No matter what the subject is, reading can be the best way to learn an abundance of information from different perspectives. Books have changed the world, from the way we think to the culture we immerse ourselves in. When it comes to the environment and sustainability, books are pivotal to increasing your understanding.
But with so many books out there, not all are created equal. We gathered the five best sustainability books written by women that you should read right now to propel your curiosity and knowledge to a new level. Each of these women is incredibly smart, a great storyteller, and will make you a better person for having read them. Focusing on the importance of changing our systems, including everyone at the table, and incorporating nontraditional sources of wisdom, let’s dive into this list of must-reads.
Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist
Author Kate Raworth is a renegade economist who wrote this book based on a published paper on how humanity will be able to continue meeting their essential needs, such as food, shelter, energy, and equity.
Yet what makes this unique is the connection of each of these with planet Earth’s life-supporting systems, such as oceans, air quality, biodiversity, and climate. This crucial economic model and book provide a blueprint for a truly sustainable way to secure a livable future.
Braiding Sweetgrass
The indigenous wisdom coming out of this book written by Robin Wall Kimmerer will make you rethink your understanding of the natural world. Pulling from experience as both a botanist and a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, this book is able to distill learnings from plants that can be incorporated into all areas of life. The message is clear: lessons that other living things provide us must be taught, cherished, and protected.
Wear No Evil
Historically, the fashion industry has not been ethical to humanity or the planet. Yet author Greta Eagan wrote this handbook to change things for the better. Fashion is an industry that must be propelled into more sustainable practices. This three-part book presents the facts, provides exercises, and showcases environmentally friendly alternatives. Once you read this, you’ll never look the same!
The Intersectional Environmentalist
The climate crisis is tied to inequity amongst Black, Indigenous, and POC individuals. As author Leah Thomas explains, there’s no way to solve this without an intersectional approach to environmentalism. The fight for the planet is also the fight for civil rights and equality. Read on to figure out how we can improve both.
#futuregen
As the genius behind the Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015 in Wales, Jane Davidson explains how and why groundbreaking legislation is the path forward. For traditional Western models of economic growth to make way for sustainable growth, this story is a compelling and unavoidable precursor.
Key Takeaways
- Sustainability books are one of the best ways we can get on board with fighting climate change.
- Everybody can act on being more sustainable right now.
- The more diverse perspectives we hear, the more likely we are to fix the problem.
