Are you looking to learn more about sustainability and climate change, but not quite sure where to start? Books are a great place to start.
I’ve put together a list of the top 10 must-read sustainability books that you should check out. These easy to read books cover everything from climate change to practical tips for a greener lifestyle. Ready to dive in and find some inspiration? Let’s get started.
1. A Life on Our Planet: My Witness Statement and Vision for the Future by David Attenborough
“I am 94. I’ve had an extraordinary life. It’s only now that I appreciate how extraordinary.”“We have one final chance to create the perfect home for ourselves and restore the wonderful world we inherited. All we need is the will to do so.”
– David Attenborough
David Attenborough offers a compelling account of his life and the changes he has witnessed in the natural world. He presents a powerful vision for the future, emphasising the urgent need for action to protect and restore our planet. With his unique perspective and deep knowledge, Attenborough outlines practical solutions and inspiring examples of how we can work together to create a sustainable future.
Goodreads Rating: 4.51 / 5
Reason to Recommend: Attenborough’s firsthand experiences and a deeply personal and persuasive call to action, vivid and engaging.
Best For: Readers seeking insight in Biodiversity and Nature Conservation.
2. How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates
Bill Gates shares what he has learnt in more than a decade of studying climate change and investing in innovations to address climate problems. He explains how the world can work to build the tools it needs to get to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions – investing in research, inventing new technologies and deploying them quickly at a large scale. Gates is optimistic that the world can prevent the worst impacts of the climate crisis.
Goodreads Rating: 4.13 / 5
Reason to Recommend: Simple language explaining the complex science behind climate change and renewable energy.
Best For: Readers interested in Climate Change and Renewable Energy.
3. This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate by Naomi Klein
Naomi Klein, author of the global bestsellers The Shock Doctrine and No Logo, tackles the most profound threat humanity has ever faced: the war our economic model is waging against life on earth.
Klein argues that our current capitalist system, with its focus on profit and growth, is fundamentally at odds with the need to address climate change. She provides a thorough analysis of how economic policies and corporate interests have hindered meaningful action on climate issues. She also offers a bold vision for how we can restructure our economy to prioritise sustainability and equity.
Goodreads Rating: 4.16 / 5
Reason to Recommend: A truly honest perspective on the root causes of climate change. The call for systemic change is both urgent and inspiring.
Best For: Readers who want to understand the connection between economics and climate change, and consumers who want to make educated and greener buying decisions.
4. Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman by Yvon Chouinard
– Yvon Chouinard
“I knew, after thirty-five years, why I was in business. True, I wanted to give money to environmental causes. But even more, I wanted to create in Patagonia a model other businesses could look to in their own searches for environmental stewardship and sustainability. “
Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, shares his unique approach to business and life in this inspiring memoir. He details the journey of building a successful company that prioritises environmental and social responsibility. Chouinard’s story is a testament to the idea that businesses can be profitable while also doing good for the planet.
Goodreads Rating: 4.19 / 5
Reason to Recommend: A powerful and authentic look at how to integrate sustainability into business practices.
Best For: Entrepreneurs, business leaders, and sustainability advocates looking to learn from a real-life example of how to run a successful, values-driven company.
5. Wasteland: The Dirty Truth About What We Throw Away, Where It Goes, and Why It Matters by Oliver Franklin-Wallis
When we throw things ‘away’, what does that actually mean? Where does it go, and who deals with it when it gets there? In Wasteland, award-winning journalist Oliver Franklin-Wallis takes us on an eye-opening journey through the global waste industry. From the mountainous landfills of New Delhi to Britain’s overflowing sewers, from hollowed-out mining towns in the USA to Ghana’s flooded second-hand markets, we meet the people on the frontline of our waste crisis – both those being exploited, and those determined to make a difference. On the way, we discover the corporate greenwashing that started the recycling movement; the dark truth behind our second-hand donations; and come face to face with the 10,000-year legacy of our nuclear waste.
Both shocking and hopeful, Wasteland is the timely and ultimately human story at the heart of an urgent global issue.
Amazon Rating: 4.6 / 5
Reason to Recommend: Intensely readable, highly informative and evidence based, uncovers the hidden realities of waste and its impact on our planet.
Best For: Readers interested in waste management and sustainable living. Perfect for those looking to reduce their ecological footprint and make more informed choices about consumption.
6. Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough
Architect William McDonough and chemist Michael Braungart challenge the traditional “cradle-to-grave” manufacturing model, proposing instead that products should be designed from the outset so that, after their useful lives, they will provide nourishment for something new – continually circulating as pure and viable materials within a ‘cradle to cradle’ model.
Goodreads Rating: 4.09 / 5
Reason to Recommend: A groundbreaking approach to design and manufacturing that emphasises sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Best For: Designers, manufacturers, and anyone interested in green innovation and implementing circular economy principles.
7. Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
Eating Animals is the most original and urgent book on the subject of food written this century. It will change the way you think and change the way you eat. For good.
Whether you’re flirting with veganuary, trying to cut back on animal consumption, or a lifelong meat eater, you need to read this book.
Goodreads Rating: 4.21 / 5
Reason to Recommend: More informative than persuasive, the author presents the facts and wants the readers to make their own choices on the matter.
Best For: Readers interested in sustainable eating, animal rights, and the environmental effects of food production.
8. Unraveled: The Life and Death of a Garment by Maxine Bedat
Take a look at your favourite pair of jeans. Maybe you bought them on Amazon or Gap; maybe the tag says “Made in Bangladesh” or “Made in Sri Lanka.” But do you know where they really came from, how many thousands of miles they crossed, or the number of hands who picked, spun, wove, dyed, packaged, shipped, and sold them to get to you?
Entrepreneur, researcher, and advocate Maxine Bédat takes readers on an eye-opening journey through the life of an American icon–a pair of jeans–to reveal what really happens to give us our clothes.
Goodreads Rating: 4.14 / 5
Reason to Recommend: Well-researched and eye-opening storytelling of the fashion industry, uncovers the true cost of our clothes. A compelling call to action for more ethical and sustainable consumer habits.
Best For: Readers interested in Fashion and Sustainability. Perfect for those looking to make more informed choices about their wardrobe.
9. Clean & Green: 101 Hints and Tips for a More Eco-Friendly Home by Nancy Birtwhistle
Learn how easy it is to make simple swaps in your cleaning and tidying methods for a more eco-friendly home, with helpful tips from bestselling author and Great British Bake Off winner Nancy Birtwhistle.
From everyday cleaning and laundry tips to zero-effort oven cleaner and guidance on removing tricky stains from clothing and furniture, Nancy shares 101 handy and effective hacks that lead to a greener and more sustainable home. Many of which are faster and easier than the go-to products and methods most of us use now.
Goodreads Rating: 4.55 / 5
Reason to Recommend: Practical, easy-to-implement ideas for making your home more sustainable. Free of chemicals while saving your money.
Best For: Homeowners and renters looking to keep the household clean using chemical-free solutions.
10. Sustainable Beauty: Practical Advice and Projects for an Eco-conscious Beauty Routine by Justine Jenkins
Vegan, cruelty-free, ‘clean’, organic, non-GM, zero-waste, not to mention palm oil, silicones and micro-plastics – where do you start when it comes to creating a sustainable beauty routine? There are thousands of products claiming to be better for the environment and your skin, but they also come with a hefty price tag.
Justine Jenkins, an holistic and sustainable make-up artist, offers practical advice and DIY projects to help you create an eco-conscious beauty routine. From making your own natural beauty products to choosing sustainable brands, this book covers all aspects of sustainable beauty.
Goodreads Rating: 3.61 / 5
Reason to Recommend: Easy-to-follow instructions that empower readers to make sustainable choices in their beauty routines without compromising on quality or effectiveness.
Best For: Beauty enthusiasts and anyone who wants to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining a high-quality beauty routine.
Many of the sustainability books recommended above might be available at your local library. Have a browse — you may be able to read them for free instead of buying a copy. If you prefer to own a copy, consider buying second-hand. This not only saves you money but also supports the circular economy and helps you live a greener life.
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