Book Review- Ecoholic (When You’re Addicted to the Planet by Adria Vasil
Review by Meghan Mast
Finally. Here is an environmental book written by a Canadian with Canadians in mind.
Heck, it’s even endorsed by David Suzuki. Beginning as a popular little column in Toronto’s NOW magazine, over time (and extensive research), Ecoholic expanded into the ultimate book for earth conscious consumers.
Adria Vasil holds an ecological magnifying glass to every aspect of lifea€”including the beds we sleep in, the carpet we step on, the clothes we wear and the banks we invest in. While her exposure is disturbing at times, hope is maintained through the alternatives she offers. After revealing the fact that dangerous chemicals leach off Teflon pans and into our food, she provides a solution. Replace the likely human carcinogenic cookware with stainless steel, cast iron, lightweight titanium or glass.
For those doubtful of the impact small changes can have on the environment, this book is bound to convert you. An example of this, backed by Environment Canada is that if every house in Canada were to switch to one regular incandescent bulb to a compact fluorescent light bulb with an energy star label, it would have the same environmental effect as taking 66,000 cars off the road. That should get you skeptics off the couch and screwing in new bulbs!
To make ethical consuming easier, Vasil provides a resource guide for major Canadians cities. Although Edmonton is not included, Calgary isa€”and before you Eskimos fans become too worked up, you should know that Edmonton is mentioned throughout the rest of the book. Also, for something everyone can use, online shopping sites are listed.
Through her swearing-spattered narrative, Vasil’s passion for the environment is clear and contagious. Who wouldn’t want to run out and buy all the ingredients to make homemade toothpaste, window cleaner and laundry powder after reading this book? But if you do, just be warned of a crucial typo in the toothpaste recipe. Instead of 6 tablespoons of baking soda, it is meant to be 6 teaspoons. Whoops. That would have made for some unpleasant brushing.
