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Go Gently: Actionable Steps to Nurture Yourself and the Planet
An inspiring and approachable tip-filled guide to changing your habits, living more sustainably, and taking action, by Greenpeace ambassador Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter movies)
Go Gently is a guide for sustainability at home that offers simple, tangible steps toward reducing our environmental impact by looking at what we consume and the waste we create, as well as how to take action for environmental change. The title reflects Bonnie Wright’s belief that the best way to change our planet and ourselves is through a gentle approach, rather than a judgmental one. This is a book of do’s rather than don’ts. It’s also an invitation to Wright’s followers to join her on this journey to sustainability.
Going through every room in her home, Wright helps us assess which products are sustainable, and alternatives for those that are not. She shares recipes to avoid waste, homemade self-care products to avoid packaging, small space-friendly gardening ideas, and a template for creating your own compost system. Finally, to sustain yourself, there are exercises and meditation prompts to keep you energized, plus info on how to get involved in community and organizations.
Go Gently is a guide for sustainability at home that offers simple, tangible steps toward reducing our environmental impact by looking at what we consume and the waste we create, as well as how to take action for environmental change. The title reflects Bonnie Wright’s belief that the best way to change our planet and ourselves is through a gentle approach, rather than a judgmental one. This is a book of do’s rather than don’ts. It’s also an invitation to Wright’s followers to join her on this journey to sustainability.
Going through every room in her home, Wright helps us assess which products are sustainable, and alternatives for those that are not. She shares recipes to avoid waste, homemade self-care products to avoid packaging, small space-friendly gardening ideas, and a template for creating your own compost system. Finally, to sustain yourself, there are exercises and meditation prompts to keep you energized, plus info on how to get involved in community and organizations.
Audiobook
Published January 1, 2022
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About the author
Bonnie Wright
4 books149 followersBonnie Francesca Wright is an English actress, director, activist, and author. She is best known for her role as Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter film series. Her first book, “Go Gently: Actionable Steps to Nurture Yourself and the Planet” was released in Spring 2022.
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August 3, 2022
Wright seems like a truly lovely person, but this book reads like a 101 guide for well-off white ladies who live in California. If you're brand new to environmentalism you may find things to learn from this book, but I'm a little beyond that. Most of her advice is extremely basic, which is not to say it's not important, but I don't think in this day and age anybody needs to be told that plastic eating utensils and cups should be replaced with reusable ones. While she makes sure to say you shouldn't immediately go out and buy shiny bamboo utensils, that's what she chooses to carry in her bag, and we all have reusable metal utensils in our kitchens already. You don't need to buy new ones.
This appeal towards the aesthetic, "natural" choice seems to carry into other areas, like the instructions for making your own coffee filters out of cloth. While self-reliance and fixing things is a wonderful approach (looking forward to reading Make, Sew and Mend: Traditional Techniques to Sustainably Maintain and Refashion Your Clothes when it comes out next month), French presses use metal filters which will outlast any cloth filter, are inexpensive and easy to clean, and have almost no plastic parts, so that may be a better choice than a coffee maker machine.
The way she does her activism involves a lot of research into private companies and emails with their representatives about whether or not their "cruelty-free" label means what she thinks it means. And that's great, but it's labour intensive and not something most people are going to do. It's also the capitalist answer to the capitalist problem: vote with your dollars - if this company isn't up to my ethical standards I'll buy from a different company. A more fruitful approach may be to contact the FDA directly and make sure those labels mean only one thing, and that marketing tactics aren't used to give a health or green halo to products. This would still require a tremendous amount of effort from the consumer in order to know what the labels mean, but the way eggs can be labeled "cage-free" without people understanding that's usually not a good thing should be stopped by a government agency. Obviously they're not particularly invested in doing that.
On that note, she managed to fall into the natural fallacy trap with the ol' "if it has ingredients I can't pronounce it's not good for me". This may be an alright general rule of thumb when it comes to ultra processed foods, and I'm all about eating whole foods, growing your own and above all, foraging, but if you can't pronounce Butylated Hydroxyanisole, first of all I'm concerned for your reading abilities, and moreover I will not be taking nutritional advice from you since you obviously know nothing about chemistry. You know what's natural and easy to pronounce? Cyanide. How easy something is to pronounce does not correlate to its edibility. Instead of deciding any multisyllabic word you don't understand is poison, look them up. Wright obviously cares and has the time to do that, so I did expect better from her on this instance.
Another consequence of eating only things without any preservatives is that they, obviously, spoil faster and the consequence of that is... more food waste. I am quite strict about never throwing food out unless it's absolutely unsalvageable, but even though buying fresh bread is wonderful, it does not store well unless you can freeze it, and not everybody has a second freezer to fit all their extra bulk food that Wright recommends you buy in order to reduce packaging. Sometimes things with added preservatives are better.
In short, this book is an alright beginner guide. I'm sure the recipes included are delicious. I could have done without the Buzzfeed-style test for "What kind of activist are you?" at the end, but it may help someone else. I think my issue is that while Wright advocates for listening and amplifying BIPOC voices and includes several interviews in her book, this book will be taking up space in bookstore shelves, and people will buy it because they recognise her face, when they could have bought Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants instead.
This appeal towards the aesthetic, "natural" choice seems to carry into other areas, like the instructions for making your own coffee filters out of cloth. While self-reliance and fixing things is a wonderful approach (looking forward to reading Make, Sew and Mend: Traditional Techniques to Sustainably Maintain and Refashion Your Clothes when it comes out next month), French presses use metal filters which will outlast any cloth filter, are inexpensive and easy to clean, and have almost no plastic parts, so that may be a better choice than a coffee maker machine.
The way she does her activism involves a lot of research into private companies and emails with their representatives about whether or not their "cruelty-free" label means what she thinks it means. And that's great, but it's labour intensive and not something most people are going to do. It's also the capitalist answer to the capitalist problem: vote with your dollars - if this company isn't up to my ethical standards I'll buy from a different company. A more fruitful approach may be to contact the FDA directly and make sure those labels mean only one thing, and that marketing tactics aren't used to give a health or green halo to products. This would still require a tremendous amount of effort from the consumer in order to know what the labels mean, but the way eggs can be labeled "cage-free" without people understanding that's usually not a good thing should be stopped by a government agency. Obviously they're not particularly invested in doing that.
On that note, she managed to fall into the natural fallacy trap with the ol' "if it has ingredients I can't pronounce it's not good for me". This may be an alright general rule of thumb when it comes to ultra processed foods, and I'm all about eating whole foods, growing your own and above all, foraging, but if you can't pronounce Butylated Hydroxyanisole, first of all I'm concerned for your reading abilities, and moreover I will not be taking nutritional advice from you since you obviously know nothing about chemistry. You know what's natural and easy to pronounce? Cyanide. How easy something is to pronounce does not correlate to its edibility. Instead of deciding any multisyllabic word you don't understand is poison, look them up. Wright obviously cares and has the time to do that, so I did expect better from her on this instance.
Another consequence of eating only things without any preservatives is that they, obviously, spoil faster and the consequence of that is... more food waste. I am quite strict about never throwing food out unless it's absolutely unsalvageable, but even though buying fresh bread is wonderful, it does not store well unless you can freeze it, and not everybody has a second freezer to fit all their extra bulk food that Wright recommends you buy in order to reduce packaging. Sometimes things with added preservatives are better.
In short, this book is an alright beginner guide. I'm sure the recipes included are delicious. I could have done without the Buzzfeed-style test for "What kind of activist are you?" at the end, but it may help someone else. I think my issue is that while Wright advocates for listening and amplifying BIPOC voices and includes several interviews in her book, this book will be taking up space in bookstore shelves, and people will buy it because they recognise her face, when they could have bought Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants instead.
December 28, 2022
Reading this is like watching a nature documentary at a sleepover with an old friend, and while she braids your hair she kindly takes the single-use plastic cup out of your hand and softly whispers, “the planet is burning,” right before she reminds you to compost.
September 25, 2023
No point in pretending I picked this up for any other reason than Ginny Weasley from the Harry Potter series having written this. I mean, I care about the subject matter as well, but she isn't the first to write about this and might not have added overly much to the conversation.
Go Gently is Bonnie Wright's guide on living a more sustainable life. The actress and environmental activist (I've never been very much concerned with her life and didn't know she was a Greenpeace ambassador) talks about what changes she has made in the recent years and gives advice based on what she learned while engaging with the subject herself. Topics covered are climate responsible shopping, how to make your own cleaning and beauty products and how to organise your daily life in order to produce less waste.
It's all very practical, although potentially basic for people who already know about the subject at hand. Bringing your own coffee cups when getting a coffee-to-go or bringing your own lunch for example weren't particularly groundbreaking information for me, but they might be a nice reminder or nudge to others. Wright definitely opted for a positive, reaffirming and motivating tone of voice, which suits the title of the book. She stresses that none of us have to be perfect, but that we can all make little changes to our lives that accumulate to bigger change.
She clearly loves organisation and provides recipes and inventory tables as well. I think this book will be great for people who would like to add something to the environmental movement, but feel overwhelmed at where to start or don't know what will actually help. I have to admit that I personally didn't take a crazy amount of things from it, but still enjoyed the refresher on a couple of things. While I might not be ready to make my own dishwasher liquid yet, I should totally remember to use more local products and put more effort into fixing my worn-out clothes instead of purchasing new ones.
Go Gently is Bonnie Wright's guide on living a more sustainable life. The actress and environmental activist (I've never been very much concerned with her life and didn't know she was a Greenpeace ambassador) talks about what changes she has made in the recent years and gives advice based on what she learned while engaging with the subject herself. Topics covered are climate responsible shopping, how to make your own cleaning and beauty products and how to organise your daily life in order to produce less waste.
It's all very practical, although potentially basic for people who already know about the subject at hand. Bringing your own coffee cups when getting a coffee-to-go or bringing your own lunch for example weren't particularly groundbreaking information for me, but they might be a nice reminder or nudge to others. Wright definitely opted for a positive, reaffirming and motivating tone of voice, which suits the title of the book. She stresses that none of us have to be perfect, but that we can all make little changes to our lives that accumulate to bigger change.
She clearly loves organisation and provides recipes and inventory tables as well. I think this book will be great for people who would like to add something to the environmental movement, but feel overwhelmed at where to start or don't know what will actually help. I have to admit that I personally didn't take a crazy amount of things from it, but still enjoyed the refresher on a couple of things. While I might not be ready to make my own dishwasher liquid yet, I should totally remember to use more local products and put more effort into fixing my worn-out clothes instead of purchasing new ones.
June 3, 2022
This is Nonfiction/Environment. First, I loved the title of this book. It fit perfectly. I think people don't know where to start when it comes to cleaning up the environment. Her advice was to "go gently." As she went from topic to topic she included some easy and applicable advice on how one could achieve it.
I also thought that the author was very personable. I didn't even know she played Ginny Weasly in the Harry Potter series until she mentioned it in here. Then I had to look it up. I loved her story on becoming an activist for our environment. Overall, this was well done and I enjoyed reading it. But the first 15 minutes was kind of depressing. Once I got passed that, her message was able to resonate with me. So 4 stars.
I also thought that the author was very personable. I didn't even know she played Ginny Weasly in the Harry Potter series until she mentioned it in here. Then I had to look it up. I loved her story on becoming an activist for our environment. Overall, this was well done and I enjoyed reading it. But the first 15 minutes was kind of depressing. Once I got passed that, her message was able to resonate with me. So 4 stars.
December 1, 2024
A book with tips on living a more environmentally conscious life from Ginny Weasley!!! Ok, sign me up.
Bonnie Wright's Go Gently is an approachable guide to sustainable living. Focusing on mindfulness and actionable steps, Wright blends personal anecdotes with practical advice on reducing waste, conserving energy, and reconnecting with nature. The book's tone is warm and encouraging, making it perfect for anyone at any stage of their eco-conscious journey.
While some sections may feel basic to seasoned environmentalists, Wright's heartfelt delivery and simplicity make it a wonderful resource for those looking to make small but meaningful changes. Wright's passion shines through, motivating readers to "go gently" in their daily lives.
Bonnie Wright's Go Gently is an approachable guide to sustainable living. Focusing on mindfulness and actionable steps, Wright blends personal anecdotes with practical advice on reducing waste, conserving energy, and reconnecting with nature. The book's tone is warm and encouraging, making it perfect for anyone at any stage of their eco-conscious journey.
While some sections may feel basic to seasoned environmentalists, Wright's heartfelt delivery and simplicity make it a wonderful resource for those looking to make small but meaningful changes. Wright's passion shines through, motivating readers to "go gently" in their daily lives.
May 19, 2022
Climate movement is a real thing. And it’s disturbing the conditions we are facing without change. How we feel about plastic, landfill waste and fill in the blank.
This was a glimpse of our crisis. So what are we doing about it? Do we care? The author keeps it simple by laying out small ways to be apart of the answer. Nothing overwhelming. Actionable Steps she calls them.
I liked:
• The cliff notes on the problem
• Inventory tables
• Actionable steps
• Recipes 😋
She also interviewed people involved in some of the movements.
It’s possibly a educational book to buy for a friend. It’s minimalistic and makes you think.
Thanks Mariner Books via NetGalley.
This was a glimpse of our crisis. So what are we doing about it? Do we care? The author keeps it simple by laying out small ways to be apart of the answer. Nothing overwhelming. Actionable Steps she calls them.
I liked:
• The cliff notes on the problem
• Inventory tables
• Actionable steps
• Recipes 😋
She also interviewed people involved in some of the movements.
It’s possibly a educational book to buy for a friend. It’s minimalistic and makes you think.
Thanks Mariner Books via NetGalley.
April 19, 2022
5 Stars!
By taking us on a tour of her house and schedule, Bonnie Wright shows things you can gently implement that will lessen your impact on the environment. On the surface, some of it seems so obvious, but it’s helpful to have it laid out in front of you. Having been an environmental science major in college, I am acutely aware of what we are doing to our planet, but this book touches on things I have never really considered, such as the impact of my digital carbon footprint.
In Go Gently, the author does a fantastic job clearly showing how just by choosing one or two small tasks to implement at a time, we can have an influence without overwhelming ourselves, then moving onto the next changes. By making gentle changes, being gentle with ourselves and treading gently upon our planet, we can truly make a difference.
I especially appreciated the section where the author breaks down and explains the information and claims on product labels, and the section explaining the types of plastic recycling, and what each number actually represents. She also includes recipes for everything from DIY beauty supplies to some simple yet really delicious pasta sauce, which was a nice, unexpected addition. You might not be ready to make your own toothpaste just yet, but I am sure Go Gently will be a valuable and helpful addition to your bookshelf.
I am so grateful to William Morrow/Mariner Books, Bonnie Wright, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Go Gently.
By taking us on a tour of her house and schedule, Bonnie Wright shows things you can gently implement that will lessen your impact on the environment. On the surface, some of it seems so obvious, but it’s helpful to have it laid out in front of you. Having been an environmental science major in college, I am acutely aware of what we are doing to our planet, but this book touches on things I have never really considered, such as the impact of my digital carbon footprint.
In Go Gently, the author does a fantastic job clearly showing how just by choosing one or two small tasks to implement at a time, we can have an influence without overwhelming ourselves, then moving onto the next changes. By making gentle changes, being gentle with ourselves and treading gently upon our planet, we can truly make a difference.
I especially appreciated the section where the author breaks down and explains the information and claims on product labels, and the section explaining the types of plastic recycling, and what each number actually represents. She also includes recipes for everything from DIY beauty supplies to some simple yet really delicious pasta sauce, which was a nice, unexpected addition. You might not be ready to make your own toothpaste just yet, but I am sure Go Gently will be a valuable and helpful addition to your bookshelf.
I am so grateful to William Morrow/Mariner Books, Bonnie Wright, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Go Gently.
May 12, 2022
I saw this in the new book section at the library and thought I’d give it a go. I’ll be honest with you, I assumed that the book was written by a blogger or Instagram influencer. I counted at least 70! pictures of the author. I only realized after reading the goodreads introduction of the book that Bonnie Wright was an actress.
I think it’s great that she is a greenpeace ambassador and is using her celebrity to try and encourage positive changes but this book is so simplistic and features rather silly suggestions. For instance, instructions on making reusable coffee filters and teabags when loose tea poured through a strainer or French press coffee are the easier solution. In the laundry section of the book there is no mention of line drying cloths!
It’s not an awful book but I didn’t learn anything new. I was going to give it 2 star but the big Harry Potter fan in the family would have been appalled. 🙂
I think it’s great that she is a greenpeace ambassador and is using her celebrity to try and encourage positive changes but this book is so simplistic and features rather silly suggestions. For instance, instructions on making reusable coffee filters and teabags when loose tea poured through a strainer or French press coffee are the easier solution. In the laundry section of the book there is no mention of line drying cloths!
It’s not an awful book but I didn’t learn anything new. I was going to give it 2 star but the big Harry Potter fan in the family would have been appalled. 🙂
December 9, 2022
Insightful, compassionate, humble, and inspiring. An all-encompassing guide to becoming more conscious and responsible humans, doing so without intimidating or shaming. Bonnie Wright's guidance "goes gently," and this only furthers its ability to create change.
**Thanks to Edelweiss for providing this DRC in exchange for an honest review.
**Thanks to Edelweiss for providing this DRC in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2022
Confession: I geeked out a bit when the publisher of _Go Gently_ reached out to me to review a copy. I mean, a) that's always flattering, regardless of book, and b) it's Bonnie flipping Wright! Ginny Weasley! (She must get that a lot. Sorry, Bonnie, I know you are your own person and just played Ginny on screen. But really, how amazing was it? #TeamHarry&Ginny)
I'll admit I also had some underlying expectations about this book. That it might reference Harry Potter (it did, in passing). That it would likely have a number of hot-button buzz words (it did), and feature interviews with folks more ... left-leaning than I am, and all that goes with that (it did). That Wright and I likely approach issues around said hot buttons very differently (we do). And yet, there was also a fair bit of overlap, and I was grateful to find that common ground.
For starters, I loved the concept of committing to an issue we feel connected to and inspired by. Finding one's "why" goes so far in doing anything truly well. And, the concept of community solar programs is intriguing; being a renter myself who therefore can't implement solar, I'd enjoy the ability to share in it!
The chapter on food was probably my favorite. Partly thanks to the pandemic, I'm eating at home way more; thanks to Centr (workout app created by Chris Hemsworth), I'm eating way more fruits, vegetables, and clean/whole foods (and liking it). The actionable steps in this chapter really hit home with me, whether shopping for produce at a local farmers' market (mine is opening later this month, YAY), doing one large online order vs. multiple smaller ones, or walking to a restaurant for takeout pick-up instead of delivery. (Plus, the latter is a great way to get in more Fitbit steps. Ha!) Later chapters provide helpful solutions for maximizing environmental impact.
Showing up in person to events, versus limiting myself to online materials, media, and books, is something I'm looking forward to as we (finally, maybe, I hope?) move out of the pandemic.
The inventory tables for at-home use are particularly helpful and enjoyable (I like forms, and inventory, haha). And the travel and recipes sections--LOVE! I also really appreciated Wright's sharing about her grandparents' generation and how many of the ideas shared in the book aren't "new," but often stem out from those that went before us.
3.5 stars/5; rounded up to 4.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I'll admit I also had some underlying expectations about this book. That it might reference Harry Potter (it did, in passing). That it would likely have a number of hot-button buzz words (it did), and feature interviews with folks more ... left-leaning than I am, and all that goes with that (it did). That Wright and I likely approach issues around said hot buttons very differently (we do). And yet, there was also a fair bit of overlap, and I was grateful to find that common ground.
For starters, I loved the concept of committing to an issue we feel connected to and inspired by. Finding one's "why" goes so far in doing anything truly well. And, the concept of community solar programs is intriguing; being a renter myself who therefore can't implement solar, I'd enjoy the ability to share in it!
The chapter on food was probably my favorite. Partly thanks to the pandemic, I'm eating at home way more; thanks to Centr (workout app created by Chris Hemsworth), I'm eating way more fruits, vegetables, and clean/whole foods (and liking it). The actionable steps in this chapter really hit home with me, whether shopping for produce at a local farmers' market (mine is opening later this month, YAY), doing one large online order vs. multiple smaller ones, or walking to a restaurant for takeout pick-up instead of delivery. (Plus, the latter is a great way to get in more Fitbit steps. Ha!) Later chapters provide helpful solutions for maximizing environmental impact.
Showing up in person to events, versus limiting myself to online materials, media, and books, is something I'm looking forward to as we (finally, maybe, I hope?) move out of the pandemic.
The inventory tables for at-home use are particularly helpful and enjoyable (I like forms, and inventory, haha). And the travel and recipes sections--LOVE! I also really appreciated Wright's sharing about her grandparents' generation and how many of the ideas shared in the book aren't "new," but often stem out from those that went before us.
3.5 stars/5; rounded up to 4.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
May 4, 2022
I also follow Bonnie's Go Gently vlogs on youtube, which I can recommend to everyone but this book... should seriously be read by anyone/everyone
Without being too depressing about the state of the world, Bonnie manages to capture the need and urge to make a change. Giving you insights in how you can make a start without it feeling completely overwhelming.
From learning to read labels, know what things you can/can not recycle. What to do to save energy. How to make simple tiny changes in your house which can have a big impact. To recipes and things to create/make
Often I hear people say that the climate change and all it envolves is a political matter, that one person can't make the change.
I agree it has to a certain level but I think each individual DOES matter and CAN make a difference.
Because if you make certain changes, maybe your friends/family will pick up on them and they will then spread the word to their friends etc etc... and all together we can make and be the change that we want and need to safe our planet
Without being too depressing about the state of the world, Bonnie manages to capture the need and urge to make a change. Giving you insights in how you can make a start without it feeling completely overwhelming.
From learning to read labels, know what things you can/can not recycle. What to do to save energy. How to make simple tiny changes in your house which can have a big impact. To recipes and things to create/make
Often I hear people say that the climate change and all it envolves is a political matter, that one person can't make the change.
I agree it has to a certain level but I think each individual DOES matter and CAN make a difference.
Because if you make certain changes, maybe your friends/family will pick up on them and they will then spread the word to their friends etc etc... and all together we can make and be the change that we want and need to safe our planet
April 6, 2022
"What the climate needs is for each of us to show up just as we are."
I adore this book and cannot wait to hold a printed copy in my hand. It took me several weeks to read this gem--not because it was boring--quite the opposite; I took over 40 pages of notes!
Climate books can often make you feel overwhelmed or anxious, but Go Gently covers various topics without burying you in hard-to-digest information. I greatly appreciated Bonnie Wright's gentle, non-judgmental guidance that directs attention to our individual ability and responsibility in matters of climate revival.
A huge thank you to both the author and Mariner Books for an ARC of this amazing book!
I adore this book and cannot wait to hold a printed copy in my hand. It took me several weeks to read this gem--not because it was boring--quite the opposite; I took over 40 pages of notes!
Climate books can often make you feel overwhelmed or anxious, but Go Gently covers various topics without burying you in hard-to-digest information. I greatly appreciated Bonnie Wright's gentle, non-judgmental guidance that directs attention to our individual ability and responsibility in matters of climate revival.
A huge thank you to both the author and Mariner Books for an ARC of this amazing book!
July 31, 2022
Lots of great suggestions on how to reduce your carbon footprint, I particularly like Wright’s one step at a time approach to cleaning up your life and her no shame attitude. Shame is such a miserable construct and a non-motivator. Thanks Bonnie.
May 15, 2022
This was a genuinely wonderful book, not only for its unique environmental tips, but for its activism-based approach. The author argues that it’s not enough to simply make small environmental changes without honoring the knowledge that indigenous folks have provided for centuries, and I appreciate this refreshing approach to climate justice from a mainstream space.
May 21, 2024
Some good ideas on practical change as well as the greater movement of climate change, felt a bit harder to relate to in a place that doesn’t have the natural resources and weather of California
October 12, 2022
It’s…ok. She doesn’t really go into depth that much, I kind of feel like this could have been written by a kid in highschool. However I do like some of the recipes and craft ideas, as well as the pictures.
May 19, 2022
Unfortunately unless you love school textbooks and are wealthy in California, you may want to skip this one.
August 6, 2022
I wanted to read this book as I’m starting to garden more often and I’m thinking about the environment and climate more than ever. This book is an at home guide to how you can make changes in the world directly around you and help the environment at the same time. The first section of this book is an introduction to wider environmental and climate issues. It has interview with activists and scientists and each section has actionable steps for us to take. Section two is about what you can do within your own home. Then we have the recipes. There aren’t many since this isn’t a cookbook, but she includes recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As well as some for drinks, snacks, and desserts. After recipes for eating and drinking she takes us around the house and ideas to change there, from mending clothing to making our own cleaning products. She includes recipes from dish soap to toothpaste. There is a chapter about taking care of yourself and connecting to nature, she includes stretches and breathing techniques that she uses. The final chapter is about doing, finding your people in climate change and your neighborhood. I found this book to have some good information and I think it’s a good place to start when you’re looking at making changes in your life.
Thanks William Morrow and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Thanks William Morrow and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
July 12, 2022
Having been wanting to learn and maintain a more sustainable lifestyle for ages, Bonnie Wright's "Go Gently" is the perfect introduction to environmental activism and sustainable living. Like the book title, Bonnie advocates for a gentle approach with actionable steps to not only nurture the planet we live on but for ourselves in the process. Sustainable living, climate change, and environmental movements are all topics that are zealously intimidating for many when they shouldn't be. Bonnie breaks down all the pieces into sizeable chunks that are easier to digest, learn, enjoy, and feel inspired, all while reminding us that it's okay to be imperfect and to mess up on our sustainable journeys. At the end of the day, showing up is what matters.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"Placing ourselves within nature, as part of it and not separate from it. Treating Earth like we would treat a relative." p.41
"The climate justice movement needs each and every one of us to show up imperfectly and truthfully as who we are." p. 262
"We are each on our own schedule of implementing change in our daily lives." p. 274
Some of my favorite quotes:
"Placing ourselves within nature, as part of it and not separate from it. Treating Earth like we would treat a relative." p.41
"The climate justice movement needs each and every one of us to show up imperfectly and truthfully as who we are." p. 262
"We are each on our own schedule of implementing change in our daily lives." p. 274
January 2, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I obviously know Bonnie from Harry Potter as I am a big Potter fan. I was really excited to hear that within the past several years, she has been a big advocate in helping climate change and sustainable living. I like that Bonnie does not claim to be an expert, but an enthusiast. Climate change can be a very overwhelming topic and sometimes we can feel useless due to not knowing all of the facts or being an “expert”. With that being said, I really appreciated her come as you are mentality and her “go gently” approach to sustainability. When we slowly and gently make changes in our life, we are more likely to commit to them versus just jumping all in too fast and getting burnt-out. Over the years I have wanted and tried to make sustainable changes in my life, but always got overwhelmed or discouraged. This book is a really helpful guide to make sustainable changes in our lives. One of my New Year’s resolutions for this year is to start gradually making sustainable changes in my life each month, so this was a perfect time to read this as I feel very inspired.
January 25, 2023
As the title says, this book is a collection of “actionable steps” that anyone can take to minimize environmental damage with our consumption habits. While some of the advice may be obvious to climate enthusiasts (such as switching to reusable cups and utensils instead of relying on single-use plastics), I found all of Wright’s suggestions enlightening and gently-worded. She strongly emphasizes the importance of being kind to yourself and not attempting to make drastic, unsustainable lifestyle changes- rather, she focuses on smaller, easier suggestions to integrate into your daily routine. Obviously, not all of her suggestions are do-able for everyone, but my overall takeaway from Go Gently is that we can all be mindful of our consumption practices, and work to make better choices. Even something as small as switching to an unbleached, compostable coffee filter can have a positive impact on the environment and minimal impact on our bank accounts. The first portion of the book reads a little like a textbook due to the research and stats Wright presents regarding environmental issues and the effects of various goods/actions on them, but once I got through that section it was a quick and easy read. In summary, I found this a gentle, deeply positive, and mindful introduction to environmentalism.
July 10, 2022
For some time now I want to know more about the climate movement but I always find it too overwhelming and intimidating when I try to do research to take action.
I bought this book because it shows simple and manageable steps to take every day to join in against climate change. The book really embodies the message "go gently". Don't be hard on yourself. Making an impact doesn't mean to overhaul your life, but first make a foundation with the small steps.
She gave me insights on greenwashing and what it means, shifting my perspective on what "waste" is, to consume less ans waste less, some recipes I want to make, mending clothes, making your own household products, etc.
The book is minimalistic, contains a clear message in a non-preachy way and is esthetically pleasing with illustrations and pictures.
I only found it a bit hard to get through the first chapter and the interviews with the people. That's why I gave it 4 stars.
I bought this book because it shows simple and manageable steps to take every day to join in against climate change. The book really embodies the message "go gently". Don't be hard on yourself. Making an impact doesn't mean to overhaul your life, but first make a foundation with the small steps.
She gave me insights on greenwashing and what it means, shifting my perspective on what "waste" is, to consume less ans waste less, some recipes I want to make, mending clothes, making your own household products, etc.
The book is minimalistic, contains a clear message in a non-preachy way and is esthetically pleasing with illustrations and pictures.
I only found it a bit hard to get through the first chapter and the interviews with the people. That's why I gave it 4 stars.
October 27, 2022
I greatly enjoyed this book for a couple key reasons. First, it brought up aspects of earth-stewardship and advocacy that I hadn't given thought to before...and secondly and almost most importantly, it speaks to the reader in an encouraging voice. This, I think is most important as so much of climate change discussion can feel so self-defeating, which can be such a downer and energy-killer. This book, although rightly broaching heavy topics, does so in a way that allows you to think it through and then in the same breath starts you thinking what you can do to be part of meaningful change. I feel like that same positive energy still applies if you read an opinion/solution you don't agree with; it encourages you to think critically and take action that aligns with your concerns! For this perspective, I am very grateful!
May 8, 2025
The strength of the book is in Wright’s sincerity and in the actionable steps. I thought I’d roll my eyes at all the specific tips, but I actually was inspired to start looking at the types of plastic my home is full of (that’s one step that felt doable to me). So I have to give credit to Wright where it is due. I get the criticism that it stays on the surface, and I would add, tries to cover too much ground, of environmental issues. But I can’t criticise it for the sincerity of feeling and tone. And honestly, it’s not trying to be more than a beginner’s guide, and I get that. I’m not about to go vegan or stop using baby wipes, but I think the point is to start where you are and with what is important to you, so I think it does a good job sharing that message.
June 29, 2022
With the beginning of the pandemic and the first lockdowns, I became more and more aware of the climate crisis and thus interested on how I can contribute towards more sustainability. When I heard that Bonnie Wright was releasing a book on the matter, I was very much looking forward to read it and learn more. I already got very much engaged with the Go Gently community and YouTube and found a lot of interesting new aspects top consider and try out. This book lived up to its promises. I loved the mixture of information, actionable steps and DIYs and I am very excited to try a lot of them out in the future. This book truly encourages you to either start your journey within the climate movement or continue on the one you are already on. I would very much recommend this to everyone!
February 10, 2023
Skvelá knižka plná zaujímavých myšlienok, informácií a mimo toho aj krásnych fotiek. Okrem toho, že je táto kniha náčná a poskytuje nám iný pohľad na svet vôkol nás je v nej aj kopa super tipov na zlepšenie kvality nášho života, recepty a podobne.
Som rada, že som po tejto knihe siahla. Bonnie už dlho sledujem na sociálnych sieťach a sledujem aj jej Go Gently účet a musím povedať, že ma inšpiruje vo svojom živote niečo zmeniť. Určite to nepôjde hneď všetko naraz ale aj malé krôčky sa počítajú. Určite odporúčam prečítať každému a dúfam, že sa v budúcnosti dočkáme aj slovenského/českého prekladu.
Som rada, že som po tejto knihe siahla. Bonnie už dlho sledujem na sociálnych sieťach a sledujem aj jej Go Gently účet a musím povedať, že ma inšpiruje vo svojom živote niečo zmeniť. Určite to nepôjde hneď všetko naraz ale aj malé krôčky sa počítajú. Určite odporúčam prečítať každému a dúfam, že sa v budúcnosti dočkáme aj slovenského/českého prekladu.
May 7, 2024
What a delightful read this was. Bonnie Wright, better known to most as Ginny Weasley, is using her platform to push environmentally friendly alternatives to al facets. I appreciate she wasn't doom and gloom and sounded really user-friendly and understanding. She really held the reader's hand through this journey and was super gentle in her suggestions. Moreover I felt she was really realistic about what and how much one person could do.
Great suggestions, I feel like there's quite a bit I can follow through with.
Great suggestions, I feel like there's quite a bit I can follow through with.
April 27, 2022
It reads like a textbook in the best way but is far more aesthetically pleasing. It’s a resource you can easily turn back to if you’re looking for a recipe or swap or information about a particular issue. I love the focus on actionable items, too. We need more of this in climate lit!!!
Also think it’s so important that the book starts off with climate science 101 and has specific action items for each issue discussed
*book gifted by publisher
Also think it’s so important that the book starts off with climate science 101 and has specific action items for each issue discussed
*book gifted by publisher
April 25, 2023
Decent, beginner-level guide that covers a wide range of sustainability areas.
P.S. I don’t agree with the “I tell myself that if I can’t pronounce or recognize an ingredient, it probably isn’t that healthy for me.” method mentioned in the Beauty and Hygiene part. A lot of really common substances have long or unpronounceable chemical names so this isn’t really a foolproof method.
“Natural” ingredients don’t also equate to being clean or sustainable.
P.S. I don’t agree with the “I tell myself that if I can’t pronounce or recognize an ingredient, it probably isn’t that healthy for me.” method mentioned in the Beauty and Hygiene part. A lot of really common substances have long or unpronounceable chemical names so this isn’t really a foolproof method.
“Natural” ingredients don’t also equate to being clean or sustainable.
January 5, 2024
There were minor things I didn’t like. Such as when she would say “I found this great brand that dah dah dah…” and then didn’t list the brand. Some were listed but I would have liked to see a comprehensive list of brands and companies that she found on her journey that helped her. Perhaps listed at the end to help others who are working on their own progress in this area.
Otherwise informative and very digestible to those new to the world of environmentalism.
Otherwise informative and very digestible to those new to the world of environmentalism.
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