7 must-read books to change the world – as chosen by the Vogue Scandinavia editors

No one is too small to make a difference. Our very own inaugural cover star, Greta Thunberg, taught us all that very sentiment. But for many of us, perhaps we need a gentle reminder of it and books are a great way to lead the way and help illuminate life’s toughest issues. There’s no better time to clue up on issues impacting our planet – and the fashion industry – such as sustainability, the cost of our overconsumption and the impacts of global warming, which should all be top of everyone's minds.

In fact, McKinsey has estimated that the fashion industry is responsible for 4 percent of the world’s greenhouse-gas emissions. Now with the ever prescient warnings of climate change on our planet, the wildfires and soaring temperatures hitting Europe this summer for one, there’s no better time to arm yourself with knowledge.

Read on to discover the Vogue Scandinavia’s seven must-read recommendations for a better, greener way of living (and buying)

I saw American architect William McDonough speak at a conference recently and I was immediately in awe. This landmark book, written by him and German chemist Michael Braungart, is a blueprint for budding designers who want to put the planet first. Cradle to Cradle is the duo’s thinking on creating a circular economy and products that truly last forever. The idea being that you don’t create anything that is meant for the 'grave' aka landfill. It may seem like a simple notion, but it’s not something, sadly, that is prevalent in our current fast fashion world. It’s about doing the right thing from the very beginning. The book doesn’t scare you into submission, instead, it inspires you to act. A must-read for designers in any field and, well, anyone in fact.

As chosen by Eliza Sörman Nilsson, digital editor

Paul Polman is the ex-Unilever CEO who increased shareholder returns while also ensuring the company ranked number one for sustainability. ‘Net Positive’, written with sustainable business expert Andrew Winston, is a handbook for other business leaders to take on the challenges of climate change and social injustices.

The pair advocate that business can actually profit by solving the world’s problems, rather than adding to them. Yes, it might feel like something that should be on an ‘inspiring-CEO reading list’, but it’s for everyone. It makes you think about the companies you work for and the business you buy from. It also hits home just how much inequality and social injustice is ingrained into the climate crisis, and that we need to think about the world as a whole – not just our own backyard.

As chosen by Eliza Sörman Nilsson, digital editor

Having long been an admirer of the highly relatable writing of British fashion journalist Lauren Bravo, I was intrigued when I heard she was writing this book. In this self-irreverent confessional, Lauren helps you flip the script on the way you not only consume clothes, but embrace new (and sustainable) ways of shopping better – think everything from clothes swaps to buying only secondhand, all done in a relaxed, attainable (non-judgy) tone. Every page is packed with practical titbits and useful everyday advice on ditching our toxic fast fashion addiction and embracing slower, more thoughtful buying practices.

As chosen by: Anna Clarke, deputy digital editor

I stumbled across this book in the depths of lockdown, when mindless online shopping was one of few daily joys. It was a much-needed wake-up call that had me seriously rethinking my relationship with clothing. While fashion’s sustainability challenges can often feel overwhelming, De Castro provides a practical and achievable guide to making meaningful changes in everyday life, from basic fabric care, to needlework tips and upcycling intel – all supported with clear and comprehensive industry insights. A bible for wardrobe future-proofing! It had me instantly rummaging for my sewing kit and that pile of clothes in desperate need of mending.

As chosen by: Clare McInerney, acting digital editor

This book discusses the leaderlessness of the modern sustainability movement. Across the world, environmental justice groups seem to lack a centralised public figure, are unified only by localised aims, and their work remains largely unrecognised by media, political, and cultural elites. However, this reality has inspired me to take my own initiative to see the sustainable world I want to live in.

Still, Hawken does a stellar job at remaining optimistic – I particularly enjoyed how he tells the stories of the difficulties many of these individuals have endured in their attempts to stand up to large corporations. The book explores the vast diversity of thought within this movement – everything from the new and experimental strategies to the centuries old history of the movement. A must-read.

As chosen by: Greta Westman, junior shopping editor

One of the hardest truths to cope with is that the most sustainable beauty product is the one that is never bought. With that in mind, knowing what to buy becomes the most important sustainable action one can do – even over recycled packaging, ethical sourcing and refillable products. That's why this guide is one of the bibles when it comes to basics (and not so basics) of what ingredients do and formulas mean. With her witty tone, she allows the readers to build their knowledge and curate a more thought-out routine, eliminating unnecessary steps, cutting down on mirage-type products and focusing on results and real needs.

As chosen by: Esteban G Villanueva, beauty editor

Simply put, Fashionopolis tells us why we should care about our clothes. It is a big statement to make, but fashion journalist Dana Thomas expertly plots out the reasons why in her quick-witted and articulate attack on the fashion industry’s unbridled labour and environmental abuses.

Her single most important takeaway is that fast fashion is a messy, unscrupulous business. As Thomas puts it, “the production of trendy, inexpensive garments in vast amounts at lightning speed in subcontracted factories, to be touted in thousands of chain stores,” is unsustainable at its core – and Thomas asks readers to resist it however we can.

As chosen by: Josefin Forsberg, expert editor