Happy Earth Day! (from Jenny & the library staff)

Farewell my Subaru by Doug Fine

Unless you are better than the average person at tuning out the all-pervasive media, or you live in a cave, you probably have heard something about the “Green Movement.” In fact, I would not be surprised to find “Green” at the top of the 2009 Buzzword list. I would say we are in the heavy education phase of this movement - lots of media out there giving us tips and practical advice on how to reduce our “carbon footprint” (another buzzword for the amount of carbon an individual contributes to the environment – mainly through the burning of fossil fuels). Many of us are becoming more aware of how our life choices effect the environment and how we can tread more softly.

In the book Farewell, My Subaru, author Doug Fine does more than make minor adjustments to reduce his carbon footprint. Instead, he embarks on a year-long experiment to turn his newly purchased New Mexico ranch into a green, sustainable farm. This conversion does not happen all at once, but in phases. First, he buys two lovable baby goats on Craigslist which, when they grow up, will be milk producers and major contributors to his protein food source. Second, he trades in his reliable old Subaru (hence the title of the book) for a “Ridiculously Oversized American Truck” that runs on used fryer oil that he collects from neighboring restaurants. Third, he installs solar panels which enables him to live “off the grid,” or completely independent from the local power company.

All this sounds fine and dandy, in theory, but Fine learns the hard way that nothing is as easy as it sounds on the Internet. Told with wit and self-deprecating humor (similar to Bill Bryson), Farewell, My Subaru is easy to read and entertaining, with the added bonus of being educational. Interspersed in his narration are surprising facts about alternative energy, organic and locally grown food, and climate change; and even recipes. Both a hilarious romp and an inspiration to push one’s “living green” envelope, I highly recommend this book. --Jenny