EarthTalk

February 24, 2009
This roundup of Q&As from ecology periodical E is an engaging overview of the latest information regarding the environment, but more a starting point for investigating the issues than a real education. Organized by topic-food, shopping, health care, personal space, energy consumption, apparel, kids, global warming and transportation-the questions and answers are both down-to-earth and practical without sacrificing curiosity or smoothing out surprises; coffee growing, for instance, is hard on farmers and the planet, but has unexpected, eco-minded champions in Starbucks and the Smithsonian National Zoo. The chapter on shopping is a bit of a hodge-podge, which makes it especially interesting: covering old-growth wood (most prized by timber companies), disposable dishes (try compost-ready dishware made from corn), green tax incentives, the utility of hemp, a catalog of plastic grades and more. Entries on more complicated issues (like nuclear power) may be too brief, and don't always point to resources on both sides of the debate, but lay out the concerns of all interested parties clearly.

December 15, 2008
This collection of questions and answers centering on environmental issues is just what the subtitle indicates: a simple, straightforward series of answers to common questions posed by readers to "E/The Environmental Magazine"'s (www.emagazine.com) nationally syndicated Q&A column "EarthTalk." Broken down into ten palatable chapters on topics ranging from organic veggies to organic undies, global warming, and transportation, this handy paperback covers a wide range of environmental topics. Specific questions ("toothpastes without artificial sweeteners?") are answered with names of sources, whereas more obscure questions like "Is the world running out of oil?" are answered with facts and statistics without any sense of hysteria or pandering. The "E" editors' answers are succinct, informational, and followed by contact information specific to each topic. This contact informationnames, phone numbers, and web addresses of important resourcesis a wonderful resource, which may be difficult to navigate without an alphabetized list. The book's index was unseen by this reviewer, and may remedy this issue. Recommended for public libraries.Jaime Hammond, Naugatuck Valley Community Coll. Lib., Waterbury, CT

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2008
If hemp is a renewable, environmentally friendly crop, why can't I grow it? Should I buy a hybrid car? What do the numbers on the bottom of plastic packages mean? Given the ever-changing nature of scientific research and reporting, being an environmentally savvy and responsible individual has become a confusing and daunting proposition. To simplify matters, the editors of E/The Environmental Magazine have selected the most frequently asked questions submitted byreaders of both their print and online products, and provided straightforward answers designed to help anyone trying to live a more environmentally responsible lifestyle. From the food we put in our bodies to the fuel we pump into our cars, from properly disposing of old computer components to efficiently harnessing wind, water, and solar power, key environmental issues are objectively addressed and supported by specific citations. With helpful references for additional research and a searchable index of questions and topics, this handy, easy-to-use guide can be an invaluable learn-to-live-green resource.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)