Contrary to the title of this book, author Dick Strawbridge doesn’t really seem to be very daunted by the prospects of ”being green”.
Through roughly 200 pages, we get to follow along as he and his family attempts to green their lifestyle while moving to a new house.
If you think you recognize that glorious moustache in the cover picture, you’re probably right. Strawbridge has participated in several series of TV shows, including “Planet Mechanics”, “Scrapheap challenge”/”Junkyard Wars” and the series this book is based on: “It’s not easy being green”.
If you’ve seen him in any of these shows, you’ll recognize the jolly and flamboyant manner in which he guides us through the various projects in this book.
The Strawbridges and their various helpers do their best while building a waterwheel, doing green house renovation, starting permaculture gardening, raising pigs and hens and making their own biodiesel for their cars. And a bunch of other interesting projects.
The style is open and honest throughout – any problems or failings they met upon is presented unabashedly. Luckily, there are mostly successes, making the book an inspiring read.
What this book is – and what it isn’t
“It’s not easy being green” is by no means a technical manual or a definitive guide to green living. You’ll find very little in the way of how-tos and detailed instructions here. So it’s a good thing the book obviously isn’t trying to provide these things 
What it is trying to provide is a light-hearted, entertaining and funny read about the experiences of the Strawbridge family in their greening efforts. Which it succeeds in – quite well.
Worth the price?
The paperback edition of this book is well worth the (quite low) price, considering the inspiration it provides. I recommend it.
If you decide to buy it, you’ll earn lots of good karma and support this blog if you buy it through one of these links 
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This post was tagged with: book reviews, books, greening, permaculture, renewable energy, self sufficiency, solar power, waterwheels
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Looks like a fun, interesting book. Thank you for the review!
@Small Footprints: You’re welcome!
Looks like a great book
I reconize the author from Scrapheap Challenge om TV. He is so funny!
@Daria: He is
You should check out his Planet Mechanics show, where you get to see more of him. I think it’s on National Geographic channel (in Europe, anyway).
Thanks for the tip, I will