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Book Press!
Earth Day at The Washington Post On Faith blog:
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/guestvoices/2010/04/a_greener_faith.html
Proverbs 31 Magazine - May 2010 First Comes Love guest article
Moody's Midday Connection - April feature and Friday Four spots
http://www.moodyradio.org/brd_ProgramDetail.aspx?id=49785
See what Publisher's Weekly had to say:
Writer and speaker Bianchi does what few evangelicals have the courage or social insight to accomplish, treading fearlessly into the minefields of discord between those Christians who go enthusiastically green in their habits and philosophical leanings, and those who do not. The author presents a compelling argument for prudently using (and not simply wasting) everything from water to electricity to foodstuffs. Bianchi shares her personal story of becoming a "green mama" with eloquence and gently calls others to do likewise, making small but significant choices as outward expression of faith, trust, and selflessness. The author also offers plenty of practical "Green Steps" and "Eco-Examen" questions in every chapter for daily application. Readers will not be guilt-tripped into accommodating Bianchi's ardent desire to save the planet, but will instead find themselves compelled to rethink their lifestyle with a more environmentally friendly eye. (Mar.)
Booklist Review:
Issue: February 15, 2010
Bianchi artfully blends a Christian outlook with a quest to live a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. While unabashedly focused on saving the world as part of God’s plan, she realizes it will take a lot of practical choices to accomplish that goal. So while she does credit her faith for much of her determination, she also notes that combating global warming so that the onslaught of the Mountain Pine Beetle will be halted is a worthy achievement anyone can appreciate. Bianchi doesn’t make suggestions about specific products so much as point out the connections between our choices and some very dire ramifications. “It’s all hooked up,” she writes, and then draws a line from fewer scallops on her plate to the increase in predatory cownose rays that are booming due to the overfishing of sharks. Bianchi avers that convenience must not be the choice of those truly committed to their faith, family, and environment. Hip, funny, and earnest without being preachy, Bianchi is an environmentally focused author. Fox News fans, among many others, will easily embrace.
— Colleen Mondor
Families and people today are acutely aware of the seemingly insurmountable world of needs that exist. From the AIDS pandemic in Africa to children in slavery, impoverished communities, to looming environmental disasters. They know that millions of children are homeless, millions more die of perfectly curable diseases, and millions of mothers both here in the US and around the world are hungry for a better way to raise their children. What they don’t know is what to do about it.
Green Mama the book is an attempt to bring everyday moms, dads, and families the opportunity to make a big difference in this world. Even when they feel somehow inefficient and perhaps even useless because they cannot hop a plane to Africa or even volunteer to teach Sunday school. This is a conversation for people who are doing their best everyday, from right where they are, to impact the world.
It may be as simple as a daily cup of fair trade coffee, a local gardening or trail clean up project, ditching disposable bottles and dishes, or praying regularly for a people group you may never meet. Making a difference can look like walking to the park instead of driving, smiling at a stranger, or teaching your children how to engage someone with a different language, cultural customs or economic reality. Simple things, everyday, add up to big changes.
Green Mama the book is designed to pull resources and people together to make a difference everyday. From supporting and connecting women with microfinance projects around the world, to setting them loose to impact their local ecosystems and addressing environmental concerns. Moms and families everywhere can seek justice, hope, and peace for the world through their everyday habits and lives.
Tracey Bianchi is the author of Green Mama the book and the mother of three young children who is doing her part to save a few resources and lots of trees so her great-great grandchildren can climb them someday. She’s mostly an over-committed mom, friend, daughter, and impossible to live with spouse who makes tacos every week because she cannot cook anything else.
But when she’s not wiping yogurt off the baby’s face or pulling metal trains out of the couch cushions, she is a well received author and speaker. Her first book Green Mama: The Guilt-Free Guide to Helping You and Your Kids Save the Planet (Zondervan) came out late February 2010. She hops around speaking at various churches, schools, and conferences on how to make this world a bit brighter for our kids, a bit more like God had in mind when he created this place. She speaks and writes for MOPS International, Christianity Today’s Gifted for Leadership Blog, FullFill Magazine, Sojourners as well as a variety of other organizations. She currently serves as the Coordinator of Women’s Ministry at Christ Church of Oak Brook just outside of Chicago. She earned her Master’s of Divinity degree from Denver Seminary in 2003 and since that time has been juggling marriage, family and career. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t, but finding the balance is half the fun.
