Ten Ways to Change the World in Your Twenties [Paperback]

Libuse Binder (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2009

WHAT KIND OF WORLD DO YOU WANT TO LIVE IN?

 

Throwing a party. Preparing a meal. Sending an email. These are things you do all the time. How can they really make a difference? Ten Ways to Change the World in Your Twenties shows how to transform these everyday activities into world-changing events: Throw a party with a purpose. Prepare a sustainable meal. Send an email to your representative.

An inspiring collection of ideas that can make the world a better place, this book taps into the potential of an energetic, influential generation and lights the path to shaping tomorrow by:

• Digging into what you love
• Volunteering in ways big and small
• Supporting political actions that reflect your values
• Leading an eco-active lifestyle
• Simplifying and reducing your footprint
• Using your buying power to encourage better business practices
• Eating well locally
• Hosting a party with a purpose
• Exploring the world through environmentally responsible travel
• Turning your passion into a vocation
  

With a rating scale based on the time, money, and lifestyle impact required, and peppered with true tales of twentysomethings who've made an impact, Ten Ways to Change the World in Your Twenties provides resources and opportunities for you to use your talents to help create a history we can all be proud of.

***
"Everywhere I go around the planet, I find young people, fresh from college, leading the new green movement. With savvy and heart, they're making a real difference—and as this book shows, you can too!"
Bill McKibben | 350.org

Editorial Reviews

Review

Although twentysomethings are faced with environmental and humanitarian issues on a scope never seen before, the timing is perfect to take action and make a difference! Environmental advocate Libuse Binder introduces Ten Ways to Change the World in Your Twenties (Nov. 2009; $14.99 U.S), an inspiring collection of new ideas, resources and innovative twists on proven strategies that will help millenials tackle today's toughest issues.

Aimed at twentysomethings interested in making a difference, Ten Ways will tap into the potential of this energetic, influential generation of leaders by proving that every action, big and small, makes a difference.
(Kelly McNair Got 2 Be Green Blog 20091030)

If you don't already have a green book full of ideas, or you're looking for something with fresh ideas and practical steps to achieving them, then this book is a great resource. (Joel Life Goggles 20091109)

10 Ways to Change the World in Your Twenties gives you ideas for all sorts of ways in which you can take a positive step towards making a difference. While the book focuses on those in their twenties, most of the suggestions could be acted upon by someone of any age. (MissMalaProp.com 20091109)

"10 Ways to Change the World in Your 20s" is a brand-new guide that's about to rock your socks if you're hoping to make "green" your new game. (Earth911.com 20091110)

About the Author

Libuse Binder is a freelance writer, teacher, and blogger for Weekly Way and Earth 911. Formerly in film production, Binder is now focused on energizing the next generation of adults for a life of activism and engagement in the issues that matter most today. Her passions include the environment, volunteerism, public policy, and social networking technology.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.; 1 edition (November 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402221096
• ISBN-13: 978-1402221095
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #751,929 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Libuse Binder's work has appeared in Earth911, Fit Yoga, Weekly Way, and Worldchanging. Formerly in film production in Los Angeles and a teacher in New York and New Orleans, she is focused on energizing the newest generation of adults for a life of engagement in the social and environmental issues that matter most.

Her passions include the environment, education, sustainable living, volunteerism, public policy, and social networking technology, and she speaks nationally about opportunities for engagement in these fields.

Libuse is currently a research analyst at The Center on Reinventing Public Education, and she is also at work on her next book.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Resource for Changing your World November 15, 2010

By kaitlyn

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

As an undergraduate studying environmental conservation i'm constantly looking for ways that i can make a difference now. I feel like in my classes I am always learning about things that i can do on a larger scale, but this book really helps me figure out things that I can do right now. It's a necessary resource for any twentysomething who is trying to make a difference! The rating scales based on time, money, and lifestyle impact are really helpful for college students trying to be sustainable on a budget. I consider it my encyclopedia for changing the world. I LOVE this book and recommend it to anyone who wants to create a better world but has no idea where to start!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great primer for people looking to get involved December 12, 2009

By Jimmy Dean

Format:Paperback

I haven't always been particularly active in causes, but that's what I liked about this book. There were pretty easy things that didn't take much time or money, but also much more detailed suggestions. It has a ton of helpful websites so there's actually lots more than just what's written. I already knew a lot of the basic information, but I thought that my parents or older people in general who didn't grow up learning about social or environmental causes would probably get a lot out of reading this as well. The fact that there were a bunch of people in the book who were starting organizations in college and creating cool non-profits is pretty inspiring, so at least I can do the little things it lays out like raising money for a cause or voting. It's a great book for first time activists and people with more experience too.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have! October 21, 2009

By Zora

Format:Paperback

I love this book!! As a member of the older 20's crowd, I thought the book may be too beginner for my tastes and my current knowledge level. Was I wrong! This book does a great job of covering such a wide range of info that I think no matter your age, education or current social outlook, you could get something out of it. The setup is also really user friendly and I can see myself using it over and over again for reference. I think this would make a great gift for anyone who is interested in getting more involved or who is embarking on a new chapter in their life.

4.0 out of 5 stars 10 Ways to Change the World in Your 20s April 10, 2013

By Victoria Klein

Format:Paperback

Being a 20-something is today's society is, frankly, a royal nightmare. On the cusp of striking out on our own, this is the first chance we have to identify ourselves as individuals - not just another one of your parent's kids.

There's a lot of pressure, financial concerns, emotional growth ... but the most important factor is how we spend our time. Our careers & our hobbies define us more than anything. They can also have the biggest impact on the environment & unforeseeable future.

Currently 26, I can deeply connect with Libuse Binder's 1st book, 10 Ways to Change the World in Your 20s. This time is the beginning of the rest of our lives - the best time to find your passion & run with it. Hitting shelves this week (visit your favorite local bookstore!), Libuse does an exceptional job of rounding up the ever-growing options of how us young people can make a true difference.

This book also captures a vital part of the sustainable/ethical/sociological movement that I consistently promote - every little thing counts. Basic things like sending emails & cooking can be turned into impact-having actions!

Libuse includes concrete information on the benefits of volunteering, reducing waste, conscious traveling, how to find your passion & turn it into a career ... and oh yeah, lots more. Each action she describes is rated in 3 categories: time, cost, & lifestyle impact. These graphics are a great way of getting a visual idea of the difference you can really make (& who doesn't like cute little icons?).

We are the future & we need to use our influence for the biggest impact possible. 10 Ways to Change the World in Your 20s is a comprehensive book that should be required reading in every high school worldwide.

5.0 out of 5 stars What to expect from this book April 26, 2012

By Jonathan D. Folkerts

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Many people believe that they cannot make a difference in the world. Libuse Binder argues that people in their 20s today are inheriting the Earth at a historical critical point. People in their 20s are fully equipped for action to solve problems. They are at a proper age to care about issues, innovated to come up with solutions and, and have the energy needed to take action. When people are in their 20s, they are just beginning to find and develop their passions, and determine the course for the rest of their lives.
First, Binder points out that a great way to make a difference is to volunteer. This makes an impact on what you love and it is a good way to find a person's passion.
People should become politically involved with actions that agree with their values. Voting, getting support of the cause, and becoming informed and involved are all great ways to accomplish this.
Libuse also describes small things that can be changed in a person's daily habits to be more conservative of resources and habitats and decrease an individual's impact on global warming. Libuse discusses the 3 R's and describes great ways to reduce what a person uses.
A great way to make an impact on what an individual supports is wise use of buying power. This includes the supporting of "fairly traded, recycled and recyclable, low-impact, efficient, and responsibly manufactured products."
Eating with the environment in mind is another way to make a difference. Eating locally grown food cuts down on emissions from transporting food.
A great way to get people interested in an issue is to make a party for the cause. Also, blogging is a good way to spread the word on a problem.... An individual can also find an organization they like and begin fundraising, being an active member, and getting in touch with other members, buy products from companies that support charities, and like what they do on Facebook. Part of being an informed advocator is to listen to opposing views. This can help people find common ground on an issue.
People should also consider not only receiving a good paycheck, but should try to practice their beliefs and passions into what they do for their jobs. People usually don't care if a company is in line with their beliefs and it shouldn't be that way.
Some things listed in the book to begin these concepts include watching a movie, signing the One Declaration (which aims to reduce poverty, tells how people can work within their own community), voting, finding something to reuse and recycle the reusable bags, replace bulbs with energy efficient bulbs, and trying to become carbon friendly while traveling just to name a few.
Instead of giving generic tips on what to do, he gives examples of what readers can use to become an informed activist and make a difference. Binder also lists success stories of people in their 20s making a difference in issues. Read more ›