What We’re Reading… thoughtful and insightful books that shine a light on the importance of a healthy planet and a healthy us.
Here are some great reads to add to your collection.
SILENT SPRING
“The classic that launched the environmental movement.”
A must read for anyone that lives on this planet. Nature author, biologist and ecologist, Rachel Carson details the detrimental effects caused to the environment by the careless use of pesticides in this environmental science book. Learn more and order book here.
FOOD FIX
“Our food system is broken”
Dr. Mark Hyman addresses chronic disease and its connection to the foods we eat and the extreme importance of repairing our food system for an overall “healthier world, society, and planet”. Learn more and order this “hard-hitting manifesto” here.
ELIZA AND THE DRAGONFLY
"This book is a rare find!"
The science about dragonflies is perfectly integrated into this story in which the remarkable metamorphosis of a dragonfly from a mucky nymph to a beautiful winged creature is a metaphor for the magic of how Eliza, too, grows up. A fun read that's also awarded for it's illustrations.
SOME STORIES: LESSONS FROM THE EDGE OF BUSINESS AND SPORT
"We are in business to save our home planet."
This collection of stories by Patagonia’s founder, Yvon Chouinard is a personal and adventurer’s tell all captured along his life’s journey of environmental activism and reflections. See inside Yvon’s world here or on our website.
CALL OF THE REED WARBLER
"This is a wonderful book, full of wonder and wisdom!"
Call of the Reed Warbler will change the way we farm, eat and think about food. Charles Massy explores regenerative agriculture and the vital connection between soil health and our health. Dig into this read here.
CLOUD DANCE, MOUNTAIN DANCE, WATER DANCE
"An exploration of the natural world!"
Thomas Lockers' beautifully illustrated and poetic books will take you into the depths of the earth, sailing down rivers and up into the clouds. Enjoyable for young and older readers. Float into the Cloud Dance, climb to the Mountain Dance and wade a powerful Water Dance.
COLLAPSE
"Humanity, in the face of a global ecological collapse."
A continuation of Guns, Germs, and Steel, Jared Diamond examines in detail our history and extracts practical lessons for a world that needs to redefine progress. A beautifully written book, that's a must read.
PLANT A POCKET OF PRAIRIE
"What would happen if you planted a pocket of prairie and I planted pocket of prairie?"
In this very fun and beautifully illustrated book, author Phyllis Root and Betsy Bowen explore what could happen if we all planted a pocket of prairie and who might show up! From small window boxes to big prairie spaces. You can find this enjoyable read here.
BOOKS BY DAN O'BRIEN
“Wild Idea is about a family and the people and animals that surround them…”
Our founder and carbon cowboy, Dan O’Brien takes you away to the American Great Plains through his writing where you can taste it, smell it and live it. Check out his books here.
CREEKFINDING: A TRUE STORY
“A heartening story of environmental restoration.”
Award-winning author, Jacqueline Biggs tells an illustrated story of restoration about a lost creek that had been filled to make a cornfield in Iowa. A must-read book for all ages - open up to this inspiring story here.
AGAINST THE GRAIN
ARCTIC DREAMS
WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS
2 comments
Another book to add to this collection is “Falter” by Bill McKibben. This book is about our environment and what is happening to it and why.
Thank you SO much for this list. My “to read” pile will be getting taller!
Especially appreciative of the books for children.
I do think I enjoy Children’s books more than the kids do.