Go Green, Live Rich

February 25, 2008
Bach (The Automatic Millionaire
; Start Late, Finish Rich
) offers a multitude of suggestions for conserving the planet—and your money—in this attractive and accessible guide. A few of Bach's tips require making a serious commitment (growing your own vegetables, using recyclable energy, trading in your car for a fuel-efficient model); others such as unplugging unused appliances, switching to compact fluorescent bulbs and eating less meat are simple—if familiar—ways to go green. Bach also advocates making environmental consciousness a family value (spending more family time in nature, taking volunteer vacations), greening holidays by using recycled wrapping paper, sending e-cards and “tree-cycling.” Bach clarifies how the most conservative changes in lifestyle can yield radical results: “If every U.S. computer and monitor were turned off at night, the nation could shut eight large power stations and avoid emitting 7 million tons of CO2
every year.” In the “Finish Rich” section, Bach turns his attention from going green to getting green—investing the money you save in eco-friendly businesses. A winning and wise guide, this book—printed on recycled paper with proceeds going to a green advocacy group—will find a large audience.