World Book Day: 5 of the best books on sustainability

World Book Day is a worldwide celebration of books and reading that’s been going since 1995. This year, it takes place on Thursday 2 March - and we thought it was a great opportunity to share some great reads about sustainability. So, if you’re in the market for leafing through something a little different, take a look at our list of 5 of the best reads on kinder living. 

5 of the best books on sustainability 

1. The Sustainable Living Guide by Jen Gale

Best for: making small changes 

Simple swaps like remembering your reusable cup when you go for coffee and taking your own bags when you do a shop are all featured in this practical book by Jen Gale. It breaks sustainable living into bite-sized actions you can take (such as just boiling enough water for one cup if that’s all you need and thinking about more eco-friendly ways to travel) and that you can fit into your everyday life with joy. 

1. How To Break Up With Fast Fashion by Lauren Bravo 

Best for: creating a more sustainable wardrobe 

Here’s a read we featured in our selection of earth-kind books around fashion specifically (see the full list here) at the start of 2023. 

Subtitled “a guilt-free guide to changing the way you shop - for good”, London-based journalist Lauren Bravo’s book (published in 2020) will hopefully help you to shop a little more considerately and sustainably as well as to fall back in love with the wardrobe you already have. She’ll talk you through charity shopping, too, plus how to choose your “good luck dress” and lots more. Intrigued? Check it out. 

1. Just A Dream by Chris Van Allsburg  

Best for: reading with kids 

This is the story of a little boy, Walter, who travels to the future by way of his bed to discover a world with no trees - the fate we know will befall our planet if we don’t change the way we act. 

Written by the author of Polar Express, with captivating illustrations that will draw any younger reader in, this is a book which has stood the test of time and is a great introduction to get kids thinking about the importance of caring for our world.  

1. One Pot, Pan, Planet by Anna Jones

Best for: tasty vegan and vegetarian recipes 

A great book for foodies looking to cook a little greener, Anna gives tips on buying produce in a less wasteful way as well as more than 200 recipes from around the world which sound utterly delicious as well as being entirely meat-free and featuring fewer ingredients. Like the sound of baked dahl with tamarind-glazed sweet potato or tahini broccoli on toast? Find them here and brighten up dinner times no end. 

1. Climate Justice by Mary Robinson

Best for: all-out inspiration  

When she held her first grandchild back in 2003, Mary Robinson was struck with the uncertainty of the world he had come into - and the menace of climate change was something that suddenly became deeply personal. Her mission to make help saw her travel the world and talk with people who were already making incredible changes, and she saw how people at grassroots level - especially women - could start to make a huge difference.