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by Trish Riley
A member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
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by Trish Riley
A member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
It is with great pleasure that I dedicate this book to my children, Rachel and Bud; to their future
offspring; and to all children of the future—yours as well as mine. I have great hope that with the
turning tide of public awareness, humanity will be able to ensure a happy, healthy future for those living
on Earth. I am proud to help bring about that change through this book, and I thank you for joining the
effort to preserve the Earth for all of our children.
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Published by the Penguin Group
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Penguin Books Ltd., Registered Offices: 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England
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All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means,
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. No pat-
ent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been
taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither
is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of information contained herein. For information, address
Alpha Books, 800 East 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240.
THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO and Design are registered trademarks of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
ISBN: 1-4362-9436-3
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2007924616
Interpretation of the printing code: The rightmost number of the first series of numbers is the year of the book’s print-
ing; the rightmost number of the second series of numbers is the number of the book’s printing. For example, a printing
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Note: This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its author. It is intended to provide helpful and informative
material on the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the author and publisher are not engaged
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sional should be consulted.
The author and publisher specifically disclaim any responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise,
which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this book.
Publisher: Marie Butler-Knight Cartoonist: Richard King
Editorial Director: Mike Sanders Book Designer: Trina Wurst
Managing Editor: Billy Fields Indexer: Heather McNeill
Acquisitions Editor: Tom Stevens Layout: Ayanna Lacey
Development Editor: Michael Thomas Proofreaders: Mary Hunt and Kathy Bidwell
Production Editor: Kayla Dugger
Copy Editor: Nancy Wagner
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1 What Is Global Warming? 3
The first step in dealing with a problem is to understand it.
2 Living in Harmony with the Earth 15
Saving the earth from our industrial destruction means
learning to live more in tune with nature.
3 Sustainable Living 29
Find out how to give back as much as you take from the
earth’s ecosystem.
4 Changing Our Energy Habits for a Healthier Future 41
It’s never easy to change our habits, but it’s not impossible;
we’ll let you know what you can do and how much it will
help you and the earth.
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5 Saving Energy at Home 53
Curbing global warming begins at home—save on your
electric bills while you save the earth!
6 Saving Water at Home 67
Without fresh, clean water, we’d die, and many people
do every day. Our supply is limited, and we need to stop
wasting it and begin protecting it today.
7 Reusing, Reducing, and Recycling Waste 75
Reusing and recycling can make a big difference to our
future by preserving our resources and our space—learn
how to reduce your waste stream.
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8 Green Driving 89
You can learn to reduce your fuel consumption and reduce
your carbon dioxide emissions.
9 Hybrids and Other Green Options 101
Moving up to a high-efficiency vehicle could be the best
change you can make for the earth, and we’ll give you
options.
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10 Transportation Beyond Home Base 111
Reduce the impact of your travel with carbon offsets, and
spend your vacation in an environmentally sensitive ecoresort.
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11 Chemicals in Foods 125
In the past half-century, our dinners have become a mix of
chemicals and technology. It’s time to reclaim our natural
food sources and enjoy the bounty of the earth!
12 The American Lawn and Garden: Making It Safe 143
Let’s learn to appreciate the pretty little flowers that grow
without chemicals—and our bodies and gardens and rivers
will appreciate that, too!
13 Chemicals in Cosmetics and Body Care Products 155
Who knew that charming kohl could make us sick?
Cosmetics are loaded with toxics that we can easily avoid.
14 Chemicals in Cleaning Products 165
It doesn’t take potent poisons to make your home clean and
fresh—learn what to avoid and how to enjoy a clean,
healthier home.
15 Creating a Green Home Interior 173
Paint, furniture, carpets all contribute to unhealthy indoor
air quality.
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16 Green Buildings LEED the Way 185
Learn about the architectural showcases that are
“LEEDing” the way into the future with healthy new
building designs.
17 Companies That Have Gone Green and How 197
Many companies have started going green without being
forced by regulations because they know it’s essential to our
future. See how it’s benefited them—and you.
18 Working with Our Employers to Green the Workplace 211
If your firm hasn’t caught on, you can help lead the way
into the future at your own office.
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19 Going Green in Our Communities 227
Cities are taking the initiative to curb greenhouse gases and
create healthier communities—and it’s become a race to see
who can do it best.
20 Teaching Our Children Principles of Green Living 239
Teaching children why it’s important to protect the earth
will help them develop healthful habits for their lifetimes.
21 The New Green Economy 251
Many new job opportunities are developing as we move into
a green future.
22 Investing in Progress: Socially Responsible Investment
Opportunities 259
You can help promote green development and a healthier
future by putting your money where it counts!
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A Green Glossary 269
B Resource Guide for Going Green 277
C For Further Reading (and Viewing) 299
Index 303
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Yes, the Globe Is Warming ............................................................4
The Ice Poles Are Melting.............................................................4
Sea Level Is Rising........................................................................5
Biological Clocks of Plants and Animals Are Changing ..................5
Species Are Dying .........................................................................5
Bug Infestations Are Increasing .....................................................6
And This Is Only the Beginning …...............................................7
CO2 Is the Culprit ..........................................................................7
Energy Production and Auto Emissions..........................................7
Big Money Doesn’t Want to Let Go...............................................7
Hotter Future Ahead......................................................................9
Clouding the Truth.......................................................................9
Another Downside of Coal...........................................................11
What Can Be Done? ....................................................................12
Subsidize Success ........................................................................12
Review the Facts .........................................................................12
Vote for Clean, Renewable Energy ...............................................13
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Green Living Is All About Harmony ..........................................15
Consumer Culture Contributes to Global Warming .....................16
Working to Survive: Cost of Living Paid with Your Life..............16
Going Green Can Be Good for Family Values..............................17
Breaking the Chains … ..............................................................17
Air Quality ....................................................................................18
How Air Quality Affects the Earth and Our Bodies.....................18
Fossil Fuels and Their Contribution to Air Quality Problems.......18
Water Quality...............................................................................19
How Water Quality Affects the Earth and Our Bodies.................19
Threats to Water Quality............................................................19
Soil ................................................................................................23
How Soil Quality Affects the Earth and Our Bodies ....................23
Degradation of Soil from Agricultural Chemicals ........................23
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Degradation of Soil from Mining................................................24
Contamination of Soil from Nuclear Waste..................................25
Preventing Problems vs. Fixing Problems ..................................26
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What Is Sustainability? ................................................................29
Sustainable and Unsustainable Materials ...................................30
Wood ..........................................................................................30
Petroleum...................................................................................31
Water .........................................................................................32
Meat ..........................................................................................33
A Sustainable Economy................................................................33
Look Who’s Leading the Way: Examples of
Alternative-Powered Homes......................................................33
President Bush’s Crawford Ranch ................................................34
Other Homes .............................................................................34
Green Homes and Condos to Buy or Rent ....................................36
Complex in Colorado...................................................................36
New Green Subdivisions: Ecohomes En Masse .........................37
Mainstreaming the Sustainable Model ........................................39
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Changing Our Habits ..................................................................42
Solar Power: Options, Cost Comparisons ..................................44
Wind Power: Costs Less Than Oil .............................................45
Hydropower: Water Works Hard Already..................................47
Geothermal Power: How Does It Work? ...................................47
Biofuel Power ...............................................................................48
Living Off the Grid......................................................................49
The Cost of Living on the Grid ...................................................49
Net-Metering: Giving Back to the Grid ......................................49
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Roofing Choices for Energy Efficiency.......................................53
Windows, Doors, and Awnings....................................................55
Wind and Light “Thermal Chimneys” .......................................56
Add Insulation ..............................................................................57
Adjust the Thermostat .................................................................58
