Who Cares Wins is a wonderful book on how to make simple choices that make a positive difference. Optimism demands action which is a choice, and we don’t have to listen to the doom-and-gloom naysayers, instead we can head in the opposite direction! Find practical advice in this lovely uplifting read.
If planting trees, learn how to make gardens safe for pets (know trees to avoid near horses (including yew and oak). For indoor trees, avoid facing indoor foliage to gardens, to help stop birds flying into windows.
Whereas the media have us in despair with climate change, animal abuse and war, there are constructive solutions to all these challenges, and plenty of reasons to be hopeful. In this book, Lily shares conversations with those who are exploring ways to change industry – from fast fashion to fast food and clean energy. This is a rousing call to action, to leave you feeling that together, we can make a difference. We can be the ‘ancestors of the future’ who can be celebrated for changing things, or blamed for apathy and doing nothing.
If you think that former supermodels just sit on their laurels, think again! Lily’s book has rightly been called ‘a masterpiece’ and readers have been flabbergasted by her knowledge, positive solutions and writing skills. Many say that this is the book to give to every world leader! You’ll learn about scientists who are creating incredible solutions to problems that ail us, along with learning how to get out of sticky situtions (like plant milks in non-biodegradable packaging to having to fly, because trains are too slow and expensive). From food waste to grassroots power to alternative media, it’s all in here.
Lily Cole is a former supermodel and now environmental activist who holds an MA in history of art from University of Cambridge. She has also been awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters by University of Glasgow, for her contribution to hunanitarian and environmental causes.
social justice (for the sensitive soul)
Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul is a book on how to win the world in quiet ways, doing good for others, without having to scream and shout! Marching down the street and throwing statues in rivers (covered in toxic paint that kill our dolphin and other marine friends) is not the way to create change. Change comes from:
- Connectors (people peacefully building relationships)
- Creatives (artists and creators who inspire)
- Record keepers (archivists who preserve essential information)
- Builders (inventors, engineers and programmers)
- Equippers (educators, mentors & elders)
- Researchers (effecting change through information)
The book features real-life examples of highly sensitive world-changers, to show the positive social impact, without needing to shout about it. Dorcas Cheng-Tozun is a writer whose work with nonprofits, social enterprises and faith-based organisations have engaged with a broad range of issues including homelessness, affordable housing, energy access, youth leadership, HIV/AIDS and international development.
meet Canada’s version of Caroline Lucas!
Growing Up Elizabeth May is the story of Elizabeth May by her daughter Cate. Filled with environmental facts, profiles of young activists and tips for making changes in your own community, this is part biography and part manifesto for change. While other children were playing, when growing up Elizabeth was raising money for important causes and organising protests. Even before environmentalism became the norm.
If you’re wondering who Elizabeth May is, she is the leader of Canada’s Green Party and an MP (so basically the Canadian counterpart to our own Caroline Lucas). Like Caroline, she was also voted the hardest working MP (but recently suffered a mild stroke, so get well soon Elizabeth – we need you!)
Cate May Burton is a passionate educator and social-justice advocate with a particular interest in democracy, climate change and justice for indigenous peoples. She holds a master’s degree in women and gender studies and is also studying education. She lives in Vancouver, Canada.
other good books to change the world!
Good News, Planet Earth is a book by climate campaigner Sam Bentley as he shares hopeful developments with tons of ways to help reduce pollution, deforestation and climate change. Learn about a tower that harvests water from rain, fog and dew. And find 100 positive action steps we can all take, to make a difference. Find 25 chapters covering ocean-cleanup innovations, composting actions, animal welfare tips and helping public space and transport.
Micro Activism is a unique book on how to make a difference in the world, by sharing your talents (even if you’re an introvert or highly sensitive person). Discover your own unique strengths to become involved in sustainable campaigns. Start small, and work locally. The book features tips on self-care to avoid burn-out and profiles peaceful activists who engage in a range of activities including voter registration, literacy programs and community gardens.
How to Become an Accidental Activist is an inspiring and uplifting book profiling 100 activists around the world including changemakers like Greta Thunberg. It shows how ordinary people can do extraordinary things to help others. Between them, they work to help the planet, humans, animals and historice buildings. The book will inspire young readers by giving tips to get started, and how to continue when the going gets tough, and how to encourage others to get involved. Channel your passions and dream big, to change the world.
Be the Change is a guide for young readers age 8 to 12, from zero waste 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. Rob Greenfield (find a free teacher’s companion guide to the book) used to work in marketing, before deciding to drastically simplify his life. Named the ‘Robin Hood of modern times’, he gives his media income to grassroots nonprofits, so he does not have to pay tax that is used to pollute or buy weapons.
38 Degrees is an online petition site (named after the angle at which an avalanche happens) showing the power of community to make changes on actions they care about. Big victories have included changed government policy (to sell off our remaining public forests to private companies), holding Ofgem to account to protect the most vulnerable people, and keeping ticketing offices open at train stations.
