"We are at a turning point in civilisation," argues former US vice-president Al Gore in the foreword to this book, and the following pages might offer some solutions to the world's myriad problems. Phew! It's a helluva claim to make, but Al's reputation as an eco heavyweight means it's not a hollow endorsement. And what do you find? Lots of progressive, eco-friendly thinking, from the visionary small essay (how to reorganise suburbs), to solid information (green treatments for timber). If the book - born out of a blog and written by several authors - tried to be a manifesto on how we should change our lives, then it would be an over-ambitious dud. But presented as no more than a stimulating compendium of ideas, we think it a success.

· World Changing: A User's Guide to the 21st Century, £24.95 (Abrams).

Patagonia is a shoe company that's a big noise in the US and making inroads over here. While it does not claim to be ethically perfect, it argues that it is genuinely trying to do its bit. As such, much of its footwear includes recycled products, stitching is preferred to glue and leather comes from tanneries conforming to international ISO standards. You want something more veggie friendly? Their new boots are made from coconut and hemp: £110, 01179 636363 for stockists.