An introduction to sustainability. A brief overview ; The big issues ; Who's doing what ; The role of individuals -- Small changes toward sustainability. Household chores ; In the kitchen and at the dinner table ; In the bathroom ; The backyard ; Out-and-about ; At school or work ; At the store ; Holidays and parties ; Traveling.
Sustainability Made Simple is an introduction to sustainability and sustainable living that explores the relationship between everyday life and the intricate global environmental issues of today, including air and water pollution, deforestation, and climate change. Rosaly Byrd and Laur n DeMates offer an optimistic yet realistic perspective on our impact on the environment, giving much needed guidance to those who are interested in finding new and relatively easy ways to incorporate sustainability into daily life. An excellent resource for those who are interested in learning what sustainability is about and picking up habits to be more sustainable, Sustainability Made Simple shows that adopting a sustainable lifestyle doesn't require "going off the grid" or making drastic life changes that take time and cost money. Instead, Byrd and DeMates focus on the advantages and transformative changes associated with sustainability, demonstrating that although society is facing unprecedented environmental challenges, working towards sustainability is an opportunity to do things differently and do things better, enhancing aspects of life, such as health, work and community.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 159-199) and index.
An introduction to sustainability. A brief overview ; The big issues ; Who's doing what ; The role of individuals -- Small changes toward sustainability. Household chores ; In the kitchen and at the dinner table ; In the bathroom ; The backyard ; Out-and-about ; At school or work ; At the store ; Holidays and parties ; Traveling.
Reviews provided by Syndetics
CHOICE Review
Individuals have the power to assist with the transition to a more sustainable lifestyle. Carbon emissions can be reduced by driving an electric vehicle, adding solar panels to a home, and, when appropriate, traveling by bicycle or walking. There are many actions individuals can take to reduce waste generation and water use. One efficient and effective action in support of sustainability is to only purchase needed items. Electronic waste and batteries are examples of materials that can be delivered to designated recycling centers. The above instances are found in the information in this interesting book, which is written for those who want to implement a more sustainable lifestyle. The first part of the book introduces sustainability and provides basic environmental information on various forms of pollution, climate change, and deforestation. The second part contains ideas and pathways on how to incorporate sustainability into daily living. There are supporting references, a good bibliography, and a thorough index. In addition, brief descriptions in boxes on specific topics, such as electric cars and walkable suburbs, are presented. Overall, this book provides important information about all aspects of sustainability. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers. --Larry E. Erickson, Kansas State University
Booklist Review
Simply put, sustainability is the practice of treating the environment with respect, of being conscious of the use and replenishment of natural resources, and of incorporating ecologically sound practices into every aspect of modern existence. Well, maybe it's not so simple after all. What with climate change, species extinction, resource depletion, and environmental pollution, the challenges of achieving a sustainable lifestyle may seem overwhelming. By linking global concerns to local implementation, Byrd and DeMates take a comprehensive yet straightforward approach as they debunk and demystify misconceptions surrounding sustainability. Looking at such regular activities as grocery shopping, household cleaning, gardening, and traveling, the authors offer practical advice regarding small but essential changes that can be easily adopted. Helpful sidebars list environmentally sound companies and products, pinpoint specific behaviors, and highlight current trends. With the potential for the reversal of current, progressive environmental policies and regulations in the near future, individual actions are more important than ever before. An essential guidebook for anyone who wants to make a difference.--Haggas, Carol Copyright 2017 Booklist
Author notes provided by Syndetics
Rosaly Byrd is the co-founder and author of the blog The Sustainability Co-Op that works to engage readers on global environmental issues. She also writes as a freelance blogger for the Huffington Post. Rosaly has lived in Haiti and Brazil, working on environmental policy and sustainable development for the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and UN Development Programme (UNDP). Rosaly holds a Master's degree in International Affairs with a focus on international environmental policy from University of California, San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy, and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from Florida Atlantic University Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College in Jupiter, Florida.Laurèn DeMates is a sustainability professional committed to improving the environmental impact of government, corporations, and individuals. Her work has included applying behavioral and social science-based strategies to increase energy efficiency in the federal government and assisting companies collect and analyze corporate social responsibility metrics. Laurèn is a LEED Green Associate and a co-founder of The Sustainability Co-Op blog. She graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a Master's degree in International Affairs, and from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Sciences.
TextPublisher: Lanham, Maryland : Rowman & Littlefield, [2017]Copyright date: ©2017Description: x, 203 pages : illustrations ; 24 cmContent type: 
Book