With the holiday break less than a month away we’ve already started stacking our summer reads. Between the inevitable fantasy romance, sports bios and Oprah recommedations, why not pick up these inspirational non-fiction favourites published over the last year.

1. A Life on Our Planet: My Witness Statement and a Vision for the Future by David Attenborough (Penguin)
   Who better to write witness statement for our planet than 93 year old Sir David Attenborough? This companion to the recent documentary provides both historical context for climate change and the inspiration we need to take action. As Attenborough powerfully reminds us, “We have one final chance to create the perfect home for ourselves and restore the wonderful world we inherited.”
   
2. ‘No More Rubbish Excuses’ by Martin Dorey (Ebury Press)
   Described by The Sunday Time as One of ‘the best new books on eco-living’, this self-help guide by expert environmental campaigner Martin Dorey will help you reduce your waste with simple, impactful #2minutesolutions almost anyone can adopt.
   
3. ‘The Garden Jungle’ by Dave Goulson (Vintage Books)
   This book provides practical advice and inspiration, showing us that gardening is not only a wholesome hobby but can also help save the planet. Written by David Goulson is a professor of biology who specialises in bumblebee ecology, this is the perfect companion for the sustainable gardener.
   
4. ‘How Bad are Bananas?: The Carbon Footprint of Everything’ by Mike Berners-Lee (Profile Books)
   Mike Berners-Lee (professor of sustainability at Lancaster University and author) updates his ground-breaking book from 2009 with fresh data on the carbon footprint of almost everything. Described as “An engaging book that manages to present serious science without preaching. It offers tools that any reader will be able to use and make informed choices, and even seasoned ecoenthusiasts will be in for plenty of surprises” (New Scientist).
   
5. ‘How to Break Up with Fast Fashion’ by Lauren Bravo (Headline Publishing)
   The environmental and ethical case against fast fashion has been building for years but for most people it’s a toxic relationship that’s hard to leave. Journalist Lauren Bravo has acknowledged her own shortcomings, done the investigating, and put together this great manual for the ethical fashionista.
   
6. ‘No One is Too Small to Make a Difference’ by Greta Thunberg, (Penguin)
   From unknown student to Nobel Peace nominee comes this collection of speeches capturing some of the teenage activist Great Thunberg’s biggest moments that have put her at the forefront of the climate strike movement. Authentic and empowering, Thunberg’s words speak for a generation willing to fight for their future.
   
7. ‘Sustainable Escapes’ by Lonely Planet  (Lonely Planet)
   Dreaming of sustainable adventures once travel restrictions ease up? The perfect travel guide for your next big trip. Full of escapes for every taste and budget, pick from remote yoga retreats, relaxing eco-lodges or sustainable volunteer projects.
   
8. ‘Turning the Tide on Plastic’ by Lucy Siegle (Orion)
   Plastic waste can sometimes feel like an overwhelming problem but Leucy Siegle has the inspiration you need to ‘reduce, rethink, refill, refuse’. Informative and motivating to help us take effective personal actions to live plastic-free.