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The Better World Handbook: Small Changes That Make a Big Difference
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.
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2001
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534 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 22, 2022
They should make an updated 2022 version. A lot of the topics still apply today but its a bit dated. Also, had to skip the religious section. Overall, a quick read and a good reminder!
October 9, 2025
i read this book for my sociology class and it felt like i was being spoon fed how to be woke. very little of the information is beyond common sense, which might say more about society than the authors abilities to critically think. very boring but some of the statistics were interesting!! it would be cool to see an updated version because everything is a little bit worse now.
August 13, 2008
A nice, simple place to find practical suggestions for making small changes in your daily routine that can add up to a big impact in the areas of social justice, sustainable economics and environment, and stronger community. In addition to simple suggestions categorized by different aspects of life, the volume also provides countless additional resources, websites and further reads to enhance the reader's access to information.
Many readers will have already undertaken some changes. Other suggestions are obvious but worth hearing again. Many are practical and sensible changes that are relatively easy to put in place.
Case in point: I had a high-yield savings account open at major on-line corporate bank pulling in 3.3% with my funds invested by the bank at - well- who knows where. A fairly painless transfer and the money is now making 3.4%, an actual improvement, in a similar FDIC-insured account at a well-known community development bank who invests primarily in the economic development of low-income communities.
Hundreds of suggestions like this one allow the average individual to actively make decisions that matter and improve the world rather than maintaining a status quo created by habit and, too often, advertising.
One disclaimer: about 5% of the suggestions are blatantly political. For instance, the author's openly disparage Bill O'Reilly while encouraging the reader to listen to Air America and Stuart Smalley. Fair and Balanced? Now come, on. Luckily, intelligent readers can cut through any of the morass and make use of the large majority of the book that is worth the time.
Many readers will have already undertaken some changes. Other suggestions are obvious but worth hearing again. Many are practical and sensible changes that are relatively easy to put in place.
Case in point: I had a high-yield savings account open at major on-line corporate bank pulling in 3.3% with my funds invested by the bank at - well- who knows where. A fairly painless transfer and the money is now making 3.4%, an actual improvement, in a similar FDIC-insured account at a well-known community development bank who invests primarily in the economic development of low-income communities.
Hundreds of suggestions like this one allow the average individual to actively make decisions that matter and improve the world rather than maintaining a status quo created by habit and, too often, advertising.
One disclaimer: about 5% of the suggestions are blatantly political. For instance, the author's openly disparage Bill O'Reilly while encouraging the reader to listen to Air America and Stuart Smalley. Fair and Balanced? Now come, on. Luckily, intelligent readers can cut through any of the morass and make use of the large majority of the book that is worth the time.
August 13, 2008
A nice, simple place to find practical suggestions for making small changes in your daily routine that can add up to a big impact in the areas of social justice, sustainable economics and environment, and stronger community. In addition to simple suggestions categorized by different aspects of life, the volume also provides countless additional resources, websites and further reads to enhance the reader's access to information.
Many readers will have already undertaken some changes. Other suggestions are obvious but worth hearing again. Many are practical and sensible changes that are relatively easy to put in place.
Case in point: You can have a high-yield savings account open at major on-line corporate bank pulling in 3.3% with your funds invested by the bank at - well- who knows where. A fairly painless transfer and the money can be making 3.4%, an actual improvement, in a similar FDIC-insured account at a well-known community development bank who invests primarily in the economic development of low-income communities.
Hundreds of suggestions like this one allow the average individual to actively make decisions that matter and improve the world rather than maintaining a status quo created by habit and, too often, advertising.
One disclaimer: about 5% of the suggestions are blatantly political. For instance, the author's openly disparage Bill O'Reilly while encouraging the reader to listen to Air America and Stuart Smalley. Fair and Balanced? Now come, on. Luckily, intelligent readers can cut through any of the morass and make use of the large majority of the book that is worth the time.
Many readers will have already undertaken some changes. Other suggestions are obvious but worth hearing again. Many are practical and sensible changes that are relatively easy to put in place.
Case in point: You can have a high-yield savings account open at major on-line corporate bank pulling in 3.3% with your funds invested by the bank at - well- who knows where. A fairly painless transfer and the money can be making 3.4%, an actual improvement, in a similar FDIC-insured account at a well-known community development bank who invests primarily in the economic development of low-income communities.
Hundreds of suggestions like this one allow the average individual to actively make decisions that matter and improve the world rather than maintaining a status quo created by habit and, too often, advertising.
One disclaimer: about 5% of the suggestions are blatantly political. For instance, the author's openly disparage Bill O'Reilly while encouraging the reader to listen to Air America and Stuart Smalley. Fair and Balanced? Now come, on. Luckily, intelligent readers can cut through any of the morass and make use of the large majority of the book that is worth the time.
September 11, 2008
A nice, simple place to find practical suggestions for making small changes in your daily routine that can add up to a big impact in the areas of social justice, sustainable economics and environment, and stronger community. In addition to simple suggestions categorized by different aspects of life, the volume also provides countless additional resources, websites and further reads to enhance the reader's access to information.
Many readers will have already undertaken some changes. Other suggestions are obvious but worth hearing again. Many are practical and sensible changes that are relatively easy to put in place.
Case in point: You can have a high-yield savings account open at major on-line corporate bank pulling in 3.3% with your funds invested by the bank at - well- who knows where. A fairly painless transfer and the money can be making 3.4%, an actual improvement, in a similar FDIC-insured account at a well-known community development bank who invests primarily in the economic development of low-income communities.
Hundreds of suggestions like this one allow the average individual to actively make decisions that matter and improve the world rather than maintaining a status quo created by habit and, too often, advertising.
One disclaimer: about 5% of the suggestions are blatantly political. For instance, the author's openly disparage Bill O'Reilly while encouraging the reader to listen to Air America and Stuart Smalley. Fair and Balanced? Now come, on. Luckily, intelligent readers can cut through any of the morass and make use of the large majority of the book that is worth the time.
Many readers will have already undertaken some changes. Other suggestions are obvious but worth hearing again. Many are practical and sensible changes that are relatively easy to put in place.
Case in point: You can have a high-yield savings account open at major on-line corporate bank pulling in 3.3% with your funds invested by the bank at - well- who knows where. A fairly painless transfer and the money can be making 3.4%, an actual improvement, in a similar FDIC-insured account at a well-known community development bank who invests primarily in the economic development of low-income communities.
Hundreds of suggestions like this one allow the average individual to actively make decisions that matter and improve the world rather than maintaining a status quo created by habit and, too often, advertising.
One disclaimer: about 5% of the suggestions are blatantly political. For instance, the author's openly disparage Bill O'Reilly while encouraging the reader to listen to Air America and Stuart Smalley. Fair and Balanced? Now come, on. Luckily, intelligent readers can cut through any of the morass and make use of the large majority of the book that is worth the time.
September 1, 2007
Here you have it: A much needed new edition of the greatest guide for those wanting to make a difference!
I've owned the previous version of this book for over 3 years now and have been eagerly anticipating this new version. This handy guide is inspiring and amazingly practical at the same time. These experts have done the leg work to find out what normal people can do in every aspect of their lives to make a better world. If you are wondering how you can better live out your values in the way you work, spend time with family, care for the environment, involve yourself in politics and community, shop, and much more, this book is a must have.
We use it, and it works!
I've owned the previous version of this book for over 3 years now and have been eagerly anticipating this new version. This handy guide is inspiring and amazingly practical at the same time. These experts have done the leg work to find out what normal people can do in every aspect of their lives to make a better world. If you are wondering how you can better live out your values in the way you work, spend time with family, care for the environment, involve yourself in politics and community, shop, and much more, this book is a must have.
We use it, and it works!
February 17, 2015
This book has some really great suggestions for how to live a life that reflects your values. I appreciate how well-researched it is and how many great resources it includes. While it is pretty blatantly left-leaning (it is written by progressives after all) I appreciated that the Politics section included many non-partisan sources of information. Some of it is difficult to take completely seriously (One section reads, "Most conventional board games teach kids the importance of winning...pretty depressing huh?") and it can fall into the trap of sounding like a self-help book. Overall, though, this is a thorough book of practical advice for how to be an informed, intentional global citizen.
April 1, 2010
This book is full of ideas for helping make the world a better place. I also appreciate the authors' honesty and understanding that it is unreasonable to take every action in this book, and instead more valuable to act on the areas where you feel you can make the most difference. It is comforting to know that there are people in our world who are writing books with hope of a better tomorrow.
February 16, 2011
Unfortunately this book was not as helpful as I'd hoped. If you've never really given much thought as to how your day to day choices make an impact then this would be a great place to start. But for me it was nothing new and the recommendations of which companies to support and which to avoid lacked information as to why they were given a particular grade.
October 15, 2012
This book was really interesting. It provides the reader with great ideas to make a better world.
However the book is North America oriented and it was published about a decade ago, so many things are different from what I may experience.
I will still recommend this book around me and even give my copy to a very close friend who can make good use of it.
However the book is North America oriented and it was published about a decade ago, so many things are different from what I may experience.
I will still recommend this book around me and even give my copy to a very close friend who can make good use of it.
October 6, 2008
Read this book and become an everyday activist! I am proud of the fact that I took three sociology college courses with Ellis Jones, the writer of this book. Read this book and I guarantee it will make you feel more hopeful, alive and empowered!
July 29, 2007
a good reference book for small ways to be green. green banking, what fish are least harmful to the environment, etc.
September 2, 2007
Like Nate, I too have been eagerly awaiting a new edition! Cannot wait to check it out!
--Kevin
--Kevin
November 28, 2007
Excellent reference on where to start with changes in personal life that effect our planet!
February 7, 2008
This book has some great ideas and suggestions for living "greener". Very informative. Shows you how even the small things can make a big difference. Has some interesting lists and statistics.
October 11, 2008
This makes a great coffee table book to page through anytime. It gives broad information about sustainable living, as well as practical advice like what stores have good/bad practices.
October 20, 2008
This book shows you how to be the change you wish to see in the world. Little things do make a difference.
December 7, 2012
A simple handbook for starting to go green. We use this as a resource for our students at the college.
February 17, 2009
10 ways to make a difference in the world
January 31, 2014
Love this book for its practical yet inspiring tone
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews