Books

Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming edited by Paul Hawken

Leading scientists and policymakers worldwide have come together to analyze and rank the top 100 solutions to combat global warming. The book goes into detail about each potential solution (i.e., renewable energy, food waste reduction, education, etc.). It gives background information and pros/cons, along with the potential benefits of implementing the solutions. I LOVED this book, and I feel it gave me a much better sense of our planet’s issues. Highly recommended by Ashley 

Eco-Chic: The Fashion Paradox by Sandy Black

This was a denser read, and not for beginners in my opinion. It’s also older (circa 2008) and focuses heavily on fashion in the UK. However, I’d recommend this book if you’re interested in specifics on textiles such as how wool vs. cotton is produced, etc. Recommended by Sydney

Great Lakes Water Wars by Peter Annin

This book gives an excellent introduction to the real-world problems facing the Great Lakes. As Wisconsinites, our economy, pride, and heritage are closely linked with the Great Lakes, and we have a vested interest in making sure they are properly managed. This book was easy to read and taught me about the various stakeholders who have fought to protect, capitalize, and control the Great Lakes’ incredible resource. Recommended by Ashley 

The Death and Life of the Great Lakes by Dan Egan

The Death and Life of the Great Lakes is an in-depth look at how humans have altered the landscape of the Great Lakes. From reversing rivers, to shipping routes, and the introduction and destruction of invasive species, we have severely altered the Great Lakes in ways that I never imagined possible. As one of the greatest resources for freshwater, this is a key to a climate resilient future and we need to manage this treasure much better than we have in the past. Highly Recommended by Ashley 

Zero Waste Home by Brea Johnson

Want to reduce the amount of waste you generate? Don’t know where to start? Brea Johnson writes a book that is enjoyable to read and gives many different approaches to becoming zero waste. She outlines many different strategies and ideas for reducing your consumption, managing what you have, and living within your means and needs. After reading this book, I felt very motivated to move towards zero waste and significantly reduce the amount of waste generated in my home. Recommended by Ashley  

101 Ways to Go Zero Waste by Kathryn Kellog

Having already read a zero waste book (Zero Waste Home), I was interested to see how different this book would be. While there were several similar themes and ideas, there was still enough of a difference that I found this book beneficial in my journey to reduce my waste. I particularly like the recipes outlined in the book for homemade food/household items. Recommended by Ashley  

Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Yard by Douglas W. Tallamy

I am always looking for a way to help out the environment in my own personal life. This book provides so many good examples of ways that I can manage my yard to be both beautiful and be a benefit to nature. By bringing back native species and challenging the social norms of perfectly manicured lawns, Douglas gives many great examples and stories about why we must turn our yards into wildlife habitats. This book was an enjoyable read that got me excited and motivated to landscape our lawn into our own home-grown National Park. Highly recommended by Ashley 

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Robin Wall Kimmerer is a fantastic storyteller with a wealth of knowledge on Native American culture and ecology. She weaves together her experiences as a member of the Potawatomi Nation and an ecologist to give us an all-encompassing view of nature. Through reading this book, she has opened my eyes to so many new concepts and connections with nature that I had no idea even existed. I cannot get enough of this book! Highly recommended by Ashley