Author and clothing consultant Barbara DesChamps has traveled for years with just one carry-on. In that time she has seen many instances of people wrestling their multiple bags on and off mass transit and wearing things that are inappropriate to the location, activity or weather.

After seeing the need and being asked by many travelers how she did it, DesChamps became an expert on creating an affordable, easy-care and stylish wardrobe for business or vacation that fits in a carry-on. She will demonstrate how to do it Monday, 7-9 p.m., in the community room of the Madelyn Helling Library.

Having written one successful book, "It's In The Bag: The Complete Guide to Lightweight Travel," Dechamps has another: "It's In The Bag: Your Custom Business and Travel Wardrobe."

"This book took much more work than I anticipated," says the author. "I've been advising people on their best styles and colors for four decades, but explaining all those complex color theories in ways that are both scientific and accessible was a challenge.

"I spent about a year researching clothing protocols around the world (and found it) difficult to find reliable, current information on every location. It's a moving target: Bikinis today; burqhas tomorrow. I turned to friends around the world to give me the latest on their areas so this book has the most up-to-date information available outside the State Department."

DesChamps said there's an even more important reason than personal convenience to travel light.

"Newsweek recently had an article on airline seating furniture," she said. "It was claimed that reducing the weight by one pound would save $200 in fuel per plane over the year. Suppose the average luggage weight per passenger decreased ten pounds. One ton total per flight on average? If my math and Newsweek are correct, that's $400,000 per year for one plane. How many planes in the fleets of all U.S. airlines? Pretty soon, we're talking real money."

Given that Earth Day is upon us, this might not be a bad way to celebrate it as you travel this month and beyond, following the maxim of "less is more."

Both books will be available for sale and signing, with 20% of the cover price going to the Friends of the Libraries; the presentation itself is free. The library is located at 980 Helling Way, Nevada City. Call (530)265-1407 for more information. Also, go online at www.chateaupublishing.com.

- The Union staff