Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life Reviews

• Lots of Information on Green Living

  
  By A3M2VGWFJGRUOH on 2008-04-08
  While Gorgeously Green contained plenty of useful information, I didn't give it five stars for a couple reasons. I found several aspects of the book irritating: the constant references to "feeling great about yourself for being green", Sophie Uliano calling herself and other women "girls", and the maintenance plan and certification and the end of the book. More significantly, the chapter on greening one's home lacked information. Fortunately, there are other books that deal with eco-friendly homes and I mention one later in review.
  
  However, good information wins in the end and I recommend the book.
  
  In the introduction, Uliano writes: "Many of us think the whole green way of life will be tedious, time-consuming, and even boring. Wrong! I have found out that caring about the planet doesn't have to be granola/hippie stuff. On the contrary, it's the most exciting, colorful way in which we could possibly live. After all, green is the new black, and we're going to be wearing this shade for a long time. Going green is not a fad; with temperatures and pollution levels on the rise, it is becoming a way of life."
  
  There are 8 steps to becoming Gorgeously Green:
  
  1: Becoming aware of what it means to be green. Chapter includes a "Gorgeously Green Lifestyle Checklist."
  
  2: Green Goddess: Covers what should be used and avoided in body care products and makeup.
  
  3: Your Green Temple:
  Not really a chapter on being green, but an exercise routine that also includes daily mediation.
  
  4: Soulful Shopping:
  Uliano writes: "When I go shopping, I pick up a new suacepan or a pretty sheet set and take a few seconds to ask myself if we can make do without it. 9 out of 10 times the item is put back on the shelf." She suggests you do the same with a "Can I live without it?" exercise. Good idea!
  
  Also included in the chapter is a discussion of sweatshops, fair trade and places to find organic clothing.
  
  5: Your Palace: Creating the home you desire.
  Discussion of non-toxic cleaning products, the basics of conservation (turn down thermostat, CFL's), and recycling garbage how-tos.
  
  This chapter does not include advice on renovation or decoration for the home, except to say avoid furniture that is marked stain resistant and avoid all products with PVC. A terrific book that does include green information for the home and how to make it beautiful is the award winning book, HARMONIOUS ENVIRONMENT: BEAUTIFY,DETOXIFY & ENERGIZE YOUR LIFE, YOUR HOME & YOUR PLANET.
  
  6: Every Last Bite
  Covers organic and local food, what foods to eat and to avoid. There are also nice-looking healthy recipes.
  
  7: Out and About Having Fun
  Smart transportation, using your car wisely. Eco-friendly entertainment.
  
  8: Go Super Green
  Conclusion and "Gorgeous Green Checklist" again, presumably to check your progress.
  
  Overall, a good green reference book.
  
  
  
  

• Awesome Guide

  
  By A24J2U46E90H5R on 2008-04-10
  This book has sections for every green aspect of life. I wish I could give it four and a half stars because overall it's great to have, but does have a few *minor* problems. It seems to be targeted at thirty to forty something mothers with young children, but I'm none of the above (20s single) and still found this book to be jammed packed with useful information. My favorite section was the beauty one. I was using a natural moisturizer I thought was pretty safe but instead turned out to be a 7 out of 10 hazard on the Cosmetic Database! The book also includes an enlightening section on yoga routines which actually seem doable. The house section is all encompassing, from your mattress down to your shower cleaner. Uliano also provides a handful of skincare recipes which are easy and straightforward. There were somethings that did annoy me with this book, though as I said before they are all minor. Number 1 is that the first chapter can just be ignored, it was boring and really didn't seem to have a point. 2nd is that there are several noticeable typos throughout the book (minor, once again). 3rd, Uliano plugs her website throughout all the sections. If you want to use any of the checklists or quizzes she has created, you need to register on the website first. It's a bit off-putting. 4th, I wish there were more food recipes provided. 5th, a few of her tips seem a bit extreme, i.e. I'm probably not going to pack any carrot sticks the next time I go to the movies or an amusement park. 6th, and this is my biggest gripe, I wish she would include some information on the cost of some of the products and services she mentions! All-in-all, I'm very happy with this book. It has at least a brief overview of everything you could think about greening up (even weddings and dry cleaning) and has literally TONS of useful websites and resources in every section (except the first, which as I said before, is rather aimless). While this book probably won't make you look like the Vargas girl on the front, it will help you live your life in a more earth-friendly manner. I know I'll be referencing it for years to come.
  
  

• Gorgeously Greenwashed?

  
  By A1V93BQTWRMNBW on 2008-05-10
  I tried really hard to love this book. While I truly admire Sophie Uliano's enthusiasm and witty tone, there are few "buts" that were quite annoying. What's worse, these nasty "buts" made me question whether the advice given in the book is authentic, useful, and genuine.
  
  1. Do yourself a favour and skip the beauty section of the book. Ms Uliano had to spend more time researching before writing a segment on green beauty. Many of "organic" and "green" products she recommends are loaded with potentially toxic substances such as synthetic preservatives and fragrances. Consistency is key. Poorly researched tips in one section undermine author's credibility in other areas, and in general undermine reader's trust in the whole green living thing.
  
  2. While the book is very informative and packed with easy tips, most chapters look like a link exchange section of a website. Too many links to websites - and some aren't that relevant. What's more irritating, the author blatantly promotes her own website on every page. It may be fun once or twice, but not in every chapter.Sometimes it feels like the author didn't really care about adding more information to the book - why bother if you can easily upload all the articles online?
  
  Speaking of online: most of the tips can be easily found online FOR FREE.
  
  3. Too many typos. It's "Herbatint", not "Hebatint", mind you. And this hair dye is so chemically loaded, you shouldn't really mention it in a green living guide. When I found ten typos, I stopped counting, and I wasn't even in the middle of the book. I know, it's not the author's fault, it's the publisher's lack of effort, but still. Such things don't support the idea of importance of green living.
  
  In general, the book is an easy uplifting read that may convert few babyboomers into "green girls".
  
  

• I wanted to like this book....

  
  By A2IC9WXQJAD45I on 2008-06-30
  I wanted to like this book, I really did. I found it to be very cute, but a bit of a puff piece.
  
  There's alot of tid bits of information, but nothing substantial. Some information is conflicting - on one page Sophie says she avoids microwaves and doesn't want it altering the molecules in her food. Yet, on another page, she writes that the microwave is the most eco-friendly way to cook, as it uses the least amount of energy.
  
  And yoga sun salutations and exercise instructions don't belong in a green guide. They just don't!
  
  I also purchased Easy Green Living by Renee Loux and found it to be much more substantial and informative - like a mini encyclopedia on what you need to do to live green.
  
  

• An Inspiring and Well-Organized Guide for "the rest of us"

  
  By A2O55QM1DHLSJI on 2008-04-10
  
  Gorgeously Green, by Sophie Uliano, is a hip new guide to making environmentally-friendly and healthy choices that fit your lifestyle.
  
  Each chapter is a step in the process of becoming Gorgeously Green with plenty of practical and concrete suggestions. If you still need a little push, Uliano prioritizes the information so you know which simple changes will give you the mot dramatic and immediate benefits.
  
  Written in a breezy "girlfriend" style, Gorgeously Green trims the sometimes overwhelming task of improving your life into manageable, but meaningful, steps. Also appreciated is the constant reminder that little changes can add up. Follow one small suggestion each day and you're on your way to a more eco-chic you.
  
  Although Uliano is obviously very intelligent and Gorgeously Green offers consistently smart advice, the tone sometimes veers a little towards the superficiality of La-La Land (Uliano is a yoga instructor in L.A.). For the most part, however, she accomplishes her goal of making the tips more accessible. Gorgeously Green isn't aimed towards the homemade dyed in the organic wool crunchy crowd-the audience is the everyday gal who wants to go green but doesn't want to sacrifice all glamor and convenience in the process.
  
  There are a lot of books that talk about green living in abstract terms, or bombard you with details without any structure, but Gorgeously Green offers a clear approach with plenty of actionable tips. For example, which organic deodorants actually work? Which ingredients are the worse environmental and health offenders? Which appliances are leaking the most energy in your house? Gorgeously Green has the helpful answers.
  
  There are plenty of shopping tips, but there is also an emphasis on reducing consumption-to lighten the load on both the environment and your wallet. Plus there is information about activism and ways to spread the word now that you are committed to a greener life.
  
  One of the strongest features of Gorgeously Green is the website access to interactive exams, printable lists, and up-to-date resources. So, when you head to the supermarket, drugstore, or even your own cabinet, you don't have to continually flip back and forth in the book.
  
  I've already taken my first step in becoming Gorgeously Green and I'm excited to continue to clean-up my house and my life for the benefit of my family and the planet.
  
  As you begin your journey, Gorgeously Green will travel with you. The smallest baby steps can lead you along the path of a holistic approach to earth-friendly, healthy lifestyle.
  
  
• A Must for Dad's with Daughters
  By A35U0M98D7SH2Q on 2008-04-15
  I know this book was written for women, but I highly recommend it to other Dads. With two daughters on the cusp of adolescence, it was full of great information about how to take pride in your appearance in an ethical, responsible way. Plus it teaches kids to appreciate the home they live in and the planet they live on. There was a lot of great tips I didn't know and funny anecdotes that a husband can certainly relate to. Well-written, smart and fun. It should be in all schools. This book is a parent's gift to the next generation.
  
  
• Disappointed - nothing on animal testing
  By A2KXJX2WIHTBXV on 2008-07-08
  Maybe going green doesn't mean avoiding unnecessary animal testing especially for beauty and cleaning products, but it is important to me to at least do the best we can for other species. I couldn't find any mention of this cruel and largely unnecessary (with today's technology) practice. In fact, she seems to advocate testing, although she doesn't say what kind. I agree that safety is important, but many ingredients are time-tested or have been tested in the past and no longer need to be tested. We can support companies that make an effort to use only those ingredients instead of supporting unnecessary suffering. Wet n' Wild, Bonne Bell, Physicians Formula, and Prestige cosmetics are examples of inexpensive cosmetics that do not use animal testing. This info from caringconsumer.com.
  
  I do like her discussion of the real "cost" of buying or not buying organic groceries. But I feel some of her recommendations are unrealistic for most of us; she promotes a cosmetic line lavera that makes a sunless tanning product that costs $27.50 for 5 oz.
  
  
• Better books out there
  By A272MCT3WJTTO2 on 2008-08-01
  Seems like she's jumping onto the green bandwagon because it's the cool thing to do these days. None of her info has citations and some of it is conflicting (re: microwave usage). And I really don't care for the yoga poses in the book...seems like she's advertising for her yoga studio. There are better books out there, like Renee Loux's.
  
  
• A bit redundant
  By A2D5X9KQYEF4L on 2008-08-04
  Though this book has some great tips and is fairly easy to read, it could have been summed up in maybe half the pages the author actually used (saving many trees, of course). I found many of her tips to be a bit silly, and her lack of descriptive vocabulary (must everything be "simply to die for" and/or "gorgeous"?) boring. The list of fashion vendors provided in Chapter 4 seems more like shameless free advertising. Some of the vendors no longer exist, and many are quite expensive. Save your money and check out websites or the local library for more up-to-date advice, or start a green group to discuss alternatives to eco-friendly living instead.
  
  
• Going green for the Steppford wife
  By A3TLDZO1936Z31 on 2008-06-08
  I am glad that I got this book out of the library. Many of the suggestions on going green here are horribly expensive. Some of those skin moisturizers are $80 a bottle. The author has three kids who will probably grow up to build homes in developments, further cutting back what natural environment we have left. I think this woman is way more into "being green" as a cool expensive fad than actually caring about the environment. She is of the common type that wants to "save the environment" "for the children" instead of saving the earth for it's own sake.
  
  
• Fun with your Greens
  By A30G2N7PAUHHRE on 2008-04-24
  This book touches on everything you need to get started and seemingly all facets of consumer culture. There is also lots for us that are already self proclaimed "green girls". I particularly enjoyed the personal care section as this seems oft neglected. The section on cleaning covers both store bought and homemade green cleaners which I thought was nice for those that want options. The numerous web sites listed will help with further research, which I have found very valuable. This is all in all a great read and I would recommend it.
  
  
• Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano
  By A14B943LPEUTAX on 2008-04-16
  This is a great book - easy to read, not at all preachy and packed with so much fantastic info, delicious recipes and helpful tips that anyone can make their lives a little 'greener', whatever their level of concern and desire. Who knew making an alternative/non-toxic room spray or floor cleaner could be so easy?! I loved the web-site information given throughout the book, which makes tracking down anything mentioned so much easier and was relieved to be guided through the maze of beauty products out there, which is especially helpful when the author has 'road-tested' everything herself.
  
  There is so much information out now, bombarding us about how to 'green' every aspect of our lives in heavy-duty detail, that it's a welcome relief to find a book that is friendly and useful with easy suggestions supported by relevant information for making changes in your daily life. I look forward to seeing a 2nd book from this author sometime soon, hopefully packed with more of her helpful tips and up-to-the-minute information.
  
  We need more people trying to help make sense of our earth's plight and finding ways to help others who do not know where to begin, start to make their lives a little 'greener' each day - thanks for adding a sprinkling of good humor to guide us through the 8 simple steps!
  
  
  
• girls going green!
  By A2T9HHKPLT9NXS on 2008-07-25
  I have mixed feelings about this book. Overall, I think it has a lot of good advice that can be easily applied. On a positive note, it is clearly written for women. The jokes, comments, etc. always refer to "The Gorgeously Green Girl" which makes this book a great gift for female friends and family members. For myself, I found it a bit annoying after a while but could overlook it. The book does contain many, many websites which left me with the impression that everything green that I would be buying must be ordered online! This is not the case. My local health food store carried many of the natural soaps, shampoos, feminine products, etc. mentioned in the book which was a lot easier and cheaper to buy locally. The book does not just focus on women's issues either. There is great advice regarding wrapping your hot water tank, buying Smartstrips to turn your computer completely off, and how to garden organically. I really think you can only benefit from reading this book.
  
  
• easiest how-to ever!!
  By A18D3FC67W7TW0 on 2008-04-12
  This book is so amazingly helpful for something that otherwise seemed so intimidating to me! How to start being green? What changes can I make? What changes am I actually willing to make? This book is like how to become more green for dummies!! It is full of no nonsense tips and great information that makes it seem easy and fool-proof. Ms. Uliano sounds smart and incredibly knowledgeable and yet seems approachable and unassuming. I finally feel that I can really get on board to live a greener lifestyle thanks to the help of this book!
  
  
• Finally!! Green made Simple!!
  By A19UVJO0NKIWIA on 2008-04-14
  An amazing book with lots of thought provoking information. I loved the enthusiasm of the author, and felt like her tips were both practical and innovative. Definitely well worth reading.
  
  
• so fun!
  By A22E94AVUQX4K4 on 2008-04-21
  GREAT if you are new to the green scene and looking for small ways to start living a more eco-friendly life. I gave one to all my girlfriends as gifts and they love all of the tips.
  
  
• Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth=Friendly Life
  By A1MYNPAK8WV27C on 2008-04-23
  Brilliant! Just what those of us who want to live a more earth-friendly life needed. Sophie Uliano certainly broken down steps to making green changes that we can all make in our daily lives easy and understandable. She not only wrote her book in a clear not preachy way, but added personal humorious stories about her own path to living a more green life. I will enjoy using this book as an ongoing reference in my house for my family's less toxic well being. Her web site that is refered to in the book is a wealth of more empowering green info.
  
  I have already given two as gifts to my sisters-in-law.
  
  
  
  
• A Must Have Book!
  By A10GF3HOLD7A83 on 2008-04-25
  I have been looking for a book like this for a while now. More and more we are becoming aware of the impact we make on the environment and I for one strive to do my part. However, it's overwhelming to research and personally test out everything out there, which is one of the reasons why this book is so great. From beauty products to cleaning products, to lifestyle, this book has it all. It really is a must for every girl out there who really strives to do their part in this world!
  
  
• SIMPLY BRILLIANT !!!!
  By A1BJ386PVVEADE on 2008-04-13
  This book is quite brilliant.It is packed full of information and helpful tips and written in an amusing way, without preaching. I just couldn't put it down, and shall be buying it to give to all my girl friends. It has really transformed my way of thinking. Well done Sophie Uliano I'm a convert to G.G. already! A fantastic book.
  
  
• A great guide for the average girl
  By AU20QXCE28KM2 on 2008-10-07
  This is an excellent book if you have been thinking about what you can do to be a little greener but don't know where to start. No, it's not a comprehensive guide to reducing your carbon footprint to absolute zero, but it is completely perfect for those of us who just want to do better and feel better. I think it's important to note that this book really is good for the "average" person. You don't have to be willing to give up absolutely everything (who knew there was eco-friendly nail polish?), fork over tons of cash (you can make gallons of her all-purpose cleaner for chump change), and she emphasizes that even if you can't follow every guidance in the book, anything you can do is a huge help.
  Many of the products mentioned in the book can either be made at home in minutes or purchased at different retail locations. I was worried when I checked a few of the websites and saw that some of them were very pricey, but if you do your homework and check out all your options, you'll find plenty of items are well within any budget (not to mention, she breaks down the reasons WHY mass-produced, chemical-filled products are so much cheaper.. it's amazing how many chemicals are banned in the EU but rubbed on American women's faces every morning and night!). I bought toothbrushes, razors, cleaning supplies, paper products, menstrual products, laundry detergent, and body/face care products all recommended in the book and all at Target and my local Harris Teeter and all within my not-terribly-impressive budget.
  The book is divided into eight sections, each of which has a focus on how to realize the impact your products/routines are currently having on both you and the earth, a multitude of suggestions for change, and what those changes mean for you and the earth. Even if you aren't a huge fan of the different products she discusses in the book or really aren't willing to give up certain routines, it's still packed with great money-saving tips for everything from your health to your heating bill. There is no way you cannot get SOMETHING out of this book!
  
  
• Go GREEN!
  By ALOHFQXTQG45F on 2008-10-17
  This is a great book with lots of fab advice that can help anyone on their journey to greendom. She has a lot of listings to great products and services and good recipes and such. Sophie is awesome.
  
  
• Not worth the effort
  By A1VGVJ7JHUMBT1 on 2008-10-19
  The author's heart is in the right place, but she forgot to engage her brain. She touts things like clothing made of bamboo without acknowledging how far it has to travel to reach the U.S. She also repeats urban legends such as the supposed addition of asbestos to tampons so that women's periods will be heavier. There are much better choices for raising your eco-consciousness than this loser of a book.
  
  
• Powerful, Positive + Pertinent
  By A36QJ697A22JPR on 2008-04-28
  I am someone who has always had a very quiet but consistent care about the environment. I grew up in mid-state New Jersey and could sadly surmise that all was not well with the air and water. And I am very keen to make informed/smart choices regarding my health. So when I saw Sophie Uliano on "Oprah" I was moved to get her book - and I am soooo happy I did. I'm thrilled to find a place where I can get so much critical information so conscientiously distilled for me regarding the day-to-day choices I make. This is deeply important material to get our selves and our earth healthy. Get this book for yourself, all the women in your lives who matter to you. Mind you, I think the boyfriends, husbands and sons will take a peek with given the Gorgeously Green cover art ;)
  
  
• a must buy!!
  By A1VWHGQ8MFMX06 on 2008-05-02
  this book is a must for all moms. it has opened my eyes to the toxins and dangers that are in everyday products. this book gives simple and practical ways to introduce new and healthy items and rid yourself of the bad. it's a new favorite for me.
  
  
• Fantastic book
  By A3IVXZ59TYCIZE on 2008-05-20
  This is a fantastic book. Sophie does a great job inspiring folks to think about their impact on Mother Earth. She has inspired me to stop buying bottled waters (use a refillable bottle) and read ingridients lists on products before I put them on my skin. I also recently stopped using my dryer and set up a clothesline in my backyard. It's beautiful!
  
  
• great product!
  By AD9X2LX2L6HUC on 2008-05-31
  this product is great. The book gives th reader tons of creative, even simple ideas to be earth friendly. The sale was a breeze from this seller.
  
  
• the best
  By A2BPMXA597IRST on 2008-06-14
  This book has totally changed my life and the choices I make each day. The book is easy to read and very realistic about how little changes can make a big impact. The steps are set up so you can be a little green, or the very greenest girl. Careful, this book will change your outlook on life and the power you have to change it.
  
  
• Great book!
  By A1DT77OOIVMXFR on 2008-06-19
  I absolutely loved this book. Prepare to be inspried by Sophies no-nonsense approach to going green. I also love that she doesn't sugar coat things - some aspect of going green aren't easy, but well worth it in the long run.
  
  
• Gorgeously awesome
  By A1KPLDTHN5VJG7 on 2008-06-23
  A friend of mine got this book for me and I love it. Yes some of the beauty products she suggests are a little pricey but she always gives a couple of affordable options as well, and you can always do your own research and find other things on the websites she mentions (she can't list every product out there, it would take up the whole book).
  
  Really good book.
  
  
• Green IS Gorgeous
  By A1LZZNRAAB2EOC on 2008-06-29
  This book has so many wonderful ideas on how to go green. It also made me really think about my life and my contribution to our amazing planet. We can all do so much to help and NOW is the time! I hope you will read this book and implement several of its ideas. I already have...and I know that I am making a difference. YOU can, too.
  
  

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