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16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not a manual for change, but an excellent motivational work, 27 Feb 2005
An entertaining and engaging book which addresses the problem of urban life from the perspective of those of us who want to pursue a greener future. Lucy Siegle reminds us that, on average, every urban household requires the productive efforts of 18 acres of land in order to stay fed, clothed and entertained. This, our ecological footprint, is huge, and unsustainable. We have to reduce the size of that footprint - and have to find a way of making ourselves productive, repaying the investment we are draining from the earth.Siegle comes up with a collage of interesting, and largely practical, ideas for change. What she is not offering, however, is a blueprint, nor even a route map to a greener lifestyle. She identifies the major landmarks on the horizon, the places of interest we need to visit on the way, but leaves it to you to determine the route and discover your own paths. It's a book best used in conjunction with something like "Go MAD - Go Make a Difference 2", which will give you a wealth of practical advice and information which is missing in places in Lucy Siegle's book. Not that she sets out to produce a manual for change. The value, the validity, and the real enduring strength of Siegle's work is her capacity to motivate and enthuse. She has an endearing supportive quality in her writing. This is sound motivational stuff: she considers the problem of the urban dweller, the degree of dissatisfaction you experience throwing away rubbish, being dependent on supermarkets, constantly surrounded by cars, etc. - and she throws enthusiasm in your direction. Yes, it is possible to slim down that ecological footprint, yes it is possible to feel better about life, yes it is possible to do something. You will still have to make the effort, but Siegle's book is a good morale booster and well worth considering by anyone looking to change and make more harmonious their lifestyle.
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