Today is Earth Day, a time to celebrate all things green. I just wish the lawns in my neighbourhood would get into the spirit of it.

Our homes and way of living are depleting the planet. We all know this and most of us try to do better in little day-to-day ways: adopting reusable shopping bags, recycling, choosing CF light bulbs and low VOC paint.

If you are planning major changes to your home, there are many books in the collection to help you choose eco-friendly materials and building processes. Here’s one that I like.

The Green Home: a Sunset Design Guide talks about ways to improve the home you live in, as well as how to build green. They compare and materials for walls, flooring and counters. They talk about fabrics for bedding and furniture and appliances that save water and energy.

It’s all put together with eye-candy interiors that reflect the latest in design and style. I like that. Shallow creature that I am, if the design is banal and boring, I am less likely to absorb the information.

There is also a section that covers the basics of xeriscaping. Perhaps the lawn that won’t green up shouldn’t be there in the first place.