Purpose
Articles
Books
-The Crash Course-
Book Reviews
Websites
Newsletter
|
|
The SustainableWays.com Crash Course on Sustainability
#1. Ishmael, by Daniel Quinn (Read my review)
 I first read this book in college, and as you may know from the purpose, it just blew my mind. It's one of three books in the Ishmael trilogy, all of which explore humans' relationship with the environment. Daniel Quinn also has a website, Ishmael.org, where you can learn more about his work. But for him as well as for me, it all began with Ishmael.
#2. The Story of B, by Daniel Quinn
 This is Part II of the Daniel Quinn's Ishmael series, and out of all of his books, it's my personal favorite. While it barely ever mentions Ishmael, The Story of B presents all of the concepts in a new, provocative way. On top of that, it reads like an action-packed, exciting novel. But be warned, if you're sensitive about religious issues, keep an open mind...
#3. My Ishmael, by Daniel Quinn
 The Ishmael series comes full circle by presenting Part I from a fresh, new perspective and offering some closure to devoted Ishmael readers. My Ishmael also discusses new applications of the ideas presented in the previous books, some of which (like Ishmael's take on education) left a lasting impression on me.
#4. Beyond Civilzation, by Daniel Quinn (Read my review)
 As the nonfiction follow-up to the Ishmael trilogy, Beyond Civilization serves to clarify the ideas and concepts in a simple, straightforward way. Daniel Quinn takes it a step further by providing a possible framework for a sustainable future. If you want to learn more, check out my in-depth review.
#5. The Ecology of Commerce, by Paul Hawken (Read my Review)
 If you ever thought that the economy and the environment are naturally at odds, you HAVE to read this book. It'll change your mind. The Ecology of Commerce is not your average dry business book. It shows how a sustainable economic system isn't all about making costly sacrifices. Check out my review.
#6. Cradle to Cradle, by William McDonough and Michael Braungart
(Read my Review)
 While most of the environmental movement is focused on making things "less bad" (less pollution, less people, less poaching, etc.), the authors of Cradle to Cradle strive to create a system that doesn't cause so many problems in the first place. This design-driven, guilt-free perspective is like a breath of fresh air. Don't miss my review.
Supplemental Reading: A Language Older Than Words by Derrick Jensen
 This long, touching memoir takes one man's horrifically abusive childhood and the life that followed it and uses it as a chance to learn about our relationship with nature. A Language Older Than Words is honest, disturbing, and enlightening. I don't think sustainability gets any more personal than this.
|
