It’s time to celebrate Plastic Free July, and this year I’m excited to share 10 must-read books to help you take a closer look at your relationship with plastic and how we can reduce our impact on the planet.
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I’ve rounded up 10 compelling books that break down the plastic crisis, offer practical tips on making lifestyle changes, and stories that might just change the way you think, shop, and eat. Brace yourself for a surprising number of blue covers!
10 Must-Read Books for Plastic Free July
1) Plastic Free by R. Prince-Ruiz, J. Atherfold Finn
Goodreads Rating: 3.95
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From the publisher: In July 2011, Rebecca Prince-Ruiz challenged herself to go plastic free for the whole month. Starting with a small group of people in the city of Perth, the Plastic Free July movement has grown into a 250-million strong community, empowering people to reduce single-use plastic consumption. This book explores how one of the world’s leading environmental campaigns took off and shares lessons from its success.
2) Simply Sustainable by Lily Cameron
Goodreads Rating: 3.95
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From the publisher: Break your plastic habit with simple, actionable steps and jumpstart your journey toward a minimal, beautiful, low-waste home. Lily Cameron shows readers how to gradually transition away from plastic. Her approach teaches you how to make plastic-free living work for you, savor your progress and celebrate that with each small change, you are making a positive impact on the environment, your health and your family’s well being.
3) Total Garbage by Edward Humes
Goodreads Rating: 4.25
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From the publisher: An investigative narrative that dives into the waste embedded in our daily lives—and shows how individuals and communities are making a real difference for health, prosperity, quality of life and the fight against climate change, by a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist. Total Garbage also tells the story of individuals and communities who are finding the way back from waste, and showing us that our choices truly matter and make a difference.
4) 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste by Kathryn Kellogg
Goodreads Rating: 3.79
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From the publisher: We all know how important it is to reduce our environmental footprint, but it can be daunting to know where to begin. Enter Kathryn Kellogg, who can fit all her trash from the past two years into a 16-ounce mason jar. How? She starts by saying “no” to straws and grocery bags, and “yes” to a reusable water bottle and compostable dish scrubbers. This is a practical, friendly blueprint of realistic lifestyle changes to reduce waste.
5) Year of No Garbage by Eve O. Schaub
Goodreads Rating: 4.08
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From the publisher: In this book Eve O. Schaub tackles her most difficult challenge to date: garbage. Convincing her husband and two daughters to go along with her, Schaub attempts the seemingly impossible: living in the modern world without creating any trash at all. For an entire year. If you’ve ever thought twice about that plastic straw in your drink, you’re gonna want to read this book.
6) Don’t Be Trashy by Tara McKenna
Goodreads Rating: 3.58
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From the publisher: Say goodbye to your bursting toiletries bag, fast fashion, and all the plastic crowding your pantry. With relatable stories, compassion, and a realistic perspective, Tara McKenna will show you how in this ultimate guide to going zero waste(ish). We’re all trapped in a wasteful convenience-based cycle, but Don’t Be Trashy offers an approach that emphasizes progress over perfection. Read my review here.
7) Living Without Plastic by B. Allen, C. Wong
Goodreads Rating: 3.68
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From the publisher: Embrace a plastic-free lifestyle with more than 100 simple, stylish swaps for everything from pens and toothbrushes to disposable bottles and the 5 trillion plastic bags we use—and throw out—every year. Organized into five sections, Living Without Plastic is a cover-to-cover collection of doable and difference making solutions, including a 30-Day Plastic Detox Program.
8) How to Give Up Plastic by Will McCallum
Goodreads Rating: 3.67
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From the publisher: Around 12.7 million tonnes of plastic are entering the ocean every year, killing over 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals. By 2050 there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish by weight. This accessible guide, written by the campaigner at the forefront of the anti-plastic movement, will help you make the small changes that make a big difference, from buying a reusable coffee cup to running a clean-up at your local park or beach.
9) Wasteland by Oliver Franklin-Wallis
Goodreads Rating: 4.45
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From the publisher: In Wasteland, journalist Oliver Franklin-Wallis takes us on a shocking journey inside the waste industry—the secretive multi-billion dollar world that underpins the modern economy, quietly profiting from what we leave behind. With this mesmerizing, thought-provoking, and occasionally terrifying investigation, Oliver Franklin-Wallis tells a new story of humanity based on what we leave behind.
10) How to Give Up Plastic by Will McCallum
Goodreads Rating: 3.67
Order on Amazon
From the publisher: Around 12.7 million tonnes of plastic are entering the ocean every year, killing over 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals. By 2050 there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish by weight. This accessible guide, written by the campaigner at the forefront of the anti-plastic movement, will help you make the small changes that make a big difference, from buying a reusable coffee cup to running a clean-up at your local park or beach.
Living a sustainable lifestyle is about progress, not perfection. These books are a great reminder that small shifts matter. Whether you commit to one new habit or completely rethink your approach to plastic, knowledge is a powerful place to start. Which books will you be adding to your reading list? I’d love to know!
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First of all… I loved the blue book cover theme! That just makes this topic that much for fun to dig into. Thank you for sharing these great reads. There are so many great ideas and insights shared, I can’t wait to dig in!
I hope you enjoy these titles, Heidi! Happy reading.
These all sound like really great books to help learn about living a more sustainable and plastic free lifestyle. Thanks for sharing this list!
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Thank you for reading Melissa!
Yes! Adding this to my long list of TBR. Thank you so much!
That’s wonderful, Lux! Happy reading!
What a fantastic book list – perfect inspiration for anyone wanting to go plastic-free this July!
Thank you Candice!
These all sound like fantastic books to learn about the impact plastic has on the environment and ways people can reduce their plastic waste. I am most intrigued by 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste!
I’m glad that one caught your attention. I hope you enjoy it!
It’s so great that there are more and more books (and other resources) we can access to help us become more sustainable and plastic-free. I have had a few of these titles on my radar for a while, and reading this has reminded me about them. I will ad some to my reading list—thanks!
I agree, it’s nice having a variety of titles to choose from and learning about other people’s experiences. Happy reading, Molly!
Thanks for sharing these resources on such an important topic Winnie! And thanks for caring so much about our environment.
Thank you so much Jodie!