Posted on April 22, 2020 at 11:11 AM by Maggie Witte
Earth Day is a celebration of our planet, encouraging individuals to spark ongoing changes to help the environment and protect the earth. While you’re at home during this pandemic, there are several activities you can start to make an impact. This list of books offer various ideas for you to discover.
Gardening
DB 92939 The new organic grower: A master’s manual of tools and techniques for the home and market gardener by Eliot Coleman
Annotation: Originally published in 1989, this guide for organic gardening has been updated for its thirtieth anniversary edition. Includes detailed advice for both large- and small-scale gardeners, such as choosing your plot, planning your garden, fertilizing, dealing with pests, and harvesting. An appendix provides information on specific crops. 2018.
DB 94736 We are the gardeners by Joanna Gaines
Annotation: Joanna and her kids chronicle the adventures of starting their own family garden. From failed endeavors, obstacles (bunnies that eat everything!), and lessons learned, the Gaineses share how they grew a happy, successful garden. Commercial audiobook. For grades K-3. 2019.
DB 96682 Container gardener’s handbook: Pots, techniques, and projects to transform any space by Francis Tophill
Annotation: A horticulturalist and presenter for the BBC shares container gardening ideas for those whose plant needs are limited by space and budgets. She gives advice for selecting pots, choosing and caring for plants, and undertaking creative projects with a focus on recycling materials. 2017.
DB 91304 Niki Jabbour’s veggie garden remix: 224 new plants to shake up your garden and add variety, flavor, and fun by Niki Jabbour
Annotation: An expert on vegetable gardening gives ideas for choosing and caring for unusual vegetable varieties. Each chapter takes a veggie common to backyard gardens, and offers more exotic planting ideas. Gives advice on growing and harvesting these vegetables from around the world. 2018.
DB 91615 Climate-wise landscaping: Practical actions for a sustainable future by Sue Reed and Ginny Stibolt
Annotation: A guide for home gardeners, focusing on adapting to changing climates. Advice for planning a garden that is sustainable and environmentally responsible. Covers a wide range of plantings, as well as guidance on using chemicals, watering, and soil preparation. 2018.
DB 91507 Plant, cook, eat!: A children’s cookbook by Joe Archer and Caroline Craig
Annotation: A garden-to-kitchen cookbook that is part lesson in gardening and part collection of healthy, delicious, kid-friendly recipes. For grades 3-6 and older readers. 2016.
DB 52504 The Kids Can Press jumbo book of gardening by Karyn Morris
Annotation: Practical advice for creating environmentally friendly gardens. Covers topics from basic soil preparation to growing fruits and vegetables, flowers, and native plants. Includes information on planning bird and butterfly habitats, as well as school and community gardens. For grades 3-6. 2000.
Recycling, Reuse, Reduce, Rethink
DB 38103 Dinosaurs to the rescue!: A guide to protecting our planet by Laurene Krasny Brown and Marc Tolon Brown
Annotation: Earth is the only home we have, and we must help protect its natural resources. This book provides tips on conserving and keeping clean the air, water, and other natural resources. The authors include tips on using less, reusing, recycling, giving back, and appreciating the gifts of the earth. For grades K-3 and older readers.
DB 86126 What can we do about pollution? by Lisa J. Amstutz, et al.
Annotation: Six books in a series featuring environmental issues. Includes How Can We Reduce Agricultural Pollution?, How Can We Reduce Fossil Fuel Pollution?, How Can We Reduce Household Waste?, How Can We Reduce Manufacturing Pollution?, How Can We Reduce Nuclear Pollution?, and How Can We Reduce Transportation Pollution?. For grades 3-6. 2016.
DB 38659 Recycling: Meeting the challenge of the trash crisis by Alvin Silverstein, et al.
Annotation: The authors declare that old attitudes towards natural resources and the disposal of waste have led to many problems, including pollution. They also discuss several methods of recycling waste, advantages and problems of each, and the possible future of recycling. For grades 5-8 and older readers.
DB 62571 ReadyMade: How to make (almost) everything; A do-it-yourself primer by Shoshana Berger and Grace Hawthorne
Annotation: ReadyMade magazine founders provide step-by-step instructions for more than thirty projects using recycled wood, paper, plastic, metal, glass, and fabric. Includes directions for a shopping bag rug, clothespin doormat, water bottle planter, hubcap fountain, coat hanger wine rack, and more. Lists necessary tools and estimated completion times. 2005.
DB 67200 Living like Ed by Ed Begley
Annotation: Actor and longtime environmentalist Begley describes various methods and products that anyone can use daily to help the environment. Topics include making a home green and choosing ecofriendly energy sources and transportation methods. He provides tips on recycling, gardening, cooking, and clothing. 2008.
DB 32756 50 simple things you can do to save the earth by Earth Works Group
Annotation: Briefly explains environmental problems, then lists ways to prevent pollution and depletion of our natural resources. Includes suggestions such as stopping junk mail, snipping plastic six-pack rings before throwing them away, not letting helium-filled balloons loose into the atmosphere, and checking to see that your service station recycles motor oil.