MISSION

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THE LAST HOURS OF ANCIENT SUNLIGHT
Author - Thom Hartmann

There have been many apocalyptic pronouncements throughout the centuries, so much that people have generally switched off and are more concerned with their own small time allotment on the planet. At first it looks like this book is the mother of all doomsday books.

The world is reaching crisis point, as population growth escalates out of control, and species and cultures are being destroyed. With humans across the globe encroaching further and further upon Earth's resources, the realisation that the supply is finite has dawned and we now face the urgent dilemma of knowing how to create a sustainable future for ourselves.

However, in his book, Thom Hartmann puts forward his lasting solution to our survival. Teaching us a new way of seeing, Hartmann introduces us to lessons of our ancient ancestors - those which allowed sustainable living for many thousands of years but which we've forgotten.

Ecology and spirituality are deftly intertwined in this well-written discussion of how we can save and preserve life on earth. Vermont author Thom Hartman offers a highly persuasive argument for adopting the spiritual values of our ancient ancestors, which means living with a strong connection to the earth as well as the sun that nourishes us all. Nowadays, humans often perceive themselves as separate from nature and born to dominate it, says Hartman who lays out some frightening, albeit thorough, research on the destruction of the planet. But as the book progresses, he guides readers into a convincing and intelligent vision for reversing our destructive ways.

Mostly, we could all use an attitude adjustment. For example, he explains how native and tribal cultures often considered all forms of life to be as sacred as human life--an attitude that may be one of our best shots at planetary longevity. Hartman devotes his final section to "What the Average Person Can Do", which includes the chapters "Turn Off the TV", "The Modern-day Tribe: Intentional Community" and "Reinventing Our Daily Lives and Rituals". It is a call for consciousness combining spirituality and ecology that offers real hope for the future. £6.39

BUILDING INSIDE NATURE'S ENVELOPE
Author - A. Wasowski

How does one build in a natural landscape without destroying it? Concerned architects, landscape designers, urban planners, homeowners, and builders are rethinking detrimental construction methods and have adopted the term 'nature's envelope' to mean the natural landscape intended to envelop a new structure or community. Simple, cost-effective, and ecologically responsible, the envelope is becoming more widely accepted and used each year.

This book presents the concept of nature's envelope, showing not only how construction can be managed in harmony with it, but also how homeowners and builders can save money while preserving natural resources.

The question addressed here is how to construct a building in a forest, for example, without destroying the natural environment (not that there's a lot of natural environment left in the UK). Written by a traditional architect but some interesting questions are asked and radical solutions proposed. £17.22

LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT: PLANNING AND PEOPLE IN A SUSTAINABLE COUNTRYSIDE
Author - Simon Fairlie

There is a debate raging about who can build what in the British countryside, about the current planning laws that favour the rich and the attempts by many to live in a low-income, sustainable fashion.

Based on masses of research and current practice this is a handbook for those who would live sustainably on the land and those planners and politicians who would break the mould by making it possible. Essential reading for all who care about the future use of our countryside and villages and the issue of sustainable development. £10.00