knowledge is power: 6 books + podcasts to inspire you to live consciously + sustainably
Photo by Thought Catalog
Author: Josephine Agueci
Are you wanting to commit to a more sustainable lifestyle this year? Feeling overwhelmed at where to start educating yourself on the topic? Well luckily Bare Market blogger Josephine has done the work for you. Read up on some of her favourite books and podcasts to learn more about sustainability, environmentalism and climate change and how you can make a difference.
There’s no question that one of the best ways to learn about a topic is to read or listen to the experiences and teachings of others. There’s a certain magic to reading books and listening to podcasts that can plant a seed of inspiration in our brains to take action, make a change, or learn even further.
When it comes to moving towards a more sustainable lifestyle (and world), there are a plethora of unique books and podcasts available to inspire you. Whether you’re interested in learning more about climate change; businesses employing sustainable practices; or eco-warriors who are using science or activism to spark debate and discussion, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Photo by Jelle Van Leest
Without further ado, here are six books and podcast recommendations for those looking to learn more.
Podcast: A Sustainable Mind
Hosted by Marjorie Alexander, A Sustainable Mind is a podcast dedicated to uncovering the knowledge, habits, and resources necessary to bring about sustainable change. Each week, Marjorie interviews a new influential environmental changemaker - including scientists, entrepreneurs, inventors, policymakers, and activists – about their sustainability journeys, challenges, habits, and favourite resources. With past topics including tiny homes, slow lifestyles, public policy, fighting for clean water worldwide, veganism, and urban farming, A Sustainable Mind tackles many aspects of the sustainability spectrum in an interview format that is informative, entertaining, and incredibly motivational.
Book: Drawdown
With the intriguing sub-title of The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming, editor Paul Hawken presents an ambitious and much-needed narrative in his book Drawdown. The purpose of this book was to present a roadmap for tackling climate change that goes beyond what has already been proposed. Drawdown is a detailed plan describing the 100 most substantive solutions to reverse global warming. This book consists well-understood models and peer-reviewed science, and is a must-read for anyone interested in strengthening their sense of hope for the future.
Podcast: Zero Waste Countdown
Hosted by Laura Nash, Zero Waste Countdown is a Canadian podcast focused on inspiring and educating people on topics surrounding waste reduction and sustainable living. The concept of a “countdown to zero waste” is a more manageable, less intimidating approach to pledging to the reduce waste, whether that is on a personal, community or even global level. With episodes such as “What’s Wrong With Plastic?”, “Microplastics in Marine Life”, and “It’s Not You, It’s The System”, Zero Waste Countdown presents fascinating discussions related to pursuing a zero waste world.
Book: This Changes Everything
Winner of prestigious awards such as the Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction, Naomi Klein’s This Changes Everything is arguably one of the most significant and contentious environmental books of late. Klein breaks down the myths clouding the climate change debate, ultimately proposing that the key to moving away from fossil fuels is to rein in corporate power, rebuild local economies, and reclaim our democratic power. Filled with science, statistics, stories, and case studies, This Changes Everything is truly a must-read!
Podcast: No Little Plans
No Little Plans is a new Canadian podcast centered around discussing the country’s efforts, plans, and progress in working towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Hosted by Vicky Mochama, No Little Plans works to break down the UN goals into more digestible, approachable topics for the average Canadian, helping to explain how each goal fits into the bigger picture of a more equitable and sustainable world.
Book: Don’t Even Think About It: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Ignore Climate Change
One of the most important questions of our time is “Why, despite overwhelming scientific evidence, do we still ignore climate change?”. George Marshall’s groundbreaking Don’t Even Think About It works to answer that exact question, examining climate change from a psychological perspective. The book points out what is wrong with current arguments about climate change and how we can (and should) move the issue from the realm of environmentalism into a zone that all humans feel connected to. Bonus: the book is written in digestible chunks of thought-provoking sub-topics, kept light-hearted with humour and engaging stories.
As you head into 2019 why not dive into whichever of these books or podcasts spark your interest, or dip your toes into several to get a taste of the multifaceted nature of the sustainability discussion. Know any more must-reads or must-listens on this topic? Let us know in the comments below!
About the Author: Josephine Agueci is a third year student at McMaster University studying Honours Earth and Environmental Sciences with a Minor in Sustainability. She is passionate about environmental education and believes that sustainable living is a never-ending process - there are always new opportunities for growth and improvement! She’s incredibly excited to be involved with Bare Market and the beautiful community it is creating.