Top 10 green reads recommended by the Moixa team

We live in a time when there are no more questions about whether climate change is real. Temperatures are rising, drought and wildfires are starting to occur more frequently, rainfall patterns are shifting, and the global sea level is rising. To mitigate the effects of climate change, we must considerably reduce the emissions linked to human activities.

​​If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint and live a greener lifestyle, we’ve shared some recommendations from the Moixa team on books that challenge us to think differently about how we live in the face of this climate emergency. From practical guides to living, cooking and shopping in a more sustainable way to global plans to decarbonise our economy and reach net zero, our world and the environmental challenges facing it have inspired writers from all genres.

You don’t need to be perfect, as many of these books make clear, but we can all do better: being aware of the situation and doing something, however small, can contribute to creating a greener planet for everyone.

1) “What we need to do now” – Chris Goodall

Moixa’s Data Scientist Chris A. recommends “What we need to do now” by Chris Goodall. By drawing on actions, policies and technologies already emerging around the world, the author sets out the ways to achieve the UK’s pledge to become carbon neutral by 2050.

Chris really enjoyed this book “because it gives practical overviews and breakdowns of how to decarbonise a whole range of sectors in a very accessible way”.

If you’re looking for a good summary of what we need to do now in the UK to solve the climate crisis, this is the book for you.

2) “The Green Roasting Tin – Vegan and Vegetarian One Dish Dinners” – Rukmini Iyer

Joe, Senior Software Engineer at Moixa, recommends “The Green Roasting Tin”, as “it’s a great collection of easy and delicious vegetarian & vegan recipes”.

From flexitarians to families, this book is for anyone who wants to eat easy veg and plant-based meals using everyday ingredients and store cupboard staples – the perfect read for anyone looking to eat less meat this Veganuary.

3) “Sustainable Energy — Without The Hot Air” – David JC MacKay

In case study format, this informative book (recommended by Data Engineer Chris P.) addresses the sustainable energy crisis in an objective manner, analysing the relevant figures, answering questions about the potential of sustainable fossil fuels, and encouraging people to make personal changes that will benefit the world at large.

Chris says: “I’ve always been impressed by the general ethos and analysis in this book – mostly about what to focus on and what might work given what we have available and how people behave”.

You can access a free version of the book here.

4) “Who Cares Wins” – Lily Coles

Operations Delivery Manager Shane is currently enjoying “Who Cares Wins” by Lily Coles, an easy to understand whistlestop tour of many different ways to tackle the climate crisis and create lasting global change.

The book also features interviews with people around the world who are working on innovative solutions to solve this climate emergency, from celebrities and entrepreneurs like Stella McCartney to activists such as environmental lawyer Farhana Yamin.

5) “How to Break up with Fast Fashion” – Lauren Bravo

According to Mara, Marketing Executive, “This book is definitely thought-provoking. I read it in response to my growing unease with fast fashion, and it really gave me a burst of energy and commitment to changing my mindset around clothes and fashion”.

With interesting stats, refreshing honesty and realistic advice, journalist Lauren Bravo will help you embrace more sustainable ways of shopping and living. An absolute must-read for anyone who feels like they want to break some habits.

6) “How to Avoid a Climate Disaster” – Bill Gates

Bill Gates has spent a decade investigating the causes and effects of climate change. In this book, with the help of a wide range of experts, he sets out a practical and accessible plan for how the world can get to zero emissions in time to avoid a climate catastrophe.

According to Guste, Senior Marketing Manager, “How to Avoid a Climate Disaster” is able to connect the dots between energy and finance, making examples of areas we need innovation that we don’t often think about and suggesting practical solutions to achieve our big environmental goals.

7) “Electrify: An Optimists Playbook for Our Clean Energy Future” – Saul Griffith

Entirely in line with the thoughts of Moixa’s founder Simon – who enthusiastically recommended the book – Griffith’s plan for fighting climate change can be summed up simply: electrify everything.

In “Electrify”, Griffith lays out a detailed blueprint of what it would take to transform our infrastructure, update our grid, and adapt our households to make a world powered by renewable energy possible.

Read about Moixa’s efforts to support the grid and create a net zero energy system in our blog.

8) “Speed & Scale: A Global Action Plan for Solving Our Climate Crisis Now” – John Doerr

Another book recommended by Simon is “Speed & Scale” by John Doerr, which offers an unprecedented global plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions before it’s too late.

As we start to comprehend the actions required to solve the current climate crisis, Doerr identifies the measurable OKRs we need to reduce emissions across the board and reach net zero emissions by 2050. A stimulating read; surprisingly optimistic.

9) Only Planet: A Flight Free Adventure Around the World – Ed Gillespie

If you are looking for inspiration for sustainable travel, you can delve into this captivating tale of global adventure, where Ed Gillespie takes anything but a plane to circumnavigate the world.

En route, Ed realises that staying grounded in an age of climate change may lead us to rediscover the pleasures of what authentic travel is all about. Through the journey, he delves into the philosophy of sustainable travel, reconnecting with the environment.

10) “A Life on Our Planet” – Sir David Attenborough

“We have one final chance to create the perfect home for ourselves and restore the wonderful world we inherited” (Sir David Attenborough).

“A Life on Our Planet is Sir David Attenborough’s “witness statement and vision for the future”, and it charts the naturalist’s experience of watching the living world change.

Whether or not you watched the documentary of the same name released in 2020, this inspiring record of an extraordinary life sends a powerful message about what is at stake if we don’t act on the climate crisis – The wake-up call we all need to take global action.

Find out how the Moixa team reduces their carbon footprint and read their best tips.