Simple Prosperity (St. Martin’s Press, January, 2008) In Simple Prosperity, the bestselling co-author of Affluenza, David Wann, shows us how to prosper sustainably in a world filled with over- consumption by changing our priorities and investing in what really matters: the wealth of time, health, great work, and social connections. Wann’s investment portfolio includes assets like these: In our age of hedge fund hysteria, fast food and gas guzzling, Simple Prosperity offers the reader a new way to invest that delivers a richer, more meaningful life and also preserves the essential wealth of the planet. Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic (Berrett-Koehler,2001,2005) "Affluenza should make us all realize that materials possessions are never enough to satisfy spiritual hunger. The authors of Affluenza challenge us to think beyond the superficiality of individual demand to the deeper meaning of life." "If you sometimes suspect that American life has become a nightmare, but you dare not admit the truth to yourself or talk about it to others, take a peek inside Affluenza. The way to end a nightmare is to wake up, and this book is like an alarm clock. We have created a world that dishonors all that is honorable, good and meaningful. There is another possibility." "The material basis for the American way of life is not sustainable here and is not replicable elsewhere. Our feverish mindset is burning up the natural systems that support us. Affluenza provides a witty, informed roadmap out of this unfulfilling dead end, and describes sustainable alternatives that are stimulating, healthy, diverse and fun." “Using humor, facts and compelling stories Affluenza exposes the disease of over-consuming that threatens our health, families, budgets, friendships, communities, and the environment.” David Brower, Founder, Friends of the Earth "You'll laugh... You'll cry... You'll cheer... You'll growl. But you'll be challenged and moved by this book. Affluenza looks at our epidemic of overconsumption and shows how we can live simpler, more meaningful lives. It's a fantastic book, very funny yet deeply serious." Peter Barnes, co-founder, Working Assets Reinventing Community (Fulcrum, 2005) “Human beings are not meant to live alone, or in isolated nuclear family arrangements. We do best in community. But in a few short generations we've lost many of the social skills necessary for successful community living. The folks David Wann profiles in Reinventing Community are the vanguard for the future -- they're learning today, often by painful and sometimes humorous trial and error, what it takes to go beyond the solitary and alienated survival tactics of modern urban life to the full flowering of the human spirit of tomorrow, in community. Eric Utne is the founder of Utne magazine and editor of Cosmo Doogood's Urban Almanac “At last, a delightfully honest look inside the pearly gates of cohousing that describes the many benefits as well as some of the downsides of this vibrant new alternative to "life" in a cookie cutter home in cookie cutter suburbia. A must read for anyone contemplating a move to cohousing or anyone interested in simply learning more about one of the most exciting new developments in housing." Dan Chiras, author of The Solar House and The New Ecological Home David Wann brings together a rich tapestry of voices and insights from modern pioneers who are creating human scale villages that are friendly to people and to the sustainability of life on this planet. “Reinventing Community” is an accessible and inspiring book that will reward anyone Duane Elgin, author of “Voluntary Simplicity” and “Promise Ahead” Dave Wann’s fascinating smorgasbord of lively, engaging first-person tales helps us understand why small cooperative neighborhoods like these have such vital appeal—and why cohousing is now the fastest-growing kind of intentional community in North America today. Diana Leafe Christian, editor of Communities magazine and author of Creating a Life Together: Practical Tools to Grow Ecovillages and Intentional Communities. Superbia! 31 Ways to Create Sustainable Neighborhoods (New Society, 2003) Superbia! is a book of practical ideas for creating more socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable neighborhoods. It is about remaking suburban and urban neighborhoods to serve people better and to reduce human impact on the environment. Examples from all over North America and beyond provide real-life proof that citizen planners can create Superbia! And the most comprehensive resource listing imaginable puts all the tools needed at your fingertips. Well-illustrated and reader-friendly, Superbia! is written primarily for the millions who live in urban areas or existing suburbs. It will also be of major interest to environmentalists, planners, and all who want to create a more humane and nurturing lifestyle. The Zen of Gardening In the High & Arid West (Fulcrum, 2003) "The Zen of Gardening in the High and Arid West is a friendly and invaluable guide to such topics as strategic gardening (how to coax fruits and vegetables from a sun-parched garden), pest-proof planting (how to protect those disappearing bulbs), choosing the right varieties of edibles for the region (apples, snow peas, tomatoes, etc.), how to become a seed-starting maniac, and a "Farmer's Almanac approach to gardening (plant peas when the first cottonwood leaves appear!). Who else but savvy master gardener David Wann would know to plant peas when the first cottonwood leaves appear? With passion and good humor, Wann provides tips, tools, and techniques for growing everything at higher altitudes--from peanuts to poppies. The colorful narrative offers a blend of stories, practical how-to advice, doable projects, and interviews with time-tested gardeners. The result is a book jam-packed with urban gardening tricks gleaned from the community garden enclaves and from the author's own repertoire. Drawing from his own considerable gardening experience and expertise, as well as leaning on the wisdom of the people he calls "The Zen Masters of the Western Garden, " David Wann gathers a mix of stories, how-to advice, and simple, doable projects that are ideal for gardeners in the high and arid landscapes of the West. The Zen of Gardening in the High and Arid West is a friendly and invaluable guide to such topics as strategic gardening (how to coax fruits and vegetables from a sun-parched garden), pest-proof planting (how to protect those disappearing bulbs), choosing the right varieties of edibles for the region (apples, snow peas, tomatoes, etc.), how to become a seed-starting maniac, a Farmer's Almanac approach to gardening (plant peas when the first cottonwood leaves appear!), as well as profiles of colorful local gardens and gardeners. For gardeners of the high plains and mountains who are "meteorologically and topographically challenged, " who routinely grapple with wild weather swings, high elevations, and scarcity of water, Wann offers inspiration and invaluable practical advice for success in the garden. Wann also shows how gardening can offer "a Zen exercise in mindfulness, discipline, and the joy of being right in the moment." Take Back Your Time (Berrett-Koehler, 2003) contributor Colorado Solutions (State of Colorado, 2000) Deep Design: Pathways to a Livable Future, forward by Paul Hawken (Island Press, 1996) Biologic (Johnson Books, 1994) Log Rhythms (North Atlantic Press, 1984) Several hundred environmentally- and socially-related articles have appeared in Sierra, YES! Los Angeles Times, Christian Science Monitor, Whole Earth Review, Denver Post, Rocky Mountain News, Colorado Country Life, Environment, E, Alternet, Organic Gardening, Terrain, and dozens of other publications. See the following urls: http://www.yesmagazine.org/article.asp?ID=1248
Bill Bradley, Former U.S. Senator and Presidential Candidate
Paul Hawken, Author of Ecology of Commerce and Natural Capitalism
Denis Hayes, Chair, Earth Day Network
exploring the possibility of creating their own co-housing future with invaluable information earned through lived experience.
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