New Books in Science, Technology, and Society

Josh Spodek, "Sustainability Simplified: The Definitive Guide to Solving All (Yes, All) Our Environmental Problems" (Amplify, 2025)

Dec 23, 2024

Josh Spodek, a PhD in Physics and leadership coach, shares his transformative journey towards sustainability after disconnecting from the electric grid in NYC. He argues that sustainability enhances quality of life rather than sacrifices it. Spodek critiques government and corporate efforts, emphasizing grassroots actions and cultural change as keys to tackling environmental issues. He advocates for a shift in leadership models and intrinsic motivation, proposing that personal responsibility and collective cultural shifts can drive meaningful progress in sustainability.

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Intro

00:00 • 4min

A Journey to Sustainability

03:48 • 14min

Redefining Leadership in Environmental Crisis

17:40 • 3min

Cultural Change for Environmental Progress

20:20 • 11min

Motivation and Sustainability

31:46 • 9min

Sustainability and Personal Transformation

40:33 • 20min

Josh Spodek disconnected his Manhattan apartment from the electric grid in May 2022. Over time, he has reduced his consumption and contribution to landfill. His new book argues that sustainability is not a sacrifice but an upgrade that can bring joy and increased quality of life. The book traces his journey to live more sustainably in a Manhattan apartment but also offers an argument about politics. He asks what narratives are already available to frame environmental degradation deploying a wide range of sources from John Locke to indigenous thinkers. Spodek, doubtful about governments or corporations leading on the environment, favors bottom up change focused on the actions and leadership of individuals. Sustainability Simplified: The Definitive Guide to Solving All (Yes, All) Our Environmental Problems (Amplify, 2025) explores the importance of culture and habit. How did the United States and other nations adopt polluting and passive habits? What can be done to reverse these cultural norms? The solutions range from a WWII level mobilization to a Constitutional Amendment.

Dr. Josh Spodek earned a PhD in Physics and an MBA in entrepreneurial leadership from Columbia University. He is a four-time TEDx speaker author (Initiative and Leadership Step by Step), and leadership coach. He hosts the This Sustainable Life podcast. He has been an Adjunct Professor at New York University. A 2024 recent New York Times article highlights his life changes in Who Says You Can’t Live Off the Grid in Manhattan?

Mentioned:

NOAA’s interactive sea level rise map. NOAA is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Eric Williams’s Capitalism & Slavery (3rd edition, University of North Carolina Press, 1994)
Works of Steven Pinker
Spodek Method
Susan’s research on Locke’s Enough and as Good from Perspectives on Politics

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