7 Must-Read Books On Sustainability
Knowledge and awareness can help us better understand how we humans damage the environment around us. The only way to move towards a better future is through sustainability.
If you observe your surroundings, a question might often bug you- ”Why are many environmental problems so difficult to solve?” To understand the basics and depths of this green lifestyle, books can be your best friends. Here are the top 7 recommendations you can go for.
1)The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History- By Elizabeth Kolbert
Link- https://www.amazon.com/Sixth-Extinction-Unnatural-History/dp/0805092994
This book is a work of non-fiction where the author sheds light on how the daily activities and inventions of man are creating negative effects on other ecosystems. She explains how the world is in the midst of the Sixth Extinction, which is a grave danger to humans itself.
Kolbert highlights that man is responsible for the extinction of hundreds of species, which in turn, disrupts the ecological balance, deteriorates the quality of life. The author explains that due to the sheer ignorance of people, the world might soon crumble to ruins while wiping away every firm of life.
2) Wear No Evil: How to Change the World with Your Wardrobe- By Greta Eagen
Link- https://www.amazon.com/Wear-No-Evil-Change-Wardrobe/dp/0762451270
While purchasing a clothing item, you primarily think about ‘how it’s going to look on me?’ but most of the time, we fail to realize the impact it creates on our surroundings. In this book, Greta Eagen raises questions about issues we never really think about and discloses the hard truths of the clothing industry.
Being a fashion stylist, the author educates the reader about sustainable and non-biodegradable fabrics, gives life-saving styling tips, and most importantly, sheds light on why it is necessary to rethink our clothing. The author also gives a detailed guide to one of the most daunting tasks- Decluttering.
3) Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things- By Michael Braungart and William McDonough
Link- https://www.amazon.com/Cradle-Remaking-Way-Make-Things/dp/0865475873
This is a thoroughly informative book that explains a new model of designing systems and structuring society. The Cradle to Cradle concept is a system that takes inspiration from nature to design systems via sustainable and recyclable materials. It takes a biomimetic approach to build machines and revolutionizing industries as a whole.
The book introduces readers to an eye-opening technique that has an immense potential to grow and sustain the future. If you are an entrepreneur or wish to be one, this book will give you an insight into new ideas to create something out of the box.
4) Beautiful and Abundant: Building the World We Want- By Bryan Welch
Link- https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Abundant-Building-World-Hardcover/dp/B011SJA8K8
Though it’s important to realize the damage our environment is suffering, it is very relaxing to look at it from a calmer perspective. In this book, Bryan Welch has wonderfully put together the beauties of nature without a single daunting fact. Instead of mentioning how the world is crumbling into pieces, the author has painted a bright future we can all walk to by inculcating simple lifestyle changes.
After your tiring day at work, this book will surely be your catharsis.
5) The Nature of Beauty: Organic Skincare, Botanical Beauty Rituals, and Clean Cosmetics- By Imelda Burke
To embrace organic beauty, it’s important to know what goes into your products and how they can benefit you. Imelda Burke explains the basics of skincare and highlights the best organic products you can find on the market.
She highlights the use of natural shampoo bars, facial oils, and advice that addresses different skin types and concerns.
6) Half-Earth: Our Planet’s Fight for Life- By Edward O. Wilson
Link- https://www.amazon.com/Half-Earth-Our-Planets-Fight-Life/dp/1631492527
To say the least, this book speaks of an ambitious idea that might just be the ultimate solution to save the Earth. Author Edward O. Wilson outlines the extinction of uncountable species and the dwindling resources which are continuously being exhausted by man.
The author believes that the problem of deforestation and decreasing biodiversity cannot be solved in fragments. As a solution, he proposes that we should allot half of the earth’s surface to nature and let species bloom. Though it might sound challenging and impractical, Wilson clearly depicts how it can be achieved with practical measures.
7) Doughnut Economics-Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist- By Kate Raworth
Link- https://www.amazon.com/Doughnut-Economics-Seven-21st-Century-Economist/dp/1603586741
Since the past hundred years, the world has mainly focussed on maximum output without considering the boundaries of nature. As a consequence, economists have found it utterly difficult to maintain a balance between natural resources and the demands of an ever-increasing population.
In this book, Kate Raworth explains how modern economists can rethink the purpose of sustainability and fuel the sustainable growth of a nation. The suggested idea can be represented by a Doughnut diagram, that represents the resources in nature, the ongoing rate of industrial growth, and other details.
Takeaway on Our Best Books
There you go! These were the top 7 book recommendations that will keep you hooked on sustainability and help you learn more every day. Happy reading!