Remember how nice it is to curl up with a book? Even when it’s possible to find all of the information you need on blogs, books (or their e-book counterparts) sometimes offer a more organized roadmap to a zero waste lifestyle.
It would take months to read every book written about zero waste living, but luckily a lot of them cover similar information, so you don’t have to!
The following are some of the best books on zero waste. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned veteran, an artist or an academic, there’s a zero waste book you’ll want on your shelf.
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A Zero Waste Book for Every Stage of Your Journey
From the OG of zero waste books, to new finds and revised editions, we’ve done the hard work finding the best books on living a zero waste lifestyle so you won’t waste any time getting inspired!
Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life by Reducing Your Waste
by Bea Johnson
Zero Waste Home is a classic written by one of the pioneers of the movement. Finding herself unsatisfied with her family’s consumption-heavy California life, Bea Johnson dove into what she dubbed a “zero waste” lifestyle. The result was a personal transformation, a blog, and a movement.
Her story inspires, and her ideas will help you ditch your trash can for good. This zero waste lifestyle book is perfect for people looking for a role model or for those with a settled lifestyle ready to take things to the next level.
Waste Not: Make a Big Difference By Throwing Away Less
by Erin Rhoads
Erin Rhoads, a big name in Australia’s eco-blogging sphere, went from being a skeptical documentary viewer to a prominent activist and speaker. Her book is a comprehensive guide with plenty how-to information and possible approaches to waste free living.
As a former travel blogger who still writes as The Rogue Ginger, her book also contains tricks for being zero waste on the road. This book is great for people looking for a zero waste coach who—as a busy mom herself—is relatable and realistic.
Zero Waste: Simple Life Hacks to Drastically Reduce Your Trash
by Shia Su
German-born Shia Su manages to make low waste living appealing, accessible, and fun. Just seeing her asymmetric, colorful hair and purple flannel shirt on the cover gives you a sense of what kind of guide she is.
Written in a down-to-earth style with plenty of charm, her book is full of practical tips for becoming trash free and enjoying it too. This book is great if you relate to a younger, budget-conscious generation or if you want a fun guide to kick-start your journey.
101 Ways to Go Zero Waste
by Kathryn Kellogg
A cancer scare in college prompted Kathryn Kellogg to examine what she was putting in her body and to adopt a zero waste lifestyle. As the title suggests, 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste is full of practical tips for eliminating trash.
From no-brainers to ingenious ideas, this waste free living book is a handy reference for people at any point in their zero waste journey.
A Zero Waste Life: In Thirty Days
by Anita Vandyke
Anita Vandyke wants to empower you to live an eco-luxe life and be an everyday activist. As a rocket scientist, medical student, and popular blogger and Instagrammer, it’s unclear how she had the time to produce this beautifully-illustrated zero waste lifestyle book, but the world is glad she did.
This simple guide to moving towards a zero waste life in 30 days is perfect for the curious beginner who enjoys challenges, clean aesthetics, and doing things in style.
A Life Less Throwaway: The Lost Art of Buying for Life
by Tara Button
Instead of Marie Kondo’s, “Does this spark joy?” Tara Button encourages us to ask, “Will this last for life?” She’s the founder of the site Buy Me Once, which has taken off as the place to find items that won’t wear out.
In her zero waste home book, she uses insight from her career in advertising as well as research to show how we are manipulated to consume more, and she presents her ten steps for mastering “mindful curation.”
This book is for those interested in the history of our wasteful society who are ready to invest in high-quality items.
No Impact Man: The Adventures of a Guilty Liberal Who Attempts to Save the Planet, and the Discoveries He Makes About Himself and Our Way of Life in the Process
by Colin Beavan
While most prominent zero waste bloggers and writers are women, that doesn’t mean that zero waste isn’t for men. No Impact Man is a memoir that details New York writer Colin Beaven’s attempt to impact the environment as little as possible for a year.
By becoming an eco-extremist, he aimed to sort out what works vs. what isn’t worth the trouble. This book is great for those who want an entertaining, thought-provoking read and who are interested in a male take on this movement.
Waste-Free Kitchen Handbook: A Guide to Eating Well and Saving Money By Wasting Less Food
by Dana Gunders
In 2012 Dana Gunders learned that America was wasting up to 40% of its food. As a scientist for the National Resources Defense Council, highlighting this has been her mission, and her well-researched no waste kitchen book reflects it.
In it you can find tips and techniques for food shopping, storage, and preservation, as well as recipes, checklists, and infographics. It’s great for people who love to cook and want to see a tangible impact with minimal adjustment.
The Zero Waste Solution: Untrashing the Planet One Community at a Time
by Paul Connett
Paul Connett knows his stuff, and he has the degrees to prove it. He was working as a professor of biochemistry in 1985 when he was—as he phrases it—”dragged into” a campaign to fight a waste incinerator planned for his county.
He’s been involved in waste management activism ever since. His book profiles successful initiatives across the world, and it’s great for those interested in local politics and making zero waste a community effort.
Trash Talk: Moving Toward a Zero-Waste World
by Michelle Mulder
Zero waste isn’t just for grown-ups! Trash Talk: Moving Toward a Zero-Waste World presents the history of trash, the problems with our buying habits, and everyday solutions to children grades 5-7.
With plenty of photos, trash facts, and special notes, this is a great way to introduce kids to the zero waste movement.
Whether you want to pad out your collection of green living books or purchase one to inspire a friend, there’s a whole bookshelf’s worth of zero waste books to choose from. Gone are the days of scouring the internet for stray tips; now all you need to know can fit easily in your hands.