Beatrix Potter
Knowledge is power and you probably know it already. And this power is at the base of the change in mentality, habits and the decision-making process and actions that lead us to a more sustainable development. Following this idea, this article shows you the best 9 books on recycling that can serve as a source of information and inspiration for our daily lives, in the fight and defense of the Planet.
1. The Story of Stuff, by Annie Leonard
Leonard’s book addresses the trajectory of materials. She “emphasizes the importance of being mindful about the waste we produce. At the same time, she points out ways to change the system that generates so much waste”, says Evelyn T. Tyson, recycling blogger at Boom Essays.
2. High Tech Trash, by Elizabeth Grossman
This book deals with an issue intrinsically linked to modern recycling: electronic waste. Grossman discusses in depth the waste caused by technological products and the problems it entails, like toxins and the impact on human health.
3. Zero Waste: Simple Life Hacks to Drastically Reduce Your Trash, by Shia Su
Su’s book is simple and easy to use. It is an accessible guide to not waste anything we find and includes several stunning photographs. Su explains and exemplifies the zero-waste lifestyle for beginners, sharing her knowledge of tips and alternatives that smooths the transition into this type of lifestyle.
4. Sustainable Home: Practical Projects, Tips and Advice for Maintaining a More Eco-friendly Household, by Christine Liu
This is an incredibly detailed guide to living a healthier lifestyle through recycling. “Liu gives a realistic guide on how to determine what to and what not to keep, offering ideas about how to dispose of unwanted items in a non-harmful way for the environment”, says Denise M. Weisberg, writer at Let’s Go And Learn and Academized. The book advises on how to create a more energy-efficient home, grow your own food, home-made recipes for skin care, amongst other important things.
5. No. More. Plastic.: What You Can Do to Make A Difference, by Martin Dorey
This book does not contain extensive science on plastic waste and its risks to the environment. In the book, Martin Dorey encourages us to revise our plastic use in our daily lives, while at the same time not being dramatically emphatic in people stop using plastic in their lives altogether, as it is an inextricable part of our lives.
6. Live Green: 52 Step for a More Sustainable Life, by Jen Chillingsworth
This book is all about simple ideas and small measures that will help our environmental impact. Beautifully illustrated and well written, with chapters spanning from cleaning to home organization, it is a perfect read to help those on a journey to live a greener lifestyle, starting with recycling.
7. The Little Book of Going Green: Ways to Make the World a Better, by Harriet Dyer
This book is the perfect introduction to address the topic of sustainability through recycling. The topic of garbage is dealt with and its effects on people, nature and animals. Comprehensive, yet full of details, it will help you acquire new knowledge or improve what you already know.
8. Trash Talk: An Encyclopedia of Garbage and Recycling around the World, by Robert W. Collin
This comprehensive book explores waste disposal at a global level, from waste management history to the emergence of recycling initiatives and ecological movements. According to Robert William Collin, waste management would improve incentives for conservation of the environment, public health and sustainability.
9. Junkyard Planet, by Adam Minter
Adam Minter offers a fascinating look at the scrap industry, specifically how all the waste in the United States has affected people in China. Minter’s theory is that the solution is not necessarily recycling. The way to go is to buy less unnecessary things instead.
Currently, when we talk about sustainability, we are referring to anything that can survive in a balanced way for a long time. The environment is sustainable by nature, we are the ones that are altering its natural functioning. Developing sustainable techniques is nothing more than changing our somewhat predatory way of consuming what was made to last, and the books suggested in this article will help you in that journey. Also, check out Waste Advantage Magazine, which is the only source that focuses strictly on info about the recycling industry and the latest on waste disposal.