11 enjoyable zero-waste Books To kick-start your plastic-free journey
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If you’re new to zero-waste living, you’ve probably noticed that there’s no shortage of sustainability and eco-friendly books to dive into.
These zero-waste guides not only include practical and budget-friendly tips for beginners, but they also have the aesthetics to match.
Happy reading!
11 zero-waste books for beginners (that aren’t boring)
Give A Sh*T by Ashley Piper by ashlee piper
The book that started it all for me.
Stop thinking you give a sh*t and start living like you give one – about your health, your footprint, and your planet. Eco-lifestyle expert Ashlee Piper’s succinct, no-nonsense advice will help you live more thoughtfully and true to your values, get healthier, and starting giving Mother Earth the respect it deserves. It’s US-centric, but incredibly though-provoking no matter where you live. You won’t be able to (or want to) put this down.
You’ll love this if…
You’re looking for a guide that’s fun, fresh and a little bit (ok, a lot) cheeky that will get you psyched up about making sustainable changes in your life.
Sustainable Home: Practical projects, tips and advice for maintaining a more eco-friendly household by christine liu
Sustainable lifestyle blogger and professional Christine Liu takes you on a tour through the rooms of your home – the living area, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom – offering tips, tricks and 18 step-by-step projects designed to help you lead a more low-impact lifestyle.
As inspirational and practical as it is stylish, you’ll feel ready to tackle a zero-waste living head-on as you make your way through this practical guide.
You’ll love this if…
You’re brand new to zero-waste living and not sure where to start.
simply living well: A guide to creating a natural, low-waste home by julia watkins
Up next on the list of incredibly aesthetic zero-waste books – this one could be your next coffee table staple.
Author Julia Watkins shares rituals, recipes, and projects for living simply and sustainably at home including practical checklists that outline easy swaps. Filled with thoughtful and inspiring ideas, the photography and writing style make it feel as if you are welcomed into the Watkins’ very own home and garden.
You’ll love this if…
You’re looking for a calming, personal guide that fully immerses you in the experience of creating a beautiful, environmentally-friendly home.
A Life Less Throwaway: The Lost Art of Buying for Life by tara button
Instead of Marie Kondo’s, “Does this spark joy?” Tara Button encourages us to ask, “Will this last for life?” There’s something about the phrase “The lost art of buying for life” that really struck a chord with me.
A Life Less Throwaway will help you nail down your purpose and priorities, and identify your core tastes and style. Learning how to let go of the unnecessary and how to make wise choices going forwards.
You’ll love this if…
You want to make conscious purchases and develop a clear idea of your values so you can buy succeed at “quality over quantity”.
101 ways to go zero-waste by kathryn kellogg
In the words of Kathryn Kellogg, “It’s not about perfection… it’s about making better choices.”
Who, might I add, can fit all her trash from the past two years into a 16-ounce mason jar. So she must know a thing or two. This is a practical, friendly blueprint of realistic lifestyle changes for anyone who wants to reduce their waste.
You’ll love this if…
You’re after useful zero-waste tips that are straight to the point, and not simply a regurgitated list you can find on Google.
Waste not: Make a big difference by throwing away less by erin rhoads
Erin Rhoads, aka The Rogue Ginger, went from eating plastic-packaged takeaway while shopping online for fast fashion, to becoming one of Australia’s most popular eco-bloggers. This practical reference book is split into three parts: Where to start; how to reduce waste at home and in life; on the road (sustainable work, travel, and activism).
You’ll love this if…
You’re after a visually-pleasing guide that focuses on other areas that the US.
How to Go (Almost) Zero Waste: Over 150 Steps to More Sustainable Living at Home, School, Work, and Beyond by rebecca grace andrews
Reduce your environmental footprint at your own pace with this user-friendly guide to living with less waste. Jam-packed with useful info and helpful tips, this book offers the knowledge (without the guilt-trip) you need to bump your low-impact lifestyle up a notch, or several!
Tips also come with investment, time, effort and impact ratings so you can choose what habits suit you at what time.
You’ll love this if…
You want to identify what changes will have the biggest impact based on your own budget, schedule, and = where you’re at on your zero-waste journey.
Less Waste No Fuss Kitchen by lindsay miles
Whether you’re wanting to reduce your plastic and packaging or minimise your food waste, this book has options to help tweak your habits and make positive changes through the way you shop, cook and eat.
Written by Lindsay Miles, of Treading My Own Path, this is your essential guide to sustainable food choices. You’ll learn how to buy better, cook simply and waste less.
Plus, the book itself it absolutely gorgeous.
You’ll love this if…
You want to make the most of your pantry, fridge and freezer to avoid food waste. If you love this, check out her other book, Less Stuff: Simple Zero-Waste Steps To A Joyful And Clutter Free Life.
Zero Waste: Simple Life Hacks to Drastically reduce your trash by Shia Su
As a first grader, Shia Su was already of the opinion that pastries were packed in too many bags.
Since adopting a zero-waste lifestyle with her husband in 2014, Shia demystifies and simplifies the zero waste lifestyle for the beginner, sharing practical advice, quick solutions, and tips and tricks that will make trash-free living fun and meaningful.
You’ll love this if…
You want a guide that is easy to dip in and out of throughout your zero-waste journey.
Quitting Plastic: Easy and Practical Ways to Cut Down the Plastic in Your Life by clara williams roldan
Where do you start if you want to reduce the plastic in your life? Especially when most of us are wearing it, eating and drinking from it, sitting on it, walking on it, and probably even ingesting it. Anywhere you go, plastic is within easy reach – even in Antarctica and the North Pole.
The author answer the tricky questions, like ‘How will I wash my hair?’, ‘Do I have to give up crackers?’, ‘What about my bin liner?’ and ‘Is this going to be expensive?’
You’ll love this if…
You want super easy changes you can make today for that hit of instant gratification, but also want to progress to “harder” changes in the future.
the minimalist vegan by Michael & masa ofei
“A simple manifesto on what to live with less stuff and more compassion” pretty much sums it up. This small but inspirational book is just a delight to read.
The authors have written this book to be read within a few hours – yes, even if you consider yourself a slow reader!
You’ll love this if…
You’re interested in exploring the intersection of minimalism and veganism and all that each complimentary lifestyle has to offer.
What books have inspired you to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle? Share them in the comments below!
