Looking for great information and inspiration for going green? Check out these 14 Inspiring Green Living Books to Read!
Reading is one of my very favorite pastimes. I love to get lost in the characters of a novel, or explore new topics and learn new things from non-fiction books. Lately, most of my reading is done in the form of listening to audiobooks on Audible, but I also love discovering new books at the library and reading on my Kindle too.
When I was just starting out on my green and natural living journey, I wanted to learn as much as I could, so I got inspired by reading great green living books. I looked for books on general green living, as well as more specific topics on cleaning, gardening, children and families, and green beauty and personal care.
Here’s the best green living books I have read, or still want to read, to learn even more about green and natural living!
14 Inspiring Green Living Books to Read!
• Serve God, Save the Planet: A Christian Call to Action by Matthew Sleeth
This was the first book I read that introduced me to the importance of caring for creation as a follower of Christ. It helped me to see and understand the link between being a Christian and being a good steward of the environment, and that loving my neighbor meant being conscious and aware of the choices I was making and the impact they were having on the world and the people around me. This book was life-changing for me because it inspired me to begin my green living journey with my family.
• Green Your Life: A Guide to Natural, Eco-Friendly Living by yours truly
Okay, so I’m tooting my own horn here, but I couldn’t write a list of the best green living books to read if I didn’t include my own book, right?! But in all seriousness, I wrote this book because it is the book I wish I had when I first started out on my journey. I know how overwhelming all of the new information you’re seeking, and all of the changes you want to make, can be. So I put together everything I have learned over the years in one place, and made it super practical and applicable so you can make small changes, one at a time, that will have a big impact.
• Sara Snow’s Fresh Living: The Essential Room-by-Room Guide to a Greener, Healthier Family and Home by Sara Snow
I got this book from the library several years ago and read it cover to cover. Some of it is pretty basic green living information, but I definitely learned a lot of new things from it, and got a lot of ideas I could implement in my own life and home. So, I went ahead and bought the Kindle version for myself so I could always go back to it as a resource.
• Go Green, Save Green: A Simple Guide to Saving Time, Money, and God’s Green Earth by Nancy Sleeth
This book is a complete and thorough resource for those who are interested in green and frugal living. She covers just about every topic you could think of, along with great research and statistics. This is a book I reach for often as a resource for my own life and when I’m researching topics to share here on the blog.
Homemaking and Gardening
• Clean House Clean Planet by Karen Logan
Making the switch to homemade green and natural cleaners was the first step I took on my green living journey. This book is full of useful recipes and great information for green cleaning all around your home!
• The Backyard Homestead: Produce all the food you need on just a quarter acre! by Carleen Madigan
I think I’ve checked this book out from the library at least three times, and kept it past it’s due date each time. I’m sure with the library fines I have accrued I should have just bought a copy for myself! This book is just such a great resource for gardening all different types of fruits and vegetables, especially in small spaces, like we have in our front yard raised beds. I also love reading about raising animals and many other things the book includes, things I dream about doing one day!
• Make Your Place: Affordable & Sustainable Nesting Skills by Raleigh Briggs
I have heard really great things about this book, and am looking forward to picking it up from the library this week! I feel like I’m already in nesting mode with this pregnancy, so the tagline speaks to me!
Family and Children
• Raising Baby Green:The Earth-Friendly Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Baby Care by Dr. Alan Greene
I think this is one of those classic green family living books, but I’ve never actually read it. I’m planning to dive into it this summer while pregnant and looking forward to another baby to care for in a eco-conscious way.
• Healthy Child, Healthy World: Creating a Cleaner, Greener, Safer Home by Christopher Gavigan
I picked this book up on a bargain book table a few years ago and am really glad I did. Of course, the Healthy Child website is an amazing resource for reducing our children’s exposure to toxins and chemicals in their environment, and this book gives specific and practical ways for families to green their homes and their lifestyles.
• Smart Mama’s Green Guide: Simple Steps to Reduce Your Child’s Toxic Chemical Exposure by Jennifer Taggart
It took me a few years into my green living journey to feel ready for this book. Although Jennifer’s work and writing is really important, I think it can be a little overwhelming and intimidated to those who are just starting out. Once you’ve made small changes that have become second nature, then you may feel ready to take it to the next level of reducing toxins and chemicals in your home and this book can help you do that.
• Green Mama: The Guilt-Free Guide to Helping You and Your Kids Save the Planet by Tracey Bianchi
I recently added this book to my Kindle library and am hoping it will give me some new ideas for teaching my kids about green and natural living and why it’s so important.
Green Health and Beauty
• Do It Gorgeously: How to Make Less Toxic, Less Expensive, and More Beautiful Products by Sophie Uliano
I follow Sophie on twitter and have interacted with her as a part of the #healthychild twitter parties and she always has great tips and advice. I’m really looking forward to reading this book and diving into making more of my own beauty products at home.
• Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health: 175 Teas, Tonics, Oils, Salves, Tinctures, and Other Natural Remedies for the Entire Family by Rosemary Gladstar
I picked out this book from a list of recommended books by Stacy at A Delightful Home. I’m still relatively new to making natural remedies at home, and I think that this book would be an awesome resource to have on hand!
• Green Beauty Recipes: Easy Homemade Recipes to Make Your Own Organic and Natural Skincare, Hair Care and Body Care Products by Julie Gabriel
I’ve heard good things about this book, and am hoping to find it at the library so I can check it out for myself. I’m really interested in learning more about and expanding my repertoire of homemade personal care products this year.
What green living books have you read and loved that I should add to my list?
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Zero Waste Home by Bea Johnson is a good one too.
Oh yes, I’ve heard of that one, but haven’t read it yet. Thanks for the suggestion!
This is a great list. I’m always I the look out for good books that will work well in our homeschool lessons. Some of these would even be great in one of our unit studies. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the book list. As a professional environmentalist, I appreciate anything that can be done to educate young people about taking care of the environment. Keep up the good work!