Do you want to get into the eco-conscious world and don’t know where to start? If reading is your jam, here are some of the top recommendations of books for sustainable living.Â
Since the movement started, a bunch of incredible authors has released best-sellers with the knowledge that helps us to deepen into what this eco-conscious world is about. Let’s start with some of the best books for sustainable living that will truly help you get a better understanding of how to adapt to your busy lifestyle and change some of the habits that have a lesser of a carbon footprint.
“Knowledge is power” a popular proverb that certainly rings true when it comes to sustainable living. Without knowledge, more importantly, applying that knowledge, our future isn’t secure.
That’s why in this post I’m going to cover the 10 best books for a sustainable living so you can go forth armed with the knowledge that will help you live more sustainably. Let’s get into the list:
1. “Plastic-free: How I Kicked The Plastic Habit and How You Can Too” by Beth Terry
In this book, Terry documents her journey from the plastic polluter to eco-hero and shares actionable tips for kicking your plastic habit along the way too.
Not only does Beth include tips for reducing plastic consumption but covers important concepts like coping with eco-guilt and how to relate to people that don’t have sustainability in front of their minds.
An essential book for those who want to kick their plastic habit!
2. “101 ways to go zero waste” by Kathryn Kellogg
If you’re already familiar with the “zero waste scene” no doubt you’ve already heard of Kathryn Kellogg. Kathryn runs the popular lifestyle website Going Zero Waste which is dedicated to helping people live a healthier and more sustainable life.
Kathryn condenses her knowledge down into one book with “101 Ways to go Zero Waste” which contains top tips, tricks, and recipes for living low waste.
3. “Waste Not” by Erin Rhoades
Erin tackles the problem of waste by examining waste produced at households around the globe and providing actionable solutions.
In this book you’ll learn how to rid your shopping trolley of disposable plastics, make natural cleaning products at home, find sustainable alternatives to high street beauty products, and even how to plan a zero-waste wedding.
Often touted as the one book you need to reduce waste in everyday life this book is the perfect companion to living more sustainably.
4. “This Changes Everything” by Naomi Klein
Naomi Klein, author of #1 bestseller, No Logo and The Shock Doctrine returns with This Changes Everything which turns the problem of global warming on its head.
In “This Changes Everything” Klein asks that you forget everything about global warming. It’s not about carbon, it’s about capitalism. Our mission for constant economic growth is unsustainable and is taking us further and further away from sustainability and driving us towards doom!
5. “The sustainable fashion handbook” by Sandy Black
It’s no secret that the fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries around. If we are to achieve sustainable living the problem of the fashion industry, specifically fast fashion must be tackled head-on.
In “The sustainable fashion handbook” Black sets about writing the definitive reference to eco-fashion.
Each chapter contains articles and essays by leading writers and thinkers, making “The sustainable fashion handbook” a bible on the subject.
6. “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” by Barbara Kingsolver
In this book, Kingsolver documents her family’s year-long project of living in rural America and surviving off what they can grow, rear, and forage.
With ever-growing concern about the impact of industrial-scale agricultural practices, this book is a refreshing look into the practices of the past and how they can be used to shape our future.Â
With a mix of personal accounts and investigative journalism, this book will leave you eager to take up the challenge yourself and move to your own rural homestead.
7. “Don’t Even Think About It” by George Marshall
“Don’t even think about it” explores the root cause of the global warming problem and why we don’t do anything about it. Something seeded deep in the human psyche.
In this book, Marshall summarises 10 years of research into the psychology of why we don’t act on climate change despite it spelling our impending doom and what we can learn from the qualities that make us human.
8. “The Upcycle” by William Mcdonough & Michael Braungart
Mcdonough and Braungart bring their practical approach developed in “cradle to cradle” and put into practice over the last decade to “the upcycle”.
The mission of “the upcycle” is to explore the question; instead of protecting the planet from human impact, why not redesign our activity to improve the environment?
Viewing things through this lens Mcdonough and Braungart hope to create a beneficial, sustainable footprint with abundance for all.
9. Drawdown by Paul Hawken
“Drawdown” sets out to propose a comprehensive action plan to reverse global warming over the next 30 years.
With concepts taken from leading researchers and scientists, drawdown truly is a guide to reverse global warming across the planet. If you want to get your teeth stuck into techniques that are touted to make a real difference give this book a read.
10. The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard
Annie Leonard, creator of the viral video “The Story of Stuff” offers a book that tells the story of all those everyday items – bottled water, electronics, jeans including where they come from, how they’re made, and what happens to them when we throw them away. Leonard puts our overconsumption under the microscope but provides hope that change is within reach. Review about The Story of Stuff here.
Conclusion
If you are wanting to reduce your impact on the planet and are interested in sustainability you’ll want to arm yourself with the right tools.
Knowledge is key to resolving the issues of global warming and pollution we face so make sure you get stuck into some of these great books that will have you be an eco-hero!
