The result was an often funny and always inspiring blog, where she documented that journey. Now, she lives a primarily plastic free life style, which is astounding in our current society.  She has taken all of her acquired knowledge through this process and shared it with us in a new book, called Plastic Free: How I Kicked the Plastic Habit and You Can Too.

This book feels like a conversation with a funny, knowledgeable and sometimes snarky friend. Beth is not judgy or preachy. She just shares what she has learned, her mistakes, her growth, and her challenges as she eliminates plastic in her life.

Plastic Free is really the anti-plastic bible. There is something in this book for everyone, from the beginner to the hardcore environmentalist wanting to go to the next level and right in between.

Beth takes us on a journey from the terrible ubiquitous nature of plastic, from plastic bags, to bottles, to the problems with plastic recycling, to take out packaging, grocery shopping, personal care products, and household cleaning. Every chapter is filled with helpful tips, quotes, success stories, and my favorite, an action item checklist.There is something for everyone here. I feel like I have plateaued a bit on my plastic use and could do much better. So as I read this book I focused on the areas I wanted to improve, such as using the bulk bins more (and carrying containers), finding a good natural deodorant, and cooking from scratch more often (my own yogurt, tortillas, and other plastic packaged foods).

 

I also love that the book ends on why our choices DO matter, regardless of what we read about how it doesn't. These are inspiring and remind me of the bigger picture in all this.

The resources and links throughout the book are an amazing resource for learning more, living green, and finding safer non-plastic products.

You've got to love how the book is made of as little plastic as possible. No plastic coating in the cover, and exposed board and binds. We need more books made like this!

Thanks to Beth Terry for creating an exhaustive book on how everyone can lessen their use of plastic, one step at a time. I know I will use this book often, and look up many of the resources presented.  No matter where you are, this book will help you use less plastic and feel empowered by doing so.

I always joke that there is a little Beth Terry that sits on my shoulder, much like the angel and devil depicted in movies, each whispering in a characters ear, which choice to make. This tiny Beth sits on my shoulder and whispers what I could be doing to use less plastic. I try to listen, and now that I have read the book, she has a lot more to say!

How can you lessen your plastic use this summer-- for your family's health and the health of our planet?  Beth will tell us how this Tuesday, July 9th, 2013 at 9pm. She's our guest on #EcoTipTue on Twitter!  Ask Beth about her plastic free lifestyle, and learn simple tips for this summer.