Shelf Awareness: Top 5 Must-Read Books for a Sustainable Future
Perspective shapes the way we see the world, influences our decisions, and colors our interactions with others. But what if we could expand and evolve that perspective—step into someone else’s shoes, view life through a different lens, or find clarity in the midst of complexity? Books offer us that gift.
In the quest for a sustainable future and a circular economy, understanding the interconnectedness of systems, people, and the environment is essential. What’s Your Impact has compiled a list of top books that offering insights from science, economics, and personal narratives that challenge us to rethink how we consume, produce, and live.
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Ancient Wisdom for Finding Your Purpose
Did you know the ancient Hawaiians had a knack for mastering sustainability long before it became trendy? They didn’t need Instagram reels or TikTok tutorials to remind them how to live in harmony with their environment; it was simply part of their DNA.
Last fall, I found myself on the lush island of Kauai with my husband, celebrating an anniversary and desperately needing a breather from life’s chaos. While my husband was likely off perfecting his golf swing, I allowed myself a carefree pool day. But here’s where the magic happens—not in the golf, nor the pool, but in a random lobby find: Island Wisdom by Kainoa and Annie Daly.
The subtitle, Hawaiian Traditions and Practices for a Meaningful Life, immediately pulled me in. The book unpacked ancient Hawaiian values like pono (balance), kuleana (responsibility and privilege), and malama (care and protection). These weren’t just words; they were a call to action, and in many ways, they mirrored something I’d been grappling with: finding purpose in what I do and the impact it creates.
This wasn’t just a beach read; it became the nudge I needed to start the What’s Your Impact website—a passion project I’d been overthinking for years. It hit me: If we wait for the perfect time, doubt will kill more dreams than failure ever could.
Lessons From Hawaiian Wisdom
The Hawaiian words in Island Wisdom carry lessons that feel timeless, yet profoundly urgent:
Pono: Living a life of balance. (Because who isn’t tired of being on the hamster wheel?)
Kuleana: Recognizing that responsibility is also a privilege. What’s your purpose? How are you showing up for it?
Mana: The energy we give and receive from the world. Every action either builds it or depletes it.
Malama: Caring for and protecting what we hold dear.
Aina: The land that sustains us.
These concepts are refreshingly simple yet revolutionary when we apply them. They challenge us to think critically about the footprint we leave behind. Are we working with the land or against it? Are we making mindful purchases, considering where those items end up after we’re done with them? Get Island Wisdom here.
Doughnut Economics and Rethinking the Bigger Picture
Reading Island Wisdom made me think deeply about how interconnected everything is, which naturally led me to another thought-provoking read: Doughnut Economics by Kate Raworth. This isn’t your typical dry economics book—it’s a bold reimagination and opinion of what the economy should be, balancing human well-being with the planet’s boundaries.
The doughnut model visualizes an economy that ensures no one falls short on life’s essentials (think food, water, housing) while also respecting ecological limits. It’s a reminder that our world is a shared space—one where individual choices ripple out into global consequences.
If you’re ready to shake up how you think about money, sustainability, and your role in shaping a better world, this book will be your guide. Get Doughnut Economics here.
Ready for more insightful reads?
Here are three additional thought-provoking books that align beautifully with the themes of sustainability, balance, and interconnectedness explored in Island Wisdom and Doughnut Economics:
Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by William McDonough and Michael Braungart
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate by Naomi Klein
Cradle to Cradle - Remaking the Way We Make Things
This revolutionary book challenges the traditional “take, make, waste” industrial model, proposing a bold vision for a circular economy. Authors William McDonough and Michael Braungart introduce the idea of designing products and systems where waste becomes a resource—essentially mimicking nature’s cyclical processes.
In the context of Hawaiian wisdom, Cradle to Cradle echoes the principle of malama (care and protection). It asks us to rethink how we create and consume to ensure we’re not just minimizing harm but actively regenerating resources. As you read, you’ll realize the profound potential of adopting this mindset—not just in manufacturing but in everyday life.
Braiding Sweetgrass - Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
Robin Wall Kimmerer, a botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, weaves together indigenous knowledge and scientific insight to explore our relationship with nature. This book is a reminder that the earth is not just a resource but a sacred partner in our existence.
Kimmerer’s teachings resonate with the Hawaiian concept of mana (energy) and aina (land), as she emphasizes reciprocity with the natural world. Her stories remind us that every action we take affects the energy balance of the planet. Whether it’s planting a garden or supporting regenerative practices, Braiding Sweetgrass inspires readers to cultivate a relationship of gratitude and care with the earth.
This Changes Everything - Capitalism vs. The Climate
Naomi Klein’s incisive work challenges the notion that we can solve the climate crisis without rethinking the economic systems driving it. She argues that addressing the climate crisis requires a fundamental shift away from profit-driven practices toward solutions that prioritize the well-being of people and the planet.
In relation to Doughnut Economics, Klein’s book provides a critical lens for examining why our current systems are failing both humanity and the environment. It’s a call to align our kuleana (responsibility) with bold action, challenging readers to demand systemic change while making choices that reflect their values.
Why These Books Matter
Much like Island Wisdom and Doughnut Economics, these books encourage us to step back and consider the bigger picture. They ask us to rethink not only how we live but why we live the way we do—and what we can do to create a future that’s in harmony with our values and our planet.
Together, they remind us that sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a responsibility, a privilege, and a profound opportunity to build a better world. If you’re ready to dive deeper into these ideas, pick up a copy of one (or all!) of these books:
Whether you’re by a poolside, on a train, or curled up at home, these reads will leave you inspired to think critically, act intentionally, and embrace your role in shaping a sustainable future.
Your Call to Action
So here’s the thing: living with purpose doesn’t have to mean uprooting your entire life or renouncing modern comforts. It starts with small, intentional steps. Sometimes gaining perspective through books (or other forms) inspire you to rethink the way you interact with the world.
Take that trip you’ve been putting off. Call that friend who’s been on your mind. Try that intimidating new hobby. The more we push ourselves out of our comfort zones, the more connected and capable we become—not just for ourselves but for those around us.
Because at the end of the day, we’re all just trying to live a balanced life (pono!), do our best with what we’re given (kuleana!), and leave the world a little better than we found it.
What steps will you take today to make your impact?