From Conversations to Action: The Evolution of Choices for Sustainable Living
This is the first in a series of three blogs celebrating the 30th-anniversary edition of Choices for Sustainable Living. In this series, we’ll take you behind the scenes to explore how this beloved book has evolved, hear from the editor about how the latest edition came to life, and spotlight some of the incredible new contributors whose voices are helping us shape a more inclusive, sustainable future.
A Book That Keeps Evolving: The Story Behind Choices for Sustainable Living
In 1993, Ecochallenge.org – formerly known as the Northwest Earth Institute – was founded in Portland, Oregon, with a bold mission: to spark conversations about sustainability, focusing on the connections between consumption, waste, and our impact on the planet and each other. Our original discussion books invited people to examine how their everyday choices were linked to larger social and environmental systems.
In 2012, we introduced Choices for Sustainable Living – a book designed to deepen these conversations by encouraging readers to reflect on their daily choices and how they shape the world around them. It quickly became a cornerstone for Ecochallenge.org, engaging people in living rooms, classrooms, break rooms, and community centers nationwide. It wasn’t long before it became our most popular book.
By 2018, feedback from readers prompted us to add a chapter on water – a resource that connects to every aspect of our lives and one that nations and communities continue to struggle to manage today. This update was a natural step in our commitment to keeping the content relevant, ensuring it reflects current sustainability challenges while encouraging readers to think in systems and about our impacts on each other.
In 2025, Choices for Sustainable Living is back with its most comprehensive update yet. Once again, feedback from readers guided the changes, ensuring we’re reflecting on today’s challenges, amplifying diverse perspectives, and exploring solutions that can match the scale of the problems we face today.
“I cannot tell you HOW MUCH that I love this book. Working with first-year learning community students in sustainability and natural resource sciences, I have found Choices for Sustainable Living an invaluable resource both in my teaching and in my students’ learning. The book includes video links, resources, and putting in practice suggestions to support flipped classroom techniques—having students read and engage with material in advance and come to class ready to discuss, debate, and explore topics more deeply. I really do love Choices for Sustainable Living and have used the text for 10 years through three editions. It only gets better! - Debra Kaye Holman, Ph.D.
The Book’s Impact Over the Years
For over a decade, Choices for Sustainable Living has helped people connect to reflect on their values and behaviors and take action together. Readers have used it to explore big questions about justice, food
systems, energy use, transportation, and more – always with a focus on how individual actions and collective conversations can drive meaningful change.
The impact of Choices for Sustainable Living isn’t just about starting conversations – it’s about inspiring real-life change. Liz Zavodsky, Executive Director of Ecochallenge.org, recalls a memory that has stayed with her: a participant in a book discussion shared how the book had changed how he and his husband were thinking about their upcoming move. “They thought they knew where they wanted to live,” Liz said, “but after reading Choices for Sustainable Living and discussing it with the group, they started rethinking their options. They decided to look for a community with a higher walk score, a stronger sense of connection, and better public transportation – all to align their choices with their values and reduce their environmental impact.”
Today’s Edition: New Perspectives, New Challenges, New Solutions
“I loved the discussions. Hearing other people's ideas and what they bring to the table was very valuable to me. The diversity of stories, experiences, and ideas was invaluable.” - Corporate Client and Choices for Sustainable Living book discussion participant
As the world of sustainability evolves, so do the conversations we need to have – and the solutions we need to create together. The latest edition of Choices for Sustainable Living reflects today’s realities, updating old favorites and adding new content that addresses some of the most pressing issues of our time.
From how climate change is affecting communities to inspiring stories of grassroots action and participatory democracy, this edition focuses on solutions-oriented ideas that encourage action and foster hope.
We’re also amplifying a broader range of diverse voices – from emerging leaders to seasoned changemakers – each sharing their expertise on building a sustainable future.
As Xiuhtezcatl Roske-Martinez reminds us, “Small actions can create big ripples. Each one of us has the power to make a difference in building a sustainable future.”
Get Your Copy Today!
Curious to see how Choices for Sustainable Living can inspire your next step toward sustainability? The latest edition is here for you to explore, featuring fresh perspectives that challenge us to think deeply about our role in creating a thriving future for all.
Get your copy today in our online store and join the conversation that’s been sparking change for decades. Plus, the new edition now includes a free audiobook version!
And, stay tuned for our next blog, where we’ll take you behind the scenes with the book’s editor to learn how the latest edition came together. In our final post, we’ll spotlight some of the incredible new contributors whose voices and stories are helping us shape a more inclusive, sustainable future.
Let’s keep the conversation going. Grab your copy, gather your group, and let’s make some new choices – together.