One of the things I believe most is that good stewardship towards the planet is something that comes with developing a deeper respect for nature itself and building a stronger relationship with it.
So what is good stewardship exactly? Essentially it's an act of taking responsibility and caring for something in ways that allow it to thrive. There's simple daily things you can do to be a better steward to the planet, like reusable shopping bags and water bottles, making a conscious effort to consume less overall and seek out things that are used but the foundation to creating real lasting change is having respect for whatever it is you're trying to impact for the better.
Change is near impossible if we don't learn to respect and understand nature on a deeper level and that's the beauty of each of these books. They are loaded with the science and research behind how things work and are a great place to begin to shift how you perceive the world around you.
-Please note the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item I will receive an affiliate commission which helps offset our costs some. Like covering the cost of a cup of coffee. The opinions are still 100% my own.
Grounded by Ruth Allen
This book dives into the research that's been done to better understand how our bodies react, relate and connect to the natural world. It's an easy read and filled with scientific research that will have you reexamining your own relationship to nature with accessible ways to improve it. Bonus, the photos throughout the book are gorgeous....
Grow Your Soil by Diane Miessler
Grow Your Soil is a great book if you are a gardener or looking to start. It teaches you about the soil food web (who knew that was even a thing really or ever considered it much?) and how complex dirt really is. It also goes into the impacts of the ways in which we farm and things you can do to help your soil thrive and in turn help the plants you grow thrive as well. There's some criticism out there for how much the author talks about the damage that tilling does and while she does focus on it there's also a ton of other great information to be gained and it's well worth the read.
-It's also worth noting that Let It Rot by Stu Campbell is a good option as well
Planting For Wildlife by Jane Moore
If you're looking for a different take on traditional gardening in the US (aka sweeping lawns of green, kept short, tidy and weedless typically thanks to a heavy dose of pesticides) this is worth the read. Jane Moore's perspective and focus will have you contemplating how wildlife from birds and bunnies to foxes and such move through your own garden and the ways in which you can help them thrive. It's well written and gives a fresh perspective as you consider how to lay things out in your own yard.
Nature's Best Hope by Douglas W. Tallamy
If you're feeling up to something a little heavier you may be interested in reading Nature's Best Hope. This book is a really honest look at the realities of where we are and I found it can read a bit doom and gloom. It's one I had to take my time with but in the end I think it's a must read for anyone who really wants to make purposeful, positive change that's truly lasting.
The Hidden Life Of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
I picked this book up on a whim and it transformed the way I look at trees everywhere from the forest to my own backyard. As a kid I was taught when it came to trees it was kind of survival of the fittest but it turns out it's quite the opposite. This book was a wonderful look at the complexities of trees, the many way they actually support each other and more.
There's hundreds (thousands?) of great books out there regarding nature, but these are a great place to begin.
I'll share more great reads in the coming months so be sure to sign up for our Little Sprout Newsletter to avoid missing out (there's a lot of fun things coming exclusively for newsletter subscribers).
Have a great week, if you have any recommendations please pass them along, I'm always on the lookout,
Bec