Jessica Alba

I did not have hero-worship before reading this book but I have a bit of it now. I can empathize with Alba somewhat: she struggled with sickness as a child, as did I, in a world that made her sick, where I struggle with food that makes me sick - and am starting to suspect the environment is making my family sick. So making a safe home means the world to me as well. Given this and the girly nature of this book, it was probably natural that I would like it.

I appreciate books that recognize we aren't perfect and aren't likely to be, especially in this world that expects so much (have you ever read the comments on the website of the woman who has barely generated a jar of trash in 2 years? People are still nagging her that she is not doing enough for the environment! What hope do the rest of us stand?!?). At the same time, it talks about the very real things a beginner can do. More than just "use this product," (which many are green-washed) it explains what one's goals are when looking for what to do.

It is definitely a beginner book. Another reviewer has mentioned that a lot of the advice is a repeat of what one might have read in articles in magazines. This is true, but it would be a rather large collection over a diverse range of topics. There is still something to be said of the practicality for having all the information in one place - not only to find it, but reading chapter after chapter of what you can do can be more of a call to action.

The girlyness is part of its appeal to me. It made me want to read on. It appealed to a certain nature in me. It acknowledged realities in my life: as much as I hate it, I realistically will need to wear makeup in my profession; I cannot always wear my favourite recycled saris-dress to the office but need a suit; bath products are my happy place. Let's embrace this reality and my changes are more likely to succeed.

Some have called this book a dragged out advertisement for the Honest Company. I disagree, and suspect they did not read the whole book. Yes, she mentions products they carry. However, having read the memoir portion, it makes complete sense that she is proud of her company and would realistically use their products. There are sections where not a product is mentioned (for they don't make such things) and the odd example where she admits to using something other than the Honest Company product. This s realistic. She mentioned the product in a fashion of "look for a product that has X, doesn't have Y and blah - I use our company's product." I don't find that pushy, but realistic and expected before I cracked the spine. Just have reasonable expectations.

I would recommend this book to beginners, especially those interested in the yuppie lifestyle (one commenter said we can't all afford D&G and some of her "jet setter" examples: it's true, but the amount of the populace who can are larger than you'd think - and sometimes you think label prices are higher than they are because of the cachet). My Mom was shocked when I said I'd be passing this book on, since I kept talking about it and reading her passages, but I just think there's something about environmental books that you have to take your notes and send it on for someone else to make changes. Its presence on my donation shelf is not a commentary on the book.… (altro)

I did not have hero-worship before reading this book but I have a bit of it now. I can empathize with Alba somewhat: she struggled with sickness as a child, as did I, in a world that made her sick, where I struggle with food that makes me sick - and am starting to suspect the environment is making my family sick. So making a safe home means the world to me as well. Given this and the girly nature of this book, it was probably natural that I would like it.

I appreciate books that recognize we aren't perfect and aren't likely to be, especially in this world that expects so much (have you ever read the comments on the website of the woman who has barely generated a jar of trash in 2 years? People are still nagging her that she is not doing enough for the environment! What hope do the rest of us stand?!?). At the same time, it talks about the very real things a beginner can do. More than just "use this product," (which many are green-washed) it explains what one's goals are when looking for what to do.

It is definitely a beginner book. Another reviewer has mentioned that a lot of the advice is a repeat of what one might have read in articles in magazines. This is true, but it would be a rather large collection over a diverse range of topics. There is still something to be said of the practicality for having all the information in one place - not only to find it, but reading chapter after chapter of what you can do can be more of a call to action.

The girlyness is part of its appeal to me. It made me want to read on. It appealed to a certain nature in me. It acknowledged realities in my life: as much as I hate it, I realistically will need to wear makeup in my profession; I cannot always wear my favourite recycled saris-dress to the office but need a suit; bath products are my happy place. Let's embrace this reality and my changes are more likely to succeed.

Some have called this book a dragged out advertisement for the Honest Company. I disagree, and suspect they did not read the whole book. Yes, she mentions products they carry. However, having read the memoir portion, it makes complete sense that she is proud of her company and would realistically use their products. There are sections where not a product is mentioned (for they don't make such things) and the odd example where she admits to using something other than the Honest Company product. This s realistic. She mentioned the product in a fashion of "look for a product that has X, doesn't have Y and blah - I use our company's product." I don't find that pushy, but realistic and expected before I cracked the spine. Just have reasonable expectations.

I would recommend this book to beginners, especially those interested in the yuppie lifestyle (one commenter said we can't all afford D&G and some of her "jet setter" examples: it's true, but the amount of the populace who can are larger than you'd think - and sometimes you think label prices are higher than they are because of the cachet). My Mom was shocked when I said I'd be passing this book on, since I kept talking about it and reading her passages, but I just think there's something about environmental books that you have to take your notes and send it on for someone else to make changes. Its presence on my donation shelf is not a commentary on the book.… (altro)

I was surprised on how much I liked The Honest Life by Jessica Alba. This book offers clear, sound and non judgmental advice on all aspects on how you live your life including food choices, clothes, skincare, maternal, home improvement, etc. Alba backs up her sources with websites and references and also from hands-on experience. She is the President of The Honest Company, Its mission is its dedication to giving non toxic but effective products to harried mothers everywhere in a cheap and ecomonic way.

Alba practices what she preaches. It's evident in her lifestyle and how she looks absolutely gorgeous after two kids! The book, itself, was printed with soy inks on 30% PCW recycled paper. I am still trying to figure out my personal style and branch out and The Honest Life is a good reference.… (altro)