We’re all constantly reminded of the shocking facts and figures about our planet that circulate the news and social media, to the point where it all just washes over our heads.
We’ve all heard that 12 million tonnes of plastic are poured into the ocean every year and how enough plastic is thrown away every year to circle the world 4 times, but do you ever stop to look beyond these statements. Do you ever delve in a little deeper to discover how we can reverse these devastating facts and have a positive impact on our planet?
Whether you want to help shape the world or simply educate yourself a little further on being more green, we have compiled a list of our top 5 must read books on sustainability.
Sustainable Minimalism, Stephanie Marie Seferian
Sustainable Minimalism is a guide to living consciously and living with less. If you’re an aspiring minimalist, this is the book for you. It educates you on how to declutter and reorganise your life to help make room for the truly important things.
Who for: Adults
Why it’s important: Shopping is easier than ever these days and this book brings to light the impact this excessive buying is having on the environment and how to solve it.
Why recommend: It is a beautiful, non judgemental book to help ease you onto your sustainable journey.
How to Break Up With Fast Fashion, Lauren Bravo
Global clothing production has roughly doubled in just 15 years, and every year an estimated 300,000 tonnes of used clothing ends up in UK landfill. We’ve all heard shocking stats like this before, but are we really doing what it takes to put an end to this toxic relationship we have with fast fashion. This book covers everything you need to know about adopting a slower way of dressing and how to change your mindset when it comes to your fashion choices.
Who for: Teens and adults
Why it’s important: We’re all guilty of buying into fast fashion and not always considering who made our clothing or where the garments originated from. This book breaks down why we need to change the way we think and educate ourselves.
Why recommend: It is brimming with honest advice and Lauren Bravo backs up all of her points with hard-hitting facts.
No One Is Too Small To Make a Difference, Greta Thunburg
This bitesize book is a collection of Greta Thunburg’s speeches. We’re all aware of her impact, but this book delves into what the activist has said and done to become such an influential figure. As she presents her message of climate change with a sense of urgency, No One Is Too Small To Make a Difference is an ideal read for those keen to understand climate change in the very simplest of terms.
Who for: Teens
Why it’s important: This book is relatable to teenagers as they can hear from and understand the perspective of eighteen year old Greta Thunburg and how her actions ended up sparking a global movement against the climate crisis.
Why recommend: It’s a bitesize little book, ideal for picking up and reading in short bursts.
Turning The Tide On Plastic, Lucy Siegle
Lucy Siegle is a british journalist on a mission to inspire ethical living. In this book, she introduces practical steps that we can easily make to reduce our use of plastic. Rather than delving into the complicated stats and politics surrounding this issue, Siegle focuses on plastic pollution at the level that ‘ordinary’ people understand it.
Who for: Adults
Why it’s important: It is an accessible guide to understanding the issue of plastic pollution and easy to understand and pass on information to your kids.
Why recommend: It is packed full of practical goals that we can practise in our lives.
Pocket Change Collective Series
Pocket Change Collective is a series of small books with big ideas from today's leading activists and artists. If you’re unsure of where to begin, we recommend the Imaginary Borders by Xiuhtezcatl Martinez - an inspiring story that will change the way we think about the climate crisis and how to do ut bit and Taking On The Plastic Crisis by Hannah Testa - which is packed with advice on eliminating single-use plastics.
Who for: Teens and young adults
Why it’s important: These small books highlight youth activism at it’s finest, giving young people a voice when it comes to saving our planet.
Why recommend: We love the cover designs and illustrations for a start, but it’s the contents that are so refreshing and inspiring for young adults to immerse themselves in.
Time to pick up a book and start reading! If you found value in any of these recommendations, let us know, give us a tag on socials and most importantly, spread the word and share your new-found knowledge.
