Get Gorgeously Green (and enter to win)

Posted by Mamanista on Apr 7, 2008 | 142 Comments

Gorgeously GreenGorgeously Green, by Sophie Uliano, is a hip new guide to making environmentally-friendly and healthy choices that fit your lifestyle.

Each chapter is a step in the process of becoming Gorgeously Green with plenty of practical and concrete suggestions. If you still need a little push, Uliano prioritizes the information so you know which simple changes will give you the mot dramatic and immediate benefits.

Written in a breezy “girlfriend” style, Gorgeously Green trims the sometimes overwhelming task of improving your life into manageable, but meaningful, steps. Also appreciated is the constant reminder that little changes can add up. Follow one small suggestion each day and you’re on your way to a more eco-chic you.

Although Uliano is obviously very intelligent and Gorgeously Green offers consistently smart advice, the tone sometimes veers a little towards the superficiality of La-La Land (Uliano is a yoga instructor in L.A.). For the most part, however, she accomplishes her goal of making the tips more accessible. Gorgeously Green isn’t aimed towards the homemade dyed in the organic wool crunchy crowd–the audience is the everyday gal who wants to go green but doesn’t want to sacrifice all glamor and convenience in the process.

There are a lot of books that talk about green living in abstract terms, or bombard you with details without any structure, but Gorgeously Green offers a clear approach with plenty of actionable tips.  For example, which organic deodorants actually work?  Which ingredients are the worse environmental and health offenders? Which appliances are leaking the most energy in your house?  Gorgeously Green has the helpful answers?

There are plenty of shopping tips, but there is also an emphasis on reducing consumption–to lighten the load on both the environment and your wallet. Plus there is information about activism and ways to spread the word now that you are committed to a greener life.

One of the strongest features of Gorgeously Green is the website access to interactive exams, printable lists, and up-to-date resources. So, when you head to the supermarket, drugstore, or even your own cabinet, you don’t have to continually flip back and forth in the book.

I’ve already taken my first step in becoming Gorgeously Green and I’m excited to continue to clean-up my house and my life for the benefit of my family and the planet.

As you begin your journey, Gorgeously Green will travel with you. The smallest baby steps can lead you along the path of a holistic approach to earth-friendly, healthy lifestyle.

Check out Mamanista’s Earth Day Eco-Friendly Product Guide for Parents for more tips, reviews, and contests.

WANT IT: Pre-order Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life on Amazon and save (list price $16.95; pre-order $11.53).

WIN IT: Enter to win a copy of Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life by leaving us a comment with an earth-friendly tip or a question you hope this book would answer. Add your comment by 8pm EST, April 16 for your chance to win. US and Canadian shipping addresses only for this contest.

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  • Gorgeously Green by Sophie UIiano | Contests 4 Moms said:

    [...] Where: Mamanista [...]

  • Laura Ch. said:

    I’ve heard a debate about whether cloth is really a more eco-friendly option given the amount of washing required. I hope they talk a little more about this in the book. Would love to read this book!

  • Mya Brooks said:

    I would like to know more about worm composting, and would love to see that answered!

  • Louise A Brouillette said:

    I have a backyard compost pile, but I’d like more tips about composting more efficiently.

  • linda said:

    I’d like to know the top three countries that produce the most pollutants and destruction in the world??

  • Bernadette Holbrook said:

    I line-dry my laundry and have a compost-pile.

  • candice said:

    I would love to read this book. i’m new to the eco-friendly organic stuff and i would love to learn more about it. im trying to be earth friendly without inconviencing myself or spending a lot. I tihnk this book would point me in the right direction

  • valerie mabrey said:

    I just need to know where to begin

  • Annette said:

    I compost.

  • susan varney said:

    how do you compost

  • lise said:

    our family buys groceries from local owners

  • Jennifer Barnett said:

    Unplug all small appliance when they are not in use. They still use electricity when plugged in and turned off. I want to leave a smaller carbon footprint.

  • Shannon Baas said:

    Recycle and compost.

  • Carolyn said:

    Putting my “GREEN” finger in!! ;-) Thanks.

  • Cindi said:

    Hello, I have heard good things about this book!
    I would like to learn about which products are really “green” and ones that work! Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks, Cindi

  • ruth said:

    Information which would be helpful in learning the most about making the correct choices. Thanks.

  • Desmond said:

    Which products are green and which just say they are?

  • Ilissa H. said:

    I would like to learn more about the detrimental effects to health due to pollution and smog.

  • Dan Smith said:

    We recycle

  • Susan said:

    I compost

  • Graham said:

    I try to repair, repurpose, and reuse things and buy local when possible.

  • Alicia said:

    the little green giant

  • Bree said:

    I would love to know what baby-friendly green bath products the author recommends!

  • Lindsie said:

    I hope this book would offer suggestions on green clothing, composting, shopping in general.

  • Ann said:

    Well, we recycle, switch off unnecessary lights. Take our own grocery bags, but I’m sure there’s a lot more we can do and this book will help us. I hope I win. Thanks for the great give away!

  • Heather said:

    I would love to know more about composting and growing my own herbs and veggies.

  • SJ said:

    We’ve switched over to reusable bags, though my husband forgets half the time. Or all the time. But I’ve gotten pretty good about it. And turned down the water heater, turning off more lights, and unplugging lesser used electronics. It’s not much, but a start.

  • Meredith Peters said:

    I think the single most important thing I do for the environment is to try to boycott items from China because China is so enviro-abusive.

  • Lindsey said:

    I would love to know how to truly live a greener lifestyle within a budget. Some tips are easy: turning heat down in winter, unplugging things, eating locally grown produce, walking to work. But what about less obvious things like reducing waste from razors and tissues or what to do with used kitty litter.

  • Sonja Jose said:

    I stopped using plastic shopping bags in December and its the easiest thing to do. My local grocery store was selling reusable bags for $1 and I bought 10 to leave in my car, so I’m always ready to shop.

  • Patti said:

    We have a one glass a day rule. Just a quick rinse and use it again. It saves lots of space in the dishwasher.

  • Mary @ Adventures in Mommyland said:

    We recycle our lightbulbs and phone batteries at special recycling centers. great giveaway, thanks!

  • Belinda said:

    We recycle and reuse as much as we can. I would
    like to learn more of what I can do to go green.
    I would love to read this book. Thanks!

  • Brian said:

    I would like to know why people think they need to eat animals and have slaughterhouses.

  • Dawn Bates said:

    Buy a Push mower – It’s almost lawn cutting time again. We have always paid a neighborhood kid to cut our grass, but now that our son is old enough to do it for free, we bought a manual push mower. It’s incredibly easy to use, especially on our small yard. They key is to make sure you don’t let your grass get too long, or it does become more difficult to cut. I hate the sound and smell of gas mowers so the silence of the push mower is music to my ears. Plus, no power burned at all, except man (or woman)power.

  • Tonya Denmark said:

    Just like the comment above, we have a push mower as well. I love it because I also have no fear of the kids getting hurt while I’m using it.

  • Melissa Haynie said:

    Our family uses cloth grocery bags and we also have switched all of our lights in the house to the low energy use florescents. They actually give a more true light off. We also have a compost pile and our own garden to offset the rising cost in foods. Soon no one will be able to afford to eat if the cost of living keeps going up.

  • Ginny said:

    I’m really looking to learn a bit about composting. I’m thinking it is a great thing to do because it doesn’t take any extra energy, etc that regular recycling does take. One of my biggest tips is to not leave the computer on over night & set the computer to go to sleep for during the day when you take a break from it.

  • Danielle S said:

    Id like to learn more about what organic foods are a MUST, and the benefits of cloth diapering.

  • ruth miller said:

    mmm.. how can i compost when all i have is a 5×3 porch in a condo complex? are the helthfood nut shamppos better even if they cost like ten times more?

  • bob keck said:

    We compost and recycle. I’d like to learn more about safe organic foods and pet care.

  • Aisling said:

    I’d like to see a simple guide to composting because I think more people would do it if they understood just how simple it is.

  • ellinghouse said:

    I would love to win! One tip I have and I practice…I have a small garden, my friend has a small garden….we plant different produce and herbs and then trade! Kinda like a mini co-op!

  • Lisa in Chicago said:

    I would love to win a copy! Our family composts, uses cloth bags for shopping, cloth diapers and cloth squares instead of paper tissue for our noses. We want to learn more about worm composting for use during the cold winter months.

  • Caroline Morin said:

    I’ve had composting on my mind as well, and would like to know how to do it in a way that doesn’t pose a great hassle (or stink).

  • Amira M. said:

    LAUNDRY! i need to find the best way to be green without destroying my hands

  • christopher h said:

    i’d hope the book to tell me how to compost better

  • JenO said:

    Reuse water bottles. We have a tap attached water filter and we refill the bottles and put them back in the car. It takes 2 liters of water to produce the plastic on one water bottle!

  • Don said:

    This book I am hoping will help our family become better consumers.

  • Maeflower said:

    Lots of things I would like to know….how about is it healthier to eat organic or natural meats??

  • Stephen Saunders said:

    could use some green laundry tips.

  • Terri B said:

    I’d like to know how to safely protect my toddler from mosquitos.

  • Sharon Jones said:

    earth-friendly tip-walk! If you are going anywhere withing walking distance, get those sneakers on and walk…saves on gas and makes you feel great.

  • Jennifer M. said:

    I would love to learn an earth-friendly tip for reducing paper towel use…specifically an unique way to dispense washcloths/rags so it’s as easy to use them as a roll of paper towels!

  • Belinda said:

    I would love to know if there is a Earth friendly way to get rid of pests like fire ants.

  • Tricia Andrews said:

    We are trying to be as green as possible in our household. But I have always wondered: What is the best way to wash dishes: in the sink by hand or with a dishwasher? Which is more eco-friendly?

  • sarah said:

    I would hope this book would tell the best green companies to buy from for basic things like toilet paper and soap.

  • SHARON said:

    LET’S GET BACK TO THE BASICS…WASTE NOT WANT NOT!

  • Susan Chester said:

    If I want to buy something, I research it on the internet to see how eco-friendly the manufacturers are.

  • melba said:

    i would like this book to further my education about being green.

  • Lisa Fosses said:

    how to clean difficult laundry stains with green products

  • Tori at Punkin Pockets said:

    I would love tips on how to begin composting on a tight budget!

  • Kari Follett said:

    We do our share! Recycle, use less, buy organic, cloth diaper and pads…

  • Linda Lansford said:

    I just need to know where to begin

  • Doreen said:

    I’m new to being ‘eco-friendly’ and would love to read this book and apply it!

  • Diana (Holes In My Shiny Veneer) said:

    I look forward to finding out which organic deodorants actually work, as well as other personal care products– I’ve spent way too much money trying out organic shampoos!

  • tim brown said:

    All things green
    THANK YOU GOD BLESS

  • Miranda Allen said:

    Composting

  • Mike Weisberg said:

    i want to win

  • kelli said:

    I carry reusable shopping bags in my purse and diaper bag.

  • Kathy Scott said:

    I lve my hybrid, but my bicycle is even better.

  • Tara R said:

    I would like to win this! We use reusable grocery bags and do a lot more walking than driving. A question I hope would be answered is how to get my kids excited and involved in saving our planet!

  • Kathy Davis said:

    I donate my goshery bags to a local resale store the reuses them when they sell things…..

  • Ashley Henley said:

    i would like tips on how I can be green without breaking the bank

  • Deborah Wellenstein said:

    I line-dry my laundry when possible. Clothes last much longer when you keep them out of dryers!

  • Michelle M said:

    How can one be green on a budget? I would like to buy organic, and get eco friendly toys and such, but my money situation makes it difficult.

  • Julie Ford said:

    I would like to learn more about purchasing eco-friendly make-up. Thanks for sharing!!

  • Jane K said:

    I would like some new ideas for going green besides composting, recycling, using cloth shopping bags, drying laundry outdoors–in other words the ideas we here over and over again.

  • kristin said:

    Find places in your area that recyle things that your city my not. You can recycle just ab out everything!

  • Donna R. said:

    I use as little (water, waste products, etc.) and recycle whevere possible. Thanks! *S*

  • ERica G said:

    I would liek to know what the single simplest thing I could do that would make the biggest impact.

  • Angela said:

    I am all about recycling mailing supplies.. but I need to learn more ways to use less.

    I blogged your contest on Prize-A-Tron!
    http://www.prizeatron.com

  • Kristen McCann said:

    Reusable grocery bags, recycling, cloth instead of paper products when possible…would love to compost!

  • Beki said:

    Seal up those major leaks in your house. We had to intall a door and window to block off our “hole” (otherwise known as the sunroom) but the savings are worth it!

  • Suzie said:

    I want to find tips on little ways to live better. Things like which cleaning products are better, how to save energy, etc… Oh, and I’d also hope to find information about what kind of “green” things are big scams or over exageratted. I’ve noticed some of those companies that claim their products are “green” arn’t really.

  • Donna Coughlin said:

    I like to line-dry my laundry

  • Dan Mcnaughtan said:

    I’m looking for some information on the “Cone” composter. Thanks.

  • Lynn Anne said:

    I would love to see ideas for REDUCING — (as in reduce reuse recycle) — and for a green tip, take a look at modern cloth diapers. The most recent issue (mar/apr 08) issue of Mothering Magazine had a couple of intro articles with info on all the different choices – some are as easy as disposables and they don’t contribute that one-ton-per-child of trash the disposables do, to the landfills. Even ‘hybrid’ diapering (some of each) helps a lot.

  • Jennifer said:

    Stop with the paper napkins and paper towels! Rags are easy to make and wash from worn out t-shirts etc., and cheap bar towels are great reusable napkins.

  • Robin said:

    I like to make my own spray cleaner using 1 part vinegar, 3 parts water and about 20 drops of essential oils.

  • Debbie Criss said:

    I’m a recyclist. Please enter me.
    thank you

  • Brandie said:

    We line dry when weather permits (since we don’t have a spot to do it indoors yet), bring our own bags when shopping, recycling, try to be conscious about energy use, and we turned down the thermostat this winter!
    I hope the book talks about composting and diy gardens that are safe and environmentally friendly – that is where I need the most help right now!

  • Brittanie said:

    I would love to win a copy. Right now we recycle and bought some of the new lightbulbs. I would love to know how to do more like compost. I also want to know what cleaning products are cheap and better for the environment.

    http://www.abookloverforever.blogspot.com
    treewaterduchess at yahoo dot com

  • Maureen said:

    I would like more information on cars that save energy and any easy things that I might not be doing.

  • Carol Drury said:

    I recycle papaer plastic and aluminum!!

  • katie said:

    Living green is great! Saves money and is healthier, not to mention good for the earth. :)

  • Samantha Pruitt said:

    get a bidet, it’ll save a ton of toilet paper!

  • Sylvia Porter said:

    when printing use the blank side of old printed pages that you don’t need, it saves a lot of paper!

  • ashley said:

    we seperate all of our trash into metal, plastic, cardboard, combustible.

  • marcey said:

    I am a vegan!!

  • Bobbye F said:

    I am really glad to see some of the brands that I use move to earthfriendly products. Does anyone know of a list or how to findout what earthfriendly brands are more affordable and better for the environment than others?

  • Suzanne Denys said:

    I compost but need to see if I am doing it right.

  • sharon said:

    how to buy more eco friendly items, not just cleaning items or organic food, but fair trade, more natural fiber clothing…the whole shebang!

  • Linda Russell said:

    Buy products made from recycled materials.

  • Elizabeth M. said:

    I love this idea. This is exactly what I need to take the steps to being green. Sometimes things are scary because we just don’t know what to do. This is the elixir to that!

  • Melanie Miller said:

    I use coffe grounds as a fertilizer and also for pest control. I use left over coffee as a rinse for my hair.

  • kiyana said:

    Take and buy only what you need so you don’t waste!

  • Carissa Davis said:

    I recycle plastic bags.

  • Diane Kripp said:

    I’ve started buying concentrated laundry detergent in the smaller bottles, thinking it saves plastic waste (which I recycle anyway). But is the concentrated detergent more harmful than the saving of plastic.

  • C Duran said:

    I try to buy things that are only in minimal packaging or at least in packaging that I can recycle

  • Suanne Giddings said:

    We recycle, repurpose, and reuse as much as we can. We are replacing light bulbs with eco-friendly ones, using canvas bags for shopping,and pretty much of the more commmon ways to conserve. We have been using vinegar for cleaning… but UGH! The SMELL! LOL I need to find things more friendly to my nose. Thanks for sponsoring this contest!

  • Roger Deming said:

    great book to help us all live a little wiser for those that come after us.

  • Heather G said:

    I would like to know more about making my own bath and beauty products! Thanks for the chance!!

  • Dawn said:

    We use the reuseable grocery bags and only buy what we can fit in the bags that we bring- keeps you from buying too much on the shopping trip too!

  • Dee Dohler said:

    I am in poor health and on a fixed income. Are their any tips that are realistic to my circumstances.

  • Brooke said:

    We recycle EVERYTHING we can. The kids take showers together. We buy local and organic as much as we can too. We use large cloth tote bags which we carry around all the time, particularly since in NYC, with a store on every corner, if you don’t bring your own bag, you can end up with dozens of plastic bags at the end of each week.

  • kathleen Yohanna said:

    Someone told me that recycling plastic does more harm to the environment than just dumping it. The processing puts toxic fumes in the air. Is that true?

  • melanie coleman said:

    I believe that drinking filtered water is a must-do and to have an airpurifer is a must have. And Plants.. got to have lots of plants, they clean the air and looking at them is so uplifting and healing!

  • Steve said:

    We have been green for ten years now and love to see it getting more and more notice

  • Susanne Troop said:

    I don’t know alot about green so I’m sure the book would answer alot of my questions.

  • dorothy said:

    I would love to find a cheaper way to make solar panels

  • kathy pease said:

    newspapers as mulch :0

  • ~ Aliesa ~ said:

    My favorite section was the beauty one. I was using a natural moisturizer I though was pretty safe but instead turned out to be a 7 out of 10 hazard on the Cosmetic Database!

  • Timothy Sternberg said:

    I’ve heard a debate about whether cloth is really a more eco-friendly option given the amount of washing required.

  • Ed Nemmers said:

    Are paper towels or electric hand dryers more green?

  • Ashanti said:

    okay, so here is one tip. If you do not use your phone book. STOP ORDERING THEM. all you do is throw them away and they are not recycled. so cancel your phone book subscription

  • Jane Hoh said:

    I’d like to learn of a way to compost without seeing an ugly pile in the backyard. My goal is 0 bags of garbage.

  • Lily Kwan said:

    I would like shopping tips on how to buy organic food on a limited grocery budget.

  • Heather C said:

    I want to know why it’s so expensive to be green. Yikes!

  • sarah woods said:

    Simply put I would love one on one education to go to a grocery store and shown items that are not eco friendly both in product and design; if not so lets educate via the book giveaway. Many Thanks!!! Best of Luck to ALL who ENTER the COMTEST!!!!!!!!!

  • Janet said:

    I would like to know more about worm composting,

  • * * HeLeN * * said:

    I’m hoping this book will educate my neighbor and she’ll stop burning trash in her fireplace. Burning plastic stinks!

  • Betty C said:

    I’d like to know how much electricity an appliance actually uses when it is turned off but not unplugged.

  • Deanna said:

    I never buy water bottles anymore. They are a plague! And I recycle all those plastic bags you somehow still manage to collect even when you try to bring your own.

  • Chi said:

    I walk whenever I can. I also take AP Environmental Science, and I love learning about global warming and the things that we are doing to the Earth.

  • Safe Cosmetics Database, Natural Health and Beauty, Organic Baby Products | Mamanista! said:

    [...] of the great tips I got from Gorgeously Green is to check out all of your beauty, hair care, and personal hygiene products on Skin Deep: the [...]

  • Gorgeously Green and Growing Up Green Contest Winners! | Mamanista! said:

    [...] winner of the Gorgeously Green Contest on Mamanista is Louise, who commented: I have a backyard compost pile, but I’d like more tips about [...]

  • Michelle said:

    Be Green with Envy and recycle!

  • Debbie Berry said:

    I have become very committed to cutting back on purchasing anything that I don’t need, toxic or is totally more of a desire than a need.. I had a fundraiser for my daughter few months ago. She has been battling cancer for going on 3 years now. During the fundraiser we purchased way too many t-shirts and my basement is full of them.. So once aweek I grab a handful of t-shirts and turn them into shopping bags..I give these out to people and they are always thrilled …:) I shop at second hand stores for anything I might need, even for items that I can use for material to remake clothes for my grandchildren..I make everything and haven’t purchased gifts from a store for close to a year now…
    Another tip is that I make all my own household cleaners, toothpaste, shaving cream ,and buy all my groceries etc as local as possible …
    Keep up the good work, my youngest daughter purchased your book and loves it ..I would love to have a copy, but can’t spend the money at this time…
    Debbie

  • Valeria Abela said:

    I’m aware about this previously, however there were a few useful pieces which completed the picture for me personally, thanks!

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