Great Books on Sustainability
Photo by Karolina Grabowska
Truly understanding what environmental sustainability is can feel like a daunting task. From global trends in overconsumption and waste to eco-friendly shopping and eating habits, it can be hard to know where to even begin.
As a team of eco-conscious advocates ourselves– we want to see environmental education become the norm. If you want to practice sustainable living in your day-to-day life, or just want to learn more about what sustainability means, picking up a new book on the subject is a great place to start.
So, without further ado, here are some great sustainability reads:
Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by William McDonough
If you talk to anyone who knows anything about environmentalism, this book is likely at the top of their must-reads list. And it should be on yours too! In Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things, William McDonough questions humanity’s constant cycles of waste production. He argues that radically fundamental changes must be made to modern industrial and manufacturing processes if we want to sustain our planet’s lifespan.
But don’t worry– McDonough doesn’t pose a depressing doomsday stance on the environmental crisis. His concluding outlook is actually very optimistic! With simple language to explain eco-effectiveness, this book is a perfect read for beginners interested in learning more about the downfalls in Western production systems as a whole
Wear No Evil: How to Change the World With Your Wardrobe by Greta Eagan
Over here at Wo-mum, we are passionate about creating luxury comfort clothing that doesn’t harm the environment; and that’s what this book is all about! In Wear No Evil: How to Change the World With Your Wardrobe author Greta Eagan unveils the hard truth behind the fast fashion industry. She offers simple tips and guidelines to help people break their wasteful fashion habits little by little.
So, if you’re unsure what the point of sustainable shopping is or why it matters so much, this book is a great resource! Eco-conscious fashion truly is the last frontier in the shift towards sustainable living and this read clearly explains that!
Small is Beautiful by E.F. Schumacher
First published in 1973, Small is Beautiful has been a pacemaker for sustainable literature, calling out overconsumption through a collection of economic essays. The book highlights the economy, education, and social systems in an environmental context. In its nearly 50 years of existence, Schumacher’s book has helped influence local shopping and fair trade movements around the globe. If you’re interested in understanding environmental factors from an economic standpoint then this is the book for you!
Informing yourself on environmental education topics doesn’t have to be complicated! By simply starting with one of these books you can easily gain insight into the state of the environment and our role in helping sustain it. So, let’s get to reading!