This summer, we at the sustainability office want to recommend different environmentally-focused media that our readers can check out over the summer. From books to television, we hope you can find something here to tide you over until the next newsletter!
Walkable Cities
“Jeff Speck has two TED talks. "A Walkable City" describes how making a city more walkable can solve many problems regarding human health and environmental sustainability. His second TED talk, "4 Ways to Make a City More Walkable", describes how to transform a city to make it more walkable. If you enjoy the TED talks, you should also read his book Walkable Cities, which describes the same topics in greater detail. Sustainability Defined is a great podcast series has a different professional interviewed each episode about a sustainability concept. It's entertaining and enlightening.” - Amy Griffiths
Planet Earth
“I have been watching a lot of Planet Earth lately, which I highly recommend for maintaining an appreciation of our planet and its abundant diversity of life. Each episode takes place against a different backdrop, such as grasslands, deserts, or the tundra; and showcases the animal life found there. It's great for restoring some sense of hope in where the earth is headed and for inspiring you through beautiful visuals.” - Emma Foster
Over the Horizon
“I recommend the book Over the Horizon: Exploring the Edges of a Changing Planet by David Thoreson. The book compiles photographs Thoreson took when sailing the Arctic multiple times throughout his lifetime. The pictures are breathtaking, and they explicitly show the changing structure of the ice in the Arctic. The photos emphasize the effects of climate change as well as the need for ocean conservation.” Katherine Zoellmer
Cultures of Energy, Climate Fwd, Okja
“I would recommend the Cultures of Energy podcast hosted by Rice professors Dominic Boyer and Cymene Howe, they do really interesting interviews or prominent thinkers about environmental issues. I would also recommend the New York Time’s Climate Fwd newsletter for a quick and easy update on climate change related news:. Finally, if it’s movie night and you want to start a conversation about the meat industry and animal rights without showing a documentary, check out the wonderful film Okja on Netflix.” - Allison Yelvington
Vegan Cookbooks
“The most active environmental choice anyone can make is in food choice. As a vegan, I have more energy and choose sustainable food options that cut down on water and land usage. That doesn't mean it's easy, though. When I first decided to be vegetarian four years ago, The Smart Girl's Guide to Going Vegetarian was my bible. It lays out all the possible reasons for being vegetarian and the health benefits of varying levels of vegetarianism. I loved having all that information before really making the choice. After I went vegan, though, I had to find good food. I love baking, and it's amazing how creative you can be with vegan items. For example, I love how Cheers to Vegan Sweets is full of drinks-based desserts, and Vegan Lunch Box Around the World experiments with little flavors from around the globe.” - Gennifer Geer
Dirt! The Movie
“I recommend the documentary, “Dirt! The Movie”. I first watched this in an environmental science class back in high school, and to this day it still sticks with me. It changed my perspective on how I view being outdoors and ‘getting dirty’. It sparked my interest in gardening and other outdoor hobbies. This documentary covers critical environmental issues such as desertification and features environmental activists trying to solve these problems. My favorite part of this documentary is when they tell a fable about a hummingbird, since the message can uplift any aspiring environmental activist who feels like they aren’t doing enough.” - Hannah Meeks