This book calls us to explore the ethical implications of our lives. It chooses 7 topics (coffee, chocolate, food, cars, waste, clothing, and debt) and walks through some of the justice issues involved with each.
Such a book could well be a recipe for feelings of depression and powerlessness. AFter all it would be impossible to suddenly change our entire lives in almost any of those topics. But Clawson is prepared for that. She starts out the book by telling the reader not to panic. She is realistic enough to know that there are limits to what people feel they are able to do. ANd so he purpose of the book is to raise awareness and encourage people to do something, not everything -- "to tweak, not overhaul" as she says. OTOH, part of me wonders if focussing on the "Tweaking" may allow some readers to comfortably forget the need for a more complete overhaul -- tweaking is the start, not the endpoint.
One of the best parts about the book is that each chapter includes some concrete, helpful tips on how one can change, where to look, what to do to make a difference. Each chapter also includes a reference list (books, movies, websites) for more information.
THis book would make for a great book study. At one time the local library had a book club. I may check if it still exists and, if so, suggest it. Or maybe I can convince a group at the church to do it.
Note: You can see a discussion of his book over at the RGBP site
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