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Sustainability Made Simple: Small Changes for Big Impact
Sustainability Made Simple is an introduction to sustainability and sustainable living that explores the relationship between everyday life and the intricate global environmental issues of today, including air and water pollution, deforestation, and climate change. Rosaly Byrd and Laurèn DeMates offer an optimistic yet realistic perspective on our impact on the environment, giving much needed guidance to those who are interested in finding new and relatively easy ways to incorporate sustainability into daily life.
An excellent resource for those who are interested in learning what sustainability is about and picking up habits to be more sustainable, Sustainability Made Simple shows that adopting a sustainable lifestyle doesn’t require “going off the grid” or making drastic life changes that take time and cost money. Instead, Byrd and DeMates focus on the advantages and transformative changes associated with sustainability, demonstrating that although society is facing unprecedented environmental challenges, working towards sustainability is an opportunity to do things differently and do things better, enhancing aspects of life, such as health, work and community.
An excellent resource for those who are interested in learning what sustainability is about and picking up habits to be more sustainable, Sustainability Made Simple shows that adopting a sustainable lifestyle doesn’t require “going off the grid” or making drastic life changes that take time and cost money. Instead, Byrd and DeMates focus on the advantages and transformative changes associated with sustainability, demonstrating that although society is facing unprecedented environmental challenges, working towards sustainability is an opportunity to do things differently and do things better, enhancing aspects of life, such as health, work and community.
216 pages, Hardcover
Published March 17, 2017
20 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Rosaly Byrd
1 book4 followersRosaly Byrd is the co-author of the book Sustainability Made Simple, and co-founder of the blog The Sustainability Co-Op that works to engage readers on global environmental issues. Rosaly has lived in Haiti and Brazil, working on environmental policy and sustainable development for the Inter-American Development Bank and UNDP. She also writes as a freelance blogger for the Huffington Post and is an avid reader and passionate outdoor enthusiast. Rosaly holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs with a focus on international environmental policy from University of California, San Diego, and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from Florida Atlantic University Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College in Jupiter, Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 28, 2017
I liked this book a lot! Coming from a Green Economy and Sustainability background, I found this book to be of great help to introduce the concepts of Sustainability to any type of reader. It does provide facts and very recent figures (which is not usually the case with most books) and is still catered to the interested layman.
The first part of the book provides a solid background on the science behind global warming, melting glaciers and climate change and its causes and possible effects. Whereas the second part provides little pieces of information and tips for energy saving, sustainable production and responsible consumption that can be incorporated in our everyday activities in order to really help in the road towards a more sustainable lifestyle. The main areas of sustainability this book focused on were power and water consumption, waste generation, deforestation and water contamination. One thing I would criticize it that it is mainly targeted for an USA audience. All the specific information was given for USA and most case studies might not be relevant to people in other parts of the world. I do understand the reason for this, the USA audience is still a large chunk of the world and sustainability might be a more developed concept in Europe, for example. However, I do wish there had been an exchange of best practices or bench-marking the USA with other countries in order to shed some light on their impact towards the global footprint. On a personal note, I enjoyed learning about the USA, in particular, as I am more informed about practices in other parts of the world (Dubai in the Middle East, mainly)
Would I recommend this book? Yes!!! To all those interested in learning about sustainability and motivated to adopt more sustainable practices for a better world for us all. USA residents would be on top of the list of course, specially given all the recent buzz about this topic (Before the Flood by Leonardo DiCaprio).
Did I like this book? Yes!!! Even though it might seem like a text book at an initial glance, I really do feel that it addresses and deals with sustainability in a very easy and approachable manner which will appeal to a large audience.
The first part of the book provides a solid background on the science behind global warming, melting glaciers and climate change and its causes and possible effects. Whereas the second part provides little pieces of information and tips for energy saving, sustainable production and responsible consumption that can be incorporated in our everyday activities in order to really help in the road towards a more sustainable lifestyle. The main areas of sustainability this book focused on were power and water consumption, waste generation, deforestation and water contamination. One thing I would criticize it that it is mainly targeted for an USA audience. All the specific information was given for USA and most case studies might not be relevant to people in other parts of the world. I do understand the reason for this, the USA audience is still a large chunk of the world and sustainability might be a more developed concept in Europe, for example. However, I do wish there had been an exchange of best practices or bench-marking the USA with other countries in order to shed some light on their impact towards the global footprint. On a personal note, I enjoyed learning about the USA, in particular, as I am more informed about practices in other parts of the world (Dubai in the Middle East, mainly)
Would I recommend this book? Yes!!! To all those interested in learning about sustainability and motivated to adopt more sustainable practices for a better world for us all. USA residents would be on top of the list of course, specially given all the recent buzz about this topic (Before the Flood by Leonardo DiCaprio).
Did I like this book? Yes!!! Even though it might seem like a text book at an initial glance, I really do feel that it addresses and deals with sustainability in a very easy and approachable manner which will appeal to a large audience.
Read
January 11, 2019Bryd and DeMates have made an important contribution to the literature on sustainability, offering both an insightful overview of the environmental issues facing us today and practical suggestions for anyone who wants to address these challenges at a personal level.
May 29, 2021
Despite whether the unsustainable action is done by one or is the aggregate of many, we need to, and can do, something about it.
Consumption at rates seen in the United States is not sustainable in a world with limited resources and the impact is global.
Systems have been set up over the last 50 years to make unsustainable actions the norm.
Sustainability starts with us.
Consumption at rates seen in the United States is not sustainable in a world with limited resources and the impact is global.
Systems have been set up over the last 50 years to make unsustainable actions the norm.
Sustainability starts with us.
July 8, 2017
Good tips for saving money and resources.
January 29, 2018
I am now keely aware of many issues I had no clue about. I am definitely motivated to make some changes in my lifestyle. The book gives many ways to do this in a easy but effective way.
March 10, 2022
2.5 stars —it’s clearly okay and as an introduction for some readers it might well deserve more stars. The stars are for me personally, but I am probably not the target reader. I don’t like the star system.
If sustainability were simple (as this 2017 title suggests), wouldn’t our communities, workplaces, schools, organizations, hospitals, trucks, cars, trains, airplanes, farms, grocery stores, businesses, religious institutions (churches, mosques, synagogues), homes and individual actions look quite different?
Wouldn’t we communally be reducing our greenhouse gas emissions faster?
Wouldn’t way more of the products in our groceries and stores be packaged and priced with sustainability in mind— or not packaged at all?
Wouldn’t my entire neighborhood’s electricity come from clean energy instead of it simply being an OPTION for each individual consumer?
Wouldn’t more people be living much closer to their workplaces or be taking public transportation so the roads would not be so clogged?
Wouldn’t social norms have emerged so fewer people would be traveling such long distances just to vacation, especially by airplane, which does so much atmospheric damage?
Wouldn’t it be much easier for a sustainably conscious person to figure out which restaurants (or grocery stores) actually create less food waste?
Wouldn’t take-out food places offer returnable food containers?
Wouldn’t there be fewer toxins and forever chemicals in our waterways, drinking water, food and bodies?
Wouldn’t we have banned noisy, atmospheric damaging leaf blowers if leaves are supposed to be left on the ground (as stated on page 108)?
Sustainability in agriculture and eating isn’t a new concept. For instance, in 1971 the book Diet for a Small Planet by Frances Moore Lappé was a BESTSELLER and it highlighted some of the environmental impacts of meat production and eating meat!
If sustainability were indeed simple, why aren’t more of us in the US (who do want to be good future ancestors) actually finding it anything but simple to live sustainably?
I found this thin volume at the library covered in a plastic-like protector.
I usually think of libraries as being a sustainable-friendly option since they share books (and toys and tools and the like), but mightn’t there be room for libraries to become more sustainable?
Instead of being a frequent flyer, I decided to be a frequent reader. Books offer a way to travel to far off places without spewing so many atmospheric damaging emissions. Libraries are part of this environmental armchair travel. But are they as sustainable as they could be? I don’t know.
However, while the authors in this reasonably helpful book do mention that we should look for paper with 100 percent recycled content or else look for an FSC label to ensure the paper came from a forest that’s managed responsibly, I wonder if our libraries —with their collective purchasing power —are demanding this from publishers. This particular book does have the FSC label, but it was the ONLY one in my rather tall stack of library books.
I also do sometimes buy new and used books. Some of those books have mentioned their sustainable paper and printing status. Of course, libraries have ebooks that seem more sustainable in that no paper is involved. An ebook option no doubt saves some readers from traveling to a library building by car or other vehicle that most likely burns fossil fuels.
As a rather frequent reader who has lived in a variety of places, I have intentionally looked for places to live where I could be a more sustainable book lover by walking to my local library. I do sometimes read ebooks on an iPad, but “my eyes and I” prefer to hold an actual book, especially if it’s a children’s picture book.
Currently, I do live where I can walk to two libraries and a bookstore. And nearby there are several free “little library” weatherproofed cupboard-type boxes (with a glass window) often set on posts —some I can reach by walking on trails through conservation woods that my reading nook overlooks. In these neighborhood book “exchanges,” anyone can donate or take a free book.
But back to libraries… Are they making the most of their collective power to encourage the publishing industry and our communities to be more sustainable?
Re this book: I notice that a pretty low number of Goodreads readers have read Sustainability Made Simple, even though it has been around for several years. One can hope that this is because there are many other similar sustainability books rather than that there is little interest in this topic, but who knows? Maybe a book like this just does not have enough reader appeal.
Still, I want to support authors and readers and others interested in sustainability and this educational endeavor. While much of this was familiar to me, I did appreciate that I might not be the target audience.
If sustainability were simple (as this 2017 title suggests), wouldn’t our communities, workplaces, schools, organizations, hospitals, trucks, cars, trains, airplanes, farms, grocery stores, businesses, religious institutions (churches, mosques, synagogues), homes and individual actions look quite different?
Wouldn’t we communally be reducing our greenhouse gas emissions faster?
Wouldn’t way more of the products in our groceries and stores be packaged and priced with sustainability in mind— or not packaged at all?
Wouldn’t my entire neighborhood’s electricity come from clean energy instead of it simply being an OPTION for each individual consumer?
Wouldn’t more people be living much closer to their workplaces or be taking public transportation so the roads would not be so clogged?
Wouldn’t social norms have emerged so fewer people would be traveling such long distances just to vacation, especially by airplane, which does so much atmospheric damage?
Wouldn’t it be much easier for a sustainably conscious person to figure out which restaurants (or grocery stores) actually create less food waste?
Wouldn’t take-out food places offer returnable food containers?
Wouldn’t there be fewer toxins and forever chemicals in our waterways, drinking water, food and bodies?
Wouldn’t we have banned noisy, atmospheric damaging leaf blowers if leaves are supposed to be left on the ground (as stated on page 108)?
Sustainability in agriculture and eating isn’t a new concept. For instance, in 1971 the book Diet for a Small Planet by Frances Moore Lappé was a BESTSELLER and it highlighted some of the environmental impacts of meat production and eating meat!
If sustainability were indeed simple, why aren’t more of us in the US (who do want to be good future ancestors) actually finding it anything but simple to live sustainably?
I found this thin volume at the library covered in a plastic-like protector.
I usually think of libraries as being a sustainable-friendly option since they share books (and toys and tools and the like), but mightn’t there be room for libraries to become more sustainable?
Instead of being a frequent flyer, I decided to be a frequent reader. Books offer a way to travel to far off places without spewing so many atmospheric damaging emissions. Libraries are part of this environmental armchair travel. But are they as sustainable as they could be? I don’t know.
However, while the authors in this reasonably helpful book do mention that we should look for paper with 100 percent recycled content or else look for an FSC label to ensure the paper came from a forest that’s managed responsibly, I wonder if our libraries —with their collective purchasing power —are demanding this from publishers. This particular book does have the FSC label, but it was the ONLY one in my rather tall stack of library books.
I also do sometimes buy new and used books. Some of those books have mentioned their sustainable paper and printing status. Of course, libraries have ebooks that seem more sustainable in that no paper is involved. An ebook option no doubt saves some readers from traveling to a library building by car or other vehicle that most likely burns fossil fuels.
As a rather frequent reader who has lived in a variety of places, I have intentionally looked for places to live where I could be a more sustainable book lover by walking to my local library. I do sometimes read ebooks on an iPad, but “my eyes and I” prefer to hold an actual book, especially if it’s a children’s picture book.
Currently, I do live where I can walk to two libraries and a bookstore. And nearby there are several free “little library” weatherproofed cupboard-type boxes (with a glass window) often set on posts —some I can reach by walking on trails through conservation woods that my reading nook overlooks. In these neighborhood book “exchanges,” anyone can donate or take a free book.
But back to libraries… Are they making the most of their collective power to encourage the publishing industry and our communities to be more sustainable?
Re this book: I notice that a pretty low number of Goodreads readers have read Sustainability Made Simple, even though it has been around for several years. One can hope that this is because there are many other similar sustainability books rather than that there is little interest in this topic, but who knows? Maybe a book like this just does not have enough reader appeal.
Still, I want to support authors and readers and others interested in sustainability and this educational endeavor. While much of this was familiar to me, I did appreciate that I might not be the target audience.
December 11, 2022
“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.” -John Muir
This was a great way to dip your toes into the sustainability talk! Part 1 of this book deals with a simple breakdown of some of the very complex structural factors that negatively affect our environment, and Part 2 deals with a closer look at our individual actions and mindsets.
Most of the data was from years ago so the facts are outdated at this point but it was still written so simply and easy to understand how interconnected all things are. Part 2 was my favorite and it helped me understand what small decisions I can make on a daily basis to improve my relationship with the environment and reduce my footprint.
Some takeaways that I’ll be considering in my daily life:
♻️Change your mindset towards consumption: only buy what you need or what you can re-use repeatedly
📗Borrow books from the library instead of only purchasing them
👗Buy second-hand clothing whenever possible
MORE REVIEWS:
Instagram: @thatssostaysi
https://www.instagram.com/thatssostaysi/
TikTok: @thatssostaysi
https://www.tiktok.com/@thatssostaysi
This was a great way to dip your toes into the sustainability talk! Part 1 of this book deals with a simple breakdown of some of the very complex structural factors that negatively affect our environment, and Part 2 deals with a closer look at our individual actions and mindsets.
Most of the data was from years ago so the facts are outdated at this point but it was still written so simply and easy to understand how interconnected all things are. Part 2 was my favorite and it helped me understand what small decisions I can make on a daily basis to improve my relationship with the environment and reduce my footprint.
Some takeaways that I’ll be considering in my daily life:
♻️Change your mindset towards consumption: only buy what you need or what you can re-use repeatedly
📗Borrow books from the library instead of only purchasing them
👗Buy second-hand clothing whenever possible
MORE REVIEWS:
Instagram: @thatssostaysi
https://www.instagram.com/thatssostaysi/
TikTok: @thatssostaysi
https://www.tiktok.com/@thatssostaysi
July 30, 2017
This is a case where the cover is a bit misleading. Based on the type and cover design, I expected the book to be more of a listing of ideas on how to make less of a carbon footprint. While the last half of the book does give some suggestions, the book is extremely heavy on all the things wrong, backed up by studies and statistics.
This is a good book if you want to research more into different areas we are 'screwing up' our world and look into specific studies around that topic.
I was hoping for more of a 'rah-rah' book, something to give me a bit of a kick in the pants to remind to do my bit more and instead I got a book which probably wasted more trees than it should have.
This is a good book if you want to research more into different areas we are 'screwing up' our world and look into specific studies around that topic.
I was hoping for more of a 'rah-rah' book, something to give me a bit of a kick in the pants to remind to do my bit more and instead I got a book which probably wasted more trees than it should have.
November 23, 2019
Books about this subject are just coming out. At first, it looked like it was going to be a hard read. But after the first chapter or so, of startling statistics like, how bees are the backbone of our food systems. Without them, we’re going to loose 30% of the worlds food and 90% of wild plants (p.6). The culprit is manmade, Neonicotinoids -a pesticide. 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global emissions (The Guardian, a reporting news outlet). Then the books into options of every kind on the individual end.
March 7, 2025
I read this for a work book club focused on sustainability. I thought it came with a ton of helpful information about incorporating more eco-friendly practices in my daily life. Unfortunately, since 2017, when this book was published, a lot has changed, and it feels like we’re further than ever from international cooperation on climate change — at least in the US. I also wonder if some of the tips and data sources would need to be updated. Still, I learned some things that I hope to apply to my own life.
January 27, 2019
" Sustainability Made Simple" is a great book on my opinion. I enjoyed reading it and it has really inspired me to do more for the environment. The book is very much so based on fact and research. The authors gives many links to articles and research papers. The book may not necessarily seem "simple" as the title suggest However, it is still definitely a great read for anyone looking to understand the importance of sustainability and ways you can make an impact as an individual.
October 2, 2022
It's easy and the planet itself will write you a thank you note. This is an easy rehash of some governmental agency blurb. What's funny, that 50 years from now people might think of this crap as they do with the cigarette ads with an actor dressed as a medical doctor. What's even funnier? These people would have cashed in their help the government checks and none would feel responsible. Heck, most of them won't even be alive.
July 25, 2017
An easy book to skim through. Be sure to skip over the first section (what a downer). Just look for the bold headings, and you'll get all the tips for life-style changes that you need. Nothing ground-breaking, but a little motivating; I'm inspired to do better with my reducing, reusing, and recycling.
June 23, 2018
I think it's made a little too simple to really be that interesting or thought-provoking. I wish it went into some more detail, and also maybe had some more poetry. This is a call to action, and I want you to appeal to my emotions a little bit. That said it's all written well enough, and I did learn some things. It's not bad, it's just... nothing special. Even for an introductory type work.
May 6, 2020
The eco-conscious among us will already be familiar with most of the sustainability tips in this book, but the research to back up the authors’ suggestions is impressive. It would be interesting (and useful) to read an updated version with tips on how to counter the environmental policy changes that have occurred during the current administration.
March 18, 2020
Taking care of nature
The books provided a lot of information about taking care of our environment. It is useful and informative. It is however rather dry and reads like a collegiate paper.
The books provided a lot of information about taking care of our environment. It is useful and informative. It is however rather dry and reads like a collegiate paper.
February 7, 2019
A good primer on sustainability across many areas of impact. Lots of references to organizations and key players in the field. Good foundation to build on.
March 15, 2019
I liked the message but the way it was written was so dry. It would be better suited for someone who just first learning about environmental science and sustainability.
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May 22, 2019Great! Wish I had more time to read it, and not keep checking out library
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews