Discover the Leading Books That Will Inspire Your Journey Toward Eco-Friendly Living
In a recent comprehensive survey involving over 900 participants from the United States and Australia, a compelling 77% expressed a keen interest in exploring more about sustainable lifestyles. Many already participate in recycling, carry reusable shopping bags, and consciously avoid single-use plastics. Yet, embracing green living encompasses much more than these actions. Often, the challenge lies in knowing where to begin. Thankfully, a wealth of insightful books on green living can serve as invaluable guides to help you initiate and sustain environmentally responsible habits.
Whether your focus is on making your home more eco-efficient, cultivating a sustainable garden, adopting a greener personal routine, or managing your consumption habits more mindfully, these books are packed with practical advice and inspiring ideas. They aim to equip you with the tools necessary to combat global warming and preserve our planet’s natural beauty for future generations. Dive into this curated list of some of the most influential and enlightening books on green living that will motivate you to prioritize sustainability in your daily life.
20 of the Best Books on Green Living
- 1. Live Green: 52 Steps for a More Sustainable Life
Live Green offers a straightforward, actionable plan with 52 weekly steps to help you transition towards a more self-sufficient and environmentally friendly lifestyle. This colorful, easy-to-follow guide examines all facets of daily life—from cleaning routines and home furnishings to food choices, fashion, beauty, and even holiday habits. Author Jen Chillingsworth provides practical suggestions such as DIY eco-friendly cleaning products, vintage furniture shopping, and homemade moth repellents. These small, manageable changes can lead to significant environmental impacts while also saving money. Check Latest Price on Amazon - 2. The Everything Green Living Book: Easy Ways to Conserve Energy, Protect Your Family’s Health, and Help Save the Environment
The Everything Green Living Book by Diane Gow McDilda serves as an accessible guide for those eager to adopt sustainable practices but unsure where to start. McDilda covers a wide array of topics, including participation in Earth Day activities, designing eco-friendly homes, choosing non-toxic cleaning supplies, and organic eating. Its clear, approachable language makes it suitable for families, children, and beginners. This book is a practical resource that helps you integrate green habits into everyday life with confidence. Check Latest Price on Amazon - 3. Prefabulous and Sustainable: Building and Customizing an Affordable, Energy-Efficient Home
Prefabulous and Sustainable by Sheri Koones challenges misconceptions about prefab housing being less sustainable. Instead, Koones demonstrates how prefabricated homes can be environmentally friendly, durable, and cost-effective. Organized into categories from green to greenest, the book showcases real-world examples of customized prefab homes that surpass basic sustainability standards. Rich with detailed case studies, this resource is perfect for those interested in green architecture and sustainable building practices. Check Latest Price on Amazon - 4. The Green Body Cleanse: How to Live Green & Live Well
The Green Body Cleanse by Dr. Edward Group III emphasizes organic detoxification, highlighting how environmental toxins affect our health. This award-winning book provides scientifically-backed methods to cleanse your body, home, and workplace from harmful chemicals. Dr. Group advocates shifting from processed foods to organic, non-GMO options and offers practical tips, recipes, and facts to support healthier, greener choices. It’s an essential guide for anyone seeking to improve personal health while reducing environmental impact. Check Latest Price on Amazon - 5. Easy to Be Green: Simple Activities You Can Do to Save the Earth
Easy to Be Green is tailored for children eager to make a difference. It combines engaging activities, coloring pages, and practical tips to empower young eco-activists. From recycling and composting to advocating for climate policies, this book encourages kids to take meaningful actions within their communities. Notably, it emphasizes sustainable production, using recycled paper printed with soy ink, instilling eco-conscious values early on. Check Latest Price on Amazon - 6. Green, Greener, Greenest: A Practical Guide to Making Eco-Smart Choices a Part of Your Life
Green, Greener, Greenest by Lori Bongiorno offers pragmatic advice tailored to various budgets and schedules. With hundreds of tips, the book helps you incorporate eco-friendly choices into your routine, from shopping to home management. Its flexibility makes sustainable living attainable for everyone, regardless of time or financial constraints. This comprehensive guide aims to make green choices second nature, fostering a more sustainable lifestyle. Check Latest Price on Amazon - 7. Self-Sufficiency for the 21st Century: The Complete Guide to Sustainable Living Today
Self-Sufficiency for the 21st Century by Dick Strawbridge and James Strawbridge encourages readers to embrace independence through practical skills. Covering topics like reducing plastic use, growing food, preserving harvests, and raising poultry, the authors draw from their diverse experiences living on smallholdings and historic estates. This book inspires readers to create resilient, eco-conscious lives rooted in self-sufficiency. Check Latest Price on Amazon - 8. Year-Round Solar Greenhouse: How to Design and Build a Net-Zero Energy Greenhouse
Year-Round Solar Greenhouse by Lindsey Schiller and Marc Plinke guides readers through designing and constructing a solar-powered greenhouse. This innovative resource demonstrates how to harness the sun’s energy for year-round plant growth, even in cold climates. Covering sustainable heating methods and energy management, it’s perfect for aspiring urban farmers or homesteaders seeking to grow food sustainably. Check Latest Price on Amazon - 9. Easy Green Living: The Ultimate Guide to Simple, Eco-Friendly Choices for You and Your Home
Easy Green Living by Renée Loux simplifies adopting an eco-conscious lifestyle. It covers global issues like climate change and renewable energy, while also providing practical, everyday tips for reducing toxins and waste. Filled with recipes, product recommendations, and inspiring stories, this book makes green living accessible and enjoyable. Check Latest Price on Amazon - 10. Going Off the Grid: The How-To-Book of Simple Living and Happiness
Going Off the Grid by Gary Collins offers a comprehensive blueprint for disconnecting from conventional utilities and embracing a self-sufficient lifestyle. From constructing off-grid homes to managing energy, sewage, and internet access, Collins provides step-by-step guidance. This book is ideal for those seeking freedom from utility dependence and wishing to live more in harmony with nature. Check Latest Price on Amazon - 11. Make Your Place: Affordable & Sustainable Nesting Skills
Make Your Place by Raleigh Briggs celebrates DIY home projects that foster sustainability and self-reliance. It includes recipes for homemade cleaners, tips for creating gardens, and advice for simple repairs. Written in a witty, accessible tone, it encourages readers to develop practical skills that enhance their quality of life and reduce environmental impact. Check Latest Price on Amazon - 12. The Green Book: The Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time
The Green Book by Elizabeth Rogers and Thomas Kostigen compiles hundreds of small, impactful actions that collectively make a big difference. From conserving water and energy to ethical shopping, it emphasizes how minor adjustments can lead to major environmental benefits. Its engaging style and research-backed tips make it an essential resource for eco-conscious individuals. Check Latest Price on Amazon - 13. Building Green, New Edition: A Complete How-To Guide to Alternative Building Methods
Building Green explores innovative construction techniques using natural materials like cob and earth plasters. With over 1,200 detailed photographs, it guides readers through every phase of green building, from site preparation to interior finishes. It empowers DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike to create sustainable, beautiful homes that minimize environmental impact. Check Latest Price on Amazon - 14. The Forest Garden Greenhouse: How to Design and Manage an Indoor Permaculture Oasis
The Forest Garden Greenhouse by Jerome Osentowski introduces permaculture principles into greenhouse design. It demonstrates how to cultivate a lush, productive forest garden indoors, even in cold climates, using energy-efficient, sustainable methods. This book is a treasure for plant lovers interested in creating self-sustaining indoor ecosystems. Check Latest Price on Amazon - 15. The Rough Guide to Green Living
The Rough Guide to Green Living by Duncan Clark offers a comprehensive overview of eco-friendly practices. It covers topics such as recycling, green shopping, renewable energy, and low-impact travel. Rich with practical advice, it helps readers prioritize their environmental efforts and make informed decisions that align with their values. Check Latest Price on Amazon - 16. 40 Projects for Building Your Backyard Homestead: A Hands-on, Step-by-Step Sustainable-Living Guide
40 Projects for Building Your Backyard Homestead by David Toht provides detailed instructions for creating a self-sufficient backyard. From chicken coops and compost bins to fencing and garden beds, each project is designed for simplicity, affordability, and sustainability. Perfect for aspiring homesteaders, it encourages practical skills and environmental mindfulness. Check Latest Price on Amazon - 17. Green Metropolis: Why Living Smaller, Living Closer, and Driving Less Are the Keys to Sustainability
Green Metropolis by David Owen challenges traditional perceptions of urban living, illustrating how city dwellers inherently reduce their environmental impact. Living in smaller spaces, using less energy, and minimizing car travel, cities can serve as models for sustainable living. This thought-provoking book advocates for smarter urban planning and lifestyle choices. Check Latest Price on Amazon - 18. Sustainable Home: Practical Projects, Tips and Advice for Maintaining a More Eco-Friendly Household
Sustainable Home by Christine Liu offers a wide array of DIY projects and tips to make your household greener. From reducing waste and conserving energy to creating green spaces, the book covers every room and activity to promote sustainability. It’s an inspiring resource for those committed to ongoing eco-conscious living. Check Latest Price on Amazon - 19. Living Off the Grid: What to Expect While Living the Life of Ultimate Freedom and Tranquility
Living Off The Grid by Gary Collins provides a detailed overview of off-grid living, blending practical advice with personal anecdotes. It guides readers through the essentials of sustainable home design, energy independence, and community building, making it ideal for those contemplating a radical lifestyle change. Check Latest Price on Amazon - 20. It’s Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living
It’s Easy Being Green by Crissy Trask tackles the psychological barriers that prevent people from adopting sustainable habits. With accessible tips like rainwater harvesting, homemade cleaning products, and eco-friendly shopping, this handbook empowers individuals to make impactful changes effortlessly. It emphasizes that green living is not only necessary but also simple and rewarding. Check Latest Price on Amazon
In Summary: The Definitive Collection of Green Living Books
Each of these thoughtfully curated books is authored by experts deeply committed to raising awareness about climate change and promoting sustainable lifestyles. They provide readers with actionable advice, inspiring stories, and practical skills to make meaningful changes. Whether you’re just beginning your eco-journey or seeking advanced strategies, exploring these titles will expand your knowledge and reinforce your commitment to protecting our planet.
By integrating the insights gained from these resources into your daily routine, you can contribute significantly to the global effort against environmental degradation. Embrace the knowledge and inspiration found within these pages, and take your first or next step toward a greener, more sustainable way of living.