Having admired Colin Beavan for his no-prisoners approach to living ethically for a year, such a dedicated approach is beyond most of us. For a more everyman approach I can thoroughly recommend Leo Hickman. Here’s someone feeling their way and trying all the basics and as a Guardian journalist welcoming reader input there are comments throughout the book commenting on his progress and adding more ideas for eco-living. It’s an entertaining read, a great way to learn how to cut down on wasteful living.
Life Stripped Bare - My Year Trying to Live Ethically Synopsis
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 is the story of that year, a record or an extraordinary transformation. Amid the pitfalls and confusion, Leo's account is funny, inspirational and a mine of information for the curious.
'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
Author
About Leo Hickman
Leo Hickman is a journalist and editor at the Guardian, and writes a weekly column on ethical living. He is also the author of A Life Stripped Bare: my year trying to live ethically and How to Buy, and editor of A Good Life: The Guide to Ethical Living. Leo lives in Cornwall with his wife Jane, and their three children.