Sustainability Books

Ditch fast fashion and create a more sustainable wardrobe Want to learn how to make more ethical fashion choices? Sustainable Fashion For Dummies will teach you how to pick up new habits that align with a more sustainable future. The rise of fast fashion in recent years has contributed to unsafe work environments, unfair wages, and toxic pollution. With sustainable fashion, you can have groovy clothing and accessories that are produced in an ecologically and socially responsible manner, using quality products and long-lasting materials. You don’t have to sacrifice your natural fashion sense—the sustainable fashion movement is responsible for some of the most exciting new trends. Pick up this easy-to-read handbook for practical tips and strategies on making more environmentally friendly fashion choices. Get started on your sustainable fashion journey Discover inexpensive options for making more eco-friendly fashion choices Make the most of what's already in your closet Master the art of thrift shoppingLet this Dummies guide be your guru as you start making socially and environmentally friendly fashion choices and becoming more thoughtful about what you purchase (or don’t purchase).

Learn the facts about recycling and discover the best way to make an impact Recycling is a simple action we can take that has an immediate positive effect. It keeps waste out of landfills, conserves natural resources, prevents pollution, and saves energy. Who wouldn’t want to do this? But recycling isn’t always straightforward. With so many different rules, it can be tough to work out the right thing to do. If you’re worried that you’re not recycling properly, or wondering whether you could be recycling more, this is the book for you. Recycling For Dummies cuts through the confusion around what you can and can’t recycle. This easy-to-follow manual breaks down recycling codes, symbols, and rules in a straightforward way that anyone can understand and apply. You’ll gain insight into the recycling process (where does that stuff go, anyway?) and learn tons of tips on reusing items in your daily life to cut down on waste. It also guides you on how to make smarter choices as a consumer to help preserve the planet for generations to come. Figure out what common materials can and can’t be recycled Understand what the recycling symbols are telling you Explore the many specialist recycling services available Learn what happens to your recyclables after they get picked up Become a true recycler by switching to recycled productsCheck out this book if you want to make your efforts count and be part of the recycling solution.

Photovoltaic Design and Installation For Dummies (9781119544357) was previously published as Photovoltaic Design and Installation For Dummies (9780470598931). While this version features a new Dummies cover and design, the content is the same as the prior release and should not be considered a new or updated product.   The fun and easy way to get a grip on photovoltaic design and installation Designing and installing solar panel systems is a trend that continues to grow. With 'green collar' jobs on the rise and homeowners looking for earth-friendly ways to stretch their dollars and lesson their carbon imprint, understanding photovoltaic design and installation is on the rise. Photovoltaic Design & Installation For Dummies gives you a comprehensive overview of the history, physics, design, installation, and operation of home-scale solar-panel systems. You'll also get an introduction to the foundational mathematic and electrical concepts you need to understand and work with photovoltaic systems.  Covers all aspects of home-scale solar-power systems Viable resource for professionals, students, and technical laymen Can be used to study for the NABCEP exam Whether you're a building professional looking to expand your business and skills to meet the growing demand for solar power installation or are seeking a career in this rapidly expanding field, Photovoltaic Design & Installation For Dummies has you covered!

Discover back-to-basics gardening that will benefit the earth and your wallet! Want to use ordinary waste to create an extraordinary garden? Composting lets you turn household food waste, yard clippings, and more into free compost and mulch that's chock-full of nutrients. From building and working with traditional compost bins to starting an indoor worm-composting operation, Composting For Dummies makes these often intimidating projects easy, fun, and accessible for anyone! Digging into compost basics ― get a handle on the benefits of composting and the tools you'll need to get started Choosing the best method and location ― find the best composting method and location that's right for you, whether it's above ground, in a hole, in a container or bin, or even right in your kitchen Building your pile ― learn which ingredients can go into your compost pile, what stays out, and how to mix it all up in the right proportions Stepping beyond traditional composting ― get the lowdown on vermicomposting (letting worms eat your garbage), growing green manures to compost later, and sheet composting in the same spot you plan to plant Open the book and find: A step-by-step guide to composting The right gear and tools for the job Tips on constructing your own composting containers and bins Materials you can safely compost (and those to avoid) Cover crops to improve your soil now and compost later Recommendations for using your finished compost What worms contribute to your compost Troubleshooting advice if your compost pile isn't cooperating

The bestselling alternative energy reference book in North America—now in an updated edition Want to take advantage of solar power in your home? Whether you’re looking to save on your energy costs by adding a few solar components or you want to build a solar-powered house from the ground up, Solar Power For Dummies, 2nd Edition takes the mystery out of this energy source and shows you how to put it to work for you! This new edition gives you hands-on tips and techniques for making your home more energy-efficient though solar power—and helping the planet at the same time. Plus, you’ll get all the latest information on changes to federal, state, and local regulations, laws, and tax incentives that seek to make solar-power adoption more feasible. Expanded coverage of the technology that underpins full-scale solar-power systems for the home New small- and mid-sized solar products, projects, and applications Rik DeGunther is a design engineer who started his own energy consulting firm Featuring ten of the easiest and cheapest DIY solar projects, Solar Power For Dummies, 2nd Edition is the fun and easy way to meet your energy needs with this clean power source!

The consumer guide to small-scale wind electricity production! Maybe you're not T. Boone Pickens, but you can build your own home-sized wind-power empire right in your back yard. Wind Power For Dummies supplies all the guidance you need to install and maintain a sustainable, cost-effective wind generator to power your home for decades to come. This authoritative, plain-English guide walks you through every step of the process, from assessing your site and available wind sources to deciding whether wind power is the solution for you, from understanding the mechanics of wind power and locating a contractor to install your system to producing your own affordable and sustainable electricity. Guides you step by step through process of selecting, installing, and operating a small-scale wind generator to power your home Demystifies system configurations, terminology, and wind energy principles to help you speak the language of the pros Helps assess and reduce your energy needs and decide whether wind power is right for you Explains the mechanics of home-based wind power Shows you how to tie into the grid and sell energy back to the power company Offers advice on evaluating all of the costs of and financing for your project Provides tips on working with contractors and complying with local zoning laws Yes, you can do it, with a little help from Wind Power For Dummies.

The myths and facts about alternative fuels–and how they impact our lives As the price of energy continues to soar, so too has the demand for alternative energy. But there's no clear "winner" in the race to replace fossil fuels. Alternative Energy For Dummies explores the current fossil fuel conundrum and society's growing need for more and more energy. Cutting through the competing claims, this book offers a multifaceted examination of alternative energy, including solar, wind, nuclear, biomass, geothermal, biofuel, and other sources. Each alternative scenario is compared to current fossil-fuel intensive practices in the scientific, environmental, social, political, and economic realms. Readers also gain insight into the future of energy production.

An authoritative guide to reducing household exposure to hazardous chemicals Thousands of household products contain toxic ingredients. Today, more and more people are seeking more natural cleaning methods to reduce their exposure to harsh chemicals. From the kitchen and bath to the living room and laundry, Green Cleaning For Dummies provides readers with green solutions to every common cleaning chore. Focusing on organic, nontoxic, sustainable alternatives to conventional cleaning products, it's packed with suggestions and tips for effective cleaning, and even offers green solutions for sprucing up patios, garages, vehicles, and the exterior of a house.

Packed with practical and realistic advice, Green Living For Dummies is a comprehensive guide to minimising your impact on the world around you. Here you'll discover effective and simple strategies for making a difference in every part of your life - from reducing energy waste in your home and cutting reliance on your car, to going green in the garden and at work.