The Godfather of Green: An Eco-Spiritual Memoir

by Jerry Yudelson

THE GODFATHER OF GREEN: AN ECO-SPIRITUAL MEMOIR shows one person finding his place over many years as an active participant in three major environmental movements, beginning with the first Earth Day in 1970, up to the present Climate Crisis.

During that time, Jerry Yudelson actively studied meditation and mindfulness practices under the guidance of two powerful Indian spiritual masters. He struggles over many years to integrate these disparate worlds for the betterment of himself and the environment.

Through stories, contemplations, poems and revealing insights, Jerry describes intense encounters with meditation masters, politicians, wives and lovers, activists, architects and engineers, bureaucrats and business leaders, as well as with his own deepest Self.

304 pages, Paperback

Published April 22, 2020

About the author

Social activist, environmentalist, engineer, spiritual seeker - some of the many hats Jerry Yudelson wore during an extensive career chronicled in his deliciously detailed, emotionally revealing, and spiritually insightful environmental memoir, The Godfather of Green: An Eco-Spiritual Odyssey.

After organizing for the first Earth Day, Jerry dropped out of grad school, pursued spiritual development and encountered the renowned Indian master Swami Muktananda, who initiated him into a powerful meditation practice, giving him experiences that upended his life.

Author of 12 books on green building and sustainable development, named a "LEED Fellow" by the U.S. Green Building Council and "The Godfather of Green" by Wired magazine, Jerry followed an unusual career path toward sustainability leadership.

Beginning in the late 1990s, he became a global leader in the green building movement, convincing architects and developers to reduce buildings' ecological footprints with sustainable design.

In the end, Jerry found inner strength, his life's purpose and outward success by combining committed spiritual practices with his life's work to create a better world through environmental activism.

Jerry offers three lessons in environmental leadership for today's climate justice activists:
1. Always demand more than you think you need and hold people accountable for delivering.
2. Offer your work as selfless service to the planet and its people, coming from a place of love and respect.
3. Make a place for everyone in this movement, because you're going to need participation from many different fields: poets, politicians, priests, scientists and business leaders.

"A well-done memoir that holds far more insight and meaning than an exploration of one man's singular life." - Midwest Book Review

Reviews

[Robin Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

From intellectual hangover to seeing the face of God in a redwood tree…! Through humor, self-reflection, and facts, Jerry’s concise yet engaging writing takes the reader on a fascinating journey at the leading edge of the US environmental movement. His intimate dance with spirituality weaves throughout this memoir, showing “God’s immanent presence in our lives.” The foundations of Jerry’s many other books on environmental building are anchored in a divine nature that reveals itself early in his career. His odyssey towards inner awareness, growth and personal connection to the universe parallels his many achievements in offering concrete solutions towards stewardship of the Earth. This book shows us that one person’s call-to-action can have an enormous positive impact and that individuals’ efforts DO make a difference.

[Renie Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jerry has written an inspiring “eco-spiritual odyssey” of his inner and outer journey, as he is touched by deep forces through his relationship with nature and his studies of eastern thought that began under Baba Muktananda. His role in organizing the first Earth Day was only the start of years spent working for a clean, sustainable planet. He had to face many obstacles with brutal honesty. Jerry helps us understand how the climate crisis is not only a crisis of the environment but also of our souls when the health of the entire planet is as stake. He urges us to step up and face our biggest challenge, protecting the earth from catastrophic circumstances and that each of us can start by using our unique talents towards serving a greater good.

[David Schaller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jerry Yudelson invites us along as he explores coming of age in the modern environmental movement. The story is amplified throughout by his search for spiritual meaning in a world challenged by ecological crisis. He offers a deeply personal account of the achievements and trials of that journey, beginning at a time when eco-activists and spiritual seekers were striking out on their own, without mileposts or even maps. Yudelson gifts us with a reassurance of what is possible at a time of pure discovery of both self and science, sharing those moments where logic and heart conspire but sometimes also clash.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jerry Yudelson helped organize activities for the world’s first Earth Day back in 1970, spurring in him a passion for protecting the planet that would never fade, as shown by a lifetime of environmental activism and mindfulness. He had such an interesting role in helping to create not just a new holiday, but a movement — I was captivated and energized by this engaging memoir. Plus the foreword is by the actor, Ed Begley Jr., from Six Feet Under and lots of other great stuff. Definitely worth checking out!

[Terry Tamminen]

The Godfather of Green will make you “an offer you can’t refuse” (to paraphrase a famous movie!) - - invest a couple of hours to read the absorbing personal journey of an amazing visionary leader and awaken your own inner activist, teacher, mentor, and high-achiever, all in service to a planet in peril. Knowing that people like Jerry Yudelson are inspiring and designing our communities gives me hope that we can create a truly sustainable future for generations to come.

[S Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating read from beginning to end. Yudelson’s memoir shows us a life of service that's informed and fueled by his spiritual quest and love for the earth. I loved the personal stories of his professional, spiritual and love life that show he has a high level of self-mastery and presence. This book is a useful guide in navigating the critical actions required to respond to the climate crisis and save ourselves and the planet.

[Sonja From · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many of Jerry’s revelations will startle you. Some, in my opinion, unveil secrets of the universe. His honesty, the richness of political and cultural context, and his plunges into the unknown blend in a flow that is easy to read. These elements made his memoir hard to put down, even when I wanted to dwell on what he said.

Jerry Yudelson provides calming guidance in this climate-changing world through this compelling work: a book to savor.

[Steve Straus]

The “Godfather of Green’s” new book is a wonderful memoir of a life committed to the environment and the power of positive thinking. Jerry provides a detailed account of making the right decisions at important “forks in the road”. Very proud to have shared a small part of “Jerry’s Journey” through an astonishing life.

[Victoria Betancourt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jerry Yudelson has written a powerful, engrossing, and endearingly
self-aware personal memoir. It is also an historically significant
chronicle of the environmental movement by one of its chief leaders.

[Devin Saylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jerry is always ahead of his time paving the way on the road less traveled. I loved reading about his eco journey which also coincided with the development of a deep spiritual practice. Jerry’s memoir is a must read for anyone looking to lead a purpose filled and passionate life.