There are few pleasures in life greater than curling up with a good book - preferably along with a nice glass of wine. Minimalist interior designers might disagree but as far as I'm concerned, a full bookshelf is what turns a house into a home. It's also an eco-choice since it doesn't require any electricity to actually read a book, except lighting at night.

Yet these days I'm far less likely to buy my books new. My book habit alone could be responsible for the loss of two large trees per year - one Canadian spruce produces just 24 books, according to Greenpeace. The publishing industry is not as green as it could be and dodgy paper sources have helped fuel the destruction of ancient forests in Finland, Indonesia and Canada.

Equally important, I look for ways to recycle my books when I'm done. I used to be very attached to my books but I've come to the realisation that I can't keep every volume that passes through my hands. If a book is gathering dust and it's an easily obtainable paperback, there's no reason to hang on to it.

Beyond these initial steps, here are 5 simple tips for greening your reading:

Support publishers doing the right thing.

There are times in life where books need to be new - whether you want to treat yourself to a latest release, buy a gift for a friend or support a favorite author. If you are buying new books, it's a good idea to ensure it's printed on sustainable paper. The good news is that this is getting easier.

Greenpeace started the Book Campaign in Canada in 2000, urging publishers ...Read More

Are you thinking of a local, organic Thanksgiving this year? Well, thanks to the Eat Well Guide and the Consumers Union, it's a piece of cake (or pumpkin pie). These two groups have teamed up and created the ...Read More

I once met a woman with corn allergies and she lamented how hard it was to find food she could eat outside her own kitchen. You wouldn’t know it just by looking, but corn is pervasive in so many foods comprising the Standard American Diet. ...Read More

Okay, so you've been working on making your house more eco friendly. You've changed the light bulbs, put in a water conserving shower head, bought energy efficient appliances, and stopped leaving lights and heaters on all over the house. Now it's time to tackle the doghouse. After all, it's only fair to ...Read More

Your meals may consist of organic ingredients, but is your cookware as green as the food that's prepared in it? Many cookware brands sell products that contain fluoropolymer resins, which are about as unhealthy as they sound.

For peace of mind, check out your eco-friendly options:

Instead of toxic ...Read More

I’m not one to clutter my closet with the latest trends - my fashion focus is more about quality than quantity. But when I see a sexy tee the likes of which has graced the cover of one or two fashion mags, I don’t shy away. Mostly because I wear my tees until they’re torn and tattered, and then I wear them some more…as workout tops. Next ...Read More

If in the next four years we are all going to be investing in doing what works to heal our social and environmental ills, the very idea of examining the dress code of our new first lady might need a wee revision.

Don't get me wrong, I longed for the fashion runway savvy and the budget to back it up ever since the old days of ...Read More

Steel yourself: we're going to talk about drains.

It would be ungentlemanly of me to mention the amount of my ex-girlfriend's long hair that used to jam up the plug of the shower - so I won't. But there's all sorts of things drains can clog up with: skin, grime, bacteria...let's not dwell. Here are a few tips on prevention.

...Read More

Here’s some great news for Amazon fans, especially those planning on doing some of their Christmas shopping online. Amazon now offers "Frustration-Free Packaging" which consists of streamlined packaging using recyclable cardboard.

Imagine, no more struggling to a get a gadget out from its packaging. No more plastic cuts (the ...Read More

If I had to describe my ideal living space in one word, rustic pretty much fits the bill. My aim? To make my home resemble the outdoors as much as possible while still retaining a chic appeal. The best way to accomplish this delicate balance is by mixing the raw elements of wilderness with the refined allure of impeccable elegance. And, the ...Read More