Green book review for Earth Day - State of the World 2013: Is Sustainability Still Possible?

Happy Earth Day!! Just in time for this special day we have a review of a book that not only provides us an update on the state of the world in 2013, but also tries to tackle some of the most urgent issues brought up on this day, including one that we might not like to ask but definitely have to - is sustainably still possible?

Our book for today is:  

State of the World 2013: Is Sustainability Still Possible? by the Worldwatch Institute (publisher: Island Press)

What this book is about?
Every day, we are presented with a range of “sustainable” products and activities—from “green” cleaning supplies to carbon offsets—but with so much labeled as “sustainable,” the term has become essentially sustainababble, at best indicating a practice or product slightly less damaging than the conventional alternative. Is it time to abandon the concept altogether, or can we find an accurate way to measure sustainability? If so, how can we achieve it? And if not, how can we best prepare for the coming ecological decline?

In the latest edition of Worldwatch Institute’s State of the World series, scientists, policy experts, and thought leaders tackle these questions, attempting to restore meaning to sustainability as more than just a marketing tool. In State of the World 2013: Is Sustainability Still Possible?, experts define clear sustainability metrics and examine various policies and perspectives, including geoengineering, corporate transformation, and changes in agricultural policy, that could put us on the path to prosperity without diminishing the well-being of future generations. If these approaches fall short, the final chapters explore ways to prepare for drastic environmental change and resource depletion, such as strengthening democracy and societal resilience, protecting cultural heritage, and dealing with increased conflict and migration flows.

State of the World 2013 cuts through the rhetoric surrounding sustainability, offering a broad and realistic look at how close we are to fulfilling it today and which practices and policies will steer us in the right direction. This book will be especially useful for policymakers, environmental nonprofits, and students of environmental studies, sustainability, or economics.

About the author:
Founded in 1974 by farmer and economist Lester Brown, Worldwatch was the first independent research institute devoted to the analysis of global environmental concerns. Worldwatch quickly became recognized by opinion leaders around the world for its accessible, fact-based analysis of critical global issues. Now under the leadership of population expert and author Robert Engelman, Worldwatch develops innovative solutions to intractable problems, emphasizing a blend of government leadership, private sector enterprise, and citizen action that can make a sustainable future a reality.

Our review:

This was a huge collaboration between authors, with 50+ contributors, idea people, and editors involved in getting it put together. Quite the project let me tell you.

So, what is sustainability? In laymen’s terms it’s simply the capacity to endure. As to ecology it’s how biological systems can remain diverse and productive over time. As to us humans, it is the potential for long-term maintenance of well-being, which has several dimensions, to wit: ecological, economic, political and cultural. Pretty simple right? Wrong. Oh it could be a simple matter, but thanks to humans and our very nature, sustainability is very complicated.

In this 2013 edition of Worldwatch Institute’s State of the World series, the collaborating authors (scientists, policy experts, and more) explain sustainability and how we can make it work and thrive in this world we live in today. There is a huge amount of information provided. Some good, some a little hinky, but lots of great information to get you thinking.

One simple idea was on how we should be protecting the Sanctity of Native Foods (Chapter 18). Something as easy as getting back to the basics and cooking the real food, not the processed fake food we can easily purchase and quickly prepare. Real food, cooked in its natural way with spice and flare. This chapter was so informative and interesting. The author, Melissa K. Nelson, does a fantastic job of keeping you excited about the concept. She gives not just the heritage information but also the health benefits, the origins, and history of the foods as well.

Another section I enjoyed was in Chapter 5, Sustaining Freshwater and Its Dependents, written by Sandra Postel. The basic lessons of the amount of water on the earth for consumption I found to be very informative. This chapter really hit the mark regarding some of the water issues of the world today. You think of Earth, the planet of water, and it’s so easy to forget that only so much of it is actually drinkable and usable. Oceans after all are salty. As the author says: Water in finite. Without it, there is no water to drink, there is no food to grow, which then means there is no society, and how long do we last without food and water and society? Makes all the garbage and toxins and simple CO2 that we put into the water, seem a bit more criminal now. Very good chapter. Very good writing by the author.

Some of the chapters will hit home more depending on the person reading and what matters most them, but there is definitely something in this book for everyone. Easy to read, and understand, all the authors did a fantastic job in that regard. Plenty of information and sources to back it up, and the best part, an index!

You can purchase the book on Amazon.com (both e-book and hardcover formats are available).

Happy Earth Day!

Raz @ Eco-Libris
Plant a tree for every book you read!

Green book review - Climate Myths: The Campaign Against Climate Science by Dr. John J. Berger

Climate change is always a fascinating story, not just the way it changes our lives, but also the way it became a public debate and the role political and economic forces played to increase the uncertainty about it. 

The latter is also the subject of the book we're reviewing this:  

Climate Myths: The Campaign Against Climate Science by Dr. John J. Berger (publisher: Northbrae Books)

What this book is about?
Climate Myths describes the fossil fuel industries’ successful two-decade-long campaign to control the public debate over global climate change―with disastrous consequences. The book reveals how fossil fuel companies manufactured controversies about climate change, obscuring its true causes and effects.  Dangerous climate change has now become a reality for which the nation is unprepared: Federal climate policy has been stalemated, legislation has been stillborn, and international climate negotiations have been stymied.

Climate Myths exposes how the fossil fuel industry’s campaign was modeled on the cigarette companies’ campaign to convince Americans that tobacco was not a health hazard, and how it operated to sow doubt about climate change through a network of prominent proxy organizations.  The book provides insights into the campaign’s origins, motives, techniques, and main actors as it tracks the industry’s ever-changing and contradictory climate myths.  

Beyond merely describing the way we got to this tragic, perilous impasse, the book carefully dissects the fossil fuel industry’s main allegations about climate change―one-by-one―in language ordinary readers can understand. 

The book includes a preface and foreword by two eminent climate scientists, Dr. Kevin Trenberth and Dr. John Harte, and an introduction by John H. Adams, winner of the 2010 Presidential Medal of Freedom.

About the author: 

Dr. John J. Berger is the author and editor of 11 books on climate, energy, and natural resources. He is a graduate of Stanford University and has a master’s in energy and natural resources from UC Berkeley and a Ph.D. in ecology from UC Davis.

Our review:

I read this book in its entirety. The actual reading and material was only 64 pages, which I really liked. I didn’t feel overwhelmed with information, which sometimes you get with the longer books. I do have very mixed thoughts about its content though. The book gives you loads of information, which you then need to try to take in and think about. It’s written in a way that most people will be able to understand and is then backed up with documentation. There are plenty of references and organizations in the index, which were very helpful. I was able to go and check out some of the issues and do research on my own which I actually enjoy. Plus with this type of issue, I believe people need to go out and do some of their own research in order to fully understand the problem. The index was a huge help and road map in being able to do just that. 

However, I found a lot of hypocrisy within its pages. I believe that we have a very real climate issue on our hands. This book, in my opinion, is part of the problem in getting people on board. For instance, in one section it states that 2,500 of the world’s leading scientist were in agreement with the climate issues. Yet, when you do a basic search of climate scientists there are well over 18,000-42,000 (give or take). So there is only a fraction of the climate scientists that actually agree on what is the cause of global warming. This is a huge problem. If the scientists can’t even agree, how do we expect the world too? I’m not even going to touch the tax section. 

There is also a section that goes on about how easy it is to make unfounded charges and raise misleading questions. It continues with how the skeptical try to make their case by going to the media and the students, on TV and on the radio and even to the online communities. Both of these examples can be said for both sides of the case. Both are able to make unfounded charges and raise misleading questions. Both sides are all over the media and on the tv and everywhere you look. My problem is that this book seems to be all about finger pointing and not the real issues, not the facts. It causes more questions instead of answering them. 

I understand this was a book on the campaign against climate science, but the blame game is not going to help. For the people already on board with the climate issues, I believe that this is a very good book and I believe will be well read. However, in my opinion, I don’t believe it will appeal to the conflicted, which is the very group climate science needs in order to make a difference. We have to appeal to them with facts and science, not with blame and finger pointing.

You can purchase the book on Amazon.com (both e-book and hardcover formats are available).

Yours,

Raz @ Eco-Libris
Plant a tree for every book you read!

A new book, Guerrilla Yardwork by Peter Korchnak is going green with Eco-Libris!

We're happy to announce on a new collaboration with author Peter Korchnak who has just released a great book to welcome spring with: Guerrilla Yardwork: The First-Time Home Owner's Handbook. In collaboration with-Eco Libris one tree will be planted for every paper copy of this book sold.

In 2010 we collaborated with Peter on 'The Portland Bottom Line', a book he edited exploring how small businesses can effectively and efficiently shift toward sustainability and thrive. So we're very glad to partner with him again on another great book that we're positive many people will find both valuable and enjoyable.

So what's Guerilla Yardwork about? Here are all the details including our review of the book!
 
About the book:
Guerrilla Yardwork: The First-Time Home Owner’s Handbook rethinks yardwork as you know it. Part manifesto, part field manual, it draws upon the tenets of guerrilla warfare outlined by Sun Tzu, Che Guevara, and others, to introduce guerrilla yardwork as both a yardvolutionary philosophy and an effective practice for every first-time home owner strapped for cash and pressed for time.

“Guerrilla yardwork utilizes the element of surprise to launch small, repetitive attacks at unpredictable times and locations around the yard to weaken Bad Nature and promote Good Nature in Her stead. Offensive, highly mobile, and fluid in character, guerrilla yardwork is marked by swift action of short duration, followed by rapid withdrawal.” The yard won’t know what hit it. Start your yardvolution at GuerrillaYardwork.com.

About the author: 
Peter Korchnak is a retired yardwork guerrilla in Portland, Oregon, American Robotnik, and the creator of The Portland Bottom Line: Practices for Your Small Business from America’s Hotbed of Sustainability. Find his front yard at PeterKorchnak.com.

Our review of Guerrilla Yardwork:
I am happy to say, I loved this book. The author, Peter Korchnak, does such a fantastic job of giving you information with a humorous voice and approach that not only educates you along the way, but entertains as well. This book is perfect for any homeowner whether you are just starting out or have been fighting the good battle for years.

The book also doesn’t just go with the normal upkeep of a city lawn. Oh no, he gives you the whole lot of possible yards from the postage stamp size, up to acreages of land. It goes though grass, and gravel, plants and trees and weeds, all the way to rodents and other animals. Add in the personal sustainability information and you have a full book to enjoy. I am so glad to have been able to read this book as I have a feeling I will be holding on to it for years to come as a reference guide. My only complaint is that it does not have an index. That would have been very helpful for future use.

In the end, I enjoyed this read, especially now that spring is officially upon us and I see all the work, the battles, ahead of me, again.

You can purchase Guerilla Yardwork on Amazon.com (both e-book and paperback formats are available).

Yours,

Raz @ Eco-Libris
Plant a tree for every book you read!

The paperless future, or where's the paper when you really need it?

This is a very funny TV spot from France taking up the debate between 'all digital' and the die-hard defenders of paper. I received it from of my students and wanted to share with you all:



Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris

A.O. Scott and David Carr talk on the Sweet Spot on books vs. ebooks

I'm a fan of the New York Times' Sweet Spot conversations/ video clips, and I'd like to recommend on last week's episode including a  great conversation between A.O. Scott and David Carr about the differences between paper books and ebooks. In addition you can learn what the good people working in the New York Times are reading these days!

You can check it out at http://nyti.ms/15Rmcyh

For more comparisons (this time green ones..) between ebooks and paper books visit our website at http://www.ecolibris.net/ebooks.asp 

Enjoy!
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Green book review: Creating Green Roadways by James L. Sipes and Matthew L. Sipes

Can roads become the friend of the sustainable movement rather than its foe? This question is examined in a new book looking at the intersection between transportation planning and sustainability. 

Our green book for today is Creating Green Roadways: Integrating Cultural, Natural, and Visual Resources into Transportation by James L. Sipes and Matthew L. Sipes (Island Press).

What this book is about?
Roads and parking lots in the United States cover more ground than the entire state of Georgia. And while proponents of sustainable transit often focus on getting people off the roads, they will remain at the heart of our transportation systems for the foreseeable future. In Creating Green Roadways, James and Matthew Sipes demonstrate that roads don’t have to be the enemy of sustainability: they can be designed to minimally impact the environment while improving quality of life.

The authors examine traditional, utilitarian methods of transportation planning that have resulted in a host of negative impacts: from urban sprawl and congestion to loss of community identity and excess air and water pollution. They offer a better approach—one that blends form and function. Creating Green Roadways covers topics including transportation policy, the basics of green road design, including an examination of complete streets, public involvement, road ecology, and the economics of sustainable roads. Case studies from metropolitan, suburban, and rural transportation projects around the country, along with numerous photographs, illustrate what makes a project successful.

The need for this information has never been greater, as more than thirty percent of America’s major roads are in poor or mediocre condition, more than a quarter of the nation’s bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete, and congestion in communities of all sizes has never been worse. Creating Green Roadways offers a practical strategy for rethinking how we design, plan, and maintain our transportation infrastructure.

Our review:
I’m not going to say the book, Creating Green Roadways, was an exciting read, as it wasn’t. However, I did find it extremely informative, as well as quite innovative at times with its green road concepts and designs. We all know that roads are a part of our world and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. We also have all been on those roads that are in such disrepair as to be dangerous and then wondering why no one has dealt with the problem. After reading this book, I now have a better understanding of our roads, the offices that deal with their structures and repair, and just how monumental a task it is to keep our roads serviceable, as well as try to keep the environmental impact at a minimum. I had no idea how much went into our road systems.

The comprehensive information about how we can improve the designs of the roads in order to reduce the environmental impact was extensive and well thought out. This book is extremely thorough in the topics it covers. These topics include, but are not limited to: transportation policy, green road design, road ecology, and case studies of projects from all over the country. As a bonus, the book is filled with photos and illustrations, so that you have a clear idea of what they are talking about. I would love to see some of these ideas put into place. A definite must read for anyone in this industry.

You can purchase the book on Amazon.com (both e-book and hardcover formats are available).

Yours,

Raz @ Eco-Libris
Plant a tree for every book you read!

Five tips for a greener bookstore

This guest post was written by Sarah Murray

More and more businesses are incorporating greener practices into to their offices and workspaces. From recycling and buying eco-friendly products to reducing light pollution and offsetting carbon emissions, big and small businesses are doing their part to help the environment. In 2011, a study by MIT suggested that sustainable practices are now a part of 70% of corporate agendas*. Not only do these practices have a positive impact on the environment but many businesses have also seen an increase in profits as customers are more likely to purchase from or work with a company that implements green practices.

Bookstores are by no means exempt from such eco practices and many have implemented greener initiatives. If you’d like to make your bookstore eco-friendly or  are simply looking for more ways to increase or build on your greener initiatives, here’s some simple tips to help you on your way!

Recycle posters

Working at a bookstore, I remember so many promotional posters being thrown out. However, I also remember many customers asking if they could have particular posters when we were finished with them. Reduce paper wastage by selling old posters, you’ll be surprised at how many people would love to hang up a poster about the latest Jack Reacher novel or Sandman graphic novel. Alternatively, if you can’t sell posters, ensure you make a concerted effort to recycle the posters but using them in some form in the store or starting a paper recycling bin (if one doesn’t exist).

Use low wattage bulbs

Most business and homes now use energy saving bulbs. This is particularly prevalent in the UK with inefficient bulbs being phased out in favour of energy saving ones. If you’re still using high wattage bulbs, consider swapping for more energy efficient ones. Not only will they save you money in the long run but they’re also better for books as bright lights can often fade and yellow pages.

Stock environmentally friendly products

Support your bookstore’s eco-friendly practices by stocking products from businesses who also implement greener strategies. Whether its products which have been created ethically, such as pencils made with recycled materials, or books whose publishers aim to reduce their energy usage, such as Penguin, supporting these businesses will increase your green status, furthering your eco-friendliness!

Print on demand

This service is popular among universities (often the leaders in eco-friendly bookstores) who offer the service for certain text books or courses papers which don’t need to be stocked in bulk. While this may not apply for commercial bookstores it’s still an interesting practice to instill, even just among printer friendly staff! Instead of taking this literally, implement this as a motto for your business. If you distribute a newsletter or send reminders for customers to collect an ordered book do it via email so you’re not wasting paper.

Implement reusable carrier bags

Like many supermarkets, bookstores should also encourage their customers to use re-usable bags. If you still stock plastic bags in store, consider charging a small fee for them to encourage customers to bring their own. Alternatively, offer an incentive to those who do bring their own bags, you could give a stamp for every time they bring their own bag and when they collect a certain number they can have a small gift or a percentage off their next purchase. 
Let us know, have you got any other ideas for making your bookstore eco-friendly?

*Statistic from Earth Share.org
Image credit: Spot Cool Stuff.com

Author bio:

Bookworm Sarah Murray works for Appliances Online. When she’s not reading the latest crime thriller she enjoys nothing more than browsing through the shelves of a well-stocked bookstore. Follow her life on Twitter.