Adria Vasil's writings and lectures, and of course her book, Ecoholic, have inspired Canadians—young and old, urbanite and suburbanite—to adopt a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Already in its fifth printing, with follow-ups to come, Ecoholic has become a word-of-mouth phenomenon, and was named one of Quill and Quire's Best Books of 2007. “Everything you need to know to make green, non-toxic, Earth-friendly consumer choices—and to be a bang-up planetary citizen—is in this book,” says Rick Smith, Executive Director of Environmental Defence. “Its comprehensiveness is mind-boggling! My fondest hope is that a well-thumbed copy becomes a fixture in every Canadian home.”

Adria Vasil has been writing the popular "Ecoholic" column for NOW Magazine since 2004, just before we reached the Green tipping point. She answers questions on every aspect of greening the world, with a focus on what individuals can do, in the choices they make every day, at home, at work and in the marketplace. She also covers broader environmental issues, and is a vocal advocate of women's issues and human rights. After working as a researcher in the NGO world, Vasil decided to draw attention to the issues that most concerned her by becoming a journalist. Vasil has appeared on Canada AM, MTV and CBC Newsworld, among others, to promote green living.

What do product labels like "all-natural," or "non-toxic," or "biodegradable" mean, if anything? Adria Vasil helps us see through the marketing bluff—what she calls the "greenwash"—and points us toward the products and choices that are legitimately good for the planet. Plain-spoken, funny and deeply knowledgeable, Vasil examines everyday items—food, clothing, cleaners, electronics— showing us their eco footprints, and suggesting realistic alternatives when they apply. But buying the right products is just the first step to a truly sustainable world.

Highlighting the power in each of us to affect real change through our decisions, both as consumers and as citizens, she empowers us to look at the world with renewed interest, to ask questions (she'll show us which ones, and to whom to ask them), and to act accordingly. Why do we put fresh fruits in Styrofoam and then wrap them in plastic? Why are we finding over 200 chemicals in umbilical cords? Vasil is not anti-consumer, or anti-government; she is pro-awareness. This is not a talk about the environment, or climate change, per se. It's about seeing how your decisions affect everything around you. And, often times, the right decision to make, for your wallet, for your health, and for the planet, is also the simplest.

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