Rob’s Book to Be the Change (in a messed-up world)

Be the Change is a guide for young readers, from activist Rob Greenfield. He’s walked around New York City (dressed in his own garbage), cycled (three times) across the USA on a bamboo bike, and survived for one year on foraged food.

The book features fun ideas to reduce environmental impact, with extensive teachings on reducing ‘stuff’, because ‘there is no away’ to throw it to! Plus readers will meet inspiring young environmentalists, including ‘minimalist teens’. For readers age 8 to 12.

You can also download a free teacher’s companion guide to the book.

I loved every page of this amazing book. Rob offers fun escapades that are also real-world ways to help a world that needs attention right now. Turns out, saving our planet is fun. I put this book down feeling fired up and full of hope. And you will too. Caroline Paul

About the Author

Rob Greenfield (find a free teacher’s companion guide to the book) used to work in marketing, before deciding to simplify his life. Named the ‘Robin Hood of modern times’, he gives his media income to grassroots non-profits, so he does pay tax to pollute or buy weapons.

He gave up his affluent lifestyle, and cycled across the USA on a bamboo bike, drinking water from fire hoses and eating food from dumpsters. He gives away most of his income, so he pays no tax (to avoid funding weapons).

How he changed his life is quite inspiring, and maybe inspires others to do the same. He basically decided he was nowhere near living the life he wanted.

So he made a huge list of over 100 changes he wanted to make, then hung it in the kitchen, and made one positive change each week, so he changed his life completely in 2 years.

From eating more fruits and vegetables, cooking his own food, finding zero-waste alternatives to drinking filtered water. He shopped local, bought second-hand and shared with his community.