Customer Reviews

Green Goes with Everything: Simple Steps to a Healthier Life and a Cleaner Planet

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Over the past year, there have been dozens of books on the green theme published, and Green Goes with Everything: Simple Steps to a Healthier Life and Cleaner Planet, by Sloane Barnett, is the newest. Barnett does her research and presents a good primer to get anyone started on a healthy, toxic-free life.

My biggest complaint is Barnett's obsession over non-toxic cleaning products and cleaning the home. On one hand, I get it--her son, Spencer, had an asthma attack at age three that landed him in the hospital. (Spencer gets better once the toxic cleaning products are removed.) The other source of her obsession is what is a bit annoying--her husband is CEO of Shaklee products, which are non-toxic household cleaning products.

Now, Barnett is not alone--there are entire books written about how to clean your home and with what products. I just think too many--including Barnett--go on and on about cleaning and non-toxic products--just DO IT and move on to more important subjects. really--cleaning the house is not rocket science...

The first three chapters are devoted to the subject of a non-toxic home. In chapter one, we learn "the real dirt on clean." The chapter discusses the probable toxins in our home and what is "scary" vs. is "safe" dirt.

Chapter two informs about the dangerous cleaning products in our home.

Chapter three is about alternative safe cleaning products. This is where we hear how wonderful and superior Shaklee products are. A bit too info-commercial for my tastes. Barnett does offer some simple handmade cleaning solutions and non-toxic household cleaning products that Shaklee doesn't manufacture. The reality--most of the "alternative" non-toxic cleaning products work just fine.

Chapter 4 is about non-toxic body care products. Hair color, deodorant and other unsafe products are discussed and safe alternatives are provided.

In chapter 6, Barnett explains how to eat organic while buying smarter and cheaper and what chemicals to avoid in food.

Chapter 7 discusses clean water. Good advice on how to make your tap water safe and to avoid the extremely wasteful throwaway bottles.

In chapter 8, a broader look at how to keep the air in ones home clean is discussed. Barnett writes about fireplaces and stoves, cabinets, furniture and upholstery and mattresses--all stuff that outgasses and degrades the air quality. She does a good basic job of this, but for an comprehensive guide to all facets of furniture, walls, floors and more, a great companion to this book is: the award winner, HARMONIOUS ENVIRONMENT: BEAUTIFY, DETOXIFY & ENERGIZE YOUR LIFE, YOUR HOME & YOUR PLANET.

Chapter 9 covers energy in the home and Barnett provides easy ways to save on energy in the home.

There are resources at the end of the book for many green products.

Recommend as a good, green primer for the home.

I found Green Goes With Everthing -- to be a witty, practical read that gives simple information on what toxins are, why they are relevant, and how to get them out of your home and body. The thing I love so much about this book is that it is written in a way that makes it simple to take action. It is informative without being preachy. It is detailed without being overwhelming. The author ends each chapter with five green "hot tips". If we all implement just one tip from each chapter we all will be contibuting to a healthier planet, a healthier home and a healthier body!

Inspired by my best friend Zem of ecofabulous, I've been recycling for over a decade. I even bought a hybrid car two years ago but I've been really slow to go completely green. It wasn't until I read "Green Goes with Everything," that I was propelled to throw out all my toxic household products. This book lit a fire under me to get serious about the products I buy and what I surround myself with. I read it in one day! Anyone who has a child should definitely read this book. Sloan is smart, funny, relatable, and clearly spells out simple steps to living a greener, healthier life. Quick read. Everlasting lessons.

From: www.BasilAndSpice.com

Book Review: Green Goes With Everything: Simple Steps To a Healthier Life and a Cleaner Planet by Sloan Barnett (Atria Books, 2008)

Sloan Barnett is a mom on a mission. Because her son was diagnosed with asthma, now at epidemic numbers, she began to research the disease. Ms. Barnett, the Green Editor of KNTV, and a contributor to NBC's Today Show, is also a television and print journalist. She found that asthma has skyrocketed 160% since 1980 to 9 million children under age 18 diagnosed. Asthma is the most chronic disease affecting 1 of every 13 school-aged children in the United States.

While researching and interviewing doctors, toxicologists, and scientists, Ms. Barnett discovered six epidemiological studies which have found a link between certain cleaning products and asthma. Unapologetically, Ms. Barnett switched all cleaners in her home to the Shaklee brand and never again needed to take her son to the emergency room with an asthma attack.

Green Goes With Everything covers all aspects of a chemically-free home:

* Household Cleaners: focuses on which products to avoid and which to use for less chemical exposure
* The body: perfumes, makeup, deodorant, hair care products, etc.
* Water: addresses bottled versus tap issues
* Air: pollution occurs in the home from chemical-laden products
* Energy: develops thoughts around recycling and conservation
* Food: special notice given to the organic industry
* Baby: this is where it all begins and ends--"My two oldest children are both allergic to nuts. My third child, who was raised in a nontoxic home, eating only organic formula and food, recently tested allergy free. Look, I can't be certain that our new lifestyle is the reason this baby is allergy free, but it sure does make you think."--Sloan Barnett

Further Highlights:

* The European Union bans more chemicals than the U.S. "The levels of PBDES in American mothers were anywhere from 10-100% higher than in mothers in Europe." (PBDEs--common flame retardants found in household goods--mattresses, furniture, carpet padding, etc..)
* The author had her own bloodwork done at Harvard School of Public Health to show the level of toxins in her body compared with the U. S. Average Level.
* The book is backed by several pages of researched notes.
* It includes a substantial resource guide of companies that create chemical-free products.
* Each chapter begins with five green tips and some plain green truths.

If you're unsure about what's safe to use or put into your home, your children have allergies and/or asthma, or you're planning to have a baby, this book is your manual. Green Goes With Everything can help you make a difference in the quality of your home and the lives of your children. Take it from me, the mother of a son who was once diagnosed with allergies to almost all foods and pollens. I too created a clean home for my family.

A BestSeller Review

5 Stars

I was really excited about this book but was very disappointed with it. It is not a total waste, there are good tips in it but it seemed too much like a way to sell Shaklee products for her husband. I don't deny that Shaklee has good stuff, but most of the options she gave were to use various shaklee products. Not all of us want to buy Shaklee and so I was disappointed that she didn't have more options. She seems a little too uppity and soccer-momish, too. I guess I'm a little too crunchy for this book :) I didn't relate well to it and though there is some good stuff inside the book, I know I can find better. I got it because my daughter has asthma and wanted to learn more. It's not a total waste but keep looking!

From one mom to another, thank you Sloan! Green Goes With Everything is clear, concise, well researched, and a must read for people concerned about the health of the planet and the health of everyone in the family. From household cleaners to cosmetics, Sloan covers the toxins that so many of us don't realize are in the products we use every day. This book is a wake up call to pay close attention to everything we bring into our homes and to make changes one step at a time. My husband has serious chemical sensitivities and so we've had to be very careful about perfumes, cleaning products, carpets, air fresheners, personal-care products, etc. But even with my heightened awareness, I learned many new things from Sloan that I will immediately implement with my family. I know I will reference her book over and over again for the websites, green companies, and product names she recommends.

I confess :)! Books I read need to keep my interest. Sloan has such a fabulous way of writing that adds a bounce of humor throughout the book! She is speaking of serious issues, yet adds a unique flare of personality through her book that makes serious issues not only stick, but challenges the reader to consider healthy alternatives. I love the book and am using it as a resource for my family. Sloan makes it fun and easy to do my part in creating a healthier life and cleaner planet for my precious children and all those in it. This book makes a wonderful gift.

Diane McCracken PA

I thought this was an outstanding book. It gives good information on how to go green, giving product references as well. How often do we read books but are left on our own to figure out which products are okay? Having used Shaklee cleaners off and on for 30 years, I understand why she recommends them so highly. I also notice that she doesn't promote every Shaklee product available. Some categories have Shaklee alternatives, but that product line isn't even mentioned, which tells me Sloan Barnett is presenting an objective view. I think this is a book that should be read and shared by all. It may be basic for some, but for many it will be a great start to a new green life.

Sloane writes to us as if we were sitting across the counter with a cup of tea or following her around her home and getting a real clue about the reality of what green is all about at home.( and I don't mean the stuff in the back of my fridge from a couple months ago) She shares her story, her passion, and her journey in a ' down to earth' way. I loved reading through it and appreciated how she offered a variety of options for people to get started, whether it's a homemade brew or one of the many companies that she referenced in the back. And it is awesome that not only does she set the example, but her husband's company is leading the way in the 'green' movement! Thanks Sloane for your research, your concern for others and especially your heart! I've already given this as gifts, accompanying 'green' wedding gifts!

This was a good book to realize all of the chemicals that we are exposed to on a daily basis. As a 30-something adult, it may be too 'late' for me, but for my young children this is a great new way of thinking and being more aware of the products I buy. However, I was VERY put-off by the constant mention of her husband's company's products. (her husband is the CEO of shaklee products) It was so frequent at one point, that I completely skipped over sections. Overall, I believe its a good read, but better save your $$ and take it out from the library. Or better yet, just visit her husbands website! *sigh*