Book Review- The Better World Handbook by Ellis Jones, Ross Haenfler and Brett Johnson
Review by Meghan Mast
When the authors set out to write the second edition of the Better World Handbook, as they were traveling across North America talking with people they discovered something exciting. People want to know how to make a positive difference in the world. People are hungry for change. The authors discovered that while most people have good intentions, many do not act on these intentions because of busy schedules and/or a lack of information. Any effort towards effecting social change on a global level is viewed as idealistic and therefore unrealistic.
So here it is, a book that makes a€?Practical Idealisma€? a reality. The Better World Handbook is bursting with information and encouragement that will motivate readers to go out into the world and make a difference. Jones, Haenfler and Johnson have done extensive research and whittled it down into a concise amount of information, accessible for the average person.
Providing a comprehensive overview of the major local and global challenges we face today, The Better World Handbook also suggest tangible solutions, small ways that individuals can contribute to social change.
The book provides solutions in the form of simple and effective steps towards a better world. These solutions are based on seven foundations of economic fairness, comprehensive peace, ecological sustainability, deep democracy, social justice, simple living and revitalized community.
Not only does the guide offer information about where to shop and which companies to boycott, it also suggests lifestyle changes such as slowing down, working less and spending more time with loved ones. By living a fulfilling life, individuals will feel more empowered to reach out to others.
Change begins with the individual, but is most effective when it snowballs into a group effort. As the authors said, a€?your single voice becomes a deafening roar and your single action becomes part of a social movement when you join with others to build a better world.a€? Now thata€™s, encouraging.
