Green Chic: Saving the Earth in Style    by Christie Matheson Order:  USA  Can Sourcebooks, 2008 (2008) Softcover     Reviewed by Deb Kincaid Christie Matheson, author of Green Chic: Saving the Earth in Style, is a travel and lifestyle writer-photographer. Matheson clearly shows she's not into self-sacrifice: 'Going green doesn't mean I'm going to wear last year's designer denim for the next eight seasons. Please.' Nevertheless, she does recommend buying less, buying local, and buying vintage. Green Chic is a chatty, effervescent read that opens with a glossary of terms used in the book. Going forward, the next ten chapters discuss topics such as greening your mani-pedi's, ecofriendly parties, and earth conscious fashion. The author also covers the energy-saving basics: CFL lighting, Energy Star appliances, and recycling. Sprinkled between Matheson's entertaining personal anecdotes are statistics on energy wattage, landfill tonnage, and industry percentages - but not so many that eyes glaze over. Placed generously throughout the book as well are information boxes with suggestions, details, and website addresses for eco-products and services. Chapter 10 is devoted to Matheson's favorite green chic things, including reusable tote bags, organic lip shimmers, and green hotels. Aligning business and ethical values, the publishers, Sourcebooks, have printed Green Chic on 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper (Ancient Forest Friendly (AFF) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified), using vegetable-based ink. Further, Matheson plans to donate 50% of any net royalties to environmental organizations. How cool is that? True, this book is not for the uber-committed environmentalist. There is no mention of sweatshop labor, corporate irresponsibility, or personal accountability. Still, Matheson's Green Chic: Saving the Earth in Style may be just the encouragement some need to test the green waters and, finding them suitable, take the plunge - stylishly, of course. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews