Recommended Reads: Environmentalism
"To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, that is to have succeeded."
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Sustainability," "green," and "global warming" have become buzz words in recent years; however environmentalism has longstanding roots in many of the world's cultures. This month, the Perkins Library invites you to explore some of its titles pertaining to environmentalism, including: climate change, species extinction, practical ways to live greener, and heroes of the movement. We hope these books will inspire you to reexamine the world around you and discover new ways to preserve our planet.
Recorded cassette (RC and RCM), braille (BR), and large print (LT) copies of these books are available from the Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library. One described video (DV) and magazine title (SER) have also been included. Please contact the library to order any of these materials.
The Condor's Shadow: The Loss and Recovery of Wildlife in America by David S. Wilcove
BR 13119
An ecologist discusses the state of America's wildlife including the loss of species and habitats. Provides an overview of how humans have altered the landscape, beginning with Native Americans in pre-colonial times. Describes the destruction of ecosystems and the environmental movement's conservation efforts.
Wild Solutions: How Biodiversity is Money in the Bank by Andrew Beattie
BR 14388
Co-author, Paul Ehrlich. Ecologists explain why the pioneering science of biological diversity and the preservation of ecosystems matter. By studying the interdependence of plants, animals, and bacteria, scientists find environmentally sound solutions to problems. Discusses how seemingly insignificant species may in the future meet critical human needs in medicine,agriculture, and other areas.
Floods, Droughts, and Climate Change by Michael Collier
BR 14663
Co-author, Robert H. Webb. Writers with the U.S. Geological Survey present an introduction to Earth's climate. Describing patterns of prevailing wind and ocean currents, they emphasize that weather is not a product of isolated events, but of related phenomena. They also discuss El Nino, La Nina, and global warming.
Rachel Carson's Silent Spring
DV 117
DESCRIBED VIDEO. This film is the story of a book, SILENT SPRING, that changed the course of history and of the woman who wrote the book which became an overnight best-seller published in 1962. The woman was Rachel Carson, a marine biologist, who delivered to the American public a then-radical message about the dire consequences of the unregulated use of pesticides. This program combines excerpts from letters, books, television, programs and archival footage with interviews to create a vivid picture of Carson and the controversy surrounding her book. MPAA Rating-NR. 60 min. The book Silent Spring is also available from the Library on cassette (RC 20184) and in braille (BR 11887).
The Suicidal Planet: How to Prevent Global Climate Catastrophe by Mayer Hillman
LT 7529
The author examines the economic, environmental, and social problems caused by the automobile, and emerges from his scrutiny with a perspective on the automobile as a means to an end. He offers thirty-three concrete suggestions for solving automobile-related problems, including alternate modes of transportation.
How to Save Your Neighborhood, City or Town: The Sierra Club Guide to Community Organizing by Maritza Pick
RC 36788
A manual for organizing a community to resolve environmental problems and to elect concerned citizens to public office. Designed for the novice and seasoned activist alike, the book outlines techniques used successfully by the Sierra Club to protect planet Earth, and emphasizes using the democratic process to preserve the quality of our lives.
Epitaph for a Desert Anarchist: The Life and Legacy of Edward Abbey by James Bishop
RC 39653
Edward Abbey, a philosophy major and park-ranger-turned-writer, became a cult figure through his novel, "The Monkey Wrench Gang," and essays. Abbey saw industrialism as the enemy. Against growth for growth's sake, he inspired such groups as Earth First! to commit acts of ecodefense. He died in 1989 and was primitively buried in the Arizona desert.
Green Means: Living Gently on the Planet by Aubrey Wallace
RC 42002
Profiles twenty-one 'ordinary' people who are environmental heroes. Based on public television station KQED's series about individuals who have helped keep the planet green. Includes Sally Fox, who developed natural color cotton fabrics, a "green cowboy," and a rescuer of the Staten Island salt marsh. Index identifies available videotapes. Introduction by NPR's Susan Stamberg.
Rachel Carson: Witness for Nature by Linda Lear
RC 45361
Portrays the life of a pioneer environmentalist, whose 1962 book, Silent Spring, alerted the world to the risks of chemical poisoning. Traces her early years studying marine biology, her careers as government scientist and writer, and her influence in changing peoples' attitudes and public policy on ecology.
The Greening of Faith: God, the Environment, and the Good Life by John E Carroll
RC 47788
Examines the relationship between religion and the environment. The essays are written by representatives of different faiths including Catholic, Protestant, Buddhist, Jewish, and Native American religions. Urges readers to simplify and to respect the earth.
Life in the Balance: Humanity and the Biodiversity Crisis by Niles Eldredge
RC 48141
Paleontologist warns that the rapid extinction of thousands of species of plants and animals could lead to the earth's destruction. Explains biodiversity, evolution, and ecology, and suggests solutions to the problems that humans have created. Includes a list of animals that have died out since 1600.
The Change in the Weather: People, Weather, and the Science of Climate by William K. Stevens
RC 51244
A New York Times science reporter charts the history of understanding climate and weather. Explores the ways changing climatic conditions have shaped human evolution. Interviews leading climatologists about the debate on global warming and whether human consumption of fuel resources contributes to the problem. Speculates about future trends.
Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal by Eric Schlosser
RC 51561, LT 2219
Bestseller. An expose of the fast-food industry, revealing its dubious production techniques, marketing strategies, and exploitation of workers. Deplores the industry's indifference to health problems it has fostered (obesity, food-borne disease) and criticizes its role in the spread of global corporate culture. Suggests solutions to the "McDonaldization of America."
The Newman's Own Organics Guide to a Good Life: Simple Measures that Benefit You and the Place You Live by Nell Newman
RC 59166
Actor Paul Newman's daughter, a human ecologist, offers practical advice for living an environmentally conscientious life. Gives consumer-focused guidance on buying organic foods, reducing home energy demands, using biodegradable cleaners, and other conservation strategies. Includes a resource directory of publications, retailers, and advocacy groups.
Strangely Like War: The Global Assault on Forests: A Politics of the Living Book by Derrick Jensen and George Draffan
RC 59441
Conservation activists address the ecological crisis posed by large-scale, world-wide deforestation. The authors expose various governments' role in abetting corporate irresponsibility, debunk myths perpetrated by the timber industries, link the practice to globalization, and speculate on the future. Also includes a list of resources for getting involved.
Listening to the Land: Conversations about Nature, Culture, and Eros by Derrick Jensen
RC 62486
Conservationist and author of "Strangely like War: The Global Assault on Forests" (RC 59441), presents a collection of interviews with environmentalists, theologians, psychologists, indigenous philosophers, and feminists exploring environmental degradation and humanity's relationship with the natural world. Wide-ranging topics include biodiversity, religion, technology, and eroticism.
The Whale and the Supercomputer: On the Northern Front of Climate Change by Charles Wohlforth
RC 62605
Journalist offers a nuanced account of global warming from the perspectives of scientists and native Alaskan Inupiaq people. Examines the impact of climate change on the Inupiaq, whose traditional livelihood is threatened by milder winters and thinning sea ice. Provides the contrasting viewpoints of scientists studying Arctic environmental changes.
How to Live Well without Owning a Car: Save Money, Breathe Easier, and Get More Mileage out of Life by Chris Balish
RC 63420
Award-winning journalist offers a guide to a car-free lifestyle. Explains the financial, health, and ecological benefits of not owning an automobile and provides practical strategies for commuting, running errands, traveling, dating, and socializing using mass transit, bicycles, and ride-sharing. Includes testimonials from car-free consumers across America. 2006.
Gone Tomorrow: The Hidden Life of Garbage by Heather Rogers
RC 63740
Journalist's expose on household waste. Traces the history of sanitation efforts from the 1800s and details modern rubbish removal processes including collection, storage, incineration, and exportation. Discusses health and environmental hazards, the politics and limitations of recycling, and ways consumer habits and corporate imperatives exacerbate the garbage problem.
An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore
RC 64771
Discusses the climate crisis and explains changes occurring in Earth's weather, temperatures, and water levels. Examines the impact of global warming, greenhouse gases, and technology's side effects on hurricanes, polar caps, and the spread of disease. Calls for scientific action to counter the problem.
Note: This title is currently in production at NLS. A braille edition will also be available sometime in 2008.
Save Our Wetlands: An Audubon Book by Ron Hirschi
RCM 520
Wetlands, rivers, and streams are intimately tied to surrounding lands. Environmental damage done over the years threatens the welfare of all these areas. Hirschi describes the animal and plant life of New England wetlands, their roles in the balance of nature, environmental challenges to their existence, and solutions people can implement to save them.
The End of the Wild by Stephen M. Meyer
RCM 953
An award-winning professor of political science at MIT speaks frankly about the extinction crisis. He argues that half of the earth's species will be destroyed by the end of the century, that humans are the cause, and that nothing we do now will reverse the process. The impact on humanity will be huge. To survive, we must focus our conservation efforts on preserving "meta-reserves" and protecting the crucial functions of ecosystems.
Peacework Magazine
SER-PCW3
American Friends Service Committee newsletter covering current events in the social justice and peace movements, particularly pertaining to New England.