Review: Green by Design

Green by Design by Angela Dean
£12.53 from Amazon

It's always a little disappointing to see a green design book that is printed on glossy paper, but okay, it's a design book, if it doesn't look sharp its point will be missed.  It's just that I've seen eucalyptus paper that looks like it could be up to the job of providing sustainable but glossy white sheets... And although it would be more expensive, there's an ongoing tradition of ethical goods costing more, so, etc.  Aside from that, Green by Design is a winner - pretty and smart.  (Like you, dearest.)

Dean's book contains a range of practical example green homes, ranging from those costing £32 per square foot (which is inexpensive for a conventional property, much less an energy efficient and sustainable one) to more luxurious spaces going for a still pretty sane £200k.  The energy tips are a bit obvious (as tips often are) and the instructions on how to deal with, say, local authorities, are also leaning toward filler, but the actual case studies of the houses make this book worthwhile for any homeowner that wants to practically and affordably improve their living space.  [GT]