12 Books on Zero Waste, Plastic-Free Life & Minimalism (2025)

This post and the photos within it may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a commission at no extra charge to you.

---

Are you ready to kickstart or deepen your zero waste journey through books?

I’ve rounded up the best books about zero waste, plastic-free living, and sustainable consumption, including books you can get for free with Audible or Kindle Unlimited.

This zero waste book list isn’t just about zero waste, though. It’s a mix of books that dive into all the stuff connected to it – plastic-free living, sustainable fashion, circular design, and minimalism.

Whether you’re just starting out or already knee-deep in eco habits, these picks cover a bit of everything.

Let’s jump right in.

1. Give a Sh*t: Do Good. Live Better. Save the Planet. by Ashlee Piper

A sassy and practical handbook for sustainable living in every area of life, from your closet to your kitchen.

Perfect for: If you enjoy humor and want a casual yet informative read.

📖 Free with Audible Trial | Second-hand paperback | Kindle

2. More from Less by Andrew McAfee

Explores how technology, capitalism, awareness, and policy are driving a resource-conscious economy.

Perfect for: Readers who want hope and hard data to understand global sustainability progress.

📖 Free with Audible Trial | Kindle | Second-hand paperback

3. A Life Less Throwaway by Tara Button

Learn to break the buy-use-toss cycle with mindful shopping habits and intentional living.

Perfect for: Anyone tired of fast fashion and cluttered closets.

📖 Free with Audible Trial | Kindle available | Second-hand paperback

4. The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard

A behind-the-scenes look at how our products are made – and where they end up.

Perfect for: Anyone curious about the true cost of consumption.

📖 Free with Audible Trial | Kindle

5. F**k Plastic: 101 Ways to Free Yourself from Plastic and Save the World

Quick and cheeky read, full of actionable changes you can make today.

Perfect for: Teens and visual learners.

📖 Second-hand paperback | Kindle

6. No. More. Plastic. by Martin Dorey

Short, sweet, and effective – ideal for people just starting out.

Perfect for: UK-based beginners or anyone who wants a motivational spark.

📖 Second-hand paperback | Kindle

7. Fashionopolis by Dana Thomas

A revealing look into the dark side of fast fashion and the rise of slow, sustainable alternatives.

Perfect for: Anyone who wants to shop more ethically.

📖 Free with Audible Trial | Second-hand paperback

8. Consumed: The Need for Collective Change by Aja Barber

A sharp critique of fast fashion, colonization, and capitalism – plus how we can fix it.

Perfect for: Readers ready to dig deep into fashion justice.

📖 Kindle | Free with Audible Trial

9. Live Green: 52 Steps for a More Sustainable Life by Jen Chillingsworth

A seasonal guide to greener living, with one change per week for a year.

Perfect for: Busy people who want quick, structured guidance.

📖 Kindle | Second-hand paperback

10. Sustainable(ish): Everyday Solutions for a Greener Life by Jen Gale

A guilt-free, non-judgmental guide to eco-friendly living – even if you’re not perfect.

Perfect for: Parents, busy professionals, or anyone trying to do better imperfectly.

📖 Kindle

11. The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker

While not strictly a zero waste book, it supports the lifestyle by showing how to be happy and content with less.

Perfect for: Anyone interested in minimalism and sustainability together.

📖 Kindle | Free with Audible Trial

12. We Are the Weather by Jonathan Safran Foer

A thought-provoking book on how individual diet choices can help tackle climate change.
Perfect for: Conscious eaters looking to reduce their environmental impact.

📖 Kindle | Free with Audible Trial | Second-hand paperback