Sustainability Made Simple: Small Changes for Big Impact

by Rosaly Byrd, Laurèn DeMates

Overview

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 Laurèn 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781538120101
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	07/26/2019
Edition description:	Revised
Pages:	216
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

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.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Part 1: An Introduction to Sustainability
Chapter 1: A Brief Overview
Chapter 2: The Big Issues
Chapter 3: Who’s Doing What
Chapter 4: The Role of Individuals
Part 2: Small Changes Towards Sustainability
Chapter 5: Household Chores
Chapter 6: In the Kitchen and at the Dinner Table
Chapter 7: In the Bathroom
Chapter 8: The Backyard
Chapter 9: Out-and-About
Chapter 10: At School or Work
Chapter 11: At the Store
Chapter 12: Holidays and Parties
Chapter 13: Traveling

Editorial Reviews

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 modem 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 sch 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 different.” —Booklist

“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.” —Choice Reviews

“Byrd and DeMates offer a great first step in learning what sustainability can mean and how to become agents of change, in their book Sustainability Made Simple. The book introduces the environmental problems seen by all humans, discusses how companies and institutions transition toward sustainability, emphasizes why individual action is vital, and gives examples of changes we can all make.” —Green American

“What's refreshing about Sustainability Made Simple: Small Changes for Big Impact is that it doesn't talk down to the reader, nor does it assume the reader knows anything more than that the climate is changing and everyday citizens should do their part to slow the process.... The book reads very fluidly and touts some cool graphics, such as images of various animal foods and how much their consumption contributes to climate change.” —Connecticut Green Living

“This book is perfect for anyone starting the sustainable living journey.... What I love the most about this book is how practical it is. All of the tips and suggestions are easy enough for the average person to follow. It introduces the readers to a world in which sustainable living is not only possible but achievable.... The book is conveniently divided in sections, from household shores to traveling tips that cover all your sustainable living needs. Best part? It is kid friendly, there are many activities in there you can do with your whole family and kids.... This educational and engaging book is perfect for someone who has heard the term sustainability and is interested in learning what it’s all about, the novice environmentalist looking for new ways to improve their impact, or anyone in between. Case studies and tables highlight interesting information and trends, and an extensive bibliography provides further reading for those who want to learn more about the world of sustainability.” —ONIXJ

“Chock full of practical green living tips and advice on how to share knowledge and best practices with others, Sustainability Made Simple is a great introduction to how to live a more sustainable life and help the planet heal.” —EarthTalk

“It was great to gain more insight on current environmental issues, especially from authors who are fellow bloggers.... My favorite part about this book is that it’s very easy to understand and a lot of what they suggest are very simple changes that you can make at home, school, work, or while traveling which is a big one for me since I am always on the go.... As an engineer, I also appreciated how much science is in the book. Not only do you get simple solutions that you can implement wherever you are, you also gain a better understanding of where we currently are in terms of environmental issues.” —Enthusiastic About Life: A Food, Travel, & Adventure Bucket List by Maira Garcia

“Sustainability Made Simple would make a great addition to any home. Just think of the impact if we all followed the small steps outlined in this book? It would make a great addition to the classroom too. There’s no better time than right now to get our children on board with helping to care for our planet. They could then pass on the tips inside to their families. A sustainable chain reaction!” —Kelly's Thoughts On Things

“I recently read a new book called Sustainability Made Simple, and it’s caused a huge shift in my thinking. It’s also opened my eyes to the consequences of many of our everyday choices.” —Wild Tales of…

“In the book Sustainability Made Simple, readers can consider some really do-able action steps to raising an environmentally aware family.... [T]here are many sections of the text that will appeal to those inspired by the going-green movement. What really stood out to me was the fact-based support that guides the suggestions. The book takes a scientific approach to environmentalism, rather than an emotional guilt-trip. It’s a beneficial read.” —Savings in Seconds: A Lifestyle Blog

“If you are someone who is into sustainable living or someone who is interested in learning more about the lifestyle and the changes that you can make then this is the book for you.... I loved reading this book and was really impressed with the way I could easily make small changes in my personal daily routine. This is a good book for anyone young or old, my kids have read it with me and have made their own changes to help the environment.” —Woman of Many Roles

“Sustainability Made Simple by Rosaly Byrd and Lauren Demates is the book to have on hand to learn about nature and human inter-relatedness and take what you read and try out different ways to be more green....I thought I knew as much as a person trying to live green for years now, but I learned from this book. I think everyone can benefit, from those who are novices to leaving a smaller footprint to those of us 'green scholars' who want to share our knowledge with all who will listen! It is a great book to have around to spur discussion at your next dinner party or create ways in which families and businesses can change they way they think and do thinks.” —Living Simply

“This book is fantastic! It is packed full of facts and science, but also full of practical tips to cut out waste, save energy and live a more sustainable lifestyle ... [T]here was much that I did know and tips that I had put into place in my home already, but there were many more that I had never thought of. It's broken down into all different areas to make it easy to follow too.... From home to work to school, this book will have you looking at changes big and small you can make for YOUR family!” —A Modern Day Fairy Tale

“Sustainability Made Simple is full of fresh ideas and kid-friendly green living tips. I love how Lauren and Rosaly give practical green living advice in addition to explaining the reasons WHY it is so important for everyone to live a sustainable lifestyle. It is encouraging to learn how individuals and families can make a difference by reducing their impact on the environment.... The book is packed full of information.” —Mom Always Finds Out

“A well rounded starter guide to sustainability: It lays out the environmental problems that we face today, but more importantly, the things that you can do to be part of the solution!” —Bea Johnson, author of Zero Waste Home and founder of the zero waste lifestyle movement

“In different ways and different speeds, all of humanity is in the midst of a vital transformation in environmental stewardship. In this wonderful new book, Rosaly Byrd and Laurèn De Mates, argue that the key to successful sustainable development lies with individual action. They offer a host of practical things that individuals can do, along with a vision for how these many local actions will add up to deep transformation in how our societies view nature. Their vision is compelling, important, and uplifting.” —David Victor, professor, University of California, San Diego

From the Publisher

If you are someone who is into sustainable living or someone who is interested in learning more about the lifestyle and the changes that you can make then this is the book for you.... I loved reading this book and was really impressed with the way I could easily make small changes in my personal daily routine. This is a good book for anyone young or old, my kids have read it with me and have made their own changes to help the environment.

Woman of Many Roles

It was great to gain more insight on current environmental issues, especially from authors who are fellow bloggers.... My favorite part about this book is that it’s very easy to understand and a lot of what they suggest are very simple changes that you can make at home, school, work, or while traveling which is a big one for me since I am always on the go.... As an engineer, I also appreciated how much science is in the book. Not only do you get simple solutions that you can implement wherever you are, you also gain a better understanding of where we currently are in terms of environmental issues.

Enthusiastic About Life: A Food

In different ways and different speeds, all of humanity is in the midst of a vital transformation in environmental stewardship. In this wonderful new book, Rosaly Byrd and Laurèn De Mates, argue that the key to successful sustainable development lies with individual action. They offer a host of practical things that individuals can do, along with a vision for how these many local actions will add up to deep transformation in how our societies view nature. Their vision is compelling, important, and uplifting.

David Victor

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.

Choice Reviews

This book is perfect for anyone starting the sustainable living journey.... What I love the most about this book is how practical it is. All of the tips and suggestions are easy enough for the average person to follow. It introduces the readers to a world in which sustainable living is not only possible but achievable.... The book is conveniently divided in sections, from household shores to traveling tips that cover all your sustainable living needs. Best part? It is kid friendly, there are many activities in there you can do with your whole family and kids.... This educational and engaging book is perfect for someone who has heard the term sustainability and is interested in learning what it’s all about, the novice environmentalist looking for new ways to improve their impact, or anyone in between. Case studies and tables highlight interesting information and trends, and an extensive bibliography provides further reading for those who want to learn more about the world of sustainability.

ONIXJ

Sustainability Made Simple would make a great addition to any home. Just think of the impact if we all followed the small steps outlined in this book? It would make a great addition to the classroom too. There’s no better time than right now to get our children on board with helping to care for our planet. They could then pass on the tips inside to their families. A sustainable chain reaction!

Kelly's Thoughts On Things

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.

Choice

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 modem 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 sch 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 different.

Booklist

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 modem 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 sch 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 different.

Booklist

I recently read a new book called Sustainability Made Simple, and it’s caused a huge shift in my thinking. It’s also opened my eyes to the consequences of many of our everyday choices.

Wild Tales of…

In the book Sustainability Made Simple, readers can consider some really do-able action steps to raising an environmentally aware family.... [T]here are many sections of the text that will appeal to those inspired by the going-green movement. What really stood out to me was the fact-based support that guides the suggestions. The book takes a scientific approach to environmentalism, rather than an emotional guilt-trip. It’s a beneficial read.

Savings in Seconds: A Lifestyle Blog

This book is fantastic! It is packed full of facts and science, but also full of practical tips to cut out waste, save energy and live a more sustainable lifestyle ... [T]here was much that I did know and tips that I had put into place in my home already, but there were many more that I had never thought of. It's broken down into all different areas to make it easy to follow too.... From home to work to school, this book will have you looking at changes big and small you can make for YOUR family!

A Modern Day Fairy Tale

A well rounded starter guide to sustainability: It lays out the environmental problems that we face today, but more importantly, the things that you can do to be part of the solution!

Bea Johnson

Sustainability Made Simple by Rosaly Byrd and Lauren Demates is the book to have on hand to learn about nature and human inter-relatedness and take what you read and try out different ways to be more green....I thought I knew as much as a person trying to live green for years now, but I learned from this book. I think everyone can benefit, from those who are novices to leaving a smaller footprint to those of us 'green scholars' who want to share our knowledge with all who will listen! It is a great book to have around to spur discussion at your next dinner party or create ways in which families and businesses can change they way they think and do thinks.

Living Simply

Sustainability Made Simple is full of fresh ideas and kid-friendly green living tips. I love how Lauren and Rosaly give practical green living advice in addition to explaining the reasons WHY it is so important for everyone to live a sustainable lifestyle. It is encouraging to learn how individuals and families can make a difference by reducing their impact on the environment.... The book is packed full of information.

Mom Always Finds Out

What's refreshing about Sustainability Made Simple: Small Changes for Big Impact is that it doesn't talk down to the reader, nor does it assume the reader knows anything more than that the climate is changing and everyday citizens should do their part to slow the process.... The book reads very fluidly and touts some cool graphics, such as images of various animal foods and how much their consumption contributes to climate change.

Connecticut Green Living

Chock full of practical green living tips and advice on how to share knowledge and best practices with others, Sustainability Made Simple is a great introduction to how to live a more sustainable life and help the planet heal.

EarthTalk

Byrd and DeMates offer a great first step in learning what sustainability can mean and how to become agents of change, in their book Sustainability Made Simple. The book introduces the environmental problems seen by all humans, discusses how companies and institutions transition toward sustainability, emphasizes why individual action is vital, and gives examples of changes we can all make.

Green American

I recently read a new book called Sustainability Made Simple, and it’s caused a huge shift in my thinking. It’s also opened my eyes to the consequences of many of our everyday choices.

Wild Tales of…

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.

CHOICE