The Better World Handbook : From Good Intentions to Everyday Actions

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Summary: Best Professors Ever!!!!
Review: These three were all professors of mine at the Univeristy of Colorado, Boulder and they profoundly changed my world views. I even added a second major in Sociology because of the energy and optimism each left with me. The handbook is put together beautifully, it's easy to find what you're looking for in any category. This book helped me find websites that matched what I was looking for in a career, something I thought I'd never find! Bravo to Ellis, Ross and Brett for a job well done!

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Summary: An Inspiration
Review: This book is an inspiration. It's seems like it was catered specifically to me. I am always wondering when I purchase something, even "natural" products, whether or not they are actually contributing to a better world, or whether they just claim to be environmentally responsible for commercial reasons. This book provides this information in an easy, accessible way, and saves me what would have taken thousands of hours of research. But the best part is that it's fun! It has inspired me to take actions and has allowed me to contribute to a better world in ways I never would have thought possible, and without having to change my life. I feel more informed, more responsible, and more empowered. If we all read this book, we would be living in a better world.

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Summary: Want a better world?
Review: This is the best book of its kind I have seen. In a straightforward fashion, the authors review the ways in which you can get involved with the many, many organizations available working on social issues. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants a better world.

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Summary: Tedious Secular Liberal Drivel
Review: Want to Change the World (tm)? Then stick with your old Utne Readers. There's nothing in this book you won't find there, and dozens of other places. Do you really need another book to tell you to recycle and watch less TV?

The authors, although they decry the holier-than-thou attitude of some of their activist peers, fall prey to the same illness. In the first few pages, they dismiss the majority of Americans - that is, Christians - by announcing that if you believe that human nature is the cause of our troubles, you're part of the problem. (Ever hear of original sin?) They assume that their readers have unlimited money to drop on organic bok choi and shoes with hemp content, but they miss obvious healthy and frugal options like breastfeeding. They'll tell you how to be an activist in the public schools, but not about homeschooling. The shopping guide - which is available on their Web site for free, by the way - ranks corporations so that you can make the most politically correct choices. Of course, there's little to tell you what criteria were used for these judgment calls, you don't really need to think for yourself, do you? Just march in lock-step with your progressive peers and the world will be a better place.

If you really want to change the world without changing the root of our problems - the human heart - save your money and donate it to a reputable charity instead. But if you want to score a date with that vegan, World Bank-protesting hottie, this book will teach you the right noises to make.

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Summary: An invaluable resource
Review: Want to make a difference but don't know where to begin? Try reading "The Better World Handbook" by Ellis Jones, Ross Haenfler, Brett Johnson, and Brian Klocke. They offer a variety of actions on issues like poverty, environmental damage, and free trade that you can incorporate into your life. What's great about this book is that you can pick and choose what works for you at the moment - there are suggested actions that may not seem doable now but you can probably do later. You don't have agree with each issue the authors describe and suggest actions for, and the authors make a good attempt at avoiding a self-righteous tone. I have notes and have highlighted what actions I can manage, and will keep referring to this list (probably on the new year's eves to come).

The authors first explain our culture of cynicism and define the 7 most common traps that prevent people from taking action on issues they care about. I found this especially revealing as I have often caught myself in one or more of those traps. They then describe the seven foundations of a better world (economic fairness, comprehensive peace, ecological sustainability, deep democracy, social justice, culture of simplicity, and revitalized community) and have a list of references on each foundation. What follows are numerous actions regarding money (e.g. banking), shopping, food, personal living and relationships, community, home, work, media, politics, transportation, and travel. Some of the website links they include are not up-to-date, so I strongly recommend doing a search on the organizations mentioned and trying to find similar links and organizations.

This book is a starting point and can inspire other actions that are not included in the book. Reading "The Better World Handbook" is an invaluable first step to realizing that one person can really make a difference.