SUSTAINABLE HOME could also be called money-saving home, because if we don't buy stuff, or buy furniture that is good quality and lasts longer, we save money. We can also save by turning off lights that are not needed, by growing our herbs in window boxes so they are always ready to be freshly picked, by upcycling old furniture or crockery.

I notice that Christine takes us through the living area, kitchen, with recipes, bedroom and bathroom. Nothing about a kids' room though, or pets. Some parents find it tough to say no when a child wants what they see advertised or what their friends have. And they grow out of clothes, books, bikes, toys.... Maybe the best plan would be enlisting their help to live sustainably.

With photos of everything from energy sources to growing your own celery from the root of the head of celery you buy, the book is nicely illustrated. Each page has lots of white space and simple photos so it looks clean and minimalist too. This book SUSTAINABLE HOME might be a great gift for someone who is thinking about downsizing or decluttering.

Author Christine Liu has a degree in packaging and distinguished career in the packaging industry, and she now works as sustainable packaging program manager for Cisco Systems in San Jose, California. She is a global co-founder of Cisco's employee organization called The Green Team Network and regularly speaks to schools and community groups on sustainable living.

Book Summary