Reading can provide many scientifically-proven benefits, from vocabulary expansion, memory improvement, to stronger analytical thinking skills. If your reading list is running short or you just want to revive this habit, here are a few recommendations of sustainability-themed books.
Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things
In this book, William McDonough proposes a nature-inspired manufacturing philosophy radically different from the current industrial approach. He challenges companies to design products that, by the end of their life, will serve for a new purpose rather than polluting the environment. For instance, if all single-use cups or silverware were biodegradable, they would nourish animals once disposed of, and not threaten marine life.
The Upcycle: Beyond Sustainability: Designing for Abundance
The Upcycle is a practical follow-up to Cradle to Cradle. Co-authors McDonough and Michael Braungart provide practical implementations of the cradle-to-cradle approach in businesses, governments, and ordinary people’s life.
Small is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered
The “bigger is better” mentality of industrialism has harmed humans and the environment for many decades. In Small is Beautiful, Schumacher promotes a balance between economic growth and its human cost.
Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature
Biomimicry analyzes nature’s best ideas (spider silk and eyes, seashells, photosynthesis, ..) and adapts them for human use. Janine Benyus explores resourceful solutions by nature that could guarantee us a sustainable future!
Natural Capitalism
Written by Paul Hawken, Amory Lovins, and Hunter Lovins, this innovative book reconciles capitalism and the environment. The authors argue that companies can be environmentally responsible while staying highly profitable, leading the way for sustainable, natural capitalism.
Bonus tip: If any of these books are not available at the University’s libraries, you can request them from external sources through the interlibrary loan service, free of charge!
Written by Kelly Jean, Class of 2021
Photo by João Silas on Unsplash