The Ecology of Commerce: A Declaration of Sustainability

I read "The Ecology of Commerce Revised Edition: A Declaration of Sustainability" because it offers a compelling vision for integrating business practices with environmental responsibility. Hawken's insights challenge conventional thinking, advocating for sustainable economic practices that benefit both business and the planet. It's a thought-provoking read that inspires individuals and organizations to reconsider their roles in creating a more sustainable future.

'The Ecology of Commerce' talks about the pressing need for business to answer to ecological sustainability. With evidence of current business practices harming people, environment, animals, and nature, it is no longer acceptable to deny responsibility. As much as they would like us to believe that if we recycle at home and buy paper cups instead of plastic cans we can control it, the fact is, without business intervention, this problem is not going to be solved.Paul highlights how the current democratic capitalist system is flawed - it came out of industrialization at a time when population was low enough that environmental concerns were not on anyone's mind & natural resources seemed abundant. However, that is not the case now. The way free markets operate, they emphasize low prices but do not internalize environmental costs. The incentives encourage businesses to exploit the environment. Consumers are not made aware of the supply chain of the products they purchase. The growth story sold to the world is that of large businesses leading countries out of poverty. Ecology is seen as disruptive and a barrier to free trade and environmentalists are seen as hysterical critics. It doesn't have to be that way.Although it was written in 1993, the ideas still hold merit. What I loved most about it was the clear, rational tone with which it was written. It did not paint anyone out as a villain but highlighted how we can all collaborate to deal with this problem. Paul's three suggestions - to redesign supply chains and product cycles on 'waste-equals-food', gradually switch from fossil fuels to alternative sources, and a feedback and accountability mechanism valuing restoration, are all excellent recommendations, made sounder by the fact that he gives examples of all of them being presently used as successful methods of running businesses, as seen in the world. I would encourage anyone with an interest in business and/or sustainability to pick it up. It's a slow read but it has a valuable pay-off.

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Ce livre est un formidable outil pour se lancer dans l'ère suivante qui espérons-le sera moins destructrice que les deux précédentes. Autrement, l'auteur fournit un style assez dynamique couronné de très belles statistiques !Merci pour cette lecture.

This book is the best I've read of its kind. I would rate it a classic as it doesn't give a gloom and doom scenario. Paul Hawken does however provide insight into how business and the economy have evolved so destructively in a short span of time which opens ones eyes to how far things have progressed. More importantly, Hawken gives strategies on how everyone from the average Jo, small business, large corporations and the government(s) can work on building a future for those who come after us. We do need, however, common will. I think this book should be taught in schools and all government officials should read it, in fact, everyone should read it.