As an English major, I'm constantly surrounded by books. They're the subject of my classes, the reason I have no room on my desk, and they contribute to the sizable dent in my pocketbook every semester. Yet I wouldn't trade them for a lab coat and goggles (or a more weighty paycheck, come graduation) any day of the week. To me, books are the foundation of my own opinions. They help me to understand the world around me through someone else's interpretation. In this way, they challenge what we already believe to be true.

 

When I was younger (somewhere around 13) I discovered Meg Cabot's "The Princess Diaries" series. Her main character, whom some of you may know from the Disney-produced movie or a run-in with the books yourself, is Mia Thermopolis, a vegetarian, eco-conscious New York high school "geek" who is just trying to get by (and cope with the revelation of her own royalty). When I first discovered these books, I was instantly stricken by Mia's green ways. She was geek-chic and a little clumsy — a lot like me. So naturally, I wanted to be just like her. In an attempt to get my old friends, books, back up on the environmental playing field, here are a few of my favorite Mia Thermopolis "green quotes."

 

 

Although the book is not entirely centered around eco-conscious themes, Meg Cabot does a great job of inserting that part of Mia's personality to characterize the book in a witty, socially-conscious way. What better role model for a young girl than someone who is actually aware of world events? Mia's environmental dedication is funny and clever, even if it is a tad over-dramatic.

 

What's your favorite eco-conscious book? Do you have one? If not, go out and try to find one!