The Better World Handbook: Small Changes That Make A Big Difference

by Ellis Jones, Ross Haenfler, Brett Johnson

Overview

The definitive guide for people wanting to make a positive difference in the world.

Specifically designed to reach people who normally would not consider themselves activists, The Better World Handbook is directed toward those who care about creating a more just, sustainable, and socially responsible world but don’t know where to begin. Substantially updated, this revised bestseller now contains more recent information on global problems, more effective actions, and many new resources.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780865715752
Publisher:	New Society Publishers
Publication date:	02/01/2007
Edition description:	Revised
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Ellis Jones has been teaching students to make a difference in the world for the past 15 years. A scholar of social responsibility, social change and everyday activism, he founded and directs the Better World Network, giving presentations throughout the US. He currently teaches sociology at University of California, Davis. Brett Johnson has been a dedicated member of the environmental and simple living movements for years. He coordinates his apartment complex's composting program, leads voluntary simplicity workshops, and is currently researching the voluntary simplicity movement in the U.S. Brett is currently teaching sociology at Luther College in Iowa. Brett Johnson has been a dedicated member of the environmental and simple living movements for years. He coordinates his apartment complex's composting program, leads voluntary simplicity workshops, and is currently researching the voluntary simplicity movement in the U.S. Brett is currently teaching sociology at Luther College in Iowa.

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction

Building A Better World
The Cycle Of Cynicism
The Cycle Of Hope
The Ten Thought Traps

The Seven Foundations Of A Better World
Economic Fairness
Comprehensive Peace
Ecological Sustainability
Deep Democracy
Social Justice
Simple Living
Revitalized Community

Actions For A Better World

Money
Banking
Credit Cards
Saving
Investing

Shopping
What to Buy
Who to Buy It From
Better World Buying Guide

Food
Buying Groceries
Eating
Planting a Garden

Personal
Extraordinary Living
Emotional Well-Being
Physical Well-Being
Reflection

Friends & Family
Building Strong Relationships
Giving Gifts
Children

Community
Neighborhood
Local Community
Community Issues

Spirituality & Religion
Spiritual Well-Being
Faith In Action
Religious and Spiritual Community
Spiritual and Religious Groups

Home
Energy
Water
Trash
Lawn and Garden
Your Home

Work
Workplace Relationships
Socially Responsible Workplace
Finding Good Work

Media
Television
Radio
Magazines
Newspapers
Internet

Politics
Voting
Getting Involved
The Top Ten Issues List

Transportation
Walking
Bicycling
Public Transit
Automobiles

Travel
Where to Go
Where to Stay
What to Do
Extraordinary Travel

Organizations
Getting Involved
Giving
Finding Organizations
Amazing Organizations
The Best of the Rest

The Top Ten Actions For A Better World
Notes
Action Checklist
About The Authors
Index

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Wow! What an incredible resource! It reminds me that what people really want out of life is to make a difference and have some fun — and this book tells you how to do both at the same time. We in the Simplicity movement encourage people to buy less stuff, but books are exempt — particularly books like this!"
— Cecile Andrews, author of Slow is Beautiful: New Visions of Community , Leisure and Joie de Vivre

"Cynicism is the social disease of our age. Cynicism is what passes for insight when courage and vision are lacking. If there is such a thing as a single cure for cynicism, this book is it. The Better World Handbook gives us a step-by-step "blueprint" for creating conscious global citizens. It's a manual for better living that you will find yourself using over and over again."
— Kevin Danaher, Cofounder, Global Exchange, and co-author of Insurrection: Citizen Challenges to Corporate Power

"This handbook helps you answer that age-old question, "What can I do?" — With the help of the handbook, it turns out you can easily do a lot. Buy it, share it or get it from the library. But, most of all, use it to change our world for the better. This is an impressive resource for people who want their everyday actions to reflect caring and compassion for the environment and others."
— Betsy Taylor, Executive Director, Center for a New American Dream

"An excellent look at issues we face and concrete actions — small and large — that we can take to address them. The book also includes a large collection of useful resources."
— Paul Loeb, author of Soul of a Citizen: Living with Conviction in a Cynical Time

"This is exactly the resource consumers need to help create a sustainable world. The extensive background information and action steps are great tools for anyone looking for ways to make change happen now!"
— Alisa Gravitz, Executive Director, Co-op America

"People everywhere are hungry for meaning and purpose, wanting to make a difference, and be of service to something larger than themselves. The Better World Handbook provides valuable information and resources to manifest these intentions into practical reality. Keep a copy on your desk or reference shelf, and use it!"
— Michael Toms, CEO, New Dimensions Radio, and co-author of True Work: Doing What You Love and Loving What You Do

"We can make the world a better place and this book shows you how easy it is to really make a difference. I highly recommend that you
buy it, use it and enjoy what you can do to help create positive change."
— Jeffrey Hollender, President, Seventh Generation, and author of Naturally Clean: The Seventh Generation Guide to Safe and Healthy Non-Toxic Cleaning

" The Better World Handbook provides a wealth of practical ideas for transforming our everyday activities of shopping, living, and working into
an artful way of life that is more sustainable, just, and meaningful."
— Duane Elgin, author of Voluntary Simplicity: Toward a Way of Life That is Outwardly Simple, Inwardly Rich and Promise Ahead: A Vision of Hope and Action for Humanity's Future

"The Revolution is not just around the corner, it's around every corner. I love this old saying because it captures the important truth highlighted in this inspiring book: The world can be changed through action in our everyday lives — where we spend our money, how we help out in our community, the ways we travel. This practical, enjoyable handbook shows how small improvements can add up to a big difference in the world."
— Jay Walljasper, editor Ode Magazine and co-author of Visionaries: People and Ideas to Change Your Life and The Great Neighborhood Book: A Do-it-Yourself Guide to Placemaking