Customer Reviews

The Better World Handbook: Small Changes That Make A Big Difference

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Written by sociology instructors Ellis Jones Ph.D., Ross Haenfler Ph.D. and Brett Johnson Ph.D., The Better World Handbook: Small Changes That Make A Big Difference is a guide for ordinary people to taking steps in their lives that help contribute to big changes for the better worldwide. Chapters cover how to make a difference by choosing the right bank, buying groceries that minimize negative environmental impact, building strong relationships among friends and family, fostering a socially responsible workplace, voting and getting involved in politics, using alternative forms of transportation and reducing driving to use as little gasoline as reasonably possible, how to get involved in an organization espousing a cause one cares about, and much more. Handy quick-reference icons, numerous online resources, extensive notes, a helpful checklist, and an index round out this one-of-a-kind guide to not only improving oneself, but also improving the world at large. Highly recommended.

I've owned the previous version of this book for over 3 years now and have been eagerly anticipating this new version. This handy guide is inspiring and amazingly practical at the same time. These experts have done the leg work to find out what normal people can do in every aspect of their lives to make a better world. If you are wondering how you can better live out your values in the way you work, spend time with family, care for the environment, involve yoursesf in politics and community, shop, and much more, this book is a must have.

Many of us feel we want to improve the world.

But it's difficult to know where to begin, or how our actions can make a difference. The Better World Handbook is an excellent first step to a better life, and a better world.

Broken up into chapters as diverse as Relationships, Body Care, and Finance, this book will help you change your outlook on life. It will feed your soul, and help the Earth.

Most of us want to do what is right but lack the proper information to realize our deepest values in action. We want to save the rainforest, purchase products that are ecologically sound, end war, famine, and every other ill that plagues humanity. However, we lack a clear understanding of how our everyday actions shape the world. This highly informative book will help you express your values in action.

The "challenges" this book outlines include: economic inequality, Third World debt, corporate sweatshops, war, militarization, the death penalty, media violence, natural resource depletion, air pollution and climate change, ecosystem destruction, overpopulation, lack of democracy, money in politics, media monopoly, inequality of women, racism, heterosexism, inadequate hHealth care, prisons, advertising overload, commercialization of childhood, materialism and overconsumption, fragmented communities, and finally a certain loss of our humanity.

Not to worry, though, there is no reason for cynicism. The authors are young, vibrant, and optimistic about social change. The is no pessimist's rant. In fact, section one, "the cycle of cynicism," actually deals this problem head on, offering many hopeful alternatives.

The rest of the book is action-oriented. Included are hundreds of small things we can implement in our everyday life: including pracical advice on banking and investing, shopping, food, personal lifestyle choices, friends and family, community, home, work, media, politics, travel, and involvement with organizations.

The variety and quality of the recommendations show extreme breadth of research and awareness on the part of the authors. The amount of references is staggering: including links to organizations, further reading suggestions, alternative media venues and action allert email lists.

By far and away the most practical and informative resource available for those interested in living an ecologically and socially ethical life, "The Better World Handbook" is nothing short of a bible for the new millennium. Pick up a copy and start living in accord with your values today.

This is a great reference guide to help us ordinary folks be responsible consumers. The research has been done for us, now all we have to do is use it. Another reviewer called this book stupid, but I very much disagree. Little changes, big changes -- they are all working toward a healthy goal. Buy this book and share it with friends!

I was fortunate enough to take an introductory sociology course from Dr. Jones at UC Davis. He is an extremely intelligent and charismatic figure who I really feel is a decent guy. He was a warm and friendly presence, clearly brilliant but never condescending. He spent a tremendous amount of time working on this book as a way of motivating people to make a better world. As we studied in the class, most of us want to help this world, but we have a lack of knowing how to do so. This book outlines, through careful research, the steps to take to make this world a better place. A very important book. Highly recommended.

This is a small but very useful guide to choosing brands that are better stewards of our world. It is a quick and easy way to know how a company feels about the world and can help you make valid decisions when purchasing products. It is a national book that does contain some regional brands however in general it will only give you information for the very large companies. It could not be any simpler to use and is easily portable. My wife and I gave copies to our friends and family for the holidays a few years ago.

This is an incredible book for anyone interested in finding ways to better his/her life and the world we live in. The suggestions are attainable/realistic with eye-opening suggestions and information.

Everything you need to know about how to make this world a better place. The authors succinctly and comprehensively lay out the challenges we face and concrete solutions for overcoming them. Do humanity a favor and read this book and live by it.

What a stupid idea. Small change makes what? .... more small change. Incrementalism is the enemy. When a tsunami is bearing down, shifting the beach chairs a few feet won't do. "Ordinary" people can make huge changes. Just avoid this book and any more of such disempowered thinking.