I am reading a lot of books in preparation for The William Morris Project in 2021. Books on stewardship and climate change are, particularly on my radar. My latest read is The Story of More by Hope Jahren.
The Story of More traces the history of climate change as a result of our excessive consumption. Consider this a primer, a Climate Change 101 following the same outline the author uses to teach at the university. You won’t find footnotes in this slim volume, but you will find easily accessible information in a gentle, encouraging tone. Jahren presents climate change as a trade-off. It is up to the consumer to determine where sits the line in the sand.
Jahren breaks the book into four sections (Life, Food, Energy, Earth) and provides an appendix of resources for readers to explore. Initially, I felt disappointed when I finished the book. I had hoped for an in-depth study and a more urgent tone. Looking back, I’m not sure I’m the intended audience. The Story of More‘s enthusiastic and optimistic tone is perfect for teenagers or young adults interested in climate change. This is the book I want my sons to read to understand the need for positive and focused change.
I recommend The Story of More book for a young adult or someone resistant to the idea of climate change. Personally, I want more. I would love a list of books, documentaries, and resources I can reference to help me learn and grow. So far, research online and on sites like Goodreads only produces only conflicting reviews. If you are open to sharing your wisdom and resources in the comments, I would be grateful!
Oooh I have so many good books to recommend. I chunked them out into categories because I am a nerd :)
About food: The Secret Life of Groceries: The Dark Miracle of the American Supermarket by Benjamin Lorr; Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer; Grocery: The Buying and Selling of Food in America by Michael Ruhlman; We Are the Weather by Jonathan Safran Foer
Trash/recycling/landfills/textiles: Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale by Adam Minter; Big Box Swindle by Stacy Mitchell; Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture by Ellen Ruppel Shell; Garbology : our dirty love affair with trash by Edward Humes
Climate change and the people it is impacting: Rising : dispatches from the new American shore by Elizabeth Rush
Cities/urban planning: Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond; Street Smart: The Rise of Cities and the Fall of Cars by Samuel Schwartz; Right of Way: Race, Class, and the Silent Epidemic of Pedestrian Deaths in America by Angie Schmitt
I…have many more to suggest but should probably stop there. Have fun!
I totally second the recommendation for “Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale” by Adam Minter! It was really eye opening, and makes me think more about where my stuff goes.
This is fantastic. Thank you! Feel free to add more, too. :)