Cradle to Cradle

First of all, I'm in love with this book. Both because of the writing style used, and because of its novel design. (Though I'll be the first to admit, it's heavy and weird to hold because of the materials used to make it).

On another note, I think that McDonough and Braungart are certainly on the right track with their writing. Reading this book is not alarming or depressing like many other works we have studied this semester, and I believe this is due to their balanced portrayal of information.

Not only do the authors clearly and concisely lay out the issues for the reader, but they follow up by describing what is being done to combat the problems. Rather than call for action in the form of laying blame and responsibility upon the reader and the general consumer, they detail the ways that THEY are working to change the system. This is a very different, and uplifting approach compared to many other authors who write on the subject of environmental topics.

Also laid out in this book is the recurring idea of getting back to nature; the idea that we should stop brutalizing the earth, and go back to enjoying and respecting it.

I think McDonough and Braungart (though I am unsure which author contributed which parts of the book) do an excellent job inspiring us to reconsider our own lifestyles in a way to makes us happier and more productive members of the planet.

They seem to advocate harmony and happiness through consumption, which makes any reader want to continue to read the book and apply its concepts to life.