Keeping up-to-date about the science behind climate change and climate action is difficult since the world is rapidly changing. It is also difficult to differentiate reliable sources from unreliable ones and find the right source to invest our time and money. That’s why we did the research for you and prepared a list of 5 must-read books on sustainability, environmentalism, and green life. They’re written by climate gurus, people like you and me who decided to change their life, academics, and business people. So, there’s something for everyone!
Every Woman’s Guide to Saving the Planet by Natalie Isaacs
If you prefer reading books that tell the story about how people who never thought about sustainability decided to change their lives and learn more about the environment, this is a perfect book for you. Natalie Isaacs crafts her story around her decision to reduce the power bill by 20 percent and realizing it is not that difficult to make a difference if you start little by little. She explains that women have a big power to contribute to the environment since they can influence their family members and manage household expenditures easily. The book starts with the story of how it all began in her life and is filled with engaging pictures and graphs. It is also a good toolkit for people who are at the beginning of their journey to reduce their carbon footprint.
Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism by Fumio Sasaki
This is another book portraying the switch to a simpler, ordinary life. Fumio Sasaki is not a sustainability expert or scientist, which is why his book is easy-to-read for everyone. Like some of us, he was struggling with the pressure modern society put on us by pushing us to constantly compare ourselves, our lives with others. He decided to reduce the pressure by eliminating “things” from his life - “things” that he always thought he needed, but in reality, didn’t have any value for him. He describes his journey to a more minimalistic lifestyle and how getting rid of “things” changed his attitude towards his life and society. If you like reading personal stories about minimalism and life changes, you should give “Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism” a try.
The Citizen’s Guide to Climate Success: Overcoming Myths that Hinder Progress by Mark Jaccard
“Mark Jaccard's book fills an important gap: that of books focusing on climate policy (rather than of the possible consequences of climate change), from a non-ideological and rigorous perspective.” - says a Goodreads’ commentator. Unlike many books on climate change, “The Citizen’s Guide to Climate Success: Overcoming Myths that Hinder Progress” is one of the books that approach the problem from a positive angle and explains with scientific facts how climate change can be stopped. Although the book is about a complex topic - climate change - it is written in a clear and accessible style for everyone curious about climate change. If you’re keen to know more about climate change and how individuals can do their best to reduce the negative effects of it but don’t want to spend your time reading something “too academic”, this book is for you.
Wear No Evil: How to Change the World with Your Wardrobe by Greta Eagan
Our list couldn’t be completed without a book on sustainable fashion. One of the readers on Amazon mentioned that the book provides an excellent “peek behind the curtains of the textile industry and its cause & effect on our fellow mankind, wallets, and environment.” Greta Eagan shows the way how people can dress well while not ruining the environment. The 1st chapter is filled with strong facts and numbers about the fast fashion industry and connects it to our consumption habits. Then it moves to some practical examples and exercises to help us figure out how much our current wardrobe is green and what we should work on. Finally, in the last chapter, it gives examples of different sustainable fashion, makeup, and beauty industries.
On Fire by Naomi Klein
“On Fire” consists of a collection of essays and lectures towards a more sustainable life on a global level. The book gives Nordic countries as an example for a more green, environmentalist, carbon-free society and shows concrete examples of small and big scale steps we can take to make our positive contribution to the climate. Kelin shows how a more sustainable society also means a fairer society and what positive changes we can expect if we reduce our carbon footprint globally. It offers smart answers to all the noise, confusion, and denial about the climate crisis and the possibilities of collective action. If you like reading inspiring and informative articles on climate change, you should definitely add this book to your reading list.
