In this Author POV, we highlight Second Nature, a practical guide to building sustainable habits that last. Blending environmental science with the psychology of behavior change, the book offers readers a realistic framework for making eco-friendly choices part of their everyday lives.
Rather than focusing solely on what people should do, Second Nature explores how lasting habits are formed and maintained. Ideal for readers interested in sustainability, personal development, and climate action, the book demonstrates how small, consistent actions can create meaningful environmental impact over time.
Can you introduce your book for librarians who may be discovering it for the first time?
You’ve tried to live more sustainably, but it didn’t stick. You’ve made better choices, bought new products to help out, but none of it lasted in the long run. It’s not because you don’t care about the environment. It didn’t work out because most sustainability advice ignores how to embed new behaviors into our lives. Second Nature shows you how to make sustainable behavior automatic. I use my real world climate and sustainability experience to break down the psychology of habits to give you a clear system to build ecohabits that last. Instead of relying on motivation, you’ll learn how to make small changes that fit into your daily routines and stay there. Most sustainability advice focuses on information. This book focuses on behavior.
What inspired you to write this book, and what core themes do you hope readers take away from it?
When my kids were small, I overheard another parent talking about the disposable plates she used for every meal at home. She said something along the lines of not caring about “the” environment and only caring about “her” environment. I thought to myself, “But they’re the same thing.” I realized that people can struggle to understand how their individual actions fit into a bigger picture. That in fact, “their” environment is “the” environment. I wrote this book to: • help people to understand they are part of a larger ecosystem and their individual actions, helpful or harmful, impact that ecosystem
• give readers a simple system to build consistent behavior change into their daily lives
• explain how to hack into the brains’ natural processes to embed positive environmental change without having relying on willpower
What kind of readers or patrons do you see this book resonating with most?
I wrote Second Nature for young adults and adults who’ve
• Started to go green, then slipped back into old habits
• Felt overwhelmed by where to start
• Wondered if their actions actually make a difference
What themes or discussion topics do you hope librarians highlight when recommending the book?
Themes:
• Individual habits matter as part of a collective effort to help our planet.
• Our actions will vary depending on what we choose to focus on and the resources we have available to us.
• You don’t have to overhaul your life to live more sustainably.
Discussion topics:
• What did you learn about why some habits stick while others fade, and how might that change your routines?
• In what ways does your home environment shape your daily choices, and what changes could support more sustainable living?
• How did the book change your understanding of the relationship between individual action and collective environmental impact?
If your book were part of a library display, what topics, themes, or comparable titles would you pair it with?
Relevant topics/themes include: Sustainable Living/Green Lifestyle, Nature/Environment, Personal Development/Self Help, Habit Formation Habit Comps: Atomic Habits by James Clear, The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg Sustainability Comps: Books that give sustainable living ideas (i.e., what to do) like Green Living Made Easy by Nancy Birtwhistle or Go Gently by Bonnie Wright.
Are there companion resources librarians or educators should know about?
The book includes worksheets that readers can download from my website for free using a link provided at the end of the book. In the future I’ll offer bound workbooks for purchase.
Which formats are currently available?
Paperback 979-8993938707 Kindle eBook 979-8993938714. The paperback can be purchased with wholesale discounts via Ingram or through me.
How could this book be used in community events or themed programming throughout the year?
Earth Day, World Environment Day, Back to School/STEM, New Year goal/resolution setting, Summer/nature related events
Do you offer author engagement options for schools or libraries?
I speak about how to leverage individual effort to make lasting environmental change. I’m also a STEM education and career advocate and enjoy bringing my perspective to the next generation. I offer virtual or in-person events (New Orleans/Baton Rouge) including Q&As, presentations, talks, and book signings.
Is there anything else you would like librarians, teachers, or educators to know about your work?
Second Nature complements environmental science lessons or other global community related lessons.
To learn more about Second Nature, download companion worksheets, and explore additional sustainability resources, visit https://oxfordcommapress.com/.
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