The Essential Green You:

THE ESSENTIAL GREEN YOU, VOLUME 3, by Deirdre Imus.
Simon & Schuster Paperbacks, 2009, 289 pp., $15.95.
ISBN-13: 978-1-4165-4125-7

Deirdre opens her book with a simple African proverb: “If you think you’re too small to have an impact, try sleeping in a room with a mosquito.” The fact is we all can make a difference, in our world, our community, our environment, and our personal space and lives.

Sadly, many people don’t think twice about their health or the environment, at least not until they have their “crisis moment.” Perhaps it’s a health scare or some serious problem with life-changing implications. The resulting painful process leads you to a “whoa” moment when you realize you’ve been turning your body, the air you breathe, and the water you drink -- and our environment -- into a toxic wasteland.

THE ESSENTIAL YOU -- the third volume in her New York Times bestselling Green This! Series -- spells out the facts, what not to do, and offers great suggestions for alternative solutions. Deirdre covers all the basics, from food to makeup to cleaning products and healthcare. There’s no heavy-handed approach -- just a friendly, easy to follow program that will help you take baby steps to a healthier lifestyle. Experienced “greeners” may even learn a thing or two, but the book really shines as a well-researched primer for “first-timers” dipping their toes into cleaner waters.

Deirdre writes, “It’s always better and more affordable to prevent disease and pollution before they happen than to try to cure or clean up after the fact.” Every choice has an impact, and no person or choice is too small. Deirdre can help you choose wisely!