For a comprehensive annotated bibliography of books on sustainability, see "Sustainability Today" by Andres Edwards. "Believing Cassandra: An Optimist looks at a Pessimist's World". Alan AtKisson, Chelsea Green Publishing Company, 1999. An unapologetically optimistic and readable rendition of our capacity to transform towards sustainability. "Better Not Bigger: How to Take Control of Urban Growth and Improve Your Community". Eben Fodor, New Society Publishers, 1999. A book that clearly defines and delineates the costs and benefits of community growth. "Beyond Growth: The Economics of Sustainable Development". Herman Daily, Beacon Press, 1997. Named one of a hundred "visionaries who could change your life" by the Utne Reader, Herman Daly has probably been the most prominent advocate of the need for a change in economic thinking in response to environmental crisis. Some of the clearest writing on the fallacies of economic theory. "Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature". Janine Benyus, Harperperennial Library; September 2002. Benyus describes pioneering engineers making technological breakthroughs by uncovering and copying nature's hidden marvels. Her awe of nature's wonders is infectious. "The Change Handbook". Peg Holman and Tom Devane. A thoughtful examination of several participatory processes that are useful for improving organizations and communities of all kinds. "Coming Back To Life: Practices to Reconnect Our Lives, Our Worlds". Joanna Macy and Molly Young Brown, New Society, 1998. Based on the insights from contemporary systems science and the world's spiritual traditions, this books presents a series of transformative process for moving one from apathy to compassion, from alienation to connection. "The Consumer's Guide to Effective Environmental Choices". Michael Brower and Warren Leon for The Union of Concerned Scientists, Three Rivers Press,1999. From one of the most prestigious nonprofit organizations devoted to environmental issues comes a clear overview of the relationship between consumers and the environment. "The Cultural Creatives: How 50 Million People Are Changing the World". Paul H. Ray and Sherry Ruth Anderson, Harmony, 2000. This new books shows how 26% of Americans are a part of a sub-culture that has values and perspectives that align with sustainability. It is a message of hope for the sustainability movement. Web site: culturalcreatives.org "Doing Democracy". Bill Moyer, New Society, 2001. Provides both a theory and working model for understanding and analyzing social movements which are helpful for activists and students of cultural change. Includes case studies. "Eco-Economy: Building an Economy for the Earth". Lester R. Brown, available for no charge at www.earth-policy.org. Lester Brown, of the Earth Policy Institute and formerly of the Woldwatch Institute, argues that our economy is fast destroying its environmental support systems, threatening future generations. Brown outlines his vision of the new economy in this and subsequent books. "Ecocities". Richard Register, Berkeley Hills Books, 2001. A practical visionary book, drawing from lessons around the world, on redesigning cities in harmony with natural systems. "The Hidden Connections". Fritjof Capra, Doubleday, 2002. A look at how the principles of complexity theory can be applied to understanding and strategizing about social systems. "Ishmael - An Adventure of the Mind and Spirit". Daniel Quinn, Bantam Books, 1995. A cleverly written novel that unmasks our unsustainable cultural assumptions through enlightening conversations with a gorilla, no less. A nonfiction account of these ideas is in "Beyond Civilization". "Limits to Growth: The 30-Year Update". Donella Meadows, Jorgen Randers, Dennis L. Meadows, Chelsea Green Publishing Company, 2004. An update of the sustainability classic describing the nature of 'overshoot' and the strategies necessary to turn around current trends. Also look for essays by now late Donella Meadows as they are usually gems. "Material World". Peter Menzel, Sierra Club Books, 1994. A rich photographic essay on the 'average' family in 30 nations that vividly and humanistically portrays the Ecological Footprint of each country. "Natural Capitalism". Paul Hawken, Amory Lovins, L. Hunter Lovins, Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1999. A portrait by three innovative visionaries of the changes occurring as we move into the next industrial revolution. A much- heralded "conceptual milestone on the road toward ecological sustainability." Specifically oriented to business in the new paradigm. "The Natural Step for Business: Wealth, Ecology and the Evolutionary Corporation". Brian Nattrass and Mary Altomare. Gabriola Island, BC: New Society Publishers, 1999. Explores the philosophy and implementation of The Natural Step in the business community. "The Natural Step for Communities: How Cities and Towns can Change to Sustainable Practices". New Society Publishers, 2004. Provides inspiring examples of communities that have made dramatic changes toward sustainability and explains how others can emulate their success. "A New Covenant With Nature: Notes on the End of Civilization and the Renewal of Culture". Richard W. Heinberg, Wheaton, Illinois: Quest Books, 1996. A refreshing perspective on the relationship of society and nature, and the role of government and the individual. "Our Ecological Footprint; Reducing Human Impact on the Earth". Mathis Wackernagel and William Rees, Gabriola Island, BC: New Society Publishers, 1996. The description of an innovative tool for assessing human impact. "The Practice of the Wild". Gary Snyder, North Point Press, 1990. Practical, visionary, poetic essays on living in landscapes and watersheds in restorative ways. "Sharing Nature's Interests". Nicky Chambers and Mathis Wackernagel. Order at www.ecologicalfootprint.com. The latest work on applying the concept of the Ecological Footprint as a tool for measuring the impact of human activity on the Earth. "Stuff: The Secret Lives of Everyday Things". John C. Ryan, and Alan Thein Durning, Seattle, Washington: Northwest Environment Watch, 1997. The story of the life-cycle of items such as newspapers, sneakers and a cup of coffee in our industrial society. "Tao of Democracy". Tom Atlee, The Writer's Collective, 2003. A distillation of Tom Atlee's cataloging of social technologies or processes that are more democratic, and hence more sustainable. "Thinking Today As If Tomorrow Mattered". John Adams, Eartheart Enterprises, 2000. An exploration of how our unsustainable lives are rooted in our thinking, attitudes and values and what we need to do to change. "Totem Salmon". Freeman House, Beacon Press, 1999. Beautifully written stories and reflections on the collaborative restoration of the Mattole River watershed in Northern California and the coho salmon.