This reading list starts by identifying the problems with our current ideology and the way we consider nature and ourselves and then provides practical resources on environmental and ethical issues for lifestyle, art and design.

Anybody hoping to reconcile the world in which we live in should read Daniel Quinn’s Ishmael. This novel takes you on a spiritual journey with a wise gorilla named Ishmael who pinpoints the world’s most pressing dilemmas and provides their answers. How it is not require reading for students is mind boggling to most people after they finish it.

Next is Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring is the seminal literary work that prompted an enormous environmental movement in the 1960’s that continues today. As a writer and biologist Carson was ideally suited to notice, investigate and identify why entire populations of bird species were disappearing and dying across America. This book targeted the chemical companies for their over-use of DDT and other pesticides for poisoning entire life forms, including humans and left them unable to discredit her findings.

My extra reading recommendation is Nobel Prize winner, David Suzuki’s The Sacred Balance. This is an easy read that is scientific and poetic. Like Quinn and Carson, Suzuki’s passion and commitment to respect all creation teaches us how to rediscover our place in nature.

Next on our eco-literary journey I suggest Stuff The Secret Lives of Everyday Things by John C. Ryan and Thein Durning. Although it is a quick read and can be difficult to learn about what it takes to make a single cup of coffee or your favorite cotton t-shirt but it is a good lead up to the 2000 smash hit No Logo by Niomi Klein, which is next on the list. Considered ‘equal parts cultural analysis, political manifesto, mall-rat memoir, and journalistic exposé,’ this rather lengthy read spells out the pitfalls and inherent flaws with globalization and rise of corporate branding. I recommend the section “no jobs” to learn specifically about slave labor in the rag trade. You’ll never look at your Nikes or jeans the same way again.

If you are still reading along I feel it is only fair to provide some truly helpful books that can help any artist or designer identify and consider the socially and environmentally ethical issues of their work. I advise getting your feet wet with the quick but immensely helpful and informative Future Fashion, White Papers. Even if you are not interested in fashion but you are curious to know more about the industry you are supporting this compilation of essays from eco-fashion insiders is ideal. I read through most of this book on my commutes on the Dubai Metro. 

The penultimate essay is by Kate Fletcher, the author of the next recommendation Sustainable Fashion & Design, Design Journeys. This book was often citing in my Sustainability for Fashion Design course for my graduate degree and holds many useful and practical tips, ideas and information.

If you are still not satisfied or fashion is not your discipline then consider the essays in Beauty is Nowhere, Ethical Issues in Art & Design.

If you want to go above and beyond another great reference I recommend the Environmental Responsibility Reader as a great source for information on intractable modern-day environmental dilemmas.

Otherwise It’s Easy Being Green, A Handbook for Earth Friendly Living is a handy guide to keep at home or the office to help you and yours make the small changes that can lead to a big difference.