Tapestry Press
Natural Capitalism
|
Tapestry Press
Natural Capitalism
|
|
|
The Ecology of Commerce by Paul Hawken, 1993. Harper Business. 250p. Natural Capitalism by Paul Hawken, Amory Lovins & Hunter Lovins, 1999. Little, Brown & Co. 396p. We confront an array of serious environmental problems. To alleviate these problems we must adopt sustainable practices, those that can continue indefinitely without depleting resources or generating pollution. Paul Hawken, co-owner of a gardening supply company in California, has written two important ecology books. These books guide us from where we are to where we want to be. The Ecology of Commerce argues that businesses must lead in environmental solutions and must, wherever possible, mimic nature. He’s convinced that ecologically smart businesses out-compete traditional businesses. One reviewer considered it as important as Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations. Natural capital refers to the earth’s resources, not just petroleum, minerals & raw materials, but clean water & air, fertile soil and natural decomposition. Natural Capitalism, written with Amory & Hunter Lovins, gives examples of sustainable businesses. After reading The Ecology of Commerce Ray Anderson owner of the Interface carpet company in Atlanta has transformed his business. They no longer sell carpet or haul worn carpet to landfills; they lease carpet tiles that they remake and replace when damaged. This provides an incentive to produce high quality carpet that will not wear out. They are working to reduce energy usage. As a t-shirt slogan says, “Educated people never graduate.” Although these books address weighty often gloomy topics, both present a positive hopeful outlook.Review written September 2001
|
|
|
