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No Impact Man

the Adventures of a Guilty Liberal Who Attempts to Save the Planet and the Discoveries He Makes About Himself and Our Way of Life in the Process
Apr 29, 2011marishkajuko rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
I had read the NY Times article "The Year Without Toilet Paper" when it was published a few years ago - and didn't realize that this book is the outcome of the experiment until I actually cracked it open. It was a nice surprise, because I'd thought about the Times article quite a bit and have become more cognizant of my own waste-making since. I hate to use the cliche, but since it took me three [seemingly brief] reading sessions, I'd call this one a page-turner. Beavan uses the year to break down the consumption habits he'd like to address and change - it's amazing to see how far he goes. He starts with eliminating packaged food to eliminating motorized/electric transportation (including elevators), changing electrical use around the house, not buying anything new (only used items), considering waste water, eating locally - it was neat to see his progress from joe-average to creative impact-reducer. Beavan takes the time to incorporate his ideas on the bigger picture his experiment is addressing - including individual versus collective actions. Whether or not you personally have any inclinations to replicate Beavan's experiment, reading about the types of changes he and his family make is pretty fascinating (including the things they just can't change/give up).