First Place
"To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion Is Making Us Sick — and How We Can Fight Back" by Alden Wicker
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Published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Judges' comments: "Sustainable fashion expert Alden Wicker's provocative 'To Dye For' is a sobering look at the chemical cocktail in our wardrobes. Using the 2011 case of new airline uniforms that promptly made their wearers sick as a launchpad for her investigation, Wicker details the longstanding, industry-wide use of synthetic dyes and other chemicals that are potentially toxic, and largely unregulated. In the spirit of Rachel Carson's 'Silent Spring,' this well-researched and timely exposé has far-reaching implications to change an industry. A must-read, not only for fashionistas, but for all of us who strive to live a less-toxic life."
Second Place
"Eight Bears: Mythic Past and Imperiled Future" by Gloria Dickie
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Published by W. W. Norton & Company
Judges' comments: "From the fuzzy teddies cuddled by generations to the ages watching Ursa Major traverse the night sky, human identity has long been intertwined with bears. But as we learn in 'Eight Bears,' a heart-rending world tour of the eight remaining Ursidae species — most of which are now endangered — humanity has often been anything but humane to them. From polar bears starving in Canada's melting Arctic, to sun and moon bears farmed for bile in Vietnam, to spectacled bears squeezed into shrinking cloud forests in the Andes, environment journalist Gloria Dickie's deep reporting and evocative prose show us the challenges bears face — and the conservationists trying to save them. This gripping story will stay with readers long after the book is closed."
Third Place
"Salmon, Cedar, Rock & Rain: Washington's Olympic Peninsula" by Tim McNulty, with Loni Grinnell-Greninger, Lynda V. Mapes, Gary Morishima, Maria Parker Pascua, Wendy Sampson, Francine Swift and Jamie R. Valadez
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Published by Braided River
Judges' comments: "This exquisitely produced, visually stunning account of Washington's Olympic Peninsula by nature writer Tim McNulty and co-authors borrows its format from decorative coffee-table books, but offers so much more. It's a deep exploration of a complex environment where humans have thrived for generations. The judges particularly appreciated the diversity of perspectives, including Indigenous writers, which adds meaningful depth and context. Those who are familiar with the Pacific Northwest will see the region anew. Those who have not spent time in the region will find themselves yearning to explore it."
First Honorable Mention
"Tenacious Beasts: Wildlife Recoveries That Change How We Think About Animals" by Christopher J. Preston
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Published by MIT Press
Judges' comments: "While the news of biodiversity loss in this bleak Anthropocene era is appalling, there are still stories of wildlife that have defied the extinction trend. Environmental philosopher Christopher Preston’s page-turning ‘Tenacious Beasts’ has captured those stories in a way that spurs hope amidst dire prognostications. His road map for coexisting with wildlife in various habitats, from farmlands to rivers to oceans, shows the way to action. An inspiring and essential work of nature writing for all who love animals."
Second Honorable Mention
"Brave the Wild River: The Untold Story of Two Women Who Mapped the Botany of the Grand Canyon" by Melissa L. Sevigny
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Published by W. W. Norton & Company
Judges' comments: "This lively account of botanists Elzada Clover's and Lois Jotter's 1938 journey down the perilous Colorado River is a tale of riveting adventure, pioneering research and intrepid female scientists braving the era's male-dominated profession. Science journalist Melissa Sevigny deftly plumbs letters and diaries to bring these trail-blazing characters to life."
Third Honorable Mention
"The Quickening: Creation and Community at the Ends of the Earth" by Elizabeth Rush
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Published by Milkweed Editions
Judges' comments: "This book is part memoir, part history of exploration, part rumination on our changing climate. Telling the story of her voyage to Antarctica accompanying a scientific journey, journalist Elizabeth Rush weaves the three together seamlessly, as she also considers her own choice to have a child. Her focus on the maternal is innovative — books about Antarctica are almost always about men, whether it's the men who first explored the continent, or the men who now lead many of the scientific expeditions. 'The Quickening' addresses that history head-on, and recasts humanity's quest to understand Antarctica as a feminine pursuit."
The Society of Environmental Journalists' annual Awards for Reporting on the Environment honor the best environmental journalism in 10 categories, bringing recognition to the stories that are among the most important on the planet. Prizes are $500 for first-place winners and $250 for second-place winners in all categories. Plus, the Nina Mason Pulliam Award for the "best of the best" environmental reporting will award $10,000 to one entry selected from the first-place winners of SEJ's Awards for Reporting on the Environment. Sponsored by the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, this prestigious award will be announced live on January 28 — please save the date and stay tuned for details.
SEJ's 2024 Esteemed Judges and Screeners
SEJ's 2024 Awards Committee
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