Sophie Uliano grew up in Britain eating seasonal food and living in hand-me-down clothes before moving to southern California eleven years ago. "I became really aware that people were living in a consumer way that wasn’t great for the planet." A search for new yoga pants on the internet led Sophie to research cotton and pesticides and ultimately to meet an eco-mad professor. "The meeting gave me a sudden moment of clarity and I thought there is nothing not more important than living green," Sophie said.

She moved from merely recycling her waste, to composting, buying organic, local and whole foods and traded in her SUV for a hybrid car. She has written Gorgeously Green to show others how easy it can be to care for the environment. Sophie is clearly not preaching to the converted because her book is aimed at people who want to take their "go green". She recognises that green living may not come naturally to everyone, so she suggests that newcomers flick through her book to find an area of interest and begin there.

At first Sophie’s life and book might seem intimidating. While talking to her during our telephone interview, she confesses that she has her yoghurt maker running and is cooking dinner for her family. "My life is insanely busy, but being green doesn’t have to be a big production. It took only ten minutes to make my yoghurt and another ten minutes to fling flour in a bread maker."

"I’m so not about being a compost toilet eco-nerd," she said on the Oprah Winfrey Show in April. It’s about making changes where you can, Sophie explains. "I try to replace one or two of the many short car trips a day with a bike ride. I would encourage everyone to do that. But honestly if I am going somewhere where it really matters what my hair looks when I get there, I don’t cycle. Being green can be an inconvenience," Sophie concedes, "but it’s about a 50/50 situation. Some green initiatives are more labour intensive, while others will save you money. Change has to start at home and ripple into your family, community and others around your community. I absolutely believe that one person can make a difference."

To prevent her readers from becoming completely overwhelmed, Sophie has set up the eight-step approach. The book includes eight chapters dealing with green awareness, beauty products, health and fitness, environmentally friendly shopping, the home, food and entertainment. For those who want to go the extra green mile, there is a “Supergreen” chapter on becoming a green activist!

My favourite chapters are those on beauty and food. It can be so easy to change small things at home that mean big changes for our environment. Sophie takes readers through the ingredients in many beauty products and cosmetics that are potentially harmful and she provides references where readers can find further information for selecting “green” and healthy products.

The food chapter includes a number of recipes and tips on sourcing sustainable foods that help you look and feel great. Sophie highlights the health benefits. "Since beginning green eating eight years ago – 90% of my food is green – I’ve stayed slim and fit, and I have a great energy level." Looking at Sophie’s picture confirm it. The meals are easy to prepare and super-tasty. My favourite recipe is portobello mushroom pappardelle and as Sophie points out ‘it’s quick, quick, quick.’

Eating seasonally can be easy for everyone. Sophie says, "For example, in winter eat crops like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and root vegetables. In the summer go with zucchini, tomatoes and berries. Trust that eating seasonally is healthier. Eating what comes out of the ground when it’s supposed to is full of the nutrients and enzymes that you need to keep you healthy."

When it comes to cosmetics and household products going green can be confusing as Sophie knows all too well. "There is plenty of “green-washing” (a practice of large companies marketing their products with terms like “natural” and organic” when the ingredients actually are not) and it’s difficult for the consumer to discern what really is green. I think the governments should step in and stop big businesses from making a mockery of “going green”". This will enable consumers to confidently purchase products knowing it’s a healthier choice and not going to harm the environment.

Sophie’s book is complemented by her website www.gorgeouslygreen.com, which includes more tips for healthy living. It also includes a number of green products that will be available for shipping to Australia shortly. She has a long list of projects on her horizon including developing organic beauty products, writing a new book to be released on Earth Day next year and a TV show. "I hope to be the next eco Martha Stewart!"

Motivated by the eco-friendly wave I took from Sophie’s book, I reviewed my cosmetic and cleaning products for those hidden ingredients that Sophie identifies as potentially harmful. One or two I have replaced with recommendations from the book and other I will use up and not buy again. Sophie has taught me that with very little extra effort, I can look after the planet and myself much more.