Easy Choices

One of the many things that sets the book Just Green It!: Simple Swaps to Save Your Health and the Planet ($17.95, Running Press) apart from other green guides is its focus on specific product brands. Authors Ron and Lisa Beres, the founders of GreenNest.com, aren’t afraid to name names. Covering everything from lightbulbs to pillows to muffin pans and vodka, the book breaks each category down into “Green It!” or “Skip It!” recommendations.

They suggest shaving creams from companies like Dr. Bronner’s, Aubrey Organics and Tom’s of Maine, for example, since these are made from organic ingredients, without harmful chemicals or triclosan. On the opposing “skip it” page are pictured the Gillette spray shave creams, those containing chemicals called phthalates hidden in fragrances that are “linked to health concerns such as birth defects, developmental problems, and in extreme cases, cancer.” There’s no chance for the book to delve into details, but it could serve as a handy reference guide when navigating the supermarket or drug store aisles.