A Reflection on the Writing of You Can Save the World

From the very first time Lori told me about her idea for this book, I was on board. I loved the idea of compiling simple, accessible tips on how to live a more environmentally friendly life all in one little book. I have read many books, blog posts, and articles about living a zero-waste or low-waste lifestyle because living like that is my goal. But it isn’t everyone’s goal, so there needs to be a book for people who want to do their part but are unable to be completely zero-waste. And now there is. 

Our goal with You Can Save the World was to give suggestions. The book is not a checklist you must complete, instead, it is a compilation of a variety of tips to help you find at least one thing anyone can do. Personally, I love that many of the tips in the book are completely free or actually save you money. Living sustainably can be more expensive, which is problematic and needs to be addressed, but, in the meantime, we have to do what we can.  

It is a little hard to believe that the time has already come where you can pre-order the book Lori envisioned. Countless hours of writing, rewriting, researching, formatting, designing, and hunting for images have gone into its creation. I know this because I was a small part of each of these. This book is Lori’s baby, and she cares deeply about its concept and creation, so I am honored she wanted me to help her with it. When I began talking with Lori and Sharon (COO) about interning with Inclusivi-Tee, I never could have imagined it would end with my name on the cover of a book.

Neither Lori nor I had ever written a book before so, it certainly was a learning experience for both of us. The process was not without its bumps! From the style of the cover, to if we should have page numbers, to how many tips we should include per section, we had a lot to discuss. Lori and I had frequent meetings to bounce ideas off of each other and share screens to talk about the design. It wasn’t always easy, but it was entirely worth it. 

Because sustainable fashion has long been my biggest passion, the section I am the most excited about is the first section: Clothes. I think the ideas in this section are particularly attainable because they essentially boil down to buying less clothing and treating what we have and what we buy with care. Also, while many people understand the impact of their food, cars, and trash on the environment, the impact of the clothes we wear is often ignored or forgotten about. I hope this section brings attention to fact that clothes ARE a sustainability issue. 

As someone who has been interested in sustainable living for many years now, friends and family will often ask me for recommendations of things they can do, especially when it comes to clothing. I can’t wait to point people towards the book or even give away a few. Also, I’ll seem so much more credible now that my name is on a book!

I am so excited to see the book in its final form, pictures and all. In case you hadn’t heard, many of the pictures were picked from a photo contest we held, and many of them will be a surprise to me too. 

 

I am more than proud to have been a part of making You Can Save the World and I can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks about it and see its impact.

 

Don’t forget to pre-order the e-book or hardcover if this sounds like a book for you!

 

A SHORT EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK:

We decided to write this book because we believe you are the solution. 

 

In You Can Save the World, we have pulled together tips from many sources to present a quick guide on saving the world.  

 

The earth is the only world we have.  It is beautiful.  It is home.  It is in pain.  

 

The fashion industry hurts the world.  The food industry hurts the world.  Our lifestyle choices hurt the world.

 

Industries hurt the world because we do not demand that they stop. 

 

We hurt the world because we do not take responsibility for saving it.

 

Luckily, there are things you can do today that will make a difference.

 

You can start by taking this seriously.

 

You can start by believing you can save the world.

 

You can start by acting as if you are the only one who can.