"Living simply, that others may simply live..."
This graphic is available in Alternatives' collection "Spirit of Simplicity: Quotes & Art for Simpler Living and Global Justice."
Read more here. | Go to Quotes & Art main page. | Return to the list of art.
Index to this Page
Library Recommendations
Alternatives Simple Living Library
We have selected many of the best books on Simple Living and devised an expandable library for you or your group.
Each of the two parts contains about 15 items, some for children, some for adults, some seasonal, some year-round, some from Alternatives, some from other publishers, some faith-based, some general.
Titles (in alphabetical order)
Part 1 - Paper Collection
The Alternative Wedding Book: Create a Beautiful Wedding that Reflects Your Values & Doesn't Cost the Earth
When a couple is bombarded by consumer, cultural and family pressures to have the "perfect" wedding, their wedding can become a social event rather than a significant religious and personal celebration. This resource offers engaged couples, clergy and others involved in planning weddings practical advice and personal stories from people who chose to incorporate their values into their ceremony and celebrations.
Included are ideas on vows, location, food, flowers, invitations, and much more.
Soft cover edition. 124 pp., $15. FREE in the Archives
The Christmas Game and The Anytime Game
Non-competitive, conversation games. Play them in the car, at home, with friends, relatives. Send it in Christmas letters. Give it as Sunday School gifts. Compact 3x5 size fits in purse, coat, glove compartment and most envelopes. Set $5. FREE in the Archives
The Christmas Stories Set
A set of three collections. $8. Excerpts FREE in the ArchivesNew and classic stories and poems to read aloud or alone.
A Christmas Reader - 24 pp., $3.
A Christmas Collection - 24 pp., $3.
A Christmas Sampler - 28 pp., $3.
A Country Far Away
Nigel Gray, illustrated by Philippe Dupasquier(Ages 4-8.) With simple text, the reader is guided through a series of pictures - the top of the page depicts scenes from an African boy's daily life while the bottom shows scenes from a North American boy's. In the middle are a few sentences such as, "Today was an ordinary day. I stayed home." This book gives adults the opportunity to discuss different lifestyles. 26 pp. $6.
Everyone Wins: Cooperative Games and Activities
Sambhava and Josette LuvmourThis easy to use, quick reference guide for teachers, family members and group leaders includes over 150 cooperative games and activities. Through play, participants will learn skills to resolve conflict, enhance communication, build self-esteem, appreciate nature and laugh with each other. 100 pp. $9.
Extending the Table: a World Community Cookbook
Joetta Handrich SchlabachThese recipes and stories from more than 80 countries around the world encourage people to learn from the world community. 336 pp. $16.
Home for Christmas
Stories for Young and Old340 pp. $15.
Living More with Less
Doris Janzen Longacre "At the heart of this exciting book are personal testimonies - scores
of absorbing personal accounts of individuals and families struggling to be
free from society's suffocating affluence." Practical suggestions on living
with less are contained in chapters on clothing, housing, transportation, recreation
and more. 294 pp. $13. LMWL
The Nativity
illustrated by Julie Vivas(Ages 3-8.) This wonderful book retells the traditional Christmas story with whimsical watercolor illustrations, reminding us of the humbleness of the people and the wonder of life. 36 pp. $6.
The Shoemaker's Dream
Mildred Schell, illustrated by Masahiro Kasuya(Ages 3-8.) Martin the shoemaker has a dream in which Jesus tells him he will visit the next day. Martin is then visited by five different people in need, but it isn't until late in the evening that he realizes how Jesus has come to him. 24 pp. $12 (cloth).
Simple Living Investments
Michael Phillips and Catherine Campbell"A person who knows the meaning of elegant frugality is better prepared for aging than one who has spent decades hustling money to stuff into bank accounts and property." Three magnificant retirement plans and a history of the Voluntary Simplicity movement in the USA. 58 pp. $6.
Simpler Living, Compasionate Life: Voluntary Simplicity from a Christian Perspective
Michael SchutThis eight session, self-directed curriculum, can be used in an adult or college-age education forum, Sunday School hour, by a small group or study circle or by an individual. It introduces the practical dimensions of living sustainably, the moral considerations of the societal consequences of a less consumptive, more compassionate lifestyle, and to the historic Christian traditions supporting such a life. Participants get acquainted with voluntary simplicity as a Christian spiritual practice, gain practical help in living more lightly on the planet form an awareness of the consequences of our daily choices on the earth and all peoples. $12.
Simplify & Celebrate! Embracing the Soul of Christmas
This big collection shows how to have a more meaningful, less commercial celebration. The book includes numerous meditations on the readings for Advent through Epiphany for personal and group reflection, sermon preparation, etc., as well as ideas, articles, stories and activities for families and church leaders. Features over 25 writers, including Joan Chittister, Michael Crosby, Mike and Kathe Sherer, Carolyn Hardin Englehardt, Tom Sine and Milo Thornberry. 200 pp. $16.Sing Justice! Do Justice! A Collection of New Hymn and Song Texts to Familiar and New Tunes
The five winning entries and many Honorable Mentions from the over 200 entries in the international contest co-sponsored by Alternatives and The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada. Words and music (some familiar tunes and some new ones) come ready for personal or group use. $9.Six Weeks to a Simpler Lifestyle
Barbara DeGrote-Sorensen and David Allen SorensenBased on themes explored in 'Tis a Gift to Be Simple, this book offers practical ideas toward leading a more integrated, meaningful life. It includes ideas for goal setting, journal keeping, decision making and a discussion guide ideal for groups. 128 pp. $11.
365 TV Free Activities: You Can Do with Your Child
Steve and Ruth BennettFrom Bean Bag Olympics to Cereal Box City, from Cloud Watching to Rhyming Games, there's a world of active, engaging play open to children - play so fascinating it beats "the tube" hands down. Use this book with children ages 2 and up. 430 pp. $8.
Treasury of Celebrations: Create Celebrations That Reflect Your Values and Don't Cost the Earth
Carolyn Pogue, editorAlternatives' Treasury of Celebrations channels our desire to celebrate into activities that truly nourish the human spirit, express our solidarity with all the earth's people, and respect the environment. It helps us resist consumer pressures and celebrate in a more spiritually fulfilling, joyful way. If you are not satisfied with consumer-oriented celebrations, this big book of creative ideas is for you.
Treasury contains life giving ways to celebrate weddings, birthdays, Bar/Bas Mitzvahs, funerals, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, Purim, Easter, Shavuot, Remembrance/Memorial Day, Hiroshima Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, graduations, and other holidays and rites of passage.
Treasury draws material from the six Alternate Celebrations Catalogs published from 1973-87 by Alternatives and adds new ideas as well.
Treasury of Celebrations has a unique "alternative" approach to planning celebrations, is values-based, includes anecdotes of real celebrations, and contains practical planning ideas and details for activities. 288 pp. $20. FREE in the Archives
Unplug the Christmas Machine: A Complete Guide to Putting Love & Joy Back into the Season
Jo Robinson and Jean Coppock StaeheliWith thoughtful suggestions, creative exercises and answers to often-asked questions, this book helps people create celebrations that give them joy and satisfaction. 207 pp. $13. Leader's Guide FREE in the Archives
Voluntary Simplicity, revised edition: Toward a Way of Life That Is Outwardly Simple, Inwardly Rich
Duane ElginGeorge Leonard said of the first edition, "A copy of this book in every American household could change the course of history." This book evolved from an article and survey Elgin and Arnold Mitchell presented in a 1977 issue of Co-Evolution Quarterly. It is still fresh and earnest. It has been called "Bread and wine for the spirit." I feel strongly that you, too, will find a eucharistic sustenance here. 240 pp. $10.
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge
Mem Fox, illustrated by Julie Vivas(Age 3 and up) Wilfrid learns about memories from his friends - residents of an old people's home -- and uses this knowledge to bring back Miss Nancy's memories. Key lessons on love and respect across generations are learned and taught. This is a favorite bedtime book at the Nedeau-Owen's. 32 pp. $8.
Your Money or Your Life: Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence :-)
Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin and New Road Map FoundationThe book is a national best-seller and will help you rethink your values and gain a comprehension of the role of money in your life. 384 pp. $14.
Part 2 - Electronic Collection
AUDIO
Christmas Audio TRILOGY
* The Celebration Revolution of Alexander Scrooge: A Modern "Christmas Carol"* Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
* Let's Get Off the Christmas Roller Coaster
(inspired by the book "Unplug the Christmas Machine")
65 min. $10. All FREE in the Archives
* * * * *
Whose Birthday Is It, Anyway?
70+ min.
* * * * *
What Does JESUS Want for Christmas?A Pageant based on "Carols with Justice"
70 min. $15. (+script) CWJPagCD-A
* * * * *
Living Simply and Loving It!70+ min.
* * * * *
Carols with Justice3-in-1 CD: vocal, accompaniment, text. 60 min. $12. (with booklet)
Carols with Justice: CD and booklet
When singing favorite carols, add justice to the traditional verses.Use the entire booklet or selections for group caroling, worship bulletin, newsletters, Holiday cards and letters. The reprint license permits you to copy any or all of the many thought-provoking verses. $10 (up to 500 members/copies), $20 (500+ members/copies). 16 page booklet with words and music includes permission to copy. $5.
* * * * *
Stories & Songs of Simple LivingJym Kruse, ed.
Ten American men and women - popular storytellers and folk singers from various ethnic backgrounds - tell and sing their own works in this inspiring new book and tape collection for all ages. Read the book alone or aloud. Listen to the tape at home or in the car. Or listen and follow-along. Book $8 S&S-A, Cassette $10 S&Scs-A, CD $12
* * * * *
Let Jesus Come, Let Santa GoCelebrating an Alternate Christmas
3 hours: 3 CDs. $20. FREE in Archives
* * * * *
CD-ROM
Simply the Best: Over 30 Years of Alternatives. $15.
* * * * *
Spirit of Simplicity: Quotes & ArtOver 1000 quotes, over 475 graphics. $15. FREE in Archives
* * * * *
DVD
Vision of Simpler Living: Alternatives Video Collection on DVD -- 3 programs! $20. FREE in Archives 1 - Break Forth Into Joy! Beyond a Consumer Lifestyle VIDEOWinner of the GOLD MEDAL at the Houston International Film Festival!
Break Forth Into Joy! examines our search for fulfillment and security through material possessions. By sharing feelings, thoughts and practical ideas from a variety of people, this video explores consumerism and its effects on people, the earth and the human spirit. With a call for change, Break Forth Into Joy encourages people to nurture their communities and their spirits by living more responsibly and joyfully.
Following the main 15-minute video are three additional 10-minute sections that encourage further thought and discussion on freedom and possessions, family and children, and taking action. Use this video to provoke thought on lifestyle issues in your congregation or community. Use it to introduce a special event, workshop or conference. For more in-depth study, use the accompanying study guide with a Sunday school class or small group.
45 minutes total. 2 - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas VIDEOExplore creative ways to decommercialize Christmas with this provocative video. Vivid photography, music and interviews help us rethink how we observe this holy day. It is an ideal way to introduce people to the idea of celebrating more simply and meaningfully. 18 min. (alone on VHS, $18.)
3 - Celebration Revolution of Alexander Scrooge: A Modern "Christmas Carol"
** Christmas Trilogy: Three plays about simplifying Christmas on audio CD.
"
The Celebration Revolution of Alexander Scrooge:" a modern "Christmas
Carol"
"
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
"
Let's Get Off the Christmas Roller Coaster," inspired
by "Unplug the
Christmas Machine"
65 minute CD (including Discussion Guides).
{ SEE: Library2005 ]
Simple Living Works! * SimpleLivingWorks@Yahoo.com
BLOG: SimpleLivingWorks.WordPress.com
| Blog INDEX
PODCAST |
Podcast INDEX
VIDEOS: YouTube.com/SimpleLivingWorks
MISSION: Equipping people of faith to challenge consumerism, live justly and celebrate responsibly // An all volunteer educational organization.