Does sustainability have to be ugly? In this refreshing manifesto, the first book to outline a clear set of principles for the aesthetics of sustainable design, Lance Hosey argues that beauty is inherent to sustainability, for how things look and feel is as important as how they’re made. Form and image can enhance conservation, comfort, and community at every scale of design, from products to buildings to cities. Aesthetic attraction isn’t a superficial concern—it’s an environmental imperative. Beauty could save the planet.

The guiding principles of The Shape of Green are conservation, attraction, and connection, which show how “good” design and “green” design can become one and the same. Throughout the book, examples of each principle are beautifully presented, including cars that are so aerodynamic they get 60 miles a gallon without any new engine technology, chairs that can be built from a single piece of plywood, iconic buildings shaped to use only a fraction of the energy typically needed, packaging that uses less material but keeps food fresher, and electronics so appealing you don’t want to throw them away.

Hosey is not asking that consumers sacrifice their comfort, cars, electronics, or furniture. Rather he shows how designers can create products that are aesthetically pleasing, environmentally friendly and that users will enjoy for years to come.

Not only a reference for designers, The Shape of Green is also informative for consumers interested in thinking about design and seeking more joy in the world around them.

Lance Hosey, a nationally recognized architect, designer, and writer, is President and CEO of GreenBlue, a nonprofit that works to make products more sustainable, and previously he held the position of Director with William McDonough + Partners. He is co-author with Kira Gould of Women in Green: Voices of Sustainable Design.