Product Description

Consider your way of life and the effect that you have on the planet, and ask yourself the following question: If everyone on Earth lived like you, what would the impact be on the natural world and its finite resources? Probably catastrophic. According to John Ryan, it's time for us to reexamine our actions and reconsider our options.
In Seven Wonders, Ryan informs readers of the extraordinary benefits of such familiar things as the bicycle, the ceiling fan, the clothesline, the condom, Thai food, the public library, and the ladybug - and how using them can help solve critical global problems such as air pollution, ozone layer depletion, and toxic pesticide runoff. Our high-consumption "American way of life" creates enormous ecosystem damage. John Ryan artfully demonstrates how we can adopt relatively easy ways to lessen this damage and, at the same time, improve the health of our shared natural environment and of our families.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #808130 in Books
• Published on: 1999-10-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 98 pages

Amazon.com Review
In Seven Wonders, John C. Ryan recommends a few simple things that could have a substantial positive impact on the planet's natural resources. The benefits of some of his "wonders" are obvious: condoms are a valuable tool in both birth control and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, while using a clothesline instead of a dryer saves energy and money. But did you know that Pad Thai dishes, which rely heavily on rice and vegetables, are not only healthy but environmentally sound? (Leaving aside the question of animal cruelty, livestock production in the United States accounts for almost half the energy used in American agriculture and generates 130 times more manure than the entire human population of the world.) And if more people used their public libraries instead of buying books, what might that do for the global level of paper consumption (not to mention the other community benefits a library has to offer)? Ryan's other three wonders are the bicycle, the ceiling fan, and the ladybug; his short essays on each of these items mix a presentation of their benefits with a thoughtful consideration of the social changes that would have to take place in our culture of consumption to make these wonders more mainstream. Seven Wonders is an intelligent reflection on the possibilities of a simpler lifestyle that combines material comfort with environmental sustainability.

From School Library Journal
-Ryan discusses seven things he believes will help create a sustainable future: bicycles, public libraries, ladybugs, condoms, pad thai, clotheslines, and ceiling fans. In most cases, the chosen wonder represents a lifestyle choice rather than a solitary object. For instance, pad thai is emblematic of a vegetarian diet, which requires fewer natural resources than a diet high in animal protein. Ladybugs are only one element of successful organic farming. Libraries help save trees because many people can share copies of one book. The author's explanations of his choices are interesting and well documented, and include sources and statistical information. The essays are short, lively, and convincing. Ryan obviously has a lot of faith that people are willing to make choices and changes in order to help the planet. Best of all, the ideas are simple enough for anyone to carry out.
Susan Salpini, Purcellville Library, VA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Inside Flap
What do a clothesline, a condom, and a public library have in common?  They are among seven everyday "wonders" that can help rein in our economy's rapid plunder of the planet's natural resources.

Seven Wonders asks readers to ponder a thought-provoking question: What would the world be like if everyone on the planet consumed resources the way we do in North America?  The conclusion:  probably uninhabitable.  But the seven time-honored tools presented in this book--the bicycle, the condom, the ceiling fan, the clothesline, pad thai, the public library, and the ladybug--can improve our lives and help reduce our colossal appetites to a level the Earth can support.  Each of the wonders serves as a springboard for examining critical environmental issues.  For example, a discussion of the bicycle inspires new thinking about gridlock, growth, and global warming.  Condoms bring up issues of population and public health, while ladybugs in the garden naturally lead to an examination of what pesticides are doing to the environment and our health.  Engaging and persuasive, Seven Wonders artfully demonstrates how surprisingly simple steps can lead to a dramatically more sustainable future for our crowded and complex world.

Customer Reviews

The wonder of "Seven Wonders"
For an environmentalist of long (or even short) standing, one keeps nodding and nodding all the way through this unfortunately short work. Much of what was presented isn't new (to environmentalists) -- although I *did* find the number of sexual acts daily on planet Earth fascinating, as well as the material on Thai Pad -- but the great thing about the book is the way it's written. Material is presented clearly, forcefully, and occasionally with humor. When all's said and done, the seven suggestions here would make the world a far better place than ever it has been before. Give this book as a present to those unaware, those aware, and even your aunt. "Seven Wonders" is worth far more than the price of admission.

Pad Thai
As a frequent visitor to Thailand and lover of Thai cuisine, I can attest to "Pad Thai" being one of the sustainable wonders of the world. Thai food is nutritious, low in fat, and you just plain "feel better" after eating it. In this chapter, author John Ryan provides readers with a wealth of research documenting the relationship between Asia diets and health; and American meat diets and disease. A couple important points he makes: "Agriculture is the leading source of water pollution and the biggest water user in North America" (p.47). Eating less meat, more fish, rice and veggies can keep you healthier and help preserve our environment. And to those who think all thai food is "hot and spicy" - wrong! Take Ryan's advice and try a thai restaurant near you (there are many in America). You'll be glad you did.

Even if you only read this one chapter of Ryan's book (complete with a Pad Thai simple recipe), you'll find it worthwhile. Choice's matter!

Buy it, read it, donate it to a local library
Seven Wonders is a great little book that is full of well researched facts and interesting stories. It also includes 20 pages of sources and places to contact. It is a must read for any enviromentalist, scientist, or educator.