Many times, pro-environment reforms get labeled as inefficient, expensive, or pie-in-the-sky. A lot of this happens because economic forces want to maintain the status quo. In this work, Abad presents a series of practical steps that can make your lifestyle (i.e., your routine) more environmentally friendly. Together, these simple changes can help the ecosystem – and save you money! For each proposed change, he computes the net-benefit for our planet as well as for your pocket.
The changes Abad proposes are on the individual level, not on the societal level. Thus, like a businessman, he appeals to the individual’s self-interest. Each change is graded on a scale of 1-3, based on its Adaptability, Financial, and Environmental impact. He describes the rationale and consequences of each change and how the change, in truth, just makes your routine more efficient.
Each proposed change comes with its own summary illustration, which makes the book approachable, especially for young adults who are learning how to lead their own lifestyle. The images focus on the yearly savings as well as the savings over 45 years. Savings are quantified in the form of dollars as well as trees and swimming pools of water. Thus, the “take-home” message is made readily apparent.
It would have been nice were Abad to have shared health benefits to these lifestyle decisions as well. I could easily see how decisions would benefit adapters in terms of their overall well-being, and this could easily have been added as a category to his ranking system. Intentional and mindful living compounds in better quality of life, and health is one of the main drivers in that race.
This book is well-suited for younger audiences who are trying to establish how they are going to live their lives. Those who do not mind making different lifestyle choices are especially targeted by this book. In addition, this book helps those of any age who want to contribute to overall health – by, say, the routines they pass along to their children. An openness to progressive ideas is a must for the reader. Overall, Abad provides some helpful ideas for us all to consider, and our children and our children’s children will thank us… as will our pocketbooks.
Green Your Routine: A Transition from Mindless Consumerism to Mindful Consumption
By Omar Abad
Copyright (c) 2020
Tellwell Talent
ISBN13 9780228828150
Page Count: 108
Genre: Environment, Self-Help
www.amazon.com