The Better World Handbook - by Ellis Jones & Ross Haenfler & Brett Johnson (Paperback)

About the Book

Directed toward those who care about creating a more just, sustainable, and socially responsible world but don't know where to begin, this best-seller contains information on global problems, more effective actions, and many new resources.

Book Synopsis

The definitive guide for people wanting to make a positive difference in the world.

Specifically designed to reach people who normally would not consider themselves activists, The Better World Handbook is directed toward those who care about creating a more just, sustainable, and socially responsible world but don't know where to begin. Substantially updated, this revised bestseller now contains more recent information on global problems, more effective actions, and many new resources.

Review Quotes

"Wow! What an incredible resource! It reminds me that what people really want out of life is to make a difference and have some fun - and this book tells you how to do both at the same time. We in the Simplicity movement encourage people to buy less stuff, but books are exempt - particularly books like this!"

- Cecile Andrews, author of Slow is Beautiful: New Visions of Community , Leisure and Joie de Vivre

"Cynicism is the social disease of our age. Cynicism is what passes for insight when courage and vision are lacking. If there is such a thing as a single cure for cynicism, this book is it. The Better World Handbook gives us a step-by-step "blueprint" for creating conscious global citizens. It's a manual for better living that you will find yourself using over and over again."

- Kevin Danaher, Cofounder, Global Exchange, and co-author of Insurrection: Citizen Challenges to Corporate Power

"This handbook helps you answer that age-old question, "What can I do?" - With the help of the handbook, it turns out you can easily do a lot. Buy it, share it or get it from the library. But, most of all, use it to change our world for the better. This is an impressive resource for people who want their everyday actions to reflect caring and compassion for the environment and others."

- Betsy Taylor, Executive Director, Center for a New American Dream

"An excellent look at issues we face and concrete actions - small and large - that we can take to address them. The book also includes a large collection of useful resources."

- Paul Loeb, author of Soul of a Citizen: Living with Conviction in a Cynical Time

"This is exactly the resource consumers need to help create a sustainable world. The extensive background information and action steps are great tools for anyone looking for ways to make change happen now!"

- Alisa Gravitz, Executive Director, Co-op America

"People everywhere are hungry for meaning and purpose, wanting to make a difference, and be of service to something larger than themselves. The Better World Handbook provides valuable information and resources to manifest these intentions into practical reality. Keep a copy on your desk or reference shelf, and use it!"

- Michael Toms, CEO, New Dimensions Radio, and co-author of True Work: Doing What You Love and Loving What You Do

"We can make the world a better place and this book shows you how easy it is to really make a difference. I highly recommend that you

buy it, use it and enjoy what you can do to help create positive change."

- Jeffrey Hollender, President, Seventh Generation, and author of Naturally Clean: The Seventh Generation Guide to Safe and Healthy Non-Toxic Cleaning

" The Better World Handbook provides a wealth of practical ideas for transforming our everyday activities of shopping, living, and working into

an artful way of life that is more sustainable, just, and meaningful."

- Duane Elgin, author of Voluntary Simplicity: Toward a Way of Life That is Outwardly Simple, Inwardly Rich and Promise Ahead: A Vision of Hope and Action for Humanity's Future

About the Author

Ellis Jones has been teaching students to make a difference in the world for the past 15 years. A scholar of social responsibility, social change and everyday activism, he founded and directs the Better World Network, giving presentations throughout the US. He currently teaches sociology at University of California, Davis. Brett Johnson has been a dedicated member of the environmental and simple living movements for years. He coordinates his apartment complex's composting program, leads voluntary simplicity workshops, and is currently researching the voluntary simplicity movement in the U.S. Brett is currently teaching sociology at Luther College in Iowa. Brett Johnson has been a dedicated member of the environmental and simple living movements for years. He coordinates his apartment complex's composting program, leads voluntary simplicity workshops, and is currently researching the voluntary simplicity movement in the U.S. Brett is currently teaching sociology at Luther College in Iowa.