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Ideas for going green

Joshua Piven has diagnosed many of us with a case of eco-anxiety.

It’s a fear of making the wrong choices, brought on by the complexity of environmental issues and the intimidation wrought by well-meaning but strident eco-activists. It can make us afraid to do anything at all, he says.

But Piven thinks our planet’s fate is too important to give up on. So instead of preaching, he seeks to bring humor and creativity to environmentalism in “This Green House: Home Improvements for the Eco-Smart, the Thrifty, and the Do-It-Yourselfer.”

The book offers practical, doable and mostly inexpensive methods for living lighter on the Earth.

Readers learn everything from green cleaning methods to making charcoal from coffee grounds. Some tips are effortless while others require more work.

Piven’s point is that you can pick the projects and tips that are achievable for you, but that every change is an improvement.

“This Green House” is published by Stewart, Tabori & Chang and sells for $15.95 in softcover.

Come in; Now go away

No, it’s not an optical illusion.

The welcome mat that invited you in a few hours ago really does say “go away” now.

UnicaHome.com’s “come in/go away mat” speaks for itself (and you) while gracing your front steps.

Made from all-natural materials, the mat measures 25.6 inches by 15.7 inches and costs $27.50.

Your guest will think you switched your mat when really it’s the graphic design that sends the different messages when the mat is rotated.

Get your green score

GoGreenScore.org is a Web site that offers a free, easy and educational survey that tells users where they stand on the green-living continuum. (Scores range from zero “Ain’t no green to be seen!” to 91-100 “Well, rock on with your big, bad, green self!”)

Beyond taking the quiz and learning your score, you also can access “live green tips” and information on why certain choices are greener than others. Hanging your clothes to dry instead of using the dryer, for example, can save you money on electricity and potentially save the planet a few power plants.

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