our favourite books to inspire a sustainable lifestyle
Moving into 2022, perhaps you may have made resolutions or commitments to having a more positive impact on our planet. We know it can be tricky knowing where to start, so we’ve compiled a series of books that our Dip & Doze team have found thought provoking and inspirational. We hope you love reading them as much as we did!
39 Ways to Save the Planet, Tom Heap
A light-hearted and informative non-fiction book based on optimism and pragmatism, 39 Ways to Save the Planet focuses on the promising impact both scientists and activists are having on the planet, rather than overwhelming us with those frightening facts. Originally a podcast series, Heap discusses amazing discoveries and prototypes which have the scope to reverse the climate crisis, speaking to those who invent them about how they could change our lives. An easy read with a positive spin, this book is a fantastic way to venture into the realms of sustainability.
Drawdown, Paul Hawken
If you’re ready for a few more ideas than just 39, take a look at Drawdown by Paul Hawken. Featuring over 100 solutions to the current climate challenge, this book has some bold, but mostly realistic, claims about how to revolutionise the way we live – all of which will eventually result in the Earth reaching ‘drawdown’. Instead of focusing on slowing down our impact and stabilising greenhouse gasses, to ‘drawdown’ means greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere will actually begin to decline. Makes for interesting reading for those eager to learn more.
All We Can Save, Dr Ayana Elizabeth & Katherine Wilkinson
Drawing upon a wide range of expertise from female poets, politicians, scientists, farmers, and beyond, All We Can Save aims to represent a diverse collective of individuals who are inciting public conversation about the current climate challenges we’re facing. Through creativity and collaboration, these insights have been collated by two climate leaders to celebrate all that is good in the fight for the preservation of the Earth. A hopeful, inspiring read for those passionate about protecting our planet.
Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimmerer
A beautifully written ode to nature, Braiding Sweetgrass is based on the living reflections of botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Wall Kimmerer draws upon her indigenous heritage, noting the abilities of the living world to heal itself. Calling for greater levels of ecological consciousness, this book highlights the need to reconnect and care for the Earth, as it cares for us. A magnificent read, clearly written from the heart.
The Beautiful World Our Hearts Know is Possible, Charles Eisenstein
The Beautiful World Our Hearts Know is Possible is a compelling book which sets the imagination running wild, inciting thoughts of what the world could be like if we practiced the principle of interconnectedness and re-considered barriers around traditional infrastructures. Relating his points back to real life random acts of kindness and courage, Eisenstein hopes to provoke awareness to the world which lead us to embrace the desperate need for change. A philosophical read that cleverly articulates subjects hard to put into words, leaving you with food for thought.
Who Cares Wins, Lily Cole
A call-to-action book, Lily Cole deeply explores the solutions to solving the climate crisis on both small and large scales. From carbon capturing to reducing plastic waste, this book features interviews with a range of thought leaders such as Elon Musk and Stella McCartney. Asking compelling questions whilst also offering a wealth of knowledge, Cole aims to provide a beacon of hope and optimism by celebrating the power of global collaboration to tackle climate challenges. A powerful read which empowers you to do more for our planet.
How Bad Are Bananas: The Carbon Footprint of Everything, Mike Berners Lee
A more satirical approach to the current climate crisis, How Bad Are Bananas is a concise collection of research findings which aim inspire you to be more conscious of where your produce comes from and re-think any unsustainable habits you might have. Considering your own carbon footprint is often difficult to do without the adequate information, but you’ll certainly find everything you need to make a relatively good approximation within this book. A light-hearted and fun read, this isn’t one you’ll want to put down.
Fashionopolis: Why What We Wear Matters, Dana Thomas
Fashionopolis is a book guaranteed to make you consider your personal journey of consumption, discussing the true impact of the fashion industry on our planet. Using her journalistic experiences, Thomas presents a range of stark facts which are sure to make anyone reconsider the way they consume fashion. Both solution and information based, this book contains a range of helpful knowledge ready to be absorbed by fashion lovers and supporters of sustainability alike.
Simply Living Well, Julia Watkins
Reflective of our own mission to live well sustainably, Simply Living Well is an easy to follow guide of recipes and lifestyle tips to help you live a lovely life with the planet in mind. If you’re not sure what to expect, check out the @simply.living.well Instagram for a glimpse into Watkins’ wonderful way of life before you pick up the book. An effortless read backed by real-life experiences.
The Good Bee: A Celebration of Bees and How to Save Them, Alison Benjamin
Here at Dip & Doze, it’s no secret we love bees. Alison Benjamin’s book is one that’s been shared and enjoyed by everyone in our team. Integral to making the natural world a happier and healthier place, as you know bees have sadly been under threat for a number of years. The Good Bee aims to inspire a love for the creatures who work so hard for us, generating a will to protect them at all costs. A beautifully illustrated book, this is a joy to read.
A Life on Our Planet: My Witness Statement and a Vision for the Future, David Attenborough
Sir David Attenborough is nothing short of an inspiration. Dedicating his life to the exploration and protection of our planet, his ‘witness statement’ discusses the changes he’s seen amongst the once untouched ecosystems he loved and cared for. A Life on Our Planet aims to encourage us to reverse “our greatest mistake” and restore the Earth’s natural beauty. Truly insightful and impactful, this is not to be overlooked.
Earthshot: How to save our planet, Colin Butfield & Jonnie Hughes
As noted in our Season’s Six: Winter Warmers blog, Earthshot: How to save our planet is an amazing book which outlines small steps we can all take to better the health of our beautiful planet. This simple and educational guide to achieving The Earthshot Goals is straightforward and easy to digest, noting solutions to fixing our climate, cleaning our air, building a waste-free world, and lots more. As much as this would make the perfect gift, we recommend you read it too.
