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Before you shy away from these very serious topics, read about how to take action to improve your little piece of the planet. Respond to life's challenges one day at a time.
FATAL CONVENIENCES: The Toxic Products and Harmful Habits That Are Making You Sick by Darin Olien (306.461 OL) is one of the most frightening books you'll ever read. It contains information on the myriad chemicals used in the everyday products we use on our skin, hair, teeth, and clothes; not to mention what's in our food to make it look and smell better. Olien's research began in the 1990's when his father developed disabling chemical sensitivities that destroyed his life. Don't despair, as the final chapter provides actual recipes and safe brand names as alternatives to buying products full of unwanted chemicals.
THE HEAT WILL KILL YOU FIRST: Life and Death on a Scorched Planet by Jeff Goodell (363.7387 GO) begins with a mystery regarding a young healthy couple who died while hiking near their northern California home. They died of heatstroke. There are further examples of how increased temperatures affect people, agriculture, and infrastructure across the continents. A chapter on "Cheap Cold Air" explores the advantages and hazards of air conditioning. Heat has also affected ocean waters and ice caps, displacing birds, sea life, and land animals. It has drastically shifted the traditional migration routes of people, causing numerous political and human rights issues. This easy-to-read format is full of thought-provoking information.
PAPER VALLEY: The Fight for the Fox River Cleanup by P. David Allen II and Susan Campbell (333.91 AL) is a stirring narrative of environmental cleanup efforts that set a Green Bay newspaper, federal regulators and the Wisconsin Fish and Wildlife Service against a coalition of wealthy paper companies, assisted by then governor, Tommy Thompson. A carefully documented timeline covers the cleanup, and its setbacks, from 1991 until its completion in 2020. This story is of regional interest, since it affects the health of the Great Lakes.
SOCIAL JUSTICE FOR THE SENSITIVE SOUL: How to Change the World in Quiet Ways by Dorcas Cheng-Tozun (303.372 CH) explores the nature of the sensitive soul – the idealist who feels a responsibility to right the wrongs of civilization. Many sensitive people are introverts who don't think they have the emotional tools to become activists for a cause. The author identifies the skills they already have and could comfortably utilize in the name of activism. The third and most important section takes those skills and funnels them into positive pathways for social change. Choose your path, be it public or private, and promote justice where it matters most.
THE THREE AGES OF WATER: Prehistoric Past, Imperiled Present, and a Hope for the Future by Peter Gleick (333.91 GL) places water into three distinct areas of study. The First Age of Water summarizes the history of water from the formation of the planet until the fifteenth century when sociologists noted the ways it was used for exploration and human settlement. The Second Age of Water talks about how this valuable resource was scientifically studied and then put to work for industrial advances and personal recreation. Because of all the pollution and misuse of water from the Industrial Revolution to the end of World War II, modern civilization has entered the Third Age of Water where we can decide to restore and protect sustainable ecosystems or invite planetary disaster.
YOU WILL OWN NOTHING: Your War with a New Financial World Order and How to Fight Back by Carol Roth (305.52 RO) talks about the trend of the wealthiest corporations and individuals making use of their buying power to procure American assets ahead of middle class investors. It covers the shrinking value of the dollar, owning a home, student loans, and sustainable investing, all controlled by government regulations and influenced by corporate lobbyists. There's an index and 25 pages of notes to sort out the density of information in this book.
By Lynette Suckow
Reference Librarian