Best Sustainable Business Development Books of 2025

Nature's Best Hope by Douglas W. Tallamy offers a grassroots approach to conservation by turning yards into habitats for wildlife. The book provides practical and easy suggestions for individuals to preserve wildlife and the planet for future generations. Tallamy's vision for a private initiative approach to conservation is immune from the whims of government policy. The book is a must-read for those concerned about the environment and offers a blueprint for taking action. Overall, Nature's Best Hope is a persuasive and original book that provides a solution to the urgent situation of wildlife populations in decline.

Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World by Henry Grabar is an eye-opening investigation into the influence of parking on modern American life. Grabar takes readers on a journey through the history, politics, and absurdity of the nation's parking crisis, ultimately questioning whether it's really the best use of our finite resources and space. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in environmental economics and the impact of car culture on our cities and society.

The international bestseller, "Thinking in Systems," is a must-read for anyone looking to solve problems on a personal or global scale. The book offers insight into systems thinking skills that are critical for 21st-century life. Donella Meadows, the lead author of the bestseller "Limits to Growth," delves into the science behind global dilemmas and reminds readers to pay attention to what is important. The book is a concise and essential primer for problem-solving, and it helps readers avoid confusion and helplessness in an ever-growing complicated world.

Guardians of the Valley is an inspiring and deeply researched book about the legendary conservationist John Muir and his friendship with editor Robert Underwood Johnson. The book follows their journey to Yosemite Valley, where they witnessed the destruction of nature caused by mining, tourism, and logging. The pact they formed led to the creation of Yosemite National Park, marking a watershed moment in the American environmental movement. The book highlights the transformative power of nature and the importance of friendship in making a difference. Overall, Guardians of the Valley is a timely and powerful read that sheds light on the environmental challenges we face today.

Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies (Good to Great, 2) is a well-researched book that studies eighteen exceptional and long-lasting companies and compares them to their top competitors. The authors examine the companies from their beginnings to the present day, asking what makes the truly exceptional companies different and what common practices they followed throughout their history. The book provides a master blueprint for building organizations that will prosper long into the 21st century and beyond. Overall, this book is a must-read for managers and entrepreneurs who want to learn from the best practices of successful companies.

A Bold Return to Giving a Damn is a memoir-meets-manifesto that tells the story of Will Harris, a fourth-generation farmer who inherited a highly profitable, conventionally-run farm. However, he found himself disgusted with the excess, cruelty, and smalltown devastation this system entailed. So he bet the farm on forging a different way of doing things. In this book, Harris urges readers to consider where their food comes from and re-connect to the places and people who raise what we eat each day. A Bold Return to Giving a Damn offers a unique perspective on regenerative agriculture and the future of food.

Doughnut Economics by Kate Raworth offers a fresh perspective on economics that challenges the traditional ideas that have dominated decision-making for centuries. Raworth presents seven ways to reframe our understanding of economics for the 21st century, highlighting the need to break our addiction to growth and create regenerative and distributive economies. Drawing on ideas from ecological, behavioral, feminist, and institutional economics, as well as complexity thinking and Earth-systems science, Doughnut Economics provides inspiring analysis for a new generation of economic thinkers. Overall, this book is a game-changer in the field of economics and a must-read for anyone interested in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future.

The fifth edition of "School–Community Relations" by Douglas J. Fiore is an accessible and practical textbook that provides aspiring educational leaders with the skills to establish strong systems for communicating with their various school constituencies and to improve public relations at all levels. The book uses real-life examples to illustrate the ways in which administrators and school leaders can effectively engage and enlist partnerships with teachers, staff, students, parents, and community members. The new strategies for utilizing social media and instructional technology to improve school–community relations and foster a positive school image make this edition unique. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for educational leaders looking to establish successful school–community relations.

Sustainable by Terrence Keeley examines the prospects and perils of ESG investing, arguing that advocates have been overly optimistic about its accomplishments. Keeley proposes practical solutions for more inclusive and sustainable growth, including reallocating capital towards an emerging class of strategies with more verifiable social and environmental benefits. The book highlights promising civic organizations with proven methodologies for achieving widely shared benefits at scale, offering an incisive vision of the roles business and finance can play in building a flourishing society.

Climate Optimism is a must-read for anyone looking to make a positive impact on the environment. Written by climate activist Zahra Biabani, the book offers practical advice on how to stay optimistic in the face of the climate crisis and highlights good news from around the world. It also features interviews with activists working on projects that promote environmental sustainability. The book is a refreshing reminder that there are people working towards positive change and that we can all be part of the solution. Overall, Climate Optimism is an inspiring and informative read that will leave readers feeling hopeful and motivated.