CLIMATE CHANGE

Natalie Fee, Laurence King Publishing (OCT 22) Hardcover $16.99 (208pp), 978-1-78627-499-1

UK environmentalist Natalie Fee’s engaging and witty How to Save the World for Free is about environmentalism via small, personal acts.

The book’s twelve chapters each focus on one area where individuals can take little steps to help the environment. Whether focused on eating, drinking, getting dressed, or even using the bathroom, each brims with smart, easy ways to make a positive impact. A chapter on travel highlights the benefits of cycling over driving and forwards ideas including carpooling, taking nonstop flights, and packing in a sensible way. A chapter on banking discusses working with ethical banks, making use of “planet-friendly pensions,” and exploring the availability of local or “homegrown” currencies.

An intriguing chapter on voting forwards examples from Europe and the United States of movements based on values, including the protection of the environment, that influence voters. Addressing cotton, called “the world’s ‘dirtiest’ agricultural commodity,” it suggests better options, like clothes made with bamboo or hemp. It lobbies for reusing and recycling clothes as well.

Closing with ways to “amplify the impact of our actions” by collaborating with others, the book also includes an excellent watch list of environmental documentaries, many of which are free to enjoy. The text proves that there is no shortage of world-saving ideas involving every facet of life, and its suggestions are clever and educational throughout.

While saving the world is no laughing matter, lighthearted and often humorous writing helps to get the points across, treating a sobering topic in a lively, non-threatening manner. How to Save the World for Free makes for entertaining reading, but should be read in a serious way.