5 New Must-Read Books to Live More Sustainably
Houses That Can Save The World
Authors: Courtenay Smith and Sean Topham
Part handbook, part manifesto, this tome embraces the challenges that climate change, plastic pollution and rapidly expanding cities bring to homebuilding. Smith and Topham outline 19 strategies for blending technology and sustainability, including the use of plants and natural materials to enhance well-being; integrating homes into their surrounding landscapes and building with unconventional, reusable materials to create safe and inexpensive housing. $35 (thamesandhudsonusa.com)
Pretty Good House: A Guide to Creating Better Homes
Authors: Dan Kolbert, Emily Mottram, Michael Maines and Christopher Briley
A well-crafted house is simple and durable; has good design; is insulated and air-sealed; and is as big as it needs to be. But above all, it’s cost-conscious. The authors of this handbook provide step-by-step instructions on how to build a safe and sturdy home that can weather any storm, leak or disaster. $29 (prettygoodhouse.org)
Prefabulous for Everyone
Author: Sheri Koones
Prefabricated homes have come a long way over the past few decades. These dwellings—manufactured in factory settings and transferred immediately rather than built on site—can be quicker and less expensive with the same level of quality and amenities. Koones explores how to embrace this pragmatic design solution for homes, from small to large, luxurious to modest. $37 (quailridgebooks.com)
The Climate Change Garden
Authors: Sally Morgan and Kim Stoddart
Heat waves, droughts, flooding and ever-changing weather patterns have forced gardeners to change the way they cultivate their plants. “The Climate Change Garden” offers advice on how to tend to outdoor spaces with global warming and extreme weather conditions in mind. Learn which garden types are better suited to handle these extremes and which practices can help temper the issues of invasive plants, soil degradation and water scarcity. $27 (quarto.com)
Remodelista: The Low-Impact Home, a Sourcebook for Stylish, Eco-Conscious Living
Authors: Margot Guralnick and Fan Winston
Sustainability doesn’t mean skimping on style. “Remodelista” features tips for each room to help reduce environmental impact while keeping spaces beautiful and practical. Practices range from functional lighting and sensible sofas to recycling unwanted items while keeping them out of landfills. $40 (remodelista.com)
