Earth day is just around the corner and as we all remain at home to do our part for the sake of saving lives, we thought it best to share a reading list to help educate & inspire more Conscious Consumer decision-making when it comes to consumerism and business.
Before we reveal our list (I know, the anticipation is killing you), we want to shed some light on how you can make more conscious decisions surrounding how and where you buy books. According to TCKPublishing, “around 10 million of the trees that are killed to create books die in vain each year because the books end up getting destroyed instead of being read”. That is the same total amount of trees that would be destroyed if Yellowstone National Park was demolished close to 15,000 times. The statistics on the weight that the book publishing industry has on the environment are daunting, to say the least, but doing a little research and digging of your own can help you find used and virtual options that have far less of an environmental impact.
This time, we did the digging for you. Powell’s is a family-owned and operated bookstore located in Portland, Oregon. Right now, it operates as a third-generation family-owned business and just brought back 100 of its laid-off workers due to the increase in online orders (Katu.com). Although many online bookstores offer “used” book options, Powell’s also instills community value and comradery that does not go unnoticed. That’s why all of the books listed below can be purchased from Powell’s using the link that follows each book synopsis. See how easy that was to make a more conscious decision?!?
“Minimalism: Living a Meaningful Life” by Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus
Minimalism is the thing that gets us past the things so we can make room for life’s most important things-which actually aren’t things at all. At age 30, best friends Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus walked away from their six-figure corporate careers, jettisoned most of their material possessions, and started focusing on what’s truly important. In their debut book, Joshua & Ryan, authors of the popular website THE MINIMALISTS, explore their troubled pasts and descent into depression. (courtesy of Powell’s Books)
Buy Now: https://www.powells.com/book/-9780615648224
“The Humane Economy: How Innovators and Enlightened Consumers Are Transforming the Lives of Animals” by Wayne Pacelle
From the leader of the nation’s most powerful animal-protection organization comes a frontline account of how conscience and creativity are driving a revolution in American business that is changing forever how we treat animals and create wealth. Wayne Pacelle of the Humane Society of the United States reveals how entrepreneurs, Fortune 500 CEOs, world-class scientists, philanthropists, and a new class of political leaders are driving the burgeoning, unstoppable growth of the “humane economy.” (courtesy of Powell’s Books)
Buy Now: https://www.powells.com/book/-9780062389640
“Stirring It Up: How to Make Money and Save the World” by Gary Hirshberg
A true force for change, Gary Hirshberg has been at the forefront of movements working for environmental and social transformation for 30 years. From his early days as an educator and activist to his current position as President and CE-Yo of Stonyfield Farm, the world’s largest organic yogurt company, Hirshberg’s positive outlook has inspired thousands of people to recognize their ability to make the world a better place. (courtesy of Powell’s Books)
Buy Now: https://www.powells.com/book/-9781401303440
“Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion” by Elizabeth L. Cline
Cheap fashion has fundamentally changed the way most Americans dress. Stores ranging from discounters like Target to traditional chains like JCPenny now offer the newest trends at unprecedentedly low prices. And we have little reason to keep wearing and repairing the clothes we already own when styles change so fast and it’s cheaper to just buy more.
Cline sets out to uncover the true nature of the cheap fashion juggernaut. What are we doing with all these cheap clothes? And more importantly, what are they doing to us, our society, our environment, and our economic well-being? (courtesy of Powell’s Books)
Buy Now: https://www.powells.com/book/-9781591846543
“Conscious Business: How to Build Value through Values” by Fred Kofman
Consciousness is the main source of organizational greatness. Conscious business, explains Fred Kofman, means finding your passion and expressing your essential values through your work. A Conscious Consumer business seeks to promote the intelligent pursuit of happiness in all its stakeholders. It produces sustainable, exceptional performance through the solidarity of its community and the dignity of each member. (courtesy of Powell’s Books)
Buy Now: https://www.powells.com/book/-9781591795179
Happy reading and stay safe!
