Overview

Sustainability Made Simple is an introduction to sustainability and sustainable living that explores the relationship between everyday life and the intricate global environmental issues of today, including air and water pollution, deforestation, and climate change. Rosaly Byrd and Laurèn DeMates offer an optimistic yet realistic perspective on our impact on the environment, giving much needed guidance to those who are interested in finding new and relatively easy ways to incorporate sustainability into daily life. An excellent resource for those who are interested in learning what sustainability is about and picking up habits to be more sustainable, Sustainability Made Simple shows that adopting a sustainable lifestyle doesn’t require “going off the grid” or making drastic life changes that take time and cost money. Instead, Byrd and DeMates focus on the advantages and transformative changes associated with sustainability, demonstrating that although society is facing unprecedented environmental challenges, working towards sustainability is an opportunity to do things differently and do things better, enhancing aspects of life, such as health, work and community.

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9781442269095

Table of Contents

Reviews

A well rounded starter guide to sustainability: It lays out the environmental problems that we face today, but more importantly, the things that you can do to be part of the solution! -- Bea Johnson, author of Zero Waste Home and founder of the zero waste lifestyle movement

A well rounded starter guide to sustainability: It lays out the environmental problems that we face today, but more importantly, the things that you can do to be part of the solution! -- Bea Johnson, author of Zero Waste Home and founder of the zero waste lifestyle movement In different ways and different speeds, all of humanity is in the midst of a vital transformation in environmental stewardship. In this wonderful new book, Rosaly Byrd and Lauren De Mates, argue that the key to successful sustainable development lies with individual action. They offer a host of practical things that individuals can do, along with a vision for how these many local actions will add up to deep transformation in how our societies view nature. Their vision is compelling, important, and uplifting. -- David Victor, professor, University of California, San Diego

Simply put, sustainability is the practice of treating the environment with respect, of being conscious of the use and replenishment of natural resources, and of incorporating ecologically sound practices into every aspect of modem existence. Well, maybe it's not so simple after all. What with climate change, species extinction, resource depletion, and environmental pollution the challenges of achieving a sustainable lifestyle may seem overwhelming. By linking global concerns to local implementation, Byrd and DeMates take a comprehensive yet straightforward approach as they debunk and demystify misconceptions surrounding sustainability. Looking at sch regular activities as grocery shopping, household cleaning, gardening, and traveling, the authors offer practical advice regarding small but essential changes that can be easily adopted. Helpful sidebars list environmentally sound companies and products, pinpoint specific behaviors, and highlight current trends. With the potential for the reversal of current progressive environmental policies and regulations in the near future, individual actions are more important than ever before. An essential guidebook for anyone who wants to make a different. Booklist What's refreshing about Sustainability Made Simple: Small Changes for Big Impact is that it doesn't talk down to the reader, nor does it assume the reader knows anything more than that the climate is changing and everyday citizens should do their part to slow the process... The book reads very fluidly and touts some cool graphics, such as images of various animal foods and how much their consumption contributes to climate change. Connecticut Green Living This book is perfect for anyone starting the sustainable living journey... What I love the most about this book is how practical it is. All of the tips and suggestions are easy enough for the average person to follow. It introduces the readers to a world in which sustainable living is not only possible but achievable... The book is conveniently divided in sections, from household shores to traveling tips that cover all your sustainable living needs. Best part? It is kid friendly, there are many activities in there you can do with your whole family and kids... This educational and engaging book is perfect for someone who has heard the term sustainability and is interested in learning what it's all about, the novice environmentalist looking for new ways to improve their impact, or anyone in between. Case studies and tables highlight interesting information and trends, and an extensive bibliography provides further reading for those who want to learn more about the world of sustainability. ONIXJ A well rounded starter guide to sustainability: It lays out the environmental problems that we face today, but more importantly, the things that you can do to be part of the solution! -- Bea Johnson, author of Zero Waste Home and founder of the zero waste lifestyle movement In different ways and different speeds, all of humanity is in the midst of a vital transformation in environmental stewardship. In this wonderful new book, Rosaly Byrd and Lauren De Mates, argue that the key to successful sustainable development lies with individual action. They offer a host of practical things that individuals can do, along with a vision for how these many local actions will add up to deep transformation in how our societies view nature. Their vision is compelling, important, and uplifting. -- David Victor, professor, University of California, San Diego

Author Information

Rosaly Byrd is the co-founder and author of the blog The Sustainability Co-Op that works to engage readers on global environmental issues. She also writes as a freelance blogger for the Huffington Post. Rosaly has lived in Haiti and Brazil, working on environmental policy and sustainable development for the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and UN Development Programme (UNDP). Rosaly holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs with a focus on international environmental policy from University of California, San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy, and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from Florida Atlantic University Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College in Jupiter, Florida. Laurèn DeMates is a sustainability professional committed to improving the environmental impact of government, corporations, and individuals. Her work has included applying behavioral and social science-based strategies to increase energy efficiency in the federal government and assisting companies collect and analyze corporate social responsibility metrics. Laurèn is a LEED Green Associate and a co-founder of The Sustainability Co-Op blog. She graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a Master’s degree in International Affairs, and from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Sciences.

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