If I wrote an eco book for Earth Day, perhaps my last choice for a title would be Climate Change, as such a title tends not to entice readers — neither the already eco-conscious and curious (because they already believe climate change is happening) nor the eco-oblivious (because they don’t care about climate change) types.

Alas, that’s the title of a new 96-page pocket guide by Jon Clift and Amanda Cuthbert, a guide that has a cover image — a picture of the earth — equally as unsexy as its title. A cursory look would have most people think the booklet details the fact of climate change — which is why I hope people will read the subtitle of Climate Change: Simple Things You Can Do to Make a Difference — because that’s what the book’s really about, and why I think the book could be helpful for eco-newbies stressed about how to embark on a greener lifestyle.

Yes, the quick 7-page intro does outline what climate change is and why you should care — but then Climate Change quickly turns to more practical, hands-on matters, with short, 2-6 page chapters dedicated to everything from home heating to cooking to gardening to shopping. Better yet for the easily-overwhelmed, each brief chapter ends with “If you do just one thing,” followed by one simple eco-tip that has the biggest impact as possible while not causing undue hardship or stress or major lifestyle changes.

Most of these “just one thing” tips simply consist of not wasting resources you’re not actually using, i.e. turning off unwatched TVs and unused water faucets or not boiling more water than you need. Still, if you live in a totally un-green house with an eco-oblivious family, simply incorporating one of these tips into your fam’s life each week could save you some serious money on utility bills.

So if you want a practical, un-overwhelming guide to get you started on greening your life this month while saving yourself some cash, don’t overlook Climate Change.

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