Books on sustainability for those embarking on a sustainable lifestyle
Sustainability hasn't only become a buzzword but a way of living for many people. Gaining popularity owing to several interconnected reasons, this approach has made humans more aware of economic, environmental, and social challenges. If you're at the beginning of your sustainability journey, several excellent books offer introductions to key concepts and practical tips that can greatly enhance your experience.
'I'm a Climate Optimist' by Aakash Ranison
This book acquaints people on how they can take the first step toward sustainability. It features some noteworthy inputs from various industry experts and businesses, helping you find solutions to various problems that may otherwise hinder your practice. A research-dense book, the author supports his justifications with graphs and data, making it an interesting read. The book heavily focuses on stopping greenwashing in India.
'The Zero-Waste Lifestyle' by Amy Korst
This book is a practical guide to sustainability that features easy, doable, and meaningful strategies to generate less waste. Through this, Korst has shared personal experiences that have contributed massively to her sustainable, garbage-free lifestyle. It will leave you with simple ideas that can help you eliminate toxic exposure, decrease litter, and support local businesses. It is a must-read.
'The Upcycle: Beyond Sustainability—Designing for Abundance'
The Upcycle: Beyond Sustainability—Designing for Abundance written by William McDonough and Michael Braungart offers incredible insights on how companies can solve environmental woes. It also exhibits some important and interesting ideas for practicing sustainability with the help of designing things properly. For instance, if there are no things that consume toxic chemicals in the first place, there won't be any disposal.
'Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things'
Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things is another masterpiece by William McDonough that introduces the concept of cradle-to-cradle design. With this design, one can practice sustainability with product inventions and zero waste, familiarizing readers with what it means to be "green" in the most real sense. Interestingly, the book itself is printed on a benign plastic that killed no trees.
'The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History'
This book by Elizabeth Kolbert will compel you to think about what it means to be human. It tells that mankind has seen several extinctions happening, however, this time, the most devastating extinction, "the sixth extinction," is none other than ours! A well-researched documentation, it puts forward sustainable practices as the only cure to an impending doom. Check out more such book recommendations.
