Extraordinary Value, Genius in a Small PackageThis particular book was my introduction to Francis Lappe Moore, and along with Barbara Marx Hubbard and Barbara Ehrenreich, whose books I link to below, I consider her one of the most sensible, intelligent, good-hearted citizen leaders in America, and certainly equal to many non-American emergent leaders I do not know.
The growth of livestock on land (and also in the sea) is poisoning the earth and accelerating the migration of animal diseases to humans. There is now evidence that Alzheimer's Disease is in fact Mad Cow disease badly diagnosed all these years.
I strongly recommend this book for a simple grounding in basic Earth common-sense, and as a gift to others. This is a timeless work.
Other books to consider:
Getting a Grip: Clarity, Creativity, and Courage in a World Gone Mad
Low Carbon Diet: A 30 Day Program to Lose 5000 Pounds–Be Part of the Global Warming Solution!
The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals
Conscious Evolution: Awakening Our Social Potential
Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America
