it is now also being touted as the way to prevent further global warming through nuclear energy. Still not hooked? Check out this excerpt from the introduction.
Mom, Will This Chicken Give Me Man Boobs
Author: Robyn Harding
Mom is a hilarious journey through one mother's struggle to raise her children with the environment in mind. Author Robyn Harding is constantly worrying that she's just not green enough for her neighborhood. She can't force herself to bike to her daughter's dance lessons in the rain. She wants to take public transit instead of the car, but nixes that idea after a harrowing trip downtown. And her kids are struggling with fears about a doomed planet. Through ups and downs, Harding's journey leads her to a place where she and her family can be green without sacrificing too much. This read is a perfect beach companion.
Green Wedding: Planning Your Eco-Friendly Celebration
Author: Mireya Navarro
Getting hitched this fall? Finally set a date for 2010? Or maybe your friend just got engaged? Pick up this beautiful book from the New York Times' west coast lifestyle correspondent. Brimming with fantastic tips on making your big day a green one, the book also features the stories of couples who took care to throw green weddings. You'll discover how to go green and buy local in every aspect of your celebration?from attire to food to carbon offsets for out-of-town guests, and more. And did we mention the stunning pictures?
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