By Leslie Lindsay

***Be sure to comment on this post to be considered for a FREE copy of the book!***

Growing up, I am sad to say that there wasn’t much in terms of living a greener life.  Sure, there were the “Don’t be a litterbug” signs plastered about, but the big movement of really transforming your life to a greener one really didn’t happen until much later. 

So, when I learned of this new book by Kim Cecchi, I was intrigued.  Getting Green Now:  Tips for a Greener Life Quick hit the shelves in February 2012.  Written by mom, environmentalist, and yoga instructor, you will find plenty of great–and quick–tips in this handy little book.  No worries about drastically changing the way you live, this book is peppered with really snappy little changes that you can adapt in a heartbeat. (image retrieved from Amazon on 8.2.12)

The book is simple to use.  It’s layed out in sections of your life from “green home” to “beauty” (also includes office, enviroment, recycling, green living).  Just flip to a section where you think you can do better and soak up the tips. 

Here are a few of them: 

• Tip:  Buy milk in bottles if possible. Why?  Plastic and glass containers can be reused and recycled, waxy cartons cannot. 
• Tip:  Clean the lint filter in your dryer after every use.  Why?  It conserves energy, saves cash, and reduces fire hazard.  Keeping it clean decreases energy use by 30%. 
• Tip:  Get rid of ant traps.  Why?  They are poison.  Try hitting affected areas with vinegar (Kim’s favorite), lemon juice, baking soda, cinnamon, or coffee grounds. 

****I really could go on and on about all of the great tips in Getting Green Now, but I will save that for one lucky blog reader.  That’s right:  Kim has graciously agreed to give away a copy of her book.  All you have to do is respond with a quick comment on one thing you do in your life to be a little greener. ***** Good Luck!!

(added 8.3.12 at 6:30pm) Okay…contest is over…and the WINNER IS…Wachusette Region Recycles!  (your name was placed in a bucket and randomally drawn by my basset hound!).  Thanks for sharing your ideas for getting green, Tara A. and Amanda B.! 

(only comments that appear on the blog will be considered for the give-a-way.  You have till Friday, 8.3.12 at 5pm to submit your comment.  Book will be mailed to you at no charge.) 

Here’s mine:   I take home all of my paper and plastic cups that I receive my beverages in, including the coffee sleeve (sometimes I request NO coffee sleeve) and recycle them with my home recycling instead of tossing into the trashcan at the restaurant.  

You may appreciate this story from Scientific American, http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/2010/03/25/policymakers-take-aim-at-new-recycling-frontier-solid-waste-retailers-and-packaging/

And that is what is in my brain today, Thursday August 2nd 2012.