Gail Grabowsky, director of Chaminade University's Environmental Studies Program, has written a new version of the old classic, "50 Simple Things You Can Do to Save Hawai'i."

The book, published by Bess Press at $16.95, is a taut rundown on the state's environmental condition and what folks can do about it. It reprises the 1990 classic by Jerry Hopkins and Susan Manuel, which has been out of print for some time.

Most of the tips in "50 Simple Things" won't be news to Hawai'i folks who are actively conscious of their impact on the environment. This is a primer, a place to start for folks who are looking for a clue. But even hardened environmentalists may find a few useful tips.

The book doesn't require you go live in a tree. These are supportable, workable suggestions for residents of modern Hawai'i.

Sure, it recommends living simply, recycling, saving water indoors and out and reducing your energy use. But there are also common-sense ideas for making your decisions as you live in Hawai'i.

Right out of the daily news pages are suggestions: don't live at the base of a hillside that may produce rolling boulders; don't buy so close to the shore that you're at risk of being washed away; don't live on unstable slopes.

On sustainable investments: "The definition of what constitutes an environmentally friendly fund varies. Make sure the definition is one you're satisfied with," Grabowsky writes.

Are you a pack rat? The book suggests you put your extra stuff out where it will do someone else some good, whether through a garage sale or a thrift shop run by a charitable organization.

Grabowsky gets downright testy about tossing out stuff: "Don't even think of throwing away anything until you look in the phone book for a repair shop. Shoes, televisions, clothing, microwave ovens, and ukuleles — all of these can be repaired for less than it costs to buy new ones," she writes.

The book has, in fact, far more than 50 suggestions, since most of the 50 "things" list several ideas. "50 Simple Things" also includes Web sites where you can find more information, and it has several tightly written chapters at the end that provide extra detail on specific environmental issues.

Grabowsky makes the point at the front of the book that doing a little is not enough, although it's better than doing nothing.

And the bonus: "feel the joy in making a difference," she writes, adding, "Don't forget this part ... this is your reward."

If you have a question or concern about the Hawaiian environment, drop a note to Jan TenBruggencate at P.O. Box 524, Lihu'e, HI 96766 or jant@honoluluadvertiser.com. Or call him at (808) 245-3074.