Eco reading recommendations for March
This month's pick of two titles for adults and one for younger readers
Weathering: Earth wisdom for hopeful living by Ruth Allen
Description: Rocks and mountains have withstood aeons of life on our planet - gradually eroding, shifting, solidifying, and weathering. We might spend a little less time on earth, but humans are also weathering: evolving and changing as we're transformed by the shifting climates of our lives and experiences. So, what might these ancient natural forms have to teach us about resilience and change? In a stunning exploration of our own connection to these enduring forms, outdoor psychotherapist and geologist Ruth Allen takes us on a journey through deep time and ancient landscapes, showing how geology - which has formed the bedrock of her own adult life and approach to therapy - can offer us a new way of thinking about our own grief, change and boundaries.
In a world shaken by physical, political, and medical disasters, Weathering argues for a deeper understanding of the ground beneath our feet to better serve ourselves and the world we live in.
“This book certainly reflects the importance of connecting with the environment as a means to improve our mental well being. The publisher notes “Psychotherapist and trained geologist Ruth Allen's work sits at the unique intersection of mental health and the ecosystems around us. Allen's anecdotes, insights, and compelling flair for nature writing will have you rethinking your relationship to the great outdoors.”
You can order this book here.
Spring is the Only Season : How it Works, What it Does and Why it Matters by Simon Barnes
Description: Spring is the time of renewal and rebirth, a celebration of the resilience of life.
As the year turns, animals and plants that have struggled to survive the winter find new hope and create the next generation. The season has inspired some of humanity’s greatest art and many of its most significant religious festivals. Now, in Spring is the Only Season, Simon Barnes provides a fresh and compelling look at this period of the year.
He explains the science of the seasons, which are caused by the planet’s 23.5 degree tilt; he also highlights the music, the paintings and the poetry that have tried to capture it. Packed with fascinating insights, remarkable facts and key stories, the book is a vivid and multi-faceted portrait of spring.
However, while the Earth will continue to spin on its tilting axis, he reveals how our impact on the planet is beginning to destroy the natural course of the seasons, and that elements of the beloved spring – from migrating birds to emerging butterflies – are endangered by climate change.
But it’s not too late. Not yet. We can still make a difference and so continue to enjoy the pleasures of spring.
“Simon’s book explains how important the season of Spring it is to the planet,and how vital it is that we maintain nature’s natural cycles. Knowledge is power and he argues it’s not too late for us to make a difference.”
You can order this book here.
Recycling Day: What Happens to the Things We Throw Away by Polly Faber
Description: A fun, friendly picture book about recycling and rubbish - perfect for children aged 3-6.
From Holly's lorry to Stan's metal-can machine, discover all the busy people, vehicles and machines needed to recycle and dispose of our rubbish - and find out how we can all reuse our things more to make it . .not-for-the-bin day!
With stylish, contemporary artwork from Klas Fahlén and gentle narrative text by Polly Faber, this gorgeous picture book introduces all the people, processes and vehicles involved in recycling paper, glass, plastic, food and more. Bonus non-fiction material includes three pages of fully illustrated tips on how young readers can reduce, reuse and recycle. Fact-checked by Dr Margaret Bates, Professor of Sustainable Waste
Management at the University of Northampton. The ideal book for climate-conscious parents wanting to empower and educate. Printed using vegetable inks and high-quality, sustainable paper.
“It’s never too early for children to start learning about the benefits of recycling and this book will support their learning and encourage the eco warrior in all of them!”
You can order this book here.
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