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Better, Bolder, Different
Kate Hall, environmental activist and educator, shares her philosophy of joy-filled living with people and the planet in mind.
All the daily decisions we make about clothes, food, transport, sleep, stuff, wellbeing and relationships can be tweaked to benefit not only the environment, but also ourselves and others. Doing simple things differently and more sustainably can be freeing.
Kate shows us how to embrace sustainable living in all facets of life. She shares clever consumption tips, encourages us to do things differently, like sleep upside down, to look after what we have, prioritise wellbeing and to live with less waste.
As Kate says, we can all live life a little better. And better is enough.
'Kate's book is just like her; brimming with energy, colour, information and a lot of fun. It's a brilliant read and a vital new resource as we look to empower ourselves and the planet.' Miriama Kamo
'A wonderful read for those wanting to do more, but without having to give up everything they love.' Brianne West, CEO, Ethique
All the daily decisions we make about clothes, food, transport, sleep, stuff, wellbeing and relationships can be tweaked to benefit not only the environment, but also ourselves and others. Doing simple things differently and more sustainably can be freeing.
Kate shows us how to embrace sustainable living in all facets of life. She shares clever consumption tips, encourages us to do things differently, like sleep upside down, to look after what we have, prioritise wellbeing and to live with less waste.
As Kate says, we can all live life a little better. And better is enough.
'Kate's book is just like her; brimming with energy, colour, information and a lot of fun. It's a brilliant read and a vital new resource as we look to empower ourselves and the planet.' Miriama Kamo
'A wonderful read for those wanting to do more, but without having to give up everything they love.' Brianne West, CEO, Ethique
- GenresNonfictionSustainability
240 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2022
5 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 6, 2025
5 April 2025 - YouTube Book Review, plus extras
https://youtu.be/QupIzeiHdPk?si=PX95S...
Starting off with a quote that basically sums up the book for me.
"I live this way because aligning your values with your actions is one of the fulfilling aspects of life".
I come from a place where paper bags were used for groceries, relied on rain water, "Sunlight" soap was used for doing the dishes with a special holder that you ran water under. So you may well be asking why was I reading this anyway when basically everything Kate writes and experiences in this book is just second nature to me? Because as a reviewer I feel this is a powerful book that needs spreading to as many readers as possible.
The book is set up that it's easy reading, forget your over the top philosophical views, this is pitched in an easy style, photos and colourful paged quotes are sporadically placed so you don't get overwhelmed with too much information overload. Bullet points and a friendly attitude from Kate brings forth a sunny vibe which mixes beautifully. Recipes included, plus helpful hints on many a things, especially tackling that dreaded over full clothes wardrobe.
So yes this is Inspiration for sustainable living, but is just that ..... "living".
I want to thank whole heartedly Allen & Unwin (NZ) for gifting me this book and also to Kate Hall (Ethically Kate) for writing such a very important subject that we should all contribute to.
Rating - 5 star review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Better, Bolder, Different (pages 240)
Ethically Kate
Genre - NonFiction, SelfHelp, Wellbeing
Pauline Reid
Reviewer
New Zealand.
November 4, 2022
When I was in my early adult life from 18 to about mid-'20s, I went through a stage of reading self-help books, motivational stories, and inspirational non-fiction. Then I stopped and went towards fiction, but coming into my mid 30's now - I have gone back to reading a mixture of fiction and non-fiction especially those that align with my own values and are motivational, but down to earth and not in a judgemental - you have to do this or else attitude. The other thing that is different in my life is my views of certain subjects are changing strongly as my new job is being the EA for House of Science which is a science charity and so I am now in the midst each day of reading scientific articles, writing science experiments and reading about sustainable living and climate change and global issues. It has opened my eyes and given me a new outlook on life. A few months ago, I would have never dreamed of eating an insect, and then about a month ago we were running a stand at StemFest in Tauranga and I ended up eating at least a handful of edible crickets and surprisingly they were nice to eat and didn't taste horrible. Ethically Kate's book is about half-memoir as it touches on her own life and experiences and tips that she has and does to live a sustainable life for her and her husband Tim. The other half is tips and tricks on several topics to help you live for yourself a sustainable life in all aspects. Especially since most people think sustainable living is living minimalistic and buying healthy and saving the planet. It is mostly this, but there are other things like looking after your mental health e.g sleeping and my favourite are you being stuffocated? Better, Bolder, Different has something for everyone and is a great reference book to have and reflect on as you can use Ethically Kate's ideas as a basis for creating your own sustainable living plan as not every identical plan will work for the same person, there may be some adjusting needed in areas. The other thing I love which could be slightly biased is that this book is written by a New Zealander - Go NZ.
Don’t forget to check out Kate’s website at www.ethicallykate.com
Don’t forget to check out Kate’s website at www.ethicallykate.com
February 3, 2024
Adored this, aligned with so many of my personal values and found so many new ways to (relatively easily) live more sustainably.
January 3, 2023
Whether you’re new to exploring a more sustainable lifestyle or you just need to feel re-inspired, this is a nice easy read with ideas I’ve been able to put in to practice in my daily life.
October 19, 2023
Already aligned with everything in here so was interesting to read how someone else does it all
March 27, 2023
I am so grateful to have taken the time to sit down and read this book.
Part stories, part tips, part journal and beautiful pictures,
It felt like a collage to all things that make up Kate Hall.
This books layout of different chapters, short paragraphs, dot point suggestions and photos that show sections of her house, life, or stories that she’s writing about, which feel warm, welcoming and inviting. It really evoked so much in me, as I felt a sense of deep connection and vulnerability being let it to someone’s life like this.
I try to live a low tox life, however do struggle with fast fashion and packaging for foods. We already live a vegan lifestyle, exercise and compost to start building our own veggie patch, but like with anything, there’s still so much more we can do.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read Kate’s book and reinvigorate my purpose and get back into the swing of things to reduce my carbon footprint!
Part stories, part tips, part journal and beautiful pictures,
It felt like a collage to all things that make up Kate Hall.
This books layout of different chapters, short paragraphs, dot point suggestions and photos that show sections of her house, life, or stories that she’s writing about, which feel warm, welcoming and inviting. It really evoked so much in me, as I felt a sense of deep connection and vulnerability being let it to someone’s life like this.
I try to live a low tox life, however do struggle with fast fashion and packaging for foods. We already live a vegan lifestyle, exercise and compost to start building our own veggie patch, but like with anything, there’s still so much more we can do.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read Kate’s book and reinvigorate my purpose and get back into the swing of things to reduce my carbon footprint!
May 21, 2023
Absolutely loved this book! It is exactly what the cover suggests an inspirational book to mix up your life and help the planet out in the process. I loved reading each chapter slowly and taking time afterwards to think about the ideas in this book. I've already started implementing some of them! And yes some ideas I do already but I do feel like it was a good book for people who are partyway down the ethically living road which is awesome because some of the similar books I've read recently are very much for beginners.
I particularly love that there is a sharing chart at the back of the book! As a Book Fairy this made my heart sing.
I particularly love that there is a sharing chart at the back of the book! As a Book Fairy this made my heart sing.
December 23, 2023
An easy read on ways & tips on how we can reduce carbon footprint for example our food choices, think before we buy clothes, composting food waste and many more practical things outlined in the book we can adopt to live a sustainable lifestyle. If each of us make a choice to make one change recommended, imagine the impact it would make.
I feel it’s important to spread the sustainability awareness of this book to as many readers as possible.
I feel it’s important to spread the sustainability awareness of this book to as many readers as possible.
January 5, 2023
Really enjoyed reading this book. It was a fun and easy read packed with useful tips for living more consciously in a way that reduces harm to the environment and others, while also benefiting our own mental health.
I loved how many ways Kate was able to link environmental health to mental health as I think this is still something that doesn’t get mentioned enough.
Highly recommend
I loved how many ways Kate was able to link environmental health to mental health as I think this is still something that doesn’t get mentioned enough.
Highly recommend
June 29, 2023
An inspiring read from an over achieving and very impressive Kate. Many take aways in this book and written to be accessible to all levels of 'sustainability'. Also, Kate used to walk my dogs so I feel even more obligated to recycle better and live a bit differently. Congratulations Kate on a fantastic book!
October 9, 2023
I appreciate Kate's approach to sustainability. People can be completely turned off when others preach zero waste living and being sustainable. Kate sees living within your sustainability values as a privilege and encourages you to do what you can. Every little bit helps. An encouraging, easy and enjoyable read.
April 15, 2023
Informative, educational, and inspiring. Kate explains her values in such a lovely non-judgemental way and gives heaps of simple, practical ideas on how we can take care of ourselves, our community and our planet
July 4, 2023
A fresh perspective of what it means to live a sustainable life without the guilt trip. Many have written about tips and tricks for sustainability but I don’t think any have done it in the uplifting and inspiring way that Kate has done here. So so good!
March 7, 2023
Really enjoyed reading this. Kate has a great philosophy on life and sustainable living and this book is full of little nuggets of wisdom. No preachy or judgemental vibes either. Highly recommend!
December 22, 2023
yeah good
August 24, 2025
4/5
Kate Hall is an influencer from New Zealand who is a similar age to me. I’ve followed her for a while and knowing how much she/sustainability means to me, the most wonderful boyfriend in the world @blake_nyenkamp surprised me by buying her book and leaving it on my pillow.
To sum Kate up, her vibe is about living as sustainably as you can, while still living your life and getting joy out of everyday. She is a big believer in baby steps, rather than trying to do too much at once and not achieving anything. I really like her approach, because she doesn’t shame anyone for slip ups or for being less sustainable than she is. She acknowledges how hard it would be to be 100% waste free in today’s society, particularly for those that are less privileged, but also gives a heap of ideas about ways everyone can make a difference.
I feel I’ve gotten to know her after following her for a decent amount of time now and reading her book I could almost hear it in her voice. A lot of the book contained ideas she has already talked about on her Instagram, so I was familiar with them, but there were definitely still a few learnings. It did make me feel a little guilty too, because there are many things I could be doing better, but just don’t have the energy/am too lazy to do. Overall it was a great book and I finally get to lend one to my mama rather than the other way round.
Kate Hall is an influencer from New Zealand who is a similar age to me. I’ve followed her for a while and knowing how much she/sustainability means to me, the most wonderful boyfriend in the world @blake_nyenkamp surprised me by buying her book and leaving it on my pillow.
To sum Kate up, her vibe is about living as sustainably as you can, while still living your life and getting joy out of everyday. She is a big believer in baby steps, rather than trying to do too much at once and not achieving anything. I really like her approach, because she doesn’t shame anyone for slip ups or for being less sustainable than she is. She acknowledges how hard it would be to be 100% waste free in today’s society, particularly for those that are less privileged, but also gives a heap of ideas about ways everyone can make a difference.
I feel I’ve gotten to know her after following her for a decent amount of time now and reading her book I could almost hear it in her voice. A lot of the book contained ideas she has already talked about on her Instagram, so I was familiar with them, but there were definitely still a few learnings. It did make me feel a little guilty too, because there are many things I could be doing better, but just don’t have the energy/am too lazy to do. Overall it was a great book and I finally get to lend one to my mama rather than the other way round.
April 25, 2025
Kate makes living sustainable seem so much easier and this book has great ideas and starting points. Loved the vegetable curry recipe in it too
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews