A Selection of Books on How to Reduce Single Use PlasticsBelow is a varied selection of eco-friendly books on the market, to help us reduce our reliance on plastics.
In my previous post I listed 6 adult and 4 children's books, however due to the increased availability of books I have now separated these into 2 lists: 10 adult books below and 10 children's books are now listed in a separate post here.
The books are listed in size order, with the largest at the top. I found Beth Terry's book (the first one listed) a massive support in my own journey.
10 Books for Adults on Plastic Pollution
1) Plastic-Free: How I Kicked the Plastic Habit and How You Can Too by Beth Terry.
384 Pages by Skyhorse Publishing (be sure to get the revised version published 2015).
Accountant Beth Terry wrote this excellent guide on how to make lots of useful changes. She covers everything from shopping to cleaning and washing laundry to personal cleanliness - all ways in which you can reduce your plastic consumption use.
She explains her own journey and has sections on entrepreneurs who have also made a difference. A blogger herself she brings people together to share their experiences.
I found Beth's book inspiring and packed full of useful information which I have used to make many changes of my own. A truly great read!
304 Pages by Penguin.
Bea transformed her family's health, finances, and relationships for the better by reducing their waste to an astonishing half litre per year.
Zero Waste Home shows how these key principles can be applied to every area of your house from the kitchen to the kids' room, and it's packed with easy tips for all.
Published in January 2016, the book offers a practical, step-by-step guide to diminishing your environmental footprint and improving your life.
3) There Is No Planet B: A Handbook for the Make or Break Years by Mike Berners-Lee.
302 Pages by Cambridge University Press.
Feeding the world, climate change, biodiversity, antibiotics, plastics - the list of concerns seems endless. But what is most pressing, what are the knock-on effects of our actions, and what should we do first?
This book will shock you, surprise you - and then make you laugh. And you'll find practical and even inspiring ideas for what you can actually do to help humanity thrive on this – our only – planet.
Feeding the world, climate change, biodiversity, antibiotics, plastics - the list of concerns seems endless. But what is most pressing, what are the knock-on effects of our actions, and what should we do first?
This book will shock you, surprise you - and then make you laugh. And you'll find practical and even inspiring ideas for what you can actually do to help humanity thrive on this – our only – planet.
Published February 2019 with lots of charts, tables and graphics. The book is filled with astonishing facts and analysis to guide you.
A revised edition was released Jan 2021 - click here for a review.
4) Turning Tide on Plastic: How Humanity Can Make Our Globe Clean Again by Lucy Siegle. 272 Pages by Trapeze.
Without big action, pieces of plastic could outnumber fish in the ocean by 2050. That is the legacy we are leaving our children and grandchildren.
Now is the time to speak up, take action and demand the change you want to see in the ocean, in the supermarket aisles and on the streets. It's time to turn the tide on plastic, and this book will show you how.
Published December 2018, with useful tools on how to make meaningful change in our everyday lives and advice on how to demand long-lasting action. (I previously bought this book and have written a longer review here.)
Around 12.7 million tonnes of plastic are entering the ocean every year, killing over 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals. By 2050 there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish by weight.
Plastic pollution is the environmental scourge of our age, but how can YOU make a difference?
Published Apr 2019. Author Will McCallum is the Head of Oceans at Greenpeace and the spokesperson for their campaign against the use of plastics.
6) How to Live Plastic Free: Day in the Life of a Plastic Detox by Luca Bonaccorsi / Marine Conservation Society. 224 Pages by Headline Home.
How to Live Plastic Free will teach you everything you need to know about reducing your plastic usage on a daily basis.
The chapters start with a typical morning routine and takes you through your day, giving you tips and practical advice for removing unnecessary plastic at every possible opportunity.
Published June 2018 with simple practical steps to help you.
How to Live Plastic Free will teach you everything you need to know about reducing your plastic usage on a daily basis.
The chapters start with a typical morning routine and takes you through your day, giving you tips and practical advice for removing unnecessary plastic at every possible opportunity.
Published June 2018 with simple practical steps to help you.
7) 12 Small Acts to Save Our World: Simple, Everyday Ways You Can Make a Difference
by WWF (Forward by Ben Fogle). 208 pages by Century Publishing.
We’re the first generation to fully understand the havoc humans are causing. We’re also the last generation who can turn things around and make things right – for the health, wealth and security of our children, grandchildren and generations to come.
Published September 2018: discover the twelve small things you can do to help us make a more positive impact on our planet.
by WWF (Forward by Ben Fogle). 208 pages by Century Publishing.
We’re the first generation to fully understand the havoc humans are causing. We’re also the last generation who can turn things around and make things right – for the health, wealth and security of our children, grandchildren and generations to come.
Published September 2018: discover the twelve small things you can do to help us make a more positive impact on our planet.
8) Simple Acts to Save Our Planet: 500 Ways to Make a Difference by Michelle Neff. 208 Pages by Adams Media.
Simple Acts to Save Our Planet shows you how to be more active in saving our planet every day by performing some “Simple Acts of Kindness”—for the Earth.
Treat the environment with kindness with these easy, manageable activities that range from simple home updates, to gardening basics, to supporting the local community.
Simple Acts to Save Our Planet shows you how to be more active in saving our planet every day by performing some “Simple Acts of Kindness”—for the Earth.
Treat the environment with kindness with these easy, manageable activities that range from simple home updates, to gardening basics, to supporting the local community.
Published May 2018. You’ll learn simple techniques to help protect the planet every day, like starting a compost pile to reduce food waste, utilizing travel mugs and reusable containers, and choosing eco-friendly products.
Topics covered in the book include:
1. Kitchen waste
2. Stuff
3. Sustainable fashion
4. Cleaning
5. Bathroom
6. Entertainment
7. Celebrations and special occasions
8. Energy
9. Getting fit
10. Kids
11. Gardening
Published Jul 2019. If you think freeing up some cash could help improve your life, you care about the environment and are ready to do things differently, then this is the book for you!
10) Say No To Plastic: 101 Easy Ways To Use Less Plastic by Harriet Dyer. 128 Pages by Summersdale.
This practical book suggests eco-friendly alternatives to plastic, including budget options, high-street substitutes and DIY ideas to help you drastically reduce your plastic consumption.
Published Sep 2018. With 101 simple ways to use less plastic, you’ll find it easy to take the first step and make a difference.
