Protecting the Environment

Thomas Carlyle did us all a good turn when he coined the word ‘environment’ – its all-embracing nature has saved us reams of paper and megajoules of energy. And this book is about, among other things, saving paper and energy, and embracing nature. The formula is simple – one environmental concern per spread – its nature explained and a case-study or two showing the actions of one or more environmental charities to better the situation. Concerns range from protecting local natural areas (‘Have you ever visited any unspoilt areas?’ asks the author) exemplified by Friends of the Earth against peat, and the CPRE against greenfield building, to transport pollution and Sustrans’ Safe Routes to School.

The text is admirably simple, clear and direct (‘Do you like fish and chips? If you do, you should know that cod is disappearing from our seas’) and illustrations carefully chosen. Having made its valuable points, the book goes on to list two pages of eminently achievable ways to ‘do your bit’ – use a washing line, not a tumbledrier, use both sides of the paper, feed the birds, etc. And then there’s a list of all the charities mentioned in the text, with ’phone numbers and web addresses (try www.realnappy.com for something different!).

An excellent volume which combines objective realism with bright optimism, all very clearly expressed. The series also offers contributions about working with ‘disadvantaged’ people and with animals, which should also be well worth a look.