5 Fulfilling Eco-Reads by Women Environmentalists

As Sustainable Baddies, we exercise our love for the environment in more ways than one (though imperfectly, as we are only human). Whether it stems from cultural heritage and traditional values of preserving the environment, or the routines we practice with eating food—we are becoming acquainted with the idea that sustainability is everywhere, and this journey is enriching and beautiful. We want to share with you our favorite books that focus on the environment, each shedding a light upon a slightly different theme, to further expand upon your sustainable journey.

Consumed: The Need for Collective Change by Aja Barber

Barber collectively calls us to act upon our contributions to consumerism by dismantling the framework that we have been taught: to feel that we need the things we don’t. Her book first shows the realities of the injustice present in the industry of consumerism and then proceeds to introduce how we unlearn the behaviors we are taught to operate by. Orsola de Castro calls it “an absolute must-read for any person who wears clothes”—and that means all of us Sustainable Fashion Baddies!

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

This book that integrates science, indigenous belief, and botany into a collective wealth of knowledge is the perfect feel-good read for all of us plant friends. Wall Kimmerer acknowledges the teachings of living things around us and calls us to hear them as well in our age of modernization. Her unique experience and perspective on plants as teachers is warm and motherly like we should be treating the world around us. Plant besties rise!

The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People + Planet by Leah Thomas

Acknowledging the bad to allow for the good to blossom is necessary for helping the planet—and our bestie Leah Thomas is here to help us do so! It is a fact that we cannot fight against the climate crisis without all marginalized communities being recognized and obtaining civil liberties. Thomas highlights this and calls us to action to achieve social and environmental justice by empowering people of color and dismantling systems founded on privilege and racism. 

The Zero-Waste Chef: Plant-Forward Recipes + Tips by Anne-Marie Bonneau

Not only can art and design be without waste, but our cuisine can too! This book encourages us to make progress little by little, and to start making change in your habits while in the kitchen. We can often feel like there is pressure involved in living sustainably, however Bonneau reminds us that if enough people partake in small acts of change, the difference will be made. Feeling good with yummy food is made even better when it helps the environment!

All We Can Save by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine Wilkinson

We all have different relationships with environmentalism, and this collection of essays encapsulates that idea perfectly. Womankind as the matriarch of our planet should be at the forefront of this discussion and should be considered real players in the game of change. With highlights from women across the US, we are called to action across cultures and occupations, and reminded that each one of us remains an integral part of rebuilding our society in a more sustainable The New York Times calls it “a powerful read that fills one with, dare I say…hope?”

Wasted: When Trash Becomes Treasure by Katie Treggiden

For those of us who are most moved when we come across things that are visually and aesthetically pleasing, this book is a great choice. Wasted brings together 30 new designers who essentially aren’t letting things be wasted and are creating with things that are normally thrown away. May all of us Sustainable Baddies be endlessly inspired by a creation that is never wasteful!

Sophia Jaramillo Sophia Jaramillo is a Content Writer and TikTok Creator for Sustainable Baddie who loves all things sustainable fashion. Sophia works as a freelance creative, which includes being a content creator and an illustrator. In her free time, she loves going to estate sales, reworking old clothing, and spending time with her friends, family, and dog Tilly. Her go-to coffee order is an iced matcha latte with oat milk and an almond croissant. @menswearsoph