World Book Day 2022:Top audiobooks and guides for a sustainable lifestyle

This week, on Thursday 3 March 2022, marks the 25th anniversary of World Book Day. Woohoo.

To celebrate this event, we’ll be sharing some top audiobooks, guides, and podcasts, giving tips on sustainability. Lovely things you can consume right from your phone, or on the go.

So if you want to live a greener life but don’t know where to start, then don’t stress. We’ve got you covered with this wonderful array of suggestions. From tips on eating more sustainably, to environmental world affairs, there’s bound to be something for everyone.

You can thank us, and our members, later.

Join the circular economy of books

But first let’s talk about books. I mean raw, physical books. While most of our suggestions here are of a digital nature, we know that a lot of folk enjoy a good, solid book in their hands.

There’s a certain ‘feeling’ you get from holding a physical book between your fingers. There’s a tangible energy that draws you into the text. That’s why physical books have continued to thrive in recent years.

In this blog series, we’ve previously spoken about the “circular economy” for phones. You know, buying a refurbished phone and donating your old phone to be recycled or reused, instead of throwing it away. Well the same goes for books.

If you love the feel of a real book between your hands, then perhaps consider looking to second hand bookshops, or charity shops for your next novel fix. If you don’t have a good charity shop near you, that’s no problem, because Oxfam also sells its secondhand books through Amazon and eBay.

And once you’re done with it, don’t throw it away, donate it either to someone who wants it, or back to the charity/secondhand bookshop.

Why should you do this? Well, one of our members, kath72, puts it best:

“I buy second hand books from charity shops or online. Once I’ve read them I pass them on to someone else, or put them back in the charity shop. This way there are less trees cut down for paper and the charities benefit.”

Don’t have time to read? There’s an app for that

Sadly, not everyone can find the time to sit down with a book. But there are some excellent apps out there that condense the content of books into just a few short pages.

They reduce the copy down to the main point and facts of the text, so that you can consume an entire book in mere minutes. And some of them even add an audio option, so you don’t even need to read your phone’s screen; you just listen. Super handy.

There’s a few options out there. Here’s just a few popular apps we know of. You can search for them (and others) via your phone’s app store:

• 12min: Audiobooks & Summaries
• Blinkist: Big Ideas in 15 Min
• Headway: Self-Growth Challenge
• Mentorist: Skills from Books
• Uptime: 5-min Books, Courses, Documentaries

These apps are very handy if you’re pressed for time. There’s a good mix of features between them all. So it’s worthwhile having a look at each of them, to see what works best for you.

If you want to try out one of these apps, giffgaff members actually get an exclusive 60% off Uptime, right now. You can find this perk and more information under “Extras” in your giffgaff app. So if you’re interested in using one of these apps, it’s a great time to check it out.

Audiobooks for a greener life

If you want to get the full experience of a book, but reading isn’t your cup of tea, there are always audiobooks. They’re great for a long commute, or if you’re at home and your hands are busy with chores, but your brain’s craving some entertainment.

Here’s a selection of inspirational audiobooks all about sustainable living:

The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide, Jen Gale

Find it on: Audible
Overview: From the stuff we buy to the food we eat, the transport we choose and how we spend our free time, discover your ultimate guide to all the small lifestyle changes that could make a big difference. Oh, and if you find it useful, Sustainable(ish) also has a weekly podcast. Cheeky. Tune in here.

How to Break Up with Fast Fashion, Lauren Bravo

Find it on: Audible
Overview: Are you and shopping in a co-dependent relationship? Sounds like you need some wise words from Lauren Bravo. This ‘guilt-free guide’ will help you change the way you shop without sacrificing style. After all, no outfit should cost the earth.

A Life on Our Planet, David Attenborough

Find it on: Audible
Overview: Sound advice from the iconic voice of everything environmental. Now in his 90s, Sir David reflects on our changing world and gives his predictions for the future. The go-to manifesto we should all be looking to follow.

What Climate Justice Means and Why We Should Care, Elizabeth Cripps

Find it on: Audible
Overview: Yes, yes so the world is getting warmer. But why should we care? And, more to the point, who should foot the bill to fix it? Elizabeth Cripps takes a philosophical approach, revealing why climate activism is more than just a political choice – it’s a moral duty.

Sustainability podcasts

As well as audiobooks, podcasts are another great way to consume information on your favourite topics. So here’s a small selection we’ve picked to help you learn to be your most sustainable self.

A Sustainable Mind

Average episode length: 45 minutes
Listen on: iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Audible
Marjorie Alexander started this podcast as a uni project. Seven years later and she’s still busy interviewing the masterminds behind today’s most impactful start-ups and green campaigns. Tune in every Thursday for fresh inspiration from these sustainable superheroes.

Sustainababble

Average episode length: 45 minutes
Listen on: iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Acast, Audible
Overview: Can’t keep up with the complex world of environmental politics? This podcast has you covered. UK-based hosts Ol and Dave give their light-hearted take on the week’s environmental news. They cover everything from business greenwashing to local activism. You’ll be a sustainability expert in no time.

Generation One: The Climate Podcast

Average episode length: 30 minutes
Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Acast, Audible
Overview: How far will electric batteries take us? How much do trees actually matter? Why is being sustainable so expensive? University College London tackles these topical questions (and more) in their 6-episode series, chatting to some of the world’s leading climate experts.

Free online sustainability guides

As well as books and podcasts, here’s a small selection of free sustainability guides to help you get your green on.

A Foolproof Guide to Sustainable Living

Overview: Good Housekeeping are smashing it with this multi-step guide to greenifying your life. Full of tips and tricks, savvy swaps and easy alternatives. Prepare to feel smug as your carbon footprint disappears behind you. Free download.

50 simple ways to make your life greener

Overview: It says it in the title. The Guardian’s green living guide is packed with practical tips for living a more sustainable lifestyle, plus some handy links to help turn those good intentions into a reality. Free download.

Go green: A Beginners Guide To Eco-Friendly Living

Overview: This guide really has thought of everything, from bamboo toothbrushes and wax food wraps to homemade surface cleaner and laundry gel. If you’re really committed to the eco-cause, this is the guide for you. Free download.

Got any more reading tips?

Are you reading something right now that you want to share with others? Then join in the conversation on the giffgaff community forum, where our members are sharing their tips and reading suggestions. Such as this from Ray2:

“I have recently been reading “Home Bird” by Megan Davies, she is all about reducing food and packaging waste, and she includes vegetarian dishes as well as meat dishes which I found refreshing.”

Join the conversation and share your thoughts, tips and reading lists with our friendly community. Let’s go green together.