(Cristina Sacco - Glasgow, Scotland) For those wondering how to be better shoppers in the UK, Green is the New Black, by Tamsin Blanchard (with an acompanying blog) fits the bill. It is not for those who have resolved to buy less in the new year, as Blanchard’s enthusiasm for recycled fairtrade jewelry and jeans made from organic cottom denim will have many readers holding the book in one hand and clicking around the web sites she mentions with the other. The Little Green Book section at the back compiles these sites into a long list, marking them with vintage, fair trade, recycled, organic, vegetarian, and craft symbols. Short passages from celebrities, style consultants, and models, as well as details of which celebrities wear vegan shoes all add to the chatty magazine-style tone of the book.
Blanchard’s excitement for the topic is endearing and effective, however, Green is the New Black is not without flaws. Blanchard makes a few irritating errors, such as referring to Shirley Manson as the singer of the band Rubbish instead of Garbage, and saying that apple cider vinegar is an alkali (it’s an acid, just like every other vinegar). Also, the section on skincare should have been better- researched for a number of reasons. Firstly, it fails to mention exactly which chemical ingredients are to be avoided in skin and hair care products. Secondly, the discussions of specific different skin and hair care brands is full of vague marketing language like "natural ingredients" lacking in legal and scientific value. Finally, Blanchard and her guests' passages mention brands which do sell products containing parabens and other nasty chemical preservatives against which she had previously cautioned. It's frustrating that this chapter is so substandard as there are good British skin care brands out there, and many international brands are also available here. Faults aside, this is an enjoyable read, and will certainly tempt those who love to shop and are looking to do so more responsibly this year than last.