Review
'Not a preachy guide but the diary of a struggle - through the myriad uses of bicarbonate of soda; instructions for assembling a wormery and a visit from three ethical auditors... There are plenty of facts and a selection of helpful letters - like the inspiring one from a woman who crochets her own dishcloths..' - Carol McDaid, Observer"
Independent on Sunday, January 8, 2006
The tone is just right for this book's target market..there is much that is inspiring here.
Glasgow Herald
In this witty account of his year, Hickman discusses matters that are of importance to us all
Libby Purves, BBC Radio 4
Very entertaining...full of useful new things to fret about.
Book Description
Mass-market edition of the successful trade paperback; given a new look and including new material and Leo's DIY ethical audit for readers to try.
Colchester Evening Gazette
His account of the year is very entertaining.
Product Description
How often in life does convenience triumph over 'doing the right thing? And what is 'ethical living' anyway? When it comes down to it, most people fight shy of giving up their cars, or their toxic household products, their cheap washing machines, or dodgy, unethical bank accounts in order to make the world a better place. So Leo Hickman, resident consumer expert of the Guardian, decided to give it a try. Over the course of a year, he and his family set out to discover whether it was possible to live a 'normal life' - job, mortgage, kids, holidays - while at the same time making each daily choice or decision an 'ethical' one - for the family, their neighbours and the environment. This the story of that year, is a record of an extraordinary transformation. Amid the pitfalls and confusion, Leo's account is funny, inspirational and a mine of information for the curious.
From the Back Cover
How often in life does convenience triumph over 'doing the right thing'?
Can you really make a difference?
What does 'ethical living' really mean?
Over the course of a year, Leo set out to answer some big questions with an unusual experiment. Could he and his family continue to live a 'normal' life - job, mortgage, kids, holidays - while at the same time making each daily choice or decision an 'ethical' one - for the family, their neighbours, and the environment.
This, the story of that year, is a record of an extraordinary transformation. Amid the pitfalls and confusion, Leo's account is funny, inspirational and a mine of information for the curious. Who knows? It might change your life too.
About the Author
Leo Hickman is a journalist, editor and consumer expert at the Guardian. He is the author of How to Buy and A Good Life: The Guide to Ethical Living . He is married to Jane, and has a two young children.
