Thinking about the environment can easily lead to a never-ending spiral of angst and depression. Stop polluting the oceans, cut your carbon emissions, get rid of your car and cycle everywhere, don’t support fast fashion! Climate change can seem like an endless and insurmountable problem, and it’s hard to actually believe that you can make a difference as an individual. Particularly when the problem in question is as big and serious as this one. But it doesn’t have to be so scary. There are so many resources out there for those of us who want to do something but aren’t sure where to start. Keep reading to see my personal recommendations for practical and useful guides on specific climate action pretty much anyone can participate in.
It’s Not That Radical, Climate Action to Transform our World by Mikaela Loach
Mikaela Loach is a writer, climate justice activist, co-host of The Yikes Podcast, and a fourth-year medical student from the UK. Her work focuses on the intersections of the climate crisis with oppressive systems and making the climate movement a more accessible space. Her new book, It’s Not That Radical, is a great introduction to climate justice and provides practical resources on how to get involved in activism. If you’re looking for a book that will make you feel hopeful about the future and inspire you to get off your arse and do something, then this is the one for you.
The Great Greenwashing: How brands, governments, and influencers are lying to you by John Pabon
Greenwashing is one of those buzzwords you hear in discussions about climate action all the time, but what does it actually mean? The Great Greenwashing breaks down the concept and shows the reader how companies and organisations use greenwashing to distract consumers from what is really happening behind closed doors. The book gives you the tools you need to educate yourself, filter truth from lies, and shows you how to make a positive impact with your consumer choices.
This Book is a Plant by Wellcome Collection
This book is described as “your handbook to a new natural world” and challenges the reader to change the way they think about plants. This collection of essays explores the connection between humans, plants and nature, and how we can engage more deeply with the natural world. This book will make you appreciate and notice the plant life in the world around you, and encourage you to open your eyes and look at the world in a new way. This book is for you if you’re looking for beautifully written essays, you would like to learn more about the natural environment, and you have always been intrigued about moss.
How to Give up Plastic by Will McCallum
Did you know that it takes 450 years for a plastic bottle to fully biodegrade? And there are around 12.7 million tons of plastic entering the ocean each year. It’s no secret that our planet is being swallowed by plastic waste, and it’s easy to let these figures overwhelm you. But reducing plastic pollution is something everyone can contribute to. This book is a straightforward guide on how to eliminate plastic from your life; from catching microfibres in your washing to useful tips on reducing single-use plastic. This guide is practical, achievable and doesn’t talk down to the reader.
