This Earth Day feels different. I know I don’t need to list the challenges we’re facing — whether political, financial, social, spiritual, or personal — because it would be a lengthy article in and of itself. Certain obstacles jump into my mind instantly, and certain others, I’m sure, jump out at you.
Unfortunately, one of those challenges is environmental. Our planet is changing, as is everything else, and not entirely for the better; and not entirely on its own. We have a responsibility to admit our role in the deteriorating natural world and, like with any good and complete apology, resolve to improve. An assortment of Gallup Polls have been measuring the public’s opinion on the environment in 2021, and it’s not as upbeat as it could be. Now’s the time to turn things around.
Believe it or not, my goal isn’t to sadden you; actually, my goal is to encourage you by proposing small improvements that make a big difference, and will slowly but surely aid the efforts to heal the environment. Some of the ideas are even, dare I say, fun?
So this Earth Day, let’s embrace the difference, embrace the change, and therefore embrace the hope by choosing a more environmentally friendly option when possible. Happy Earth Day! After reading this, go shamelessly hug a tree, okay? I promise you’ll feel a sweet endorphin kick.
Full Ecology: Repairing Our Relationship with the Natural World
After an introduction by the venerable Sister Helen Prejean, herself an internationally acclaimed author, the authors of Full Ecology host an opportunity to “reclaim a truth we too easily forget: We Are Nature. The superpowers of the natural world are hardwired in us and hold the wisdom to healing our lives, our community, and our planet.” Dive into the wonders of the earth and reexamine your own place within this ecosystem, both intrinsically and externally. This event will breathe new life into your goals; it’s also a lovely occasion for springtime reflection and renewal.
Sustainable Minimalism by Stephanie Marie Sepherian
Clutter is more than just irritating; it’s taking a significant toll on the planet. Manufacturing industries aren’t exactly the most eco-friendly corporations, and we egg them on with our endless appetite for excess. Eventually, most of it, barely used, becomes trash and heads to the landfills. From there, our fads are on the fast track to … absolutely nothing. They instead slowly poison the air we breathe and the ground we walk on. Does this sound unappealing? “Empower yourself to incrementally incorporate the tenets of sustainable minimalism into your home and life. Learn to master the easiest tasks first and build upon your successes―a practical and stress-free process. Now that’s sustainable!”
The Food Revolution: How Your Diet Can Help Save Your Life and Our World by John Robbins
The Food Revolution pairs useful health information with overarching environmental concerns but offers it in an accessible and readable package. Robbins’s extensive research shines and summons you to bear arms in the battle for our planet’s wellbeing. It doesn’t hurt that you’ll be boosting your own wellbeing, too!
Kind Traveler
The founder, Jessica Blotter, has many achievements to her name including the 2020 Travel +Leisure Global Vision Award and her spot on the Board of Directors for the Center for Responsible Travel. Kind Traveler aims to “inspire travelers to travel kindly and empowers them to become heroes to feed the hungry, voices for animals, givers of clean water, change-makers for a healthy generation, and fighters for equality.” Interested? Check out this video, which will certainly compel you to pack your bags.
Climate Courage: How Tackling Climate Change Can Build Community, Transform the Economy, and Bridge the Political Divide in America by Andreas Karelas
There are many ways to learn more about the author and his work. First of all, you can watch BookTrib’s Facebook Live Author Interview with Mr. Karelas, available to watch at your convenience if you miss the event in real-time. Also, the author is one of the 3 interviewees in this (almost) hour-long episode that was recently taped for The Commonwealth Club of California’s Climate One podcast, and he spoke recently on “The Impact of Going Solar” for The Rick Ungar Show. Lastly, for a sneak peek at the book you can read BookTrib’s review of the impactful and insightful guide.
Bill Nye: Science Guy by Bill Nye
Now the CEO of The Planetary Society, Nye has been a staunch advocate for “science, research, and discovery.” Nye challenges policymakers and others on evolution, climate change and scientific research. In addition to exclusive interviews with Nye, directors David Alvarado and Jason Sussberg also interviewed Neil deGrasse Tyson, Ann Druyan, and others in the scientific community. The film also shows Nye as he engages with those who deny climate change; his goal is not to change their minds but to influence their supporters who may be willing to see a different point of view. As they acknowledge, science “isn’t perfect, but it’s the best we got.” Learn more about the documentary here: https://billnye.com/documentary, and watch on Netflix.
The Living Landscape: Designing for Beauty and Biodiversity in the Home Garden by Rick Darke and Douglas W. Tallamy
In this book, authors Darke and Tallamy, two important voices in the fields of sustainability and horticulture, give the reader insight into how to design a beautiful, biodiverse home garden. They explain what role your garden can play in the surrounding environment, and then put that information to use in helping you design a unique garden for your region. This gorgeously and joyfully illustrated volume will help both the novice and experienced gardener create areas that contribute to a home’s beauty and to the world around it.
Happy Earth Day!
Thanks for celebrating this holiday with us at BookTrib! To learn more about Earth Day, visit earthday.org
