If the latest incarnation of the green living movement has taught use anything, it is this: small, simple changes can have a big impact when performed by many people. Two examples: 1) the average household uses 15% less water when a water meter is installed, 2) energy-efficient light bulbs last 12 times longer than ordinary bulbs and consumer one-fifth the energy. If every household in America, let alone the developed world, performed these two simple actions (adding a water meter and replacing light bulbs), you can only imagine the positive ramifications that could be had.

These are just two of the many intelligent facts, along with simple and effective tips, featured in the Chelsea Green Guides book series. I’ve gotten the pleasure of receiving four of the six guides in the mail and will be reviewed two of them in this post (the next two in another post).

First up is the Water volume from Chelsea Green Guides. Written by Jon Cliff (environmental consultant with Masters degree in Sustainable Environmental Management) and Amanda Cuthbert (freelance writer and marketing consultant), this 78-page book is a handy reference meant for every bookshelf. Along with staggering water usage facts, there are 100 short and simple ways to conserve water all over the house (backyard, garden and car washing included).

Second on the review block (you know, like the chopping block only healthier?) is the Energy volume from Chelsea Green Guides. Also written by duo Jon Cliff and Amanda Cuthbert, this guide also includes 100 conversation tips in a wide variety of areas. From lighting and cooking to renewable energy and gadgets, energy options are abound and covered in basic detail throughout the book.

Water and Energy are great introductory guides to the world of green living. “Going green” can seem so overwhelming at first, but these two books can be considered more “bare bones” - helping any reader to transition into a more sustainable lifestyle without sacrificing basic comforts. Though I haven’t had the pleasure of reading it, Jon Cliff and Amanda Cuthbert have another book in the Chelsea Green Guides series called Greening Your Office. I have a feeling it is just as enjoyable as these two volumes are and encourage you to check them all out.

Of course, being a sustainable publishing company, Chelsea Green has taken extra steps to make sure that their books are printed with high environmental standards. For the particular printing of these two books, Silva Enviro100 paper (100% post-consumer recycled content, processed chlorine-free) was used, helping to save thousands of pounds of solid waste and tens of thousands of gallons of water.

Stay tuned/subscribed to Victoria-E.com for more Chelsea Green Guide reviews, along with a slew of other books!