One Makes the Difference: Inspiring Actions That Change Our World

by Julia Butterfly Hill

After her record-breaking two year tree sit, Julia Butterfly Hill has ceaslessly continued her efforts to promote sustainability and ecologically-minded ways to save the old-growth redwoods she acted so valiantly to protect. Here she provides her many young fans with what they yearn for most -- her advice on how to promote change and improve the health of the planet, distilled into an essential handbook. This book will be accessible to school-aged children, while accomodating the audience of parents and teachers who look to Julia as an example of how one person can "change the world." Packed with a variety of charts, diagrams, and interesting factoids, the book will be broken down into a series of steps and easy-to-follow lessons. It will be written broadly so as to accommodate all kinds of activism, though its core focus will be on environmental issues.

Genres: Environment, Philosophy

Library Binding

First published March 26, 2002

About the author

Julia Butterfly Hill is an enviornmental activist and author who was known for her effort to protect a tree in California Redwood from being cut down. She lived on the tree for two years, and eventually succeeded in preventing the lumber company from cutting trees in the area.

Reviews

[Jennifer Tse · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book written by Julia Hill, the activist who lived in a tree call "Luna" for 738 days. I liked how encouraging she is about how everyone can make a difference! I also liked how she explains each issue in the beginning before she suggests actions we can take. I think some of the actions she asks us to take are not very practical and can seem too radical, but there are some good ones I didn't know before like trying to purchase organic cotton clothes. There is a great reminder to bring our own cups so we can stop using paper cups (since trees are being cut in an alarming rate)! I enjoyed the sample stories about ordinary people and celebrities making a difference like Erin Brockovich and Jaime Lerner (mayor of Brazil).

Favorite Quotes:
"Rethink: Discover your consumer power- every penny spent can be a vote for our planet and our future.
Respect: Life is sacred and needs our respect. When we truly learn to honor all life, we change the way we view the world and our place in it.
Reduce: Reduce the amount you purchase and use to protect resources and send a message to manufacturers.
Reuse: Learn creative ways to reuse what you already have.
Recycle: Recycle to save energy and water. Keep paper, glass, plastic, and aluminum out of overflowing landfills. (Back cover)"

"I know from my experiences that when our hearts open, we can find the courage to do things that our minds will always say are too difficult. After all, the root word for courage is cour, which means 'heart' The more our spirit opens, the more strength and conviction we will discover we hold inside. It all begins, though, with the first step- doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do, regardless of the outcome. Striving to be a part of the solution instead of the problem. I believe we all have our own 'personal tree to sit in.' For me this means committing to waking up every morning and asking ourselves, 'What can I do today to make the world a better place?' And then doing the best we can to live our beliefs. As we are human, some days our best will be better than others. We will make mistakes, and then we can give thanks for the lessons they teach us. One breath at a time, one step at a time, we will find we have crossed our own perceived boundaries and limitations into a whole new divine way of living and being." (P.190)

"The problems with smog are compounded by L.A.'s topography (including oceanic air patterns and mountain ranges), which inhabit the polluted particles from dispersing. A main contributor to the air quality problem in this freeway city is the excessive use of private automobiles to go even the shortest distances. This lifestyle came about because Los Angeles, for far too long, has lacked a sufficient public transportation system. In the 1940s, a train system was created, but the auto industry teamed up with tire and oil companies to make sure it didn't flourish. Now the city is desperately trying to undo the damage with stricter emission controls and a new rail system. Unfortunately, it won't be that easy to wean the auto-dependent urbanites off their beloved SUVs, which also double as status symbols. This issue is best demonstrated in one of the many satires about L.A. residents who get in their fancy cars to drive down their driveways to get their mail." (P. 49)

[Theresa Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. It brought to my attention the enormous responsibility we have for future generations and our planet. If we take this responsibility and do the right thing, there may be a better tomorrow. It is a call to action. I like the book, because it not only states the problems but also has the solutions. It feels good to go to thrift stores and consignment shops, because I am not getting wrapped up in big businesses and their hidden agendas. I like cutting my garbage in half by recycling paper, glass, and plastic products. Animals and plants need our protections from the harmful greed that plagues our world. When you look into the eyes of a child, you understand how important it is to make it all better.

[Ganesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few years ago, I mentioned this book to my aunt, and later I was happy to learn that she had her her Girl Scout troop read it. This book is short, accessible, and compelling -- a good introduction to how to live a more environmentally conscious life.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of people's individual contributions to society. How one voice can make a difference. Julia Butterfly Hill is one of those. Fortunate enough to meet her at an author signing of this book.