This review is part of the Green Books campaign. Today 200 bloggers take a stand to support books printed in an eco-friendly manner by simultaneously publishing reviews of 200 books printed on recycled or FSC-certified paper. By turning a spotlight on books printed using eco- friendly paper, we hope to raise the awareness of book buyers and encourage everyone to take the environment into consideration when purchasing books.
The campaign is organized for the second time by Eco-Libris, a green company working to make reading more sustainable. We invite you to join the discussion on "green" books and support books printed in an eco-friendly manner! A full list of participating blogs and links to their reviews is available on Eco-Libris website.
If you were stranded on a deserted island and could have one book along with you, what would you pick? I always thought it was a toss-up between the complete collection of Calvin and Hobbes, the complete works of Shakespeare, and a blank book I could write in.But maybe I should pick Food Security for the Faint of Heart--a book that might help me survive long enough to return to the stacks of books I left teetering on my bedside table. Between the advice about using plants as medicine, growing, finding, and storing food, and collecting safe water to drink, this book is a great resource packed into a portable 175-page paperback.
But what if a person doesn't expect to be stranded on an island anytime soon, you ask. What if they're not interested in stockpiling food for the apocalypse?
Most of us have had the electricity go out, or the water shut off, for longer than we'd like, and Robin Wheeler has tips for those situations, too. Knowing how to preserve food safely can be a real money-saver if the fridge or freezer stop working. And her tips on edible landscaping are inspiring (I've all but given up on growing a garden, but maybe I could manage not to kill native plants that provide berries or edible flowers?), reflecting her expertise as owner of a permaculture nursery in Canada.
Even if you don't live in an area where winter storms, earthquakes or hurricanes are likely events, FEMA lists any number of other disasters citizens should be prepared for, from flood to wildfire or worse. Really, a book like this is just one step beyond preparing the emergency supply kit we should all have at the ready. I'd stick it in my own (half-ready) kit, but I'm hoping to use the instructions for making homemade bouillon sometime before the next disaster strikes, so onto the cookbook shelf it goes.
All this and an eco-friendly format, too! This book was printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper using vegetable-based ink and an FSC-approved cover
By Alison Jakel
What a great idea for a book! My hurricane days are behind me now, but I'm telling you, this would have been really, really handy during my Louisiana years.
ReplyDeleteI'll bet it would have, Caroline!
ReplyDeleteI think these books are helpful for those of us that think that disasters can't happen to us. I'm sure we're bound to experience one at some point.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Serena. And one thing I liked about this book is that most of the ideas would be good things to do even if disaster never strikes. Who could argue with a pantry full of home-preserved food?
ReplyDeleteSounds like a vital book, you never know when you might need it!
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting article. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting book, although I'm not sure I really understand the title (specifically the "faint of heart" bit). I'm really interested in permaculture and edible landscaping sounds great (although I live in an apartment building at the moment, so it would be of limited usefulness at this point). This definitely sounds like an interesting read!
ReplyDeleteAli: I totally agree with you!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a fantastic book! It would make me feel a little more secure that I could take care of myself in the event of a catastrophe.
ReplyDeleteCrafty Green Poet, I hope I never need it, but it's always good to be prepared. Thanks for stopping by. :-)
ReplyDeleteAvisannschild, she talks about food that can be gathered from the wild (even urban wilderness) so there might be more usefulness for you than you'd expect. As for the title, I think the idea is that it's meant for people who aren't yet comfortable with the idea of stockpiling a whole bunch of food.
Kathy, it did make me feel more secure, reading the book. (And made me want to garden. Maybe I should read her Gardening for the Faint of Heart book next!).
This looks like a fabulous resource and one best enjoyed when the pressure to do so isn't to survive. I also like thinking abt how best to be prepared. A good plan is always helpful before a crisis hits.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds really interesting! I would be rather interested in giving it a read.
ReplyDelete