One Planet Life’s recommended reads list has a wide range of inspiring fiction, non-fiction, practical guides, cookbooks, children’s books, and more for readers interested in learning more about living sustainably.
The start of a new year is a time of new beginnings. It’s the perfect opportunity to try something new or renew your commitment to fun hobbies and healthy habits. I’m not a huge fan of New Year resolutions, but one goal I consistently set for myself every January is to read a certain number of books over the course of the year. I use the Goodreads app to set my goals, measure my progress, rate the books I’ve read, and discover what books my family and friends are reading or interested in reading.
Even if you’re not an avid reader, setting a reading goal for the year (even just a few books!) is a great way to stay motivated and gain a new perspective you hadn’t previously considered.
This month, we are highlighting books to inspire and help you create healthy, planet-friendly habits – through mindfulness, fitness, food, and your closet!
Our 2024 Reading Recommendations
Books for a Better World:
Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans
What gives you joy? How can you build a well-lived life? This book guides your exploration as you hone in on purposeful actions to build your life.
The Science of Yoga by William J. Broad
This well-researched and informative read explains the 13 different types of yoga, how they have developed since 2500 BC, and yoga’s healing potential.
The Modern Cook’s Year by Anna Jones
Wander through the seasons with this accessible culinary adventure that offers a variety of recipes that put vegetables front and center.
The Conscious Closet by Elizabeth L. Kline
Be a conscious clothing consumer with this practical guide, which promotes sustainable fashion, making it last, and the art of less is more.
For more book recommendations from One Planet Life, visit our Reads library. We’ve read every book we recommend and provide summaries.
The most sustainable way to enjoy these books is to check them out of your local library. Another planet-friendly way to acquire books is to purchase them second-hand at thrift stores or through used book retailers like BetterWorldBooks. In addition to offering gently used, zero-carbon impact books directly to consumers, BetterWorldBooks has donated millions of books to non-profit organizations and has raised more than $34 million dollars for libraries and literacy programs.
While it won’t help you track the books you read, the One Planet Life app works much the same way as Goodreads and other popular book-tracking apps – but it tracks for the planet! Our app helps you set a sustainability goal to reduce your carbon footprint, then allows you to track your progress and connect with a community of like-minded people committed to saving our planet. It’s a great time to create healthier, more sustainable habits!
Written by Kristina Shane
Editor and OPL Content Contributor
“I’ve always had a strong inclination to protect and nurture the people and living things around me; especially after having kids, I became passionate about conserving our planet for future generations. It’s my duty to teach my children, through words and actions, how to be good citizens and thoughtful stewards for our planet. Joining One Planet Life felt like a natural next-step for me, and I’m thrilled to support their mission and strengthen my own sustainability efforts.”
