Welcome to the first instalment of our ‘Bear Minimum’ features!
We want to also welcome you to our first Vegums Book Club meeting. Our dedicated marketing team have all chosen a book that inspired them to either help the planet, eat more sustainably, help save animals, or just inspire us to do our bit to ensure we help the planet, not take from it.
From our book club, we want to showcase the books we have read, and hope to inspire you to either read one of our recommendations or send us a book you’ve read as a suggestion for our next book club meeting!
First on the list, it’s:
What Climate Justice Means And Why We Should Care
By Elizabeth Cripps
Philosopher Elizabeth Cripps approaches climate justice not just as an abstract idea but as something that should motivate us all. Using clear reasoning and poignant examples, starting from irrefutable science and uncontroversial moral rules, she explores our obligations to each other and the non-human world, unravels the legacy of colonialism and entrenched racism, and makes the case for immediate action.
Chosen by: Frankie, our B2B Marketing Exec. She said: ‘What Climate Justice Means and Why We Should Care’ does what it says on the tin in layman’s terms, without oversimplifying or sugarcoating anything. I think climate change, and therefore veganism, are often overlooked as a human rights issue, but Elizabeth Cripps makes it abundantly clear that morally and philosophically it’s an issue that absolutely cannot be ignored. It’s one thing to be able to pretend that the plight of animals isn’t a ‘you’ problem, but a whole other kettle of fish when it comes to our fellow human beings! The luck of the draw when it comes to where, when and who you are born into, should not come with such disastrous consequences. Poignant racial, social and economical true examples of the injustices that our actions as a species may cause discomfort, but they also offer very necessary motivation. The limitations of the way our society is built are carefully considered, so the call to action is one of following the most just path – and of holding those responsible accountable if it’s not a change we can effect ourselves.’
Vivi and the Planet Protector / Vivi the SuperVegan
By vivithesupervegan
Vivi and the Planet Protector is the second in the wonderful series by Tina Newman. Softback children’s picture book.
“Being a Supervegan is so much fun but being a Supervegan on holiday is so much better!”
When Vivi meets Pax she discovers that he has a rather special secret, just like her. Follow Vivi on her next adventure as she teams up with her new friend to save animals and make the planet a better place.
Chosen by: Dom, our Marketing Brand Manager and her youngest, Nell. Nell said: ‘I loved this story because I care about animals so much like Vivi. I like that her and Pax become planet protectors to help the animals stay safe by removing rubbish that hurts them as well as stopping other children scaring hedgehogs by kicking litter at them. The books show us that we should treat animals with the love and respect they deserve.
Children can educate others on how we should care for our animals and the planet by showing kindness and compassion’
SuperLife
By Darin Olien
In this groundbreaking health and lifestyle guide, Darin Olien—superfoods expert, nutritionist, creator of Shakeology, and co-host of the Netflix docuseries Down to Earth with Zac Efron—provides the key to understanding and utilising five life forces, the sole factors that determine whether or not we will be healthy and fit.
Chosen by: Craig, our Ecommerce Marketing Exec. He said: ‘I found out about this book through watching the Netflix series Down To Earth, which mentions Darin Oliens book. The pair in the series visit different parts of the world, sampling each areas way of living healthy.
The book was a fantastic eye opener on what we should be nourishing our bodies with, and how we can all eat and live more responsibly to improve not only ourselves, but out planet’
Six Weeks to Zero Waste
By Kate Arnell
We are in the midst of a worldwide waste epidemic, where the average person in the UK throws away their body weight in rubbish every seven weeks. The figure looks even worse at the national level with the UK producing more than 100 million tonnes of waste every year.
We all know the importance of reducing our environmental footprint, but the prospect of going green can seem daunting. Six Weeks to Zero Waste is both an accessible and aspirational programme to eliminate waste – and it goes beyond plastic. In this book, TV presenter turned eco blogger, Kate Arnell will help you on your path to rubbish-free living, with the principles of the 5 Rs (refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle and rot).
From cutting down on food waste and decluttering, to making homemade health and beauty products, you’ll soon be on your way to a zero-waste lifestyle.
Chosen by: Lydia, our Social Media Exec. She said: ‘I received this book as a gift from a friend. I’ll be honest, it’s not something I would necessarily buy myself as I prefer to get zero waste tips online (save the trees and all that jazz). However, it was an enjoyable and super informative read! It’s also quite easy to follow too because of its simple format, which you could dip in and out of for helpful reading tips if you needed to. I also love that information is abundant in this book on different topics from cleaning to food waste in the home.
The most interesting section for me was how to reduce pet waste which is something I need to know since I have four wasteful friends in my home. A bonus of this book is the low-waste recipes towards the end which is a nice touch. Overall this is a very helpful guide for anyone wanting to learn more about simple zero waste hacks!’
Unbowed: A Memoir
By Wangari Maathai
Maathai discusses her life from childhood until she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. She discusses her childhood, education in the United States and her return to Kenya, moving on to her life as an environmentalist and political activist, culminating with the victory of the opposition in the 2002, elections against the ruling KANU party and her election to parliament, followed shortly after by the Nobel Prize. Maathai stresses the connection between environmental conservation and good governance.
Chosen by: Lucy, our Graphic Designer. She said: ‘It would be impossible to finish reading Maathai’s story and not be humbled and in awe of all she achieved in the face of adversity. Her strength and determination while standing up against greed, corruption and violence with solidarity and planting trees leaves you looking into yourself, thinking of your privileges and considering what you could do to inspire change.’