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Great reads to inspire living a simple, meaningful and interesting life.

I love to read really good non-commercial magazines. I leave them in different places around the house for months – picking up an article to read here and there, and reread them many times. They are a source of inspiration, points of reflection and motivators for action.

I share the stories I read with Evan, discuss the ideas with the children, and pass around the magazines to friends, family and our WWOOFers.

I have tried online versions, but there’s just something about the print version that is so appealing – particularly a really well-designed magazine with excellent photography and inspiring and challenging writing.  It’s often the unexpected articles, the ones I might not click on in the online version, that surprise and intrigue me.

It’s a simple joy, but I love the anticipation of receiving my magazines by mail and sitting down with a cuppa to do the initial scan, working out what I am going to read first and then making the magazine last as long as I can.

One of my all-time favourites is Resurgence Magazine which has recently merged with another of my favourites, The Ecologist.  I have been subscribing continuously since 1992. This magazine is filled with articles about ecological thinking, peaceful and sustainable living, and positive activism.

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After writing about plastic waste and the impact of microbeads the other day, I was delighted to read an article about California banning plastic microbeads in the new issue of Resurgence. Vandana Shiva, one of the environmental activists I most admire, writes too about a Manifesto for Sustainability

Another magazine I stumbled across more recently is Dumbo Feather. I love delving into the long, deep conversations they have with extraordinary people who are doing very amazing things with their lives, following their passions – being 100 percenters as they call it. They wrote  an article about three steps to becoming a 100 percenter – asking ‘What is you were able to align your values with how you live? “Pass it on” is printed on their cover page – I always do.

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And finally, I have to say PIP Magazine: Australian Permaculture is another favourite too – full of absolutely practical information about ways to live a simple and sustainable life, I’ve been writing for this magazine since issue 2 – contributing articles, an overview of permaculture projects around the world, and now also contributions to the kids page.  In the latest issue includes an article I wrote about Nature Kids and the importance of connecting children with nature.

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There are of course so many other magazines I enjoy reading. I find them in the newsagent or library and occasionally buy, but these three I think represent my favourites.

Have you got any amazing favourites? I’d love to learn about other wonderful reads.

3 Responses

  1. Meg Hopeful
    Meg Hopeful at |

    I have not long finished reading all the articles in the latest Dumbo Feather. The articles are just so fascinating! I will re-read them over and over again and then pass it on so that others can read and feel inspired too. "Slow" is another magazine I enjoy a lot for similiar reasons.

  2. Morag Gamble
    Morag Gamble at |

    Yes, Slow is great!

  3. Sarah
    Sarah at |

    Permaculture Magazine is my favourite, along with resurgence. http://www.permaculture.org.co.uk articles from around the world, fantastic online resources too…